Weymouth Council Approves NAS South Weymouth Zoning Overhaul in Unanimous Vote

WEYMOUTH -- June 26, 2023, Weymouth Town Council votes 11-0 to approve sweeping new zoning rules for the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station. The council passed all three components of Measure 23-022 unanimously at its June 26 special meeting, adopting zoning and land use bylaws for the Union Point site, approving a revised zoning district map dated May 23, 2023, and accepting a commitment from master developer Brookfield/New England Development to fund an independent peer review of traffic, water, and wastewater impacts. Ordinance Committee Chair Councilor DeFazio presented the measures after the committee voted 5-0 for favorable action on June 22 following five committee sessions and multiple public hearings stretching back to April. Council President Matthews said he plans to form a five-member Town Council subcommittee focused on Union Point issues including the MEPA review process, noting the Southfield Reuse Authority had not presented to the full council in nearly seven years. The council also unanimously approved 20 mph school zone speed limits on portions of Pleasant, Commercial, and Washington Streets and no-parking restrictions near Lane Beach, while a free cash measure for pickleball courts at Riley Field was held until September after roughly 60 neighbors raised concerns at a site meeting about noise, lighting, and water runoff.