Board of Aldermen

Appropriations Committee Meeting Minutes

Monday, 12 March 2007

Appropriations Committee

Appropriations called to order by Chairman Brodeur at 8:03 p.m. for a Public Hearing on the expansion of an order recently passed by the Board of Aldermen changing a UR-B zone to a UR-A zone:

Order No. 07-027B, Amending Melrose Zoning Ordinances as set forth herein:  by changing the area described below from a UR-B district to a UR-A district. The area is generally bounded and described as follows:

westerly by the easterly line of Chestnut Street; southerly by the northerly line of Mt. Vernon Street to the junction of Boston Rock Road; easterly by the westerly boundary line of Boston Rock Road (formerly Quimby Street) as extended to the northerly line of East Wyoming Avenue; northerly by the southerly boundary line of the properties with frontage on the south side of Lynde Street; and easterly again by the easterly boundary line of the properties on the east side of Summer Street.

The proposed change will include all properties within the above bounds including without limitation all properties on the east side of Chestnut Street, except for those having frontage on Lynde Street; all properties on Chestnut Park; all properties on Summer Street except those with frontage on Lynde Street; all properties on East Wyoming Avenue east of Chestnut Street; and the properties on the north side of Mt. Vernon Street west of the intersection of Boston Rock Road and east of Chestnut Street.

Chairman Brodeur invites any one present who wishes to speak in favor of the proposed change to come forward and state his or her name and address for the record.

Anne Linehan, 3 Wyoming Heights says that it was not the neighborhood's intention to exclude the lower hill.  The process has been a learning experience for everyone.  The lower hill to Chestnut Street is part of the historical Wyoming Hill area and she thinks it should be included in the zoning change.

Judy Sullivan, 49 E Wyoming Avenue says she never realized that she lives on the lower hill.  She is very much in support of extending the boundary because it makes sense architecturally, historically, and as a neighborhood.

Steve Golding, 81 Mount Vernon Street supports the change.

Ed Calamari, 92 E Wyoming Avenue supports his neighbors' efforts to get the zoning changed.

Evan Zahner, 32 Wyoming Heights says it is a cohesive neighborhood and supports the zoning change.

Chairman Brodeur invites any one present who wishes to speak in opposition of the proposed change to come forward and state his or her name and address for the record.  No one comes forward.

Chairman Brodeur declares that the public comment portion of the Public Hearing is closed.

Alderman Infurna says the Committee has heard lots of discussion on this and she fully supports extending the boundary.

Alderman Infurna moves to recommend, 2^nd by Alderman Seaboyer.

On discussion Alderman Boisselle asks if it has been reviewed by the Planning Board.  Alderman Infurna says yes.  Alderman Boisselle asks if they are in favor of it.  Alderman Infurna says the Planning Board would have felt more comfortable expanding the original petition but the adjournment of the joint public hearing prevented further public participation at its meetings.

On the motion to recommend, All in favor.

Chairman Brodeur declares the Public Hearing closed at 8:08 p.m.

Order No. 07-138, RE-APPOINTMENT Of: Rita C. Mercado, 4 Birch Hill Rd. To: Board of Appeals, Assoc. Member Term to expire on the first Monday in January, 2009.

Alderman Boisselle moves to recommend, 2^nd by Alderman Seaboyer.  All in favor.

Alderman Buonopane motions to adjourn, 2^nd by Alderman Boisselle.  All in favor.

Appropriations adjourns at 8:10 p.m.

Maribeth Harrington
Clerk of Committees