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Downtown zoning proving trickier

Posted on March 27, 2008March 27, 2008 by Staff

Request for Center Street property leads to quest for broader changes

By Kirk Ross
Staff Writer

On paper, a request to alter the zoning on a 65-by-135-foot lot downtown is termed a minor modification. But after a lengthy discussion Tuesday night at Town Hall of the implications, it was determined it could have a major impact since the property in question on Center Street straddles an almost invisible line between commercial and residential.

Center Street is apply named. At one end is the Fitch Lumber yard and warehouse. Across the “T” intersection with Weaver Street at the other end is the still fire-scarred F & F Automotive building. In between are a couple of commercial properties and a row of a half-dozen or so small mill houses.

On Tuesday, at the conclusion of the second session of a public hearing on a request to allow expanded commercial use at 102 Center St., the board of aldermen delayed a decision and asked town planners to come up with a special zoning district for the property.

The original request by Jane Hamborsky and her co-owners of the property would have rezoned the property under the town’s B-2 Fringe Commercial classification.

But several board members said they were concerned that a future owner of the parcel might want to open up a restaurant, nightclub or any of the other uses permitted under B-2 that would be in conflict with the residences across the street.

Residents of Center Street and nearby Oak Avenue have expressed concern to the board that a change to B-2 on Center Street would open up more of the area to commercial use.

Jeff Herrick, who has lived nearby since 2000, said he wants to remain in the area and make improvements to his home, but has some trepidation about the long-term effects of the rezoning. He suggested the town revisit the B-2 zone, which has not been reviewed in 22 years.

Board member Jacquie Gist said she too was worried about commercial uses creeping into residential neighborhoods. She said she liked an option looked at by the Planning Board to create a conditional zone for the property that would limit its uses.

Alderman Dan Coleman said he too was concerned about the long-term effects of the change. “I do think that B-2 does create the kind of slippery slope that Jacquie is talking about.”

Hamborsky acknowledged that the property has commercial potential and noted again Tuesday night that several years ago the CVS chain had been interested in the area. She said she wants the commercial designation so that she has more flexibility for the property, part of which houses the Curl Up and Dye hair salon.

Board members said they would like to see the commercial uses be compatible with a residential area.

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