Residents voiced significant concerns during a recent city council meeting regarding the proposed zoning changes related to Eastern Nazarene College (ENC). Michelle Plum, a local resident, highlighted flooding issues in her neighborhood, particularly during flash floods, and expressed worries about the potential impact of the college's private sale on the community and the arboretum. She emphasized the need for protections during the sale process, especially after the loss of local cultural venues like the Williston Theatre.

City Councilor Dan Minton acknowledged the college's positive role in the community but noted that the meeting was primarily introductory, with many more discussions to follow. He assured residents that their input would be sought in future community meetings as plans develop.

Concerns about public outreach were also raised, particularly by Janine Buonomo, who criticized the lack of direct communication to residents about the public hearing on the ENC Senior Zoning Overlay district. She urged the city to adopt more proactive communication methods to ensure community engagement in decisions that significantly affect local neighborhoods.

Solicitor Timmons suggested that the planning department collaborate with his office to draft recommendations for the zoning amendment, which will be discussed in a future meeting. He emphasized that the current hearing was preliminary and that substantial discussions would occur at the city council level, where broader community input would be solicited.

The planning board ultimately decided to close the public hearing for the zoning amendment, with plans to post a draft letter online ahead of the next meeting on November 20. The board aims to ensure that residents are informed and can participate meaningfully in the ongoing discussions about the future of the ENC property and its implications for the community.