- Original recommendation had the expedited process with a limit of 1,000 units
and new proposal brought it down to 400. What is the reasoning?
- What was the number approved in Westerly, was it 2,000?
- Commissioner Sawusch and Mayor Moore brought up any number - is 400 to
high to get people on board?
- Would 100 units even be feasible to fast track? There's an argument to go
lower to get us by.
- There is a compromise between Planning Commission's view and Town
Council's view.
- Item c notes the words "should" be approved and the Commission would
recommend it be changed to state "shall"
- Clarification was requested on the expedited process with both Planning
Commission and Council shall approve. Does the (90 day) clock restart once it's
been brought to Council?
- Does the guidance include the two hearings within the 90 day time frame?
- Is the 90 day time frame for two boards/council to review?
- Are we putting something forward that is just going to be changed again?
- Ordinance that should be applied for applications now with the intent of
revising it by some point next year
- Direction given to staff is to rescind
- We are putting three versions: What we have today; What we potentially might
be proposing; and what it might actually end up being
- The version voted on will likely end up being different than what is existing. It's
just a question on what the Planning Commission ends up recommending
- Request for clarification: There is no funding that is going to be allocated for
those who have a fast track process currently in place or in place by November
2026. There is no difference in terms of the funding meaning if the Commission
were to remove this, we're not at risk of losing funding as long as we have
something in place by November 2026.
- For having a fast track process in place by November 2026, there are $50,000 in
grants
- After that date, there is still eligibility but at a lower amount (under $50,000)
- The grant funds are for specific affordable housing planning even for a
consultant to help rewrite the UDC to include these said items
- The 400 units needs to go down
- The use of the expedited process should be approved by both the Planning
Commission and Town Council
- Increase and limits in density/minimums/percentages and zoning class - adding
clarification with rezoning triggers
- Automatic review applications with 50% or more by law
- Commissioner Sawusch noted for the record, he has talked to every single
Council member and 5 of the 7 Commissioners - there's no debate on there being
holes, gaps or issues with this. Staff has also seen this. An amendment has to
come - the question is about timing.
- Does the Commission repeal and later amend? Or keep it on the books and
repeal and replace at a later date?
- The direction provided to staff from Council is a repeal.
- Does staff recommend a repeal?
- What is the timeline in terms of answers?
- If the recommendation came to staff to revise it, would that be staff's
recommendation?
- Clear direction came from the Mayor to staff
- Can the Commission come up with something to address the concerns?
- Outright rescinding it leaves a hole
- No enforcement from the state
- No one is going to do this without incentive
- Density bonus and lot setbacks
