City planners are coming closer to having a fully developed proposal for the South Broadway development initiative. A plan that includes rezoning to allow for more residential buildings was presented at a community meeting Thursday.

A detailed description of a “preliminary zoning approach” shows new sections of the street where large apartment buildings would be permitted, a “transitional zone” with more housing and a reconceptualized “commercial core” allowing for shorter apartment buildings, including apartments above stores. A full presentation is posted here.

The proposal also includes a plan for “better streets and public spaces”: wider sidewalks, more trees, improved lighting and park renovation. The planners’ vision for “stronger local business” includes an artist’s rendering of a new “community hub,” which would include a theater and spaces for community meetings and service providers.

The initiative was launched by City Hall last spring. The consulting firm BFJ created the plan. A previous community meeting was held in June, and the planners reported that meetings were held with area stakeholders over the summer.

The consultants plan to make their recommendations in the coming months and finalize the plans in mid-2027.

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