Alderman Oaks To File for Rezoning

Representatives of Alderman Oaks Retirement Center held a community workshop in late October to start the process to update the zoning at 727 Hudson Ave from the current RMF-5 to Downtown Edge.  About 20 community members were in attendance at the Selby Library for the workshop.

The rezoning request would allow the assisted living facility to build up to five stories in height (current zoning allows for up to 8 stories) and continue to have a density of 25 units/acre.  Setback requirements however would be reduced in the new zone. The total property is roughly 1.26 acres in size.

Legal representatives of the property owners said this rezoning would allow for an update of a building that is nearing its useful life expectancy (it is listed in city records as being built in 1997).  Though density could not change in the current format, larger units would be possible to meet client needs.

The representatives told the workshop audience that the current owners do not have plans to sell at this time abd that no ‘intent to sell’ paperwork exists.  However, under the new zoning, if circumstances changed and a developer purchased the property and wanted to erect a building that met the city’s affordable housing requirements under the new zoning, density could rise to 100 units/acre.  Several of the attendees went on record as opposing that level of density in the crowded neighborhood.

The request seems to meet City guidelines under the Future Land Use classifications.  Once the rezoning request is filed, it will work its way through staff toward a hearing at the Planning Board and City Commission, both of which will offer public comment periods on the request.