Are there aspects of our zoning code that no longer meet the needs and desires of the community, recognizing those sentiments may change over time? Have new developments, or denials of new developments, in recent years produced outcomes inconsistent with our expectations? These are important questions, marked by a heightened sense of urgency given near-term redevelopment opportunities (at the former Randall’s property, for example—a word on that below) and their potential long-term effects. To be clear that’s not in reaction to any particular proposal, but just in recognition of the fact that the turnover of developable parcels underscores the need to ensure our zoning is up to date. It also doesn’t mean we presume to know the answers before we’ve even asked; only that this is a conversation we really ought to be having, and with as much public input as we can get.
