Medford Mayor Withdraws Controversial Zoning Amendment

MEDFORD, MA — Medford Mayor Stephanie M. Burke withdrew a zoning amendment that would alter the face of the Mystic Avenue corridor Tuesday. Burke said she pulled the proposal, which would create a mixed-use zone similar to Station Landing, to allow for more time to deliberate than the 90 days specified under state zoning law.

The proposal came under scrutiny in June when the City Council voted to send it to the Community Development Board ahead of the summer recess. The amendment was initially sent to committee for review, which would have involved seeking public input and recommending changes or adoption as is. But around midnight, after residents had left, there was a motion to reconsider the vote, and it was sent directly to the Community Development Board.

Some residents, including City Council Vice President and mayoral candidate Breanna Lungo-Koehn, believed the decision to vote again and send the proposal to the Community Development Board subverted the regular process for considering zoning changes. She told Patch she believes the area needs to be developed, but the process should involve input from a zoning consultant and from Medford residents.

"This zoning change will alter the face of Mystic Avenue and this step means it could happen without being vetted thoroughly and without explaining to voters how it impacts a vision for what should take place within our committees," Lungo-Koehn wrote in a Facebook post at the time. "Whether we are making a minor or major change, the decision shouldn't be decided without the public's involvement, or in this case, knowledge."

Burke called the criticism a "thinly veiled 'cry wolf' attempt to foster distrust." But on Tuesday, she withdrew the amendment after public hearings "brought out clearly the depth of the various suggested amendments."

"As it appears that the 90-day requirement per CH 40A may not be sufficient for reaching consensus, I am hereby withdrawing my Zoning Amendment and requesting that this draft be submitted to the Zoning Sub Committee to be worked on in earnest for future deliberation," Burke wrote in a letter to the community.

In an email to Patch, Lungo-Koehn called the decision a "welcome step" but said Burke's administration "lacks vision." Lungo-Koehn is running against Burke in November.

Read Lungo-Koehn's statement below:

"Mayor Burke’s decision to withdraw her proposed Mystic Ave zoning changes last night is a welcome step to ensure our neighborhoods are engaged in their future and more haphazard luxury apartment developments don’t crowd out thoughtful opportunities to see Medford grow.

The abrupt change of direction from Mayor Burke indicates what we already know - the current administration lacks vision and lacks any plan for Medford’s future development or sufficient capacity to execute positive change.

As frustrating as this has been, I am uplifted by the energy and engagement we have seen from our community members who have demanded a better process. The withdrawal of the proposed changes would not have happened without the communities involvement.

A crisis is a terrible thing to waste and I look forward to working with my fellow councilors, the zoning consultant we are hiring and our neighborhoods and businesses to bring about much needed planning and zoning changes done the right way."

Marc Draisen, executive director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, said the agency was "disappointed" the amendment was withdrawn. In a statement, Draisen added the MAPC believes many of the concerns and suggestions put forth by residents, councilors and the Community Development Board could be addressed with "relatively straightforward" adjustments to the proposal.

"Nonetheless, we always view zoning improvements as a long game, which can always benefit from further discussion and greater input," Draisen said. "MAPC is committed to working with the City administration, the Council, the CDB, and residents to achieve an appropriate mix of commercial and residential development, along with green space and transportation improvements, to ensure the Mystic Avenue Corridor becomes an even better place to live or work, and a fitting gateway to this great city."

Previously: Medford Mayor: No Zoning Vote In 'Dead Of Night'

Medford Residents Question Late Night Zoning Vote

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect comments from the MAPC.