SACO — A proposal to change zoning in the Bradley Street area, to allow businesses in a residential zone, has been tabled for further planning board review.

Developer George Giovanis has requested the city rezone 84 acres off Bradley Street, in the vicinity of the turnpike, changing a residential area to a mixed-use zone that would not only permit businesses but would increase the residential density by allowing smaller housing lots.

The proposal received a negative recommendation from the planning board, which cited traffic concerns and a departure from the city’s comprehensive plan. Residents in the Bradley Street area have voiced similar concerns.

Giovanis has said the proposal would bring in a much-needed commercial base to offset taxes and would encourage young people to stay and work in Maine.

The council was scheduled to vote on the proposed zoning change Monday night, but chose to table the vote and send the proposal back to the planning board for further review. The council also voted to hold a public hearing once the proposal comes back to councilors, so it could hear input from the residents.

Giovanis, in documents, had asked the council to waive time limit requirements for a council vote on the proposal, and give time for additional planning board review.

Councilor Arthur Tardif, who voted against tabling the proposal, said, referring to the neighborhood, “These people have been up in arms for a month now. We should make a decision.”

Councilor David Precourt said if the proposal were tabled, the four new councilors, who were elected to the board after much of the discussion on the suggested zone change occurred, could be brought “up to speed.”

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].