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Councilman O’Neill cautions ZCC about new code

11/11/2010 | 

ZCC Regular Session

ZCC member and Councilman Brian O’Neill reiterated the need for a summary that explains what uses the new code allows in each district. “I am hearing that the code is replete with new uses that weren’t allowed before,” O’Neill said. “If accessory dwelling units are permitted citywide, for example, this code could be dead on arrival.” The councilman wants to see a chart of new and old uses so that everyone understands what has changed. “I don’t want to see this rushing through,” he said.

ZCC Executive Director Eva Gladstein explained that staff has been working on the summary document, but that it is complicated by on-going changes to the requirements. Commission member Greg Pastore suggested that it is time for the public to speak out about concerns. “Isn’t it better to have people come forward about a particular use being permitted and help us along?” Mr. Pastore asked. In response to Councilman O’Neill, Commissioner Andrew Toy said that in some areas of the city “there is a groundswell of support for things like accessory dwelling units.”

ZCC chair Alan Greenberger reminded the group that some issues are still being looked at by the work plan committee, but stood by the effort to get the new code approved. “There is no way we are letting this code go down over a handful of issues,” he said. “We’ll figure it out.”

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