GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Greenfield Special City Council meeting held last night lasted just over three and a half hours with fervent discussion by councilors and community members who gave public comment on the proposed zoning amendments.
Councilors passed the increased 80 foot height limit for the Central Commercial district up from the original 50 feet, despite attempts at amending the new height down to possibly 65 or 70 feet.
The citizen’s petition seeking to limit Accessory Dwelling Units, ADUs, to 1 per lot, no exceptions, was not passed by the Council. There were disagreements about the potential hazards of multiple ADUs on lots, with a lack of clarity around exactly how many lots in the city could hold multiple ADUs under current building codes and zoning bylaws.
The Council voted down an amendment that sought to allow first floor dwelling units on the first floor in the Central Commercial district, as long as they were not on the high traffic street side and maintained at least 50% of the first floor for commercial use.