"The notion was not to penalize housing [in the plan]," he said.
One item of contention last night was a succesful amendment that changes the zoning on a lot owned by Peter Wasserman to allow fewer houses. Wasserman is developing an office and business complex near Porter Square.
The amendment was opposed by Kevin Crane, Wasserman's attorney, who said that it was unfair that Wasserman be singled out by the council.
But several councilors said the amendment was important to keep the neighborhood from being inundated and to moderate the traffic and parking congestion.
City Councilor David E. Sullivan said he thought the amendment was needed to encourage Wasserman to provide low-income housing in return for a future zoning change back to a higher density.
Sullivan said that he thought such actions were justified given Wasserman's past relations with the city.
"Mr. Wasserman hasn't played honestly with the neighborhood on this issue...he has taken people by surprise," he said.