Kablack explains that, historically, Sudbury has been viewed as anti-business because over the years a lot of land was rezoned from commercial to residential. Additionally, there were restrictive bylaws that made it difficult for businesses to come to town in the areas where they could. "We are trying to reverse that perception," Kablack points out.
The town has recently rezoned three parcels from industrial to commercial and is revising its site-plan review process to make it simpler. The committee is trying to give more parcels by-right uses rather than requiring a special permit, which is a complicated process. The Route 20 corridor also has a restrictive bylaw on groundwater protection that, notes Kablack, impacts all key businesses there. The committee will evaluate that bylaw as well. "We want those businesses to be able to work on their properties," she adds.
Kablack says that the committee is also looking to bring a residential component into Route 20. "When there are people in a business district there is vitality," she says. "We want people walking around the downtown area."
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