The most notable development was the board’s decision to reconsider the site plan application from 413 to 415 Washington Street LLC. Initially denied in July, the application sought approval for a mixed-use building with variances for maximum lot coverage and off-street parking. The applicant’s representative argued that clarification was needed on the expansion of retail space on the second floor, which they claimed had been overlooked in the previous discussion. Additionally, concerns were raised about the third-floor residential unit’s potential transient use.

The applicant pointed out the opportunity to negotiate limitations on the residential unit’s use, which they were not able to do during the initial hearing. They emphasized the intent to use the third floor for non-transient purposes, such as housing for employees, given the security concerns associated with their business—a high-end jewelry store located on the premises. The board ultimately decided to grant a rehearing, with seven members in favor and one opposed, opening the door for a discussion on the application’s specifics, including the proposed limitations on residential use and retail expansion.

In conjunction with the reconsideration, the board discussed a proposed ordinance related to workforce housing. The ordinance aimed to define workforce housing as units above commercial spaces, rented for no less than 90 days, to prevent short-term rentals. The board sought to align the application with emerging city regulations concerning workforce housing while ensuring the new ordinance would not unduly constrain property owners. A critical point was the potential for the ordinance to create inconsistencies across different zoning districts, leading to a debate about expanding workforce housing provisions beyond the C1 district.

The meeting also delved into zoning concerns in the R4 district, where the board identified a need for comprehensive re-examination of standards. Members highlighted issues with current regulations, especially concerning quads, green spaces, and the affordability of housing. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining the neighborhood’s integrity amid increasing commercialization and redevelopment pressures. There was a call for careful consideration of zoning changes to avoid displacing long-term residents in favor of second homeowners or developers.

Additionally, the board addressed the implications of short-term rentals in the Village Green area, where local homeowners expressed concerns about the impact of transient guests on the community. The neighborhood’s close quarters exacerbated these issues, prompting the board to consider new ordinances to manage short-term rentals effectively while preserving the area’s residential character.