Planning Board 08/26/2026

The City of Worcester Planning Board held a hybrid meeting on August 26, 2026, addressing multiple zoning and site plan matters. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of special permits and definitive site plans for residential developments with parking relief under inclusionary zoning, such as the conversion of 1 Jackson Street into 32 apartments with reduced parking and the construction of a 23-unit building at 25-27 Perkins Street with 25 parking spaces. The board also approved a definitive site plan amendment for 11 Cliff Street involving a septic system and riprap wall, and a definitive site plan for a single-family house at 454 Granite Street. Additionally, the board reviewed and favorably recommended zoning map amendments for several properties, including 25 West Chester Street (rezoning from RS7 to RL7 to allow low-rise multifamily housing), 95 Vernon Street (adding an adaptive reuse overlay district to a BO2 zone), and 128 Providence Street (rezoning to RG5 with adaptive reuse overlay to support redevelopment of the former St. Vincent's Hospital nurses building into senior housing). Public comments focused on neighborhood concerns about traffic, parking, and infrastructure impacts. The board emphasized that zoning changes do not guarantee development and that future projects would require further review and special permits. Motions to approve site plans, special permits, and zoning amendments passed unanimously. Several administrative agenda items, including approval of four ANRs (Approval Not Required plans), were also approved.