Woburn City Council Uses New Minor Modification Rules

WOBURN, MA — At their first meeting following their approval, Woburn City Council made use of its new "minor modification" rules, asking a petitioner to submit new site plans and undergo the public hearing process for a change to a special permit. Alderman Richard Gately, who proposed the request, did not cite a specific aspect of the petition, but said it did not qualify as a minor modifications. The petition, from Attorney Mark Salvati, asked for approval for a number of changes at 10 Cedar Street, including adding a floor, changing the roof type, and replacing part of the building with outdoor decks.

At their Jan. 21 meeting, City Council approved new rules, limiting the set of cases where a "minor modification" to a special permit can be requested, bypassing a public hearing. Under the new rules, major modifications include "any material change in lot coverage, height, or setbacks" and the proposed changes included an increase in the rear setback. Council approved Gately's request to have a letter sent to Salvati explaining the new rules.

"These are not minor modifications, this is a major site plan modification," Gately said.

The full meeting is available here, from Woburn Public Media Center.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or [email protected].