UPDATED Feb. 23: Final consideration of many zoning articles has been recommended to be put off until an October Special Town Meeting, but seven zoning articles will have hearings soon.

Kelly Lynema, assistant planning director, told the Arlington Redevelopment Board on Feb. 6 that Town Manager Sandy Pooler wants to limit the annual spring meeting to financial articles and consent agendas. The board had proposed 12 zoning proposals; four more have been submitted by citizens.

Claire Ricker, director of planning, wrote in response to a YourArlington request Feb. 22 that four zoning-related citizen petitions and three Redevelopment Board amendments are scheduled to be heard as usual in public hearings set for March 6 and 13. Redevelopment Board deliberation and voting for action or no action are set to take place April 3. See the citizen articles here >>

The three board warrant articles for are administrative in nature, Ricker wrote.

All board zoning amendments, including adoption of MBTA Communities residential zoning and amendments to improve economic-development potential for the commercial corridors, are pushed to a Special Town Meeting in October, on a date to be determined by the Select Board. she wrote.

Historically, zoning issues tend to be time-consuming, often drawing the most comment and controversy. A special fall meeting would have zoning articles for economic development, along with multifamily zoning for MBTA communities.

Board members appeared to accept the directive but had questions about it and went on to discuss the concept of providing public outreach after the spring Town Meeting.

Rachel Zsembery, board chair, noted that the board plans to vote on the matter at the next ARB meeting, scheduled for Feb. 27. Board members expressed general agreement for doing so. Zsembery said she wants to start hearings in August.

For details, read a detailed summary by Steve Revilak, a board member who provides meeting notes as a public service >>