City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts

Chairperson Councilor Rose read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the order. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

Chairperson Councilor Rose read the item and recognized the Commissioner of Inspectional Services, who discussed details concerning the Rental Registry Program, the process relative to nuisance reports, the estimated number for residential rental units and keeping track of changes to the rental properties and ensuring they are up to code with the Deputy Building Commissioners and the Acting Deputy Fire Chief.

Chairperson Councilor Rose recognized Councilor King, who discussed the frequency of the inspections, how the Rental Registry Program will impact the 110 inspection process, the difference between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied rental residential setting, as well as concerns relative to staffing and keeping on schedule for staffing with the Commissioner of Inspectional Services.

Chairperson Councilor Rose recognized the Commissioner of Inspectional Services, who discussed the policy concerning appointing a representative who lives within 60 miles from the rental property.

Chairperson Councilor Rose recognized the following speakers:
1. Erin Zamaro, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed the item
2. Yenni Desroches, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Rose brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request City Solicitor work with the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to ensure the city’s ordinance concerning a Rental Registry Program highlights the impact the program would have on owner-occupied properties.

Chairperson Councilor Rose moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved.

Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 1 Nay (Yeas – Rivera, Rose) (Nay – King)

Request City Manager request City Solicitor work with the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to ensure the city’s ordinance concerning a Rental Registry Program highlights the impact the program would have on owner-occupied properties.

Chairperson Councilor Rose read the item and moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be filed.

Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

Chairperson Councilor Rose read the item and provided information concerning inclusionary zoning.

Chairperson Councilor Rose recognized the Chief Development Officer, who discussed the actions taken and plans relative to housing production in the city.

Chairperson Councilor Rose recognized the following speakers:
1. Rachel King, Webster resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Gina Plato-Nina, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Tony Lamonte, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
4. Libby Westie, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
5. David Sullivan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
6. Steve Wage, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
7. April Martin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
8. Shanene McMullen, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
9. Eduardo Hernandez, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
10. Robert Bilotta, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
11. Yenni Desroches, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
12. Jono O’Sullivan, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed the item
13. Debra Libby, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item

Chairperson Councilor Rose recognized the Chief Development Officer, who spoke concerning the item.

Chairperson Councilor Rose recognized Councilor Rivera, who discussed using an inclusionary zoning ordinance to help in providing accessible housing to residents with the Chief Development Officer.

Chairperson Councilor Rose recognized Councilor King, who discussed setting the standard of inclusionary housing at 50% AMI for in perpetuity.

Chairperson Councilor Rose brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request the Chief Development Officer provide City Council with a draft ordinance for inclusionary zoning that takes into account various suggestions, feedback, testimonies, and reports provided to Economic Development Committee at its July 19, 2022 meeting, as well previous analysis presented by the city’s administration.

Chairperson Councilor Rose moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.

Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

Request City Manager request the Chief Development Officer provide City Council with a draft ordinance for inclusionary zoning that takes into account various suggestions, feedback, testimonies, and reports provided to Economic Development Committee at its July 19, 2022 meeting, as well previous analysis presented by the city’s administration.