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HomeMy Public PortalAboutProposed Zoning Amendment - Parking Lot for Gain TOWN OF WATERTOWN 1630 Department of • Community Development and Planning 4 _ !` PLANNING OFFICE = Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 Steve Magoon Phone: 617.972.6417 Director Fax: 617.972.6484 smagootiC(ilwatertown-ma.gov www.watertown-ma.gov PLANNING BOARD REPORT Zoning Text Amendment Parking Lot for Gain Public Hearing February 25, 2010 PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE: AMEND SECTION 5.01.3 (C),TABLE OF USE REGULATIONS, COMMERCIAL PARKING, PARKING LOT FOR GAIN, by ADDING THE FOLLOWING: ADD New Note (10)to existing"Y" in the NB, LB, CB, I-1, 1-2, 1-3, and PSCD Zoning Districts. So as to read: Y(10) AMEND SECTION 5.03, NOTES TO TABLE OF USE REGULATIONS by ADDING New Note (10)as follows: (10) A parking lot for gain, as a principle use, and for more than 50 parking spaces,shall only be permitted by Special Permit in accordance with Section 9.05. HEARINGS This proposed amendment had a first reading before the Watertown Town Council on January 26, 2010, and was then refereed to the Planning Board. The Planning Board then held a public hearing on February 25, 2010. BACKGROUND This amendment is the result of a discussion surrounding many properties in Town which could accommodate large parking lots and the potential for negative community impacts. As a broad community policy, any such use should be fully vetted through a public process with a board that can consider these impacts and the ability to exercise discretion in taken action. Today,the use is permitted by right and only requires a hearing before the Licensing Board,who has little discretionary authority. STAFF PRESENTATION Staff presented the proposal to amend the zoning ordinance which is being proposed by the Planning Department. As staff discussed the use of some properties in Town it became clear that a large parking facility could be viable in several places in Town. It was recognized that this could have significant community impacts. Neighborhood impacts would need to be fully considered, particularly traffic, and the special permit process would allow for that consideration. If a parking lot forgain is proposed as a principle use,with more than 50 spaces, a special permit would be required and this would allow the board to apply some criteria. There are some existing parking lots in Town larger than 50 spaces, but these are associated with a principle use, and would not be impacted. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of the Zoning Text amendment to make this use permitted only by special permit where it currently is permitted by right. PUBLIC COMMENT Councilor Angie Kounelis expressed concern about how Watertown is perceived via a Globe article referring to Watertown as Cambridge with parking. This provision is missing from the Zoning Ordinance and should be changed, otherwise this could become a viable use for undervalued properties. We encourage ride reductions, and providing parking for others doesn't. Councilor Vincent Piccirilli expressed a concern that the lack of regulations is unacceptable as parking lots without buildings are not the best use. We get the negative aspects of parking, without any of the benefits of the associated buildings and therefore it does not benefit the Town. Such a lot will not be for residents, as people would drive to Town to park here, and the benefits will not flow to the Town. There are huge industrial properties that could be converted into parking, which is not good economic development. Chairman Hawes indicated that a letter from Councilor Corbett was received, and he was unable to attend, but wanted to express his support for the amendment. PLANNING BOARD DISCUSSION Chairman Hawes indicated that this amendment needs to be discussed as it applies broadly, not specific to any one property, and the criteria that would apply is important. The main issue would be traffic, and a traffic study should be required. This could be discussed as part of the special permit process, as well as the number of spaces. If approved,then if a proposal comes forward which is in support of community interests, like a garage to support businesses in Watertown Square, then that could be favorably considered, one that simply shuttles people out of Town may not be acceptable. PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDATION Motion made by Jack Zollo to recommend to the Town Council to approve the proposed zoning amendment to sections 5.01 and 5.03,seconded by Fergal Brennock, and unanimously approved.