GREENFIELD — The third time was the charm Wednesday night for those who have supported rezoning for land on the French King Highway since the concept was introduced last summer.
“I think it’s a great idea — our constituents have spoken out to us,” said Precinct 9 Councilor Derek Helie. “They want us to do it. … This is a huge step for Greenfield.”
The proposal, which was the subject of a joint public hearing by the Economic Development Committee and Planning Board in May, involves rezoning six parcels over 40.98 acres on the French King Highway from General Commercial, which provides for mixed retail, to Planned Industry, which is meant for manufacturing and industrial development.
A different version of the proposal was initiated last year by Mayor Roxann Wedegartner, who suggested a zoning change for 48 acres, or 11 parcels, from General Commercial to Planned Industry. The 11 parcels this zone encompasses include land owned by Ceruzzi Properties, where a 135,000-square-foot big box store was long proposed. That land is still under lease by Stop & Shop.
The original rezoning proposal, however, was ultimately voted down by City Council, with several councilors citing concerns about a need for housing. It failed a second time following a motion to reconsider. Three councilors supported the rezoning proposal at the December 2022 meeting and seven voted in support in January.
“For the third time tonight, you have the opportunity to support economic development and an increased tax base in Greenfield by rezoning the 40 acres on French King Highway from General Commercial to Planned Industrial,” Wedegartner told councilors. “For hundreds of years, manufacturers have been the backbone of our local economy. This rezoning is about nothing less than creating more opportunity, more appropriately zoned land for increased expansion of our existing manufacturing business, as well as allowing for new businesses. We are simply out of land in our industrial park … and that is for the foreseeable future.”
Residents who spoke during the meeting’s public comment period were largely supportive of the zoning change, citing the jobs it would attract. At least one resident, Michael Mastrototaro, argued the land wasn’t suitable for industrial use.
“Our city needs housing,” said Mastrototaro, who has pulled nomination papers to represent Precinct 3 on the City Council in the upcoming November election. “Housing generates tax revenue, much more than any industrial site. … If this zoning change passes, there are no options for [anything] other than industry; no housing, no hotels, no stores, nothing.”
Despite a near-unanimous vote, the roughly hour-long discussion between councilors raised questions about whether manufacturing jobs were “high-paying” jobs, as has been part of the narrative in support of the zoning change, and whether there was, in fact, demand for them. Some councilors also expressed concern as to whether this zoning change constituted “spot zoning” to cater to one business owner in particular who had been vocal in his support.
Still, commentary on the zoning change largely leaned in favor of the proposal.
“I’m not torn about land that nobody is asking for,” At-Large Councilor Penny Ricketts said, referring to arguments for residential development and uses other than industrial.
Councilors argued the property wasn’t suitable for residential or retail development, and therefore wouldn’t be attractive to developers.
“Nothing else is getting developed there but industry,” said At-Large Councilor Michael Terounzo.
Ultimately, enough councilors who had voted against the zoning change at one point or another were swayed to vote “yes” on Wednesday. All councilors who were present voted in favor, with the exception of Precinct 4 Councilor John Bottomley. Precinct 7 Councilor Jasper Lapienski was absent.
“I have decided to change my mind because I think it is too important for this town to lose out on good jobs,” said Precinct 8 Councilor Doug Mayo. “That also feeds into a good housing market. If jobs are there, housing will come.”
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.