Planning Board
August 3, 2010
Present were: Chair Francoise Cusson, Members, Ernie Allain, Tom McCue, Sue Tremblay, Ralph Collins, David Morin, Alternate Members: Martha Creegan, Greg Estrella, and Richard Cassidy.
Excused were: Lucien Langlois, Julie Cooney, Aline Boucher, Laura Jamison
Others present: Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun
Chair Cusson appointed Mr. Cassidy, Mr. Estrella and Ms. Creegan as voting members for this meeting.
Public Comments – there were no comments
Minutes
Mr. Collins moved to accept the minutes of the July 7 meeting; Mr. Allain seconded and the motion carried.
Aquifer and Re-delineation Study
Ms. Laflamme reported that she will send electronic copies of the maps that show a new area which is being recommended for adoption as the new wellhead protection area. The Zoning Ordinance refers to an aquifer study that was done in 1992 and that portion of the ordinance would need to be updated if this were to become the new delineation. Mr. McCue asked if the expansion goes north of the industrial park and Ms. Laflamme clarified that it goes to the side below Horne Brook, not involving the proposed expansion of the industrial park. There was some discussion about whether the re-delineation will prevent the expansion of Coos County Nursing Home. Ms. Laflamme indicated that we will need to clarify what the next step is if there is one.
Mr. McCue asked what the restrictions are and what happens now within the area. Ms. Laflamme noted that zoning and uses that are permitted by a special use permit from the planning board and uses that are prohibited would not change but the protected area would. She will get clarification from the consultant.
Review of Proposed Housing Chapter for Master Plan
Ms. Laflamme explained that Andre Caron, the Housing Coordinator, who wrote the Housing Chapter, wants to rework the chapter to include what is going on with the Neighborhood Stabilization Program by November. He is hoping to get feedback from the Board. Chair Cusson stated that the chapter is all encompassing as it is. Page 16 reports that a new demand source for housing will be the federal prison complex. Councilor McCue noted that there may be a stronger impact on rentals than on housing because promotions at the Federal level are in three year terms, then the employee is moved to a new assignment. Ms. Laflamme stated that there are two classes of employees at the Federal prison: one maintains a career in one location and is known as a homesteader and the other is nomadic and they are
reassigned approximately every three years. There is a real estate arm of the Justice Department that deals with an employees’ house if it is up for sale and has not sold; they will buy it. Prison employees are very inclined to buy and sell real estate when they move on.
Mr. McCue stated that the impact to the rental market was in part caused by landlords who did not have the money to fix their buildings given the rental rates. It created a circle of bad tenants. He suggested tax incentives to try and reverse the trend. He also pointed out that additional research is needed on district heating saying that he is not convinced that the idea is not feasible.
Ms. Tremblay suggested low interest loans geared toward those coming to work for the prison. Mr. McCue commented that those who would be buying do not fit the mold of qualifying for low interest loans.
Chair Cusson commented that enforcement of housing codes is key. There is disarray if there is no follow up. She confirmed that buildings are put on a rotation for inspection to keep landlords at task. Mr. McCue added that the aesthetics of a neighborhood come from people fixing up their houses. When one starts, others join in.
Master Plan Revisions
Future Land Use
East Side Arterial. There is a design and it is hoped that the work will be done next summer. Planning Board is a supporting agency with the lead agency being city staff and City Council.
Layout new Riverwalk. Heritage Park is taking the lead from the Park to the Bridge Street Bridge. The City will own the land and there is a plan being put together to lay out the base for where the Riverwalk will go. Heritage Park is taking the lead on the west side and on east side of the river; the City Council would be the lead. The Riverwalk will be added as a stipulation item for the Laidlaw project. Lead is the Heritage Park; City Council and Planning Board are supporting. It will be a longer project than indicated and it should extend 0 to 36
months.
Develop conservation easements for Cascade Falls and Dead River Falls
Dead River Falls is on city property and is technically not going to be developed. AVRRDD owns Cascade Falls. The Ammoonusuc Land Trust is still working on easements for Mt. Jasper and Mt. Forist.
The revision will say, “Develop conservation areas including but not limited to Dead River and Cascade Falls.” The lead agency can be the Planning Board and Ammoonusuc Land Trust.
Complete connect multi use trail system elements along the Dead River . All is still appropriate with no changes suggested.
Revise zoning for Phase II of Route 110. Still appropriate and needs to appear on a future agenda for discussion.
Continue to support outdoor recreation.
The lead agency: Public entities and local businesses would be the supporting entity.
Lot Merger
Lucille Young - 16 Balsam Street, Map 126; Lots 74 & 75
Ms. Laflamme indicated that this request for a lot merger came in yesterday. It is being requested for tax purposes and creates more than a conforming lot. Chair Cusson expressed concern that a piece of land behind this one appears to be landlocked on the map provided. Ms. Laflamme will review.
Mr. Allain moved to approve the merger; Mr. Morin seconded and the motion carried.
Member Comments
Mr. McCue commented that there is zoning again in Berlin and an amendment to the zoning ordinance regarding non-conforming uses passed at the Council meeting.
Mr. McCue informed that the City Council will meet on the first Tuesday in September. Consensus of the Board was to meet Wednesday, September 8 for the Planning Board meeting.
Mr. Collins asked about the progress of Route 110 and Ms. Laflamme relayed that the State is moving ahead with property acquisitions.
There was a question about Federal prison tours and Ms. Laflamme noted that tours are only going on through the second week of September. She will try to schedule a tour for the Planning Board.
The Pisani’s are applying for permits and they are able to move ahead and put up fencing to start.
Ms. Laflamme said that the Board would receive new copies of the Zoning Ordinance, and is hoping to get them for the next meeting.
Planner Comments
None
Adjournment
Mr. Morin moved to adjourn; Mr. Allain seconded and the motion carried.
The meeting ended at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
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