A hearty debate over zoning ordinance changes related to Single Family (SF-1) districts dominated discussion at a joint meeting of the Gloucester Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission on Tuesday night.

From the conference room at the Gloucester Library, Main Street Center, members of both groups discussed proposals made by planning and zoning staff related to revising and rewriting components of the zoning ordinance. 

Of the matters discussed, the allowing or disallowing of businesses and schools in SF-1 zones drew opposition. Supervisor Phillip Bazzani said that he felt that allowing schools, day care facilities, and businesses that draw customers and traffic to their site should all be forbidden from SF-1 zones.

“SF-1 should be sacred” he said, also clarifying that he did not oppose home businesses as currently allowed by right in SF-1. 

In addition, the potential allowance of residential spaces in business zones came under discussion. Staff had initi...