Quincy establishes business moratorium

QUINCY — After disputing the validity of a vote taken to initiate a moratorium for large retail business, Quincy City Council unanimously voted to reaffirm the move Tuesday night.

The initial unanimous vote took place during an extended council meeting July 10.

The moratorium on retail businesses larger than 80,000 square feet will last 60 days, City Attorney Allan Galbraith said.

It can last up to six months, if a public hearing is held and an approving vote is taken, he said.

During the 60-day period, council will devise a plan to handle large retail businesses. There are no guidelines for the city to handle the construction of large retail business buildings in Quincy.

"I'm not trying to stop growth," Councilmember Jim Hemberry said. "I don't want to see this thing drag on."

The moratorium is being considered so council can construe a way to control large retail businesses referred to as "big box stores." Council wants buildings in the downtown area to be similar in size to each other. A large-size building might not fit with the rest of the buildings, he said.

When businesses come into the city, the buildings should be built to standards approved by the city and wanted by the city, Hemberry explained.

He said the moratorium can be viewed as a revitalization to downtown. It does not curb growth, it compliments growth, he advised.

Eventually the moratorium will be added to the comp plan, Galbraith said.

The moratorium issue will remain on all council agendas for the next several weeks to monitor the progress of the idea.

Councilmember Jose Salda-a was absent from the council meeting.