The City Council is considering a motion by Councilor Burns to transfer special permit granting authority for some items from the City Council to the Planning Board, except in residential districts. The Council will remain the approving authority for all zone changes.
Next week there will be two public hearings on the issue. The Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, December 4th at 7PM, and the City Council will hold its Public Hearing on Thursday, December 6 at 7 PM. Both public hearings will be held in Council chambers.
I understand the desire by the City to consolidate the process and eliminate the need for applicants to appear before both bodies. The Planning Board has more experience reviewing land use applications. It’s members are appointed by the Mayor.
However, the City Council is elected by the people, and should be mindful of the people in our votes.
Last year, I successfully fought for and passed an Resident Notification ordinance that provides mailing notifications to property owners within 300 feet of the property line, and postings signs 10 days before a public hearing on a proposed parcel change.
I have filed a motion to strengthen the Abutter Notification Ordinance to include mailing to all residents in an area or streets likely to be adversely impacted of a public hearing on a proposed change.
For example, in many parts of the City, traffic, and especially truck traffic is a major concern for residents. All residents living on a street or area likely to be adversely impacted by traffic, noise or pollution should be made aware of a public hearing by the granting authority; especially, if residents lose their ability to have their voices heard by their elected officials.
I know this is late notice, but I hope people will make every attempt to attend one of these public hearings, invite your friends and neighbors and contact your councilors.
Dan Allie
Councilor At-Large
