As former Peterborough Planning Board Chairs, we write to express our support for proposed Zoning Amendment 15 to repeal Traditional Neighborhood Overlay Zone II, so that our single-family neighborhoods will retain their character, without commercial or multi-family uses, and without tiny lots or tiny setbacks.
For decades, the maximum density in Peterborough’s General Residence neighborhoods was four units per acre. Current zoning now makes it possible to put up to 16 units per acre in those close-to-town neighborhoods.
For decades, the smallest setback in the Family District was 25 feet. Under our current zoning, the smallest possible setbacks are two feet on the front and five feet on the side and rear.
For decades, the town’s single-family neighborhoods were zoned for single-family homes. Later, the ordinance was amended to add duplexes. Current zoning now makes it possible to build ten-unit apartment buildings on every street with water and sewer lines, with five or ten-foot setbacks.
For decades, the smallest allowable lot was 20,000 square feet. Current zoning now makes it possible to build on a 5,000 square foot lot everywhere that there is water and sewer.
For decades, Peterborough’s residential neighborhoods were just that—residential. Current zoning now makes it possible to establish commercial uses like cafes and repair shops on Lookout Hill Road, Taylor Court and other neighborhoods.
How did these changes happen? In recent years, using the pretext that their proposed zoning changes would be consistent with Peterborough’s historical approach to zoning, the Planning Board pushed through amendments allowing density that is historically inappropriate. As you can see from the above examples of what is now possible under Peterborough’s zoning, the result could be development completely and catastrophically out of character with our existing neighborhoods.
Peterborough’s zoning now makes possible development that is denser than what is allowed in Milford, Keene or Nashua. Think about that.
Zoning Amendment #15 on the Peterborough zoning ballot is an amendment that will preserve the ‘look and feel’ of Our Town.
In the close-to-town neighborhoods, where there is a history of some multi-family use, Amendment #15 would allow somewhat more density than in the past, but much less than the 16 units per acre that is possible now. Under Amendment #15, setbacks and minimum lot sizes would be more consistent with what currently exists in our neighborhoods, and commercial and multi-family uses would not be allowed in single-family neighborhoods.
Amendment #15 is not anti-affordable housing. Developers will still be able to build affordable housing in every neighborhood where it has been traditionally allowed.
Amendment #15 is not against in-fill, or new housing. If the amendment passes, projects like the condos at the top of Vine Street, and the proposed housing at the former Woodman’s Florist would still be possible.
Amendment #15 is not NIMBYism. Our zoning was created with General Residence, Family and Rural Districts because different parts of town have different characters. Zoning is designed to preserve the character of those neighborhoods. The recent amendments, which allow almost anything everywhere there is sewer, defeat the whole purpose of zoning by making most of Peterborough’s neighborhoods subject to a set of rules that prioritizes much higher density.
You might think that we dealt with these issues when the major zoning amendment was defeated last year. Last year’s proposed amendment would have allowed dense development without requiring permits or special exceptions. Peterborough’s zoning still allows overly-dense development with Planning Board approval.
Zoning Amendment #15 strikes a balance between preserving the character of Peterborough’s neighborhoods and allowing flexibility for in-fill and new housing options. Please vote “Yes” on Amendment #15 on May 14.