"The rezoning presents significant issues for the business community," Tom Lucey, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce president, tells GlobeSt.com. "It limits the ability of those with businesses already on the ground to refinance or sell their buildings or build out."

Lucey emphasizes that he is not opposed to the concept of rezoning in order to increase housing options or even to all 17 district changes, but he believes that six to seven of the districts need to reconsidered. "Rezoning should be one tool that is in the city's tool box, but there are going to be unintended consequences here," he points out.

The financial impacts of the rezoning are still unclear but Lucey notes that it would have a real impact on the city's bottom line because of the reduced tax base. He believes that growth of spending would be reduced by up to 20%.