Laserfiche WebLink
Zoning Bulletin January 25, 2018 I Volume 12 I Issue 2 <br />See also: Washington Canoe Club v. District of Columbia Zoning <br />Com'n, 889 A.2d 995 (D.C. 2005). <br />Zoning News from Around the <br />Nation <br />MASSACHUSETTS <br />Governor Charlie Baker recently announced "$10 million in incen- <br />tives to encourage cities and towns to promote development within <br />their borders." He also proposed legislation -"An Act to Promote <br />Housing Choices" —that would make it easier for municipalities to <br />change their zoning to promote multifamily developments, reduce their <br />parking requirements, and make other changes to smooth the way for <br />more housing. These initiatives are reportedly modeled on Mas- <br />sachusetts' Green Communities program, which rewards cities and <br />towns for taking climate -friendly steps. Specifically, the Governor's <br />bill would allow municipalities to "adopt certain zoning changes by a <br />simple majority vote rather than the existing requirement of a two- <br />thirds vote." The administration also announced "$1.3 million in grant <br />funding for 37 projects through the Planning Assistance Grant Program, <br />which encourages land conservation, reduced energy consumption and <br />the housing production." <br />Source: Lowell Sun; www.lowellsun.com <br />PENNSYLVANIA <br />Pending in the state Legislature is House Bill 1620, which "would <br />allow wireless carriers to forego local zoning review or approval in <br />placing or modifying most facilities in public rights of way." The bill <br />would also prohibit municipalities "requiring wireless carriers to justify <br />installing or modifying wireless facilities, and from charging fees be- <br />yond $1,000 for regular facilities or $100 for `small cell' antennas." <br />Reportedly, several municipalities have passed resolutions opposing <br />the bill, including Doylestown Borough, Plumstead, Upper Southamp- <br />ton, and Warrington. Proponents of the bill maintain that it is "intended <br />as a check against municipalities that might pursue fees from wireless <br />carriers as a moneymaking venture during the zoning process." The bill <br />is currently awaiting review in the House Consumer Affairs Committee. <br />Source: The Intelligencer; www.theintell.com <br />WISCONSIN <br />Governor Scott Walker has signed into the law the "Mining for <br />© 2018 Thomson Reuters 11 <br />