OPINION: Zoning In Medford – A reset or an election dodge

* Editor's note: The following was written by Medford resident Richard Orlando

Recently Council President Zach Bears made a public statement to change the schedule and create a vision for the re-zoning changes in Medford. He started by praising the work the city council has conducted on the proposed re-zoning plan. Also within his statement was criticism of the mayor for not making available the funds needed for additional community outreach. The true reason for this about-face is Council President Zach Bears’ concern for the election coming up in November. He is concerned about his and the current council’s re-election. 

The suggestion that the city council wanted additional community input is a distraction and false. If the current council members are re-elected, they will double down on their objective to move the zoning plan forward without the changes requested from the citizens. They will claim they extended the window for additional input, but that is just political cover, and false. What is really needed is the city to listen and act on the citizens’ inputs. The current council has demonstrated their true lack of interest in citizen input. One only needs to consider how they ignored the Salem Street residents.

 The City Council, along with OCD Director Alicia Hunt and Innes Associates, based the zoning plan requirements on the Comprehensive Master Plan. The interesting aspect of the Master Plan was its limited content regarding the actual development opportunities and specific re-zoning needs to support those opportunities for the city. Instead, affordability and transportation were major points emphasized in the master plan. The report described the inclusiveness and openness of the master plan process, which is a convenient defense to substantiate using the master plan for the re-zoning work. However, what about development objectives based on Medford needs?

Much of the master plan inputs focused on items unrelated to the true needs for correct development in Medford. Where was the content in the Comprehensive Master Plan from citizens on:

·         Development based on Medford needs

·         Where should the development be located

·         Real growth that benefits Medford

·         Desired amenities for Medford citizens    

A fresh look at the entire zoning plan and its primary objectives are needed. The premise that a city-wide re-zoning of each neighborhood and street is not what citizens asked for when thinking about updates. No one asked to destroy the single-family fabric of Medford.

The re-zoning should be targeting specific areas to enable correct development and benefits to the city and its citizens, including:

·         Medford Square

·         Mystic Ave.

·         Rt. 16

·         Transportation hubs such as Wellington

·         Open unused parcels of land across the city

Do not be satisfied by a few staged “public input sessions”. Look for substantial changes to the objectives and core elements of the zoning plan with commitment. Do not be fooled by the political maneuvering of the council president.

Richard Orlando

Medford citizen