Article One – Reports of Committees
The Finance Committee and Select Board reports were received. The recommended votes in the reports were placed before the meeting. Article One was laid on the table so it could be returned to later if needed.
Article Two – FY2024 School Budget Adjustment
The Finance Committee issued a supplemental report recommending no action on Article Two, due to an error in the language of the override ballot making the funds unavailable until FY2025. With no action recommended, there was no debate and Article Two was voted no action.
Article Three – Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Administrative Correction
This article proposed an administrative correction to the zoning bylaw to fix incorrect references. The Arlington Review Board (ARB) recommended favorable action. The article passed unanimously.
Article Four – Zoning Map Amendment – Parcel on Gray Street
The ARB recommended no action on this article. With no action recommended, there was no debate and Article Four was voted no action.
Article Five – Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Open Space Requirements
This ARB article proposed changes to open space requirements in business districts, including tying open space to lot area rather than building size, increasing landscape requirements, and allowing open space on balconies and roofs. An amendment was proposed but failed. After debate, the article passed with a two-thirds majority.
Article Six – Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Rear Yard Setbacks
This ARB article proposed simplifying rear yard setback formulas in business districts to fixed distances based on building height and adjacent uses. Two amendments were proposed but failed. After debate, the article passed with a two-thirds majority.
Article Seven – Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Upper Story Stepbacks
This ARB article proposed requiring upper story stepbacks in business districts only on the primary facade rather than all sides. After debate, the article passed with a two-thirds majority.
Article Eight – Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Height and Story Minimums
This ARB article proposed minimum building heights of 2 stories and 26 feet in business districts, with ARB discretion on waivers. After debate, the article passed with a two-thirds majority.
Article Nine – Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Corner Lot Requirements
This ARB article proposed applying business district setbacks to corner lots in business districts rather than adjacent residential districts. After debate, the article passed with a two-thirds majority.
The meeting adjourned until October 19, 2023 at 8pm.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7Zf9IDZbMo