SOUTHWICK – The Planning Board continued to discuss the town’s business restricted zone during their meeting on Tuesday night.
A draft has been in progress between the Planning Board and the Town Attorney in regards to changing the bylaws of the business restricted zone.
The zone in Southwick starts just south of the Southwick Town Hall and runs north along College Highway just past the intersection with Tannery Road right near Westfield River Brewing Co.
Part of College Hwy is in the business restricted zone, which includes several businesses in town. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Town Planner, Alan Slessler, noted that several businesses inside that corridor have their business on the first floor and want to either live on the second floor or rent it out.
“The main focus is to allow mixed use,” said Slessler.
According to Slessler, a number of colonial houses in that zone fit that model as well as other small business owners that have parcels and would want to occupy the second floor that wouldn’t be used for their business.
“We’ve taken and tried to address that,” said Slessler. “Business is the primary concern, but now a residential use is incorporated with that.”
Going back to years ago, Slessler looked back on the blueprint of a typical New England community. He is hoping that the revised draft and changing of the bylaws can help bring that blueprint back.
“We’re trying to protect that feeling and that theme in the business restricted zone,” said Slessler.
The Planning Board decided to hold the draft until their next scheduled meeting which is on Nov. 15. The hope is to then have the draft go to the special town meeting which has been officially set for Dec. 6 at the Southwick Town Hall.
