<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1zLYR0_1GmNSqDD00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1zLYR0_1GmNSqDD00" width="976" height="624" ></figure>SPRINGFIELD – The city is proposing multiple changes to the zoning code, including adding restrictions for data centers and updating standards for lot sizes, setbacks and height restrictions for property along the Connecticut River.Some of the changes simply correct oversights or fix errors made when the zoning ordinance was overhauled in 2013. Others are updates to address new or emerging uses that did not exist a decade ago, said Philip Dromey, deputy director of planning.One of the biggest changes is a plan to add a definition of data centers to the zoning ordinance and to restrict them to Industrial A districts. The regulation would require the owner to receive a special permit from the City Council."To me that provides protection for the city," Dromey said, recognizing that several surrounding communities have been banning or placing moratoriums on the centers.One small data center was constructed around 2010 on Elliot Street. The site houses state records and serves as a backup for the primary data center.Dromey said he has received few recent inquiries from companies interested in building data centers, but wants the city to be prepared.The modifications call for adding dimensional standards to property in the riverfront zone. The previous ordinance included them, but they were not carried over when it was modified, he said."It was just an oversight," Dromey said.The riverfront zone covers the area around the Basketball Hall of Fame. The biggest potential for redevelopment in the zone is the long-closed York Street Jail site. The city has put that property out to bid several times but has attracted no buyers, he said.Some other issues include correcting an error in the rules for accessory dwelling units that contradicts the city's requirements for setbacks.The City Council decided to delay voting on the changes over concerns about an ordinance that would limit temporary signs to one per residential property and two in non-residential districts. Signs in residential districts cannot exceed six square feet and those in non-residential districts cannot be larger than 20 square feet.City councilors said they were concerned, especially about political signs, which are allowed under the First Amendment.Councilor Jose Delgado said he would like to discuss the issue more and get clarification on what would be allowed. The council agreed to delay the vote until later this month to get more information."Political campaigns, I think they would see that as a violation of their rights," Councilor Kateri Walsh said of restraints on the number of signs.City Councilor Malo Brown said he agreed with concerns over political signs and said he would not want to prevent people from advertising events such as fairs and festivals.Some of the other provisions include:<ul><li>A proposal modifies Dumpster rules, saying they all must be fenced and located in the backyard. The previous ordinance allowed some leeway for Dumpsters in single-family and two-family homes, but the city is finding some group homes are using them in lieu of trash cans and are locating them in front yards, Dromey said.</li><li>It strengthens the storage of recreational vehicles, boats and mobile homes to include any other type of travel trailer since code enforcement officers are finding more vehicles that do not fit in those three categories.</li><li>The changes call for a clarification to require owners of home day centers to be occupants of the home.</li></ul>Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.</div></body>

Block Source: Yahoo!

Misinformation

Clickbait

Old or repetitive news

Explicit content

Location not relevant

SPRINGFIELD – The city is proposing multiple changes to the zoning code, including adding restrictions for data centers and updating standards for lot sizes, setbacks and height restrictions for property along the Connecticut River. Some of the changes simply correct oversights or fix errors made when the zoning ordinance...

Springfield considers new zoning rules for data centers, riverfront

NewsBreak

SPRINGFIELD – The city is proposing multiple changes to the zoning code, including adding restrictions for data centers and updating standards for lot size

Springfield considers new zoning rules for data centers, riverfront

Comments / 1