Virtual Focus Group Recap: Article 80 Modernization
September 18, 2024
In a special focus group held on September 16, members of A Better City received a preview of an Action Plan for Article 80 Modernization to be released by the end of September. Introduced by Interim Planning Department Director Devin Quirk, Deputy Director of Master Planning and Policy Nupoor Monani and Transformation Project Manager Kevin Crossley presented a status report of their activities, expanding on several previous discussions with A Better City. Earlier phases of the program include surveys with engaged and less engaged groups, research of the practices of per cities, and identification of several key principles to guide the changes to the process.
The Action Plan will codify draft recommendations centered on three core changes:
- Effective engagement
- Consistent standards
- Coordinated review
A significant component of effective engagement is overhauling the IAG process, replacing it with Community Advisory Teams with a clarified role, training, and support to enable members to provide more relevant contributions to the project review process. The aim for consistent standards is to provide greater predictability and transparency for the review process with clear definitions and better understood mitigation of impacts and a menu of community benefit options for developers to choose. The aim of coordinated review is to assemble a team from all reviewing agencies and departments in a single process. The review filings would be reorganized to more closely match the steps of the design process with a vote of the BPDA Board following schematic design before design development and construction documents stages. The overall goal is for increased operational predictability for all participants in the process.
Following review of the Action Plan with interested groups this fall, next steps in the modernization process are preparing for implementation in the second quarter next year including preparation of new zoning language, followed by establishing the Community Advisory Teams.
Members of A Better City engaged in vigorous discussions about the proposed changes to Article 80. Concerns were raised that the proposed process does not recognize the realities of the real estate development process in which it is important to keep moving ahead rather than revisit decisions that have already been made. Devising a different review process for projects that do not impact traffic or change massing or height in contrast to larger projects with these impacts which should have greater review attention. The process for “Squares and Streets” projects that are allowed as of right may also benefit from a streamlined review process. The importance of the project manager’s role in coordinating and facilitating a timely Article 80 project review process was mentioned.
Kevin Crossley agreed that the culture of the organization needs to support the effort to meet review deadlines. Staff capacity is a key to meeting review timelines, he said.
Additional comments suggested that the proposed changes to the process are moving in the right direction, but there needs to be political will to live with the timelines. Formalizing the process and the effort to live within the rules is important. A comment was that the process needs to expedite good projects.
Nupoor Monani agreed that there needs to be a culture of accountability. The process needs to spell out clear criteria for what gets a yes and what gets a no, she said.
Kate Dineen asked how A Better City can help. Mr. Crossley said that following the release of the Action Plan, there will be a 60-day comment period. Ms. Dineen said that ABC will prepare a letter that organizes our comments on the Action Plan.
