NDN Commercial Design Article 8/ 26/06

By Matt Sheley/Daily News staff

NDN 8/26/06

Want some say over the way Middletown's commercial development will look for years to come?

Check out a joint meeting of the Town Council, the Planning Board and the Zoning Ordinance Review Committee Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

Officials said there are many substantive amendments proposed to the town's building and design regulations, such as expanding commercial design standards and implementing a streamlined review process.

Before the proposed regulations go into effect, they must go through separate public hearings and be approved by both the council and the Planning Board.

"A thorough review of our zoning ordinances has not been conducted in 10 or 15 years and is long overdue," said Councilman Edward J. Silveira Jr., who suggested the analysis.

"As we grow as a community, we need to make sure we balance our commercial and residential growth in the fairest way we can, and part of that process is design and how our town will look as it develops."

For the past year and a half, the town's zoning regulations have been the subject of an in-depth analysis, Town Planner Ronald M. Wolanski said.

The volunteer board completed that work recently, and the results will be presented during Monday's joint session.

In addition to creating the commercial design standards, the proposal establishes new criteria for renovating existing facilities, new landscaping and sign requirements and other steps.

As part of the development plan review, all new commercial development, some commercial renovations and certain residential projects with three or more units would be impacted.

A team of town officials called the Technical Review Committee would set the standards for each project, a process that can vary depending on the application.

Local leaders said the process gives the community more oversight into different projects, some of which have been covered by the town center review process. For special-use permits, variances and similar relief, the proposed regulations still require the applicant to go to the relevant board.

"I think the goal is to have a more attractive business district and eliminate a lot of that unsightly signage and other construction out there over time," Wolanski said.

Not everyone is thrilled with the idea of redoing the town's zoning regulations, which some feel already are too restrictive. Some in the business community claim that the town is making it too expensive to set up shop in Middletown, and the proposed rules would only make it more difficult.

In response, town Building Official Jack Kane said many sections of the ordinances needed retooling because they're outdated and confusing.

"Having worked on the committee, I think the revisions are doing something to help out," Kane said. "They're a little more user-friendly, easier to understand and eliminate the antiquated, outdated processes that were in place. It's always been a work in progress, like any ordinance, and will continue to be."

Learn more

Trying to get more information about the proposed revisions to Middletown's zoning ordinances, which mainly impact the town's commercial areas?

Visit the planning or building departments in Town Hall on East Main Road, or visit the town's Web site at www.middletownri.com.


	Middletown is on mission to set standards for future design By Matt Sheley/Daily News staff NDN 8/26/06 Want some say over the way Middletown's commercial development will look for years to come? Check out a joint meeting of the Town Council, the Planning Board and the Zoning Ordinance Review Committee Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall. Officials said there are many substantive amendments proposed to the town's building and design regulations, such as expanding commercial design standards and implementing a streamlined review process. Before the proposed regulations go into effect, they must go through separate public hearings and be approved by both the council and the Planning Board. "A thorough review of our zoning ordinances has not been conducted in 10 or 15 years and is long overdue," said Councilman Edward J. Silveira Jr., who suggested the analysis. "As we grow as a community, we need to make sure we balance our commercial and residential growth in the fairest way we can, and part of that process is design and how our town will look as it develops." For the past year and a half, the town's zoning regulations have been the subject of an in-depth analysis, Town Planner Ronald M. Wolanski said. The volunteer board completed that work recently, and the results will be presented during Monday's joint session. In addition to creating the commercial design standards, the proposal establishes new criteria for renovating existing facilities, new landscaping and sign requirements and other steps. As part of the development plan review, all new commercial development, some commercial renovations and certain residential projects with three or more units would be impacted. A team of town officials called the Technical Review Committee would set the standards for each project, a process that can vary depending on the application. Local leaders said the process gives the community more oversight into different projects, some of which have been covered by the town center review process. For special-use permits, variances and similar relief, the proposed regulations still require the applicant to go to the relevant board. "I think the goal is to have a more attractive business district and eliminate a lot of that unsightly signage and other construction out there over time," Wolanski said. Not everyone is thrilled with the idea of redoing the town's zoning regulations, which some feel already are too restrictive. Some in the business community claim that the town is making it too expensive to set up shop in Middletown, and the proposed rules would only make it more difficult. In response, town Building Official Jack Kane said many sections of the ordinances needed retooling because they're outdated and confusing. "Having worked on the committee, I think the revisions are doing something to help out," Kane said. "They're a little more user-friendly, easier to understand and eliminate the antiquated, outdated processes that were in place. It's always been a work in progress, like any ordinance, and will continue to be." Learn more Trying to get more information about the proposed revisions to Middletown's zoning ordinances, which mainly impact the town's commercial areas? Visit the planning or building departments in Town Hall on East Main Road, or visit the town's Web site at www.middletownri.com.