Chichester Planning Board
Minutes of Meeting
Thursday November 29, 2018
Members Present: Chairman Stan Brehm, Michael Williams, Richard Moore, Tom Houle, Richard Bouchard ex-officio, Ann Davis, Dan Humphrey and Kristy Barnouski Secretary.
Others present: Matt Monahan, Mike Tardiff, Zach Boyijian, , Charlie Kojigian, Gail Britton-Kojigian, Dan Humphrey, Bob Mann, Mardy Friary, Donna Chagnon, Lucille Noel, Bernie Reindhardt, Carolee Davison, Kate Hall, Joyce Lemay, , and other members of the public.
Mr. Brehm called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.
Mr. Bouchard made a motion and Mr. Houle seconded to approve the minutes of November 15, 2018 with the proposed changes. Motion passes.
Mr. Monahan presented some new maps with the new proposed redistricting of the 2 and 5 acre zones. Mr. Monahan briefly went over how CNHRPC utilized the NRI maps along with Co-occurrence maps to get to the phase they are at now for new members of the audience.
Mr. Monahan discussed using the building acre or building envelope as it’s also called. This is defined by using a parcel of land and then pulling out the wetland, wetland buffers, steep slopes, and any area in the 100 year flood zone which would leave you with at least one contiguous acre of buildable land.
Discussion on Agricultural lands-
The Board discussed the preservation of rural character and Ag lands of historical farm lands.
Mr. Williams stated that he would rather preserve Ag land through incentive rather than restrict someone’s land because it has been historically used as farmlands.
Nodes-
Nodes are areas of Town mapped out to do more innovative zoning and create more of a “town center” feel. Originally there were three nodes suggested. The Board decided to start with one node this year and to add additional nodes in upcoming years. The first node will be in the Town Hall area.
It was discussed by the Board to add additional language to the node section regarding a few items.
- A waiver clause needs to be added to the node language so the Planning Board could waive certain items and have more discretion during the Site Plan process.
- Road frontage of 75 feet also be added.
- Referring back to the official wetlands ordinance for areas in the nodes.
- Referring applicants to the Zoning Board of Adjustments for any relief they may seek in the nodes.
Charrette-
Ms. Noel spoke on behalf of the Charrette team and briefly went over their thoughts on the new zoning. She stated the Charrettes main focus is preserving rural character in Town. The Charrette would like to see more repurposed barns and would also like to see architectural guidelines in place for the nodes.
Short Falls Road discussion-
Mr. Monahan and Mr. Brehm discussed with the Board that the proposed plan is being reviewed by CNRPC. They have a copy in their office they are reviewing and Mr. Monahan will discuss any issues with the Town Attorney. Mr. Monahan discussed how he feels that an application to the ZBA will have to be made to the open space lot as it will have no road frontage or they could not develop the last lot on Short Falls Road. Mr. Monahan stated that he will have a memo out to the Board ASAP.
Master Plan Update-
Mr. Brehm asked the Board for support in asking for monies to complete Chichester’s Master Plan. The Board agreed.
Mr. Williams made a motion and Ms. Davis seconded to ask for up to $2,500.00 in funds to work on the completion of the Master Plan. Motion passes.
Adjournment- Having no further business, a motion was made by Mr. Brehm and seconded by Ms. Davis to adjourn the meeting at 8:45pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristy Barnouski, Secretary
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