Committee advances downtown conversion and sign- and preservation-streamlining ordinances

The committee considered a multi-part planning-code package that would authorize conversion of certain downtown nonresidential uses to residential, define flexible workspace as a use intended to support downtown revitalization, and streamline sign permitting and minor historic-preservation administrative reviews. President Peskin described the package as trailing legislation from prior committee work and noted a small set of deletions to be made before sending the items on to the full board.

Public comment was limited and one remote commenter, Jake Price of the Housing Action Coalition, called in support. The committee approved the author’s proposed deletions and voted to forward the amended ordinance package to the full board with a committee recommendation.

Next steps: Full Board consideration with committee report and adopted amendments.