Relevant links
Video of presentation of the proposed overlay zone by City Planner: https://youtu.be/R2Scwia_vGM
Video of consistency review of the overlay zone by Planning Board: https://youtu.be/BqO3j6FsyLU
Map of MBC Overlay Zone: MBC Overlay Zone map
At the Common Council meeting on Tuesday, May 21, the City of Summit introduced a proposed overlay zone ordinance as an amendment to Chapter 35 of the development regulations, establishing the Morris Broad Crossroads Overlay Zone (MBC Overlay Zone). The proposed overlay zone encompasses the properties identified as Block 2706 Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4, covering approximately 1.5 acres with frontages on Broad Street, Cedar Street, and Morris Avenue. The overlay zone includes the city-owned Chestnut public parking lot, the Summit Firehouse, an office building on Cedar Street, and a privately owned driveway.
The proposed overlay zone ordinance aims to provide an alternative development framework to the existing Business Zone. The primary goals include addressing a portion of the city’s affordable housing obligations, creating public amenities such as green space and parking, and facilitating multifamily residential, mixed-use multi-family, townhouse or office development that recognizes the area's transitional location (next to institutions and residences) and complements the Downtown area. The relocation of the Fire Department to a new facility in the summer of 2024 will render that property (Lot 3) available for new development.
As part of the introduction of the proposed ordinance establishing the MBC Overlay Zone, a presentation by City Planner Tom Behrens was given, providing detailed information on the overlay zone. The presentation can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/R2Scwia_vGM
Key considerations for the MBC Overlay Zone include:
Development Flexibility: The existing Business Zone designation limits development that would maximize the tract's development potential. The proposed overlay zone allows for greater flexibility including multifamily residential development with a mandatory affordable housing set-aside, increased building height up to four stories, and a higher floor area ratio (FAR) of up to 115%.
Affordable Housing: Any development in the overlay zone must include a minimum of seven affordable housing units to help meet the city’s obligations.
Public Amenities: The overlay zone ensures the replacement of existing public parking spaces, including those dedicated to St. Teresa Church, with new on-tract and on-street parking. It also mandates the creation of usable public green space.
Community Compatibility: The uses permitted in the MBC Overlay Zone are designed to complement, rather than compete with, the adjacent Downtown businesses. This approach aims to enhance the area’s revenue potential and align with the community’s vision.
Public Involvement: If the proposed overlay zone ordinance is passed by the Common Council, requests for bid and notice of a public auction will be posted on the city website, ensuring transparency and accessibility. Pursuant to state law for the sale of public land and buildings, the property will be auctioned through a public bidding process and awarded to the highest bidder. The next step will be for the new property owner to submit a land use application to develop the property according to overlay zone requirements. There will be an opportunity for public input on any proposed project at a land use board meeting.
The amendment to Chapter 35 of the development regulations, establishing the Morris Broad Crossroads Overlay was discussed by the Summit Planning Board at its Tuesday, May 28 meeting, and found to be consistent with the Master Plan. The recorded discussion can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/BqO3j6FsyLU
The hearing and vote by the Common Council will take place at a special meeting on June 11, 2024.