Hudson City Council tackled a packed agenda Tuesday, approving more than $50 million in infrastructure financing while passing controversial zoning changes that restrict boarding kennels and impose a temporary moratorium on planning applications.
The Oct. 7 meeting saw unanimous approval for multiple bond and note authorizations covering projects across the city. The largest single authorization provides up to $31 million in notes for construction of a new public works facility on Hudson Drive. The city previously approved $3.3 million in bonds to acquire 31 acres for the project site.
Council also authorized $7.5 million in notes to expand the Velocity Broadband fiber optic system to residential customers, marking a major milestone as the city-owned network celebrates its 10th anniversary serving Hudson businesses.
Recreational improvements received significant funding, including $2.7 million for a new clubhouse at Ellsworth Meadows Golf Club. The total project cost is estimated at $3.1 million, with the balance coming from the golf course fund. Trail projects advanced with $2.7 million approved for a multipurpose trail along Boston Mills Road and $1 million for a trail along Valley View Road connecting to Hunting Hollow Drive.
The Fire and EMS facility will receive up to $5 million for remodeling and expansion, including a new detached garage building. Additional financing approved includes refinancing of $740,000 and $925,000 in notes for acquiring former Windstream properties on Owen Brown Street as part of the downtown development project.
City Manager Thomas Sheridan noted the unusual meeting structure, as these notes typically represent funds already spent on approved projects. All financing ordinances passed with 7-0 votes after completing their third readings.
Boarding Kennels Face New Restrictions
The meeting also addressed contentious zoning changes that significantly restrict where boarding kennels can operate in Hudson. Ordinance 25-92 passed 5-2 after months of debate, limiting boarding kennels to commercial districts 6 and 8 while requiring a 300-foot setback from adjacent residential uses.
Council President Christopher Foster defended the changes, saying noise from boarding kennels belongs in commercial districts rather than areas where residents expect quiet surroundings. The measure removes kennels entirely from district 2, which Foster described as primarily residential.
Veterinary facilities and pet grooming businesses were separated from kennel regulations under the new ordinance. These services are now permitted in commercial districts 5, 6, 7 and 8 without distance restrictions.
Council members Patricia Goetz and Nicole Kowalski voted against the measure. Goetz argued for maintaining the existing 150-foot setback rather than expanding it to 300 feet. Kowalski called the changes too reactionary and expressed concern the restrictive setback could harm the business community.
Planning Moratorium Passes by Single Vote
In another controversial decision, council narrowly approved a 90-day moratorium on private planning applications, but the measure will take effect only after a 30-day waiting period. Resolution 25-143 passed 4-3, one vote short of the six needed for emergency status. Council members Goetz, Kowalski and Michael Bird voted against the measure.
The moratorium applies only to private applications requiring public hearings before the planning commission. Government projects including the inclusive playground at Oak Grove Park are exempt.
Foster said the pause allows planning commission members to review and clarify the land development code without requiring city staff to manage two concurrent sets of rules. Goetz and Bird expressed concern the moratorium would create a backlog of 12 to 15 applications that must be processed after the 90 days expires.
Council Member Christopher Banweg countered that the moratorium prevents liability risks from administering conflicting regulations during the review period.
Infrastructure and Development Initiatives
Council also approved measures to advance development plans for 21 acres of city-owned property west of the First and Main development. As part of the consent agenda, council authorized Sheridan to adopt a project name and develop site branding for the downtown development site while issuing a request for proposals for professional architectural and engineering design services.
The city will advertise for bids for several road improvement projects including turn lane improvements at State Route 91 and Terex Road, resurfacing of East Barlow Road from the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks east to Stow Road, and pedestrian improvements along South Main Street.
An emergency resolution passed authorizing bids for Division Street culvert replacement after city workers discovered a deteriorating stormwater box culvert following a June sinkhole investigation.
Fire Response Time Praised
Council members praised the city’s hybrid fire department service following its rapid response to a midday house fire Oct. 7. Council Member Karen Heater reported the fire truck left the station in less than one minute and arrived at the scene in under seven minutes. No injuries were reported.
Foster compared the response to a previous incident where response time exceeded 15 minutes before the hybrid department was implemented. That same property now receives service within two minutes.
Council approved three appointments to city boards following executive session interviews. Foster nominated Rob Gerling and Jonathan Elson for full terms on the Economic Growth Board, while Robert Carl received a nomination for reappointment to a full term on the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals. All three appointments passed 5-0 with two abstentions.
Related: Suspect Charged in Hudson Credit Union Robbery | Hudson Announces Upcoming Events, City Updates | Hudson Police Reports: Theft, Fraud and Juvenile Incidents Mark Two-Week Period
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