WESTFIELD—City councilors took the first steps toward modifying the proposed medical services district zoning last night.
City councilors from the Legislative and Ordinance (L & O) and Public Health and Safety Committees held a joint meeting last night in City Council Chambers at City Hall to discuss the medical services district zoning proposal. The meeting resulted in some tentative changes proposed, but at least one more meeting is needed to determine what other changes will be made.
“We started at the top and went through the ordinance,” L & O chair and Ward two Councilor Ralph Figy said of the meeting.
Figy said that the initial changes that were made were related to the title.
According to Figy, the title “medical services district” is one item that is expected to be changed. The joint committee determined that calling the area a “hospital zone” would work better.
Baystate Noble Hospital (WNG File Photo)
Also brought up were concerns about how the zone would be defined. According to City Planner Jay Vinskey, the zone would be defined by a map that goes along with the ordinance.
“The map is the ordinance,” he said. “It’s less cumbersome than to try to describe 300 feet this way, 300 feet that way.”
Another item that was discussed were the permitted uses that would be allowed within the zone if it is successful.
Discussion was had by the councilors about striking numbers 2 and 3 under “Permitted Uses” from the draft ordinance, which are “Medical or dental offices, clinics and associated services and laboratories” and “Nursing homes, social service and rehabilitation centers.” Part of this appeared to be in an attempt to reduce the ability for accessory buildings to be constructed.
“So if we nix that we nix the opportunity that a separate medical building could be built on the other side of the lot,” L & O member and Ward Six Councilor Bill Onyski said.
Councilors were also concerned about whether this could put at risk services at Baystate Noble Hospital.
“They already have rehabilitation facilities so we can’t strike it out,” Surprise said.
However, Onyski said during the meeting that by having the permitted use of “Hospital” services within the building were covered.
“All of these things can happen inside the building itself, but by striking two and three strike possible separate building,” Onyski said.
According to Vinskey, there is a chance that additional buildings could be built that become part of the hospital as a whole.
“Conceivably a hospital can have an outbuilding somewhere not connected, but is part of the campus,” he said.
The joint committee determined to strike permitted uses 2 and 3 from the draft.
In addition, a discussion of parking came up, which was also under the permitted uses.
“I listened to the public and two issues about parking,” Figy said. “Dislike of a parking garage and in my conversation with hospital it is cost prohibitive to do a parking garage.”
Figy suggested that parking should go by special permit if the parking exceeds a certain amount of spots.
“Each time a lot would be made it would go through the special permit process,” Figy said.
Figy also suggested that a parking garage may be more environmentally sound, lessening the amount of impervious ground and also reducing the amount of snowplows.
L & O member and Ward Four Councilor Mary O’Connell said though, that there should be concern about the sight of a parking garage.
“I want everybody thinking about being in that neighborhood and seeing a big parking garage,” she said.
Public Health and Safety member and At-Large Councilor Stephen Dondley asked if the garage was hidden, such as underground, would that change minds.
“That is the only way,” Surprise responded. “But I don’t think residents want it.”
According to Figy, it was determined that surface parking facilities would be addressed in permitted uses.
Finally, dimensional requirements were discussed, which was determined to be discussed with Figy and Vinskey for further investigation.
The ordinance will come back before the joint committee again, tentatively scheduled for Nov. 27 at 6 p.m., with additional information retrieved and the remaining sections within the ordinance expected to be discussed.
