CAN encourages your attendance at the Planning Commission meeting on August 1, 2023, when they will consider zoning changes to the YMCA property located at 201 Talbot Avenue.
Background: The YMCA may relocate. 201 Talbot is currently zoned as Institutional, which provides for a
variety of uses, which may not be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. The surrounding neighborhood is zoned Neighborhood Conservation 1, which is a residential zoning classification.
A public listening session was held by the Planning Commission on July 5, which was well attended. Many neighbors voiced concerns as to what would happen to the site if it were vacated by the YMCA. The YMCA also addressed concerns, indicating they did not want to negatively impact the neighborhood if they relocate. The YMCA also stated their belief that the property should transition to residential use if they were to leave.
The Planning Commission will consider zoning changes on August 1, in the form of an Overlay, which will limit institutional uses to those typically found in residential neighborhoods, such as a church or a school. This change would not limit the YMCA’s ability to operate at 201 Talbot, should they choose to continue to do so. If the Overlay is not passed, many uses not compatible with the neighborhood would be permitted that may not require public hearings and the Planning Commission would only have the ability to consider a site plan.
When: Tuesday, August 1, 2023, 6pm
Where: Please note that the meeting will be held at the City of Cambridge Public Safety Building, 2nd Floor Conference Room at 8 Washington Street.
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