The Westbrook City Council has given its preliminary approval to a change to the zoning ordinance regarding development of so-called “paper streets.”
On Monday night, the council voted unanimously to give its initial approval to an amendment to change the city’s ordinance.
The amendment would allow development on the city’s paper streets-streets that were previously identified for development but never developed. The amendment requires a potential developer to acquire a permit to construct and notify all neighbors within 500 feet of the project. The amendment also establishes review standards and requires review of proposed projects by the city planner and city engineer.
The amendment was developed by a citizen committee established for the purpose and was reviewed by the Planning Board, which held a public hearing on March 7 and unanimously recommended the amendment to the council.
The council will vote on the amendment for final approval at its April 3 meeting, where the public will have the chance to speak out for or against the change to the ordinance.
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