Mayor Galvin Vetoes Railway Overlay Zoning District

WOBURN, MA — Mayor Scott Galvin vetoed the creation of a new "Railway Overlay District," he wrote in a communication to City Council dated Dec. 27. After months of discussion, City Council approved the new zoning district and map changes on Dec. 17, by a 6-3 vote. With a repeat of that vote, the council would have the two-thirds majority necessary to override the veto, if they so chose. However, one alderman who voted in favor of the district, Mark Gaffney, has since retired and been replaced on council by alderman-elect Jeff Dillon.

Galvin wrote that while he supports clean-up of industrial areas and the creation of housing, he is concerned with the level of density the zoning district allowed, and worries that the district would set a precedent.

"While there certainly is merit to encouraging the clean-up of industrial lots in this area, there are numerous reasons for vetoing these particular amendments in their entirety," Galvin wrote. "The proposed 25 unit-per-acre density authorized by the zoning change is excessive."

The zoning amendments would create a new zoning overlay district along the abandoned Boston & Main Railroad stretch along Main Street, between Green Street and High Street. The district allows buildings of up to 49 feet in height and 25 residential units per acre. It faced significant opposition from neighbors opposed to the increased height and density, but aldermen in favor argued that it was necessary to draw development to the area. The current zoning in the neighborhood allows for 14 units per acre.

"Of greatest concern is the fact that the ROD rezoning will likely set a precedent for similar, future rezoning petitions and Council votes for the industrially-zoned lots in the 50 acres just south of the proposed ROD district between Green Street and the Winchester town line," Galvin continued. "The overlay zoning currently in place there allows residential uses at a density of seven units per acre. Because the ROD district offers four times that density, it will be a strong incentive for more zoning map change requests that will be difficult for the Council to distinguish or deny."

"I support the creation of responsible housing in the City, but I am concerned with the increased pace of overly dense neighborhood projects as well as the City services needed to support them," the mayor wrote.

Galvin thanked the three city council members who voted against the district, and urged the other councilors to vote in favor.

The communication is on the agenda for council's Tuesday meeting.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.