Doug Orleans ([identity profile] dougo.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] davis_square2015-09-15 06:24 pm
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Proposed new zoning ordinance?

Does anyone have more info about the "proposed new zoning ordinance" mentioned in the Davis Action Group questions for the Alderman candidates? I couldn't find anything on the somervillema.gov site.

[personal profile] ron_newman 2015-09-16 02:21 am (UTC)(link)
I got to it through Somerville By Design.

I think the Board of Aldermen may have allowed a deadline to pass without acting on the proposal, which technically takes it 'off the table" for the time being. That may be why the link is no longer on the city web site's front page.

[identity profile] lancedavisward6.livejournal.com 2015-09-16 06:54 am (UTC)(link)
Ron, at the May 6th meeting of the Land Use Committee the Mayor and the Planning Department essentially pulled the proposed zoning ordinance and suggested a timeline of additional public meetings and meetings with the Committee, leading to a second draft of the proposed ordinance some time in December. The Minutes (http://somervillecityma.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=1732&Inline=True) provide a nice outline of the discussion that evening. When they do schedule additional public meetings, it will be important for us as a community to participate. Adoption of a completely new zoning code is a bold initiative and it's critical that we understand the impact in each of our neighborhoods in order to properly evaluate (and critique) the draft ordinance.

[identity profile] mindstalk.livejournal.com 2015-09-16 04:41 am (UTC)(link)
http://www.somervillema.gov/zoning/key-changes.html

Amazing how (a) it seems like a huge improvement and (b) it still leaves me wanting to take a flamethrower to the whole idea of zoning laws.

" Allows artists to now work at home and not just in certain districts by permitting creative studios in the Neighborhood Residence districts."

" Permits arts uses for accessory buildings like garages and carriage houses."

[identity profile] teko.livejournal.com 2015-09-18 12:02 am (UTC)(link)
Shh, don't tell anyone... I'm an artist who works at home.