A Joint Public Hearing of the City Council and the Planning Board was held in the Council Chamber on Thursday, July 19, 2001 at 6:30 P.M. for the purpose of discussing a proposed zoning amendment to consider rezoning undeveloped land west of Highland Avenue from R-1 to R-C. Notice of this meeting was posted on June 15, 2001 at 2:32 P.M. and advertised in the Salem Evening News on June 20 and 26, 2001.
Councillor Furey was away on vacation, and Councillor LaCava arrived late.
President Joan B. Lovely presided.
President Lovely introduced the members of the City Council, and Attorney John Keenan, City Solicitor; Mr. Joseph Walsh, Acting City Planner; and Mr. Peter Strout, Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer.
President Lovely then called upon Mr. Walter Power, Chairman of the Planning Board, to introduce the members of the Planning Board.
President Lovely then called upon Attorney John Keenan, City Solicitor.
Attorney Keenan referred the Councillors to the legal opinion that he as recently rendered regarding this issue.
Mr. Joseph Walsh, Acting City Planner, advised the Council that the Administration was opposed to the proposed zoning change. Mr. Walsh distributed a list of parcels that would be affected by this change, and stated that this area of the city is the last area to be developed. He said that 87% of the land available to building homes is located west of Highland Avenue.
Councillor Harvey mentioned the Community Preservation Act, and stated that this is why some communities adopt this act in order to preserve the last open space available in the City.
Councillor Driscoll asked about the recent filing before the Planning Board.
Solicitor Keenan advised that Council that it would not be appropriate to discuss this matter.
Mr. Walsh stated that a preliminary subdivision plan has been filed for thirty (30) units.
Councillor Harvey asked about neighborhood input, did the city engage the community when the land was taken and sold under tax title. He further stated, that had they been contacted, we wouldn't be here today.
The chair then asked for comment from the audience, and asked for those residents in favor of the zoning proposal. In favor were the following residents:
Jan Corbett, 5 Parlee Street
Wanda Rossi, Circle Hill Road
Dick Sack, Circle Hill Road
Roger Legere, Marlborough Road
William Jennings, Crowdis Street
Tony Pasquerillo, Crowdis Street
Diane Redican, Crowdis Street
Ray Hamilton, 10 Parlee Street
The Chair then asked if anyone wished to be recorded as opposed. There was no one appearing in opposition.
Councillor O'Leary moved that the public hearing be continued until a later date. It was so voted.
Councillor O'Leary moved that the public hearing be recessed. It was so voted.
ATTEST: DEBORAH E. BURKINSHAW
CITY CLERK
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