Ordinance committee recommends zone change at 172 Sargent Street to allow second-floor housing

The Ordinance Committee on Sept. 17 recommended a zoning map amendment for 172 Sargent Street that will allow the property owner to convert the second floor above a storefront to residential units. Architect Kevin Rothschild Shea said the team completed a certified survey and an overlay documenting a long-standing right-of-way and a "gentleman's agreement" with an abutter that provides shared access and parking; planning staff had recommended approval.

Councilor Panitch said he would support the change and called it "basically a no brainer," citing preservation of an existing historic building and additional housing. The committee voted unanimously to forward the recommended map amendment to the full City Council with the committee's recommendation.