After seven years of discussion, debate and revisions, the City Council recently approved a new, modern zoning code for Springfield that tackles issues ranging from guidelines for home-based businesses and conversion of old mills to a new casino overlay district.
SPRINGFIELD – After seven years of discussion, debate and revisions, the City Council recently approved a new, modern zoning code for Springfield that tackles issues ranging from guidelines for home-based businesses and conversion of old mills to a new casino overlay district.
Ward 6 Councilor Kenneth E. Shea, who was credited with playing a key role in the final negotiations and revisions, called the unanimous vote of approval for the new zoning ordinance a “historic evening” in Springfield. The new zoning code acts as a more modern and clear guide for development, officials said.
The 283-page document is the first major revision of the ordinance since it was created in 1971, and was aided by a Citizens Advisory Committee consisting of residents, business people, and planners, working with Planning and Economic Development staff.
Springfield “does not get a star for speed, but we certainly get several stars for the art of compromise,” Shea said.
Many residents had raised concerns in recent years about the length of time it was taking to complete the zoning revision, and said the prior code was leaving Springfield with outdated controls over development.
The zoning ordinance creates a new, three-tier review process for developments and land uses beyond existing special permit cases.
“I am very, very pleased that it finally passed,” said Gloria DeFillipo, of the Pine Point neighborhood and a former member of the Citizens Advisory Committee. “It was a long time coming. I think it is just a good thing to help the city move forward.”
While the document does have final passage, there is a 90-day period to fully implement it, to come up with forms and processes, to provide training sessions for the Planning Board, and to allow the Building Department to get ready for the change, said Philip Dromey, the city’s deputy planner.
Some private developers had raised concerns about an earlier version to the new zoning code, saying it would hinder development. Some councilors had raised concerns that provision for the Planning Board to issue certain special permits would erode the council’s authority.
Changes enacted included taking away the board’s permit powers and reducing the time period for reviews, officials said.
Patricia Triggs, a Forest Park resident and former advisory committee member, said she was “relieved” by passage. The revamped ordinance brings the city on a par with neighboring communities in new, improved guidelines for development, she said.
The ordinance creates new zoning districts including those for corporate campus development and for industrial-mixed uses, such as allowing the council to grant uses for old mills that could include some residential use.
A business group that included Stephen Roberts, president of FL Roberts and Frank Colaccino, president of Colvest Group, praised the final document for addressing some past concerns.
“In spite of all the time it took to get here, I think it is a better document for the city of Springfield and should promote smart growth,” Colaccino said in a letter submitted to the council.