Development News for Worcester, Massachusetts

Planning Board Recommends Against Rezoning Lraange Street Parcel, Citing Spot Zoning Concerns

The Planning Board heard a proposal for a zoning map amendment for 30 and 42 Lraange Street. The applicant, represented by Attorney O'Neal, sought to remove the parcel from the Commercial Corridors Overlay Downtown Sub Area (CCOD) of the BG6 zone. The parcel is currently used as a parking lot and has been historically used for parking. The applicant argued that the CCOD restrictions prevent necessary parking for a neighboring development (98 Beacon Street), which has 58 units and only 7-8 parking spaces. They proposed to remove the CCOD designation to allow the parcel to be zoned solely as BG6, which would permit its use as a parking lot, thereby enabling the 98 Beacon Street project to proceed. Staff recommended against the change, citing concerns about creating a 'donut hole' in the overlay district, potential for lower-density, autocentric uses, and inconsistency with the long-range plan's vision for pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development. Staff noted that the CCOD aims to encourage compact development and has specific design guidelines. The board members expressed concerns about spot zoning and sided with staff's recommendation. The board voted to issue a negative recommendation to the City Council regarding the proposed zone change.

Planning Board Endorses Two ANR Plans for Lot Line Adjustments

The Planning Board considered two ANR (Approval Not Required) plans. The first involved moving a lot line to create Lots 1A, 1AR, and 1BR in the BL1 zoning district, with each lot meeting the 40 ft frontage requirement per dwelling unit. The second ANR plan for 18 Crown Street involved creating lots to facilitate single-family attached dwellings, with each lot meeting the 20 ft frontage requirement in the RG5 zoning district. Both ANR plans were endorsed by the board.

Planning Board Approves Cambridge Street Multi-Family Development with Conditions

The Planning Board reviewed a site plan application for 417 and 421 Cambridge Street, involving the addition of two stories to two existing brick ranch houses to create two three-family dwellings, totaling six units. The proposal also included a shared parking arrangement. The applicant had previously obtained zoning board of appeals relief for frontage adjustments and a shared parking plan. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including specific fencing requirements (black vinyl-coated chain link or decorative style fence) and waivers for setbacks and lot area. The board discussed Condition 1C regarding fencing, with the applicant preferring vinyl-coated chain link over solid board fencing for aesthetic and practical reasons. The board approved the definitive site plan subject to staff-recommended conditions and waivers.

Planning Board Recommends Unanimous Rezoning for Greenwood Street Parcel to BL1

The Planning Board heard a proposal for a zoning map amendment for 321 Greenwood Street. The property is currently split-zoned, with the front portion in the BL1 (Business Limited) district and the rear portion in the ML L0.5 (Manufacturing Light) district. The petitioner requested to rezone the entire parcel to BL1. Staff supported the proposal, noting that the BL1 district is more permissive for residential uses and more restrictive for manufacturing uses, aligning with the neighborhood character and the 'Worcester Now Next' comprehensive plan, which designates the area for moderate housing density increases. The parcel directly south (325 Greenwood Street) underwent a similar rezoning in 2023. The board voted to favorably recommend the zoning map amendment to the City Council.