Planning Board Minutes
Cont. Public Hearing
May 7, 2007 @ 4:30 p.m.
Town Hall
Present: Rich Osnoss, Chairman; Billy Meegan, John Flender, Janet Weidner, Russell Walton, Mitchell Posin, Tim Lasker, Christina Soulagnet, Administrative Assistant
Absent: None
Guests: Warren Doty, Chris Murphy, Riggs Parker, Diane Emin, David Handlin,
Chuck Hodgkinson, Zee Gamson, Andy Goldman, Lenny Jason Jr.
Chairman Rich Osnoss opened the Public Hearing for Middle Line Road Community Housing Program at 4:34 p.m.
Mr. Osnoss read aloud the letters to the Planning Board from Walter and Pat Jenkinson dated May 1, 2007 and from Blair and Diane Emin, Keith and Wanda Emin, and Walter and Pat Jenkinson dated May 3, 2007, which included a copy of a letter to the Selectmen from them dated February 28, 2005. Mr. Osnoss stated that the Planning Board will send a written response acknowledging receipt of these letters.
There was discussion regarding the issue of the Middle Line Road Plan B. The issue with the road was brought up. Ms. Weidner reminded the Board that this plan is a Form B, preliminary plan. Furthermore, Ms. Weidner stated perhaps the Board needs to define the obstacles and outline what needs to be seen on the Form C.
Mr. Meegan concurred stating that the Planning Board needs to approve this Plan B but with conditions.
Mr. Posin outlined his concerns with the Plan. He would like to see adequate road access, the northeast cluster of homes to be moved west, and septic system options. Mr. Meegan agreed that moving the cluster of homes would be beneficial to the abutters. Mr. Handlin stated that in order to move the building envelopes for those homes, the wells and septic systems would need to be moved.
Mr. Parker stated that the architect designed this plan to meet all regulations, and
it does. Mr. Parker stated he is not opposed to providing suggested "add ons" for the homeowners. Mr. Doty suggested that we could ask the Town at a special town meeting to pass a warrant article for $60,000. Each of the 6 homeowners would apply and receive up to $10,000 for energy/environmental add ons. The Selectmen, with the assistance of the architect, would need to define a list of add on items, ie: Solar hot water, compost toilets, etc...
A question was asked, "What about the rentals?" The Town applied for and was awarded six (6) Photovoltaic panels for the rental units. It was suggested that the RFP have the option for LEED Certification Level numbers.
PB Meeting - 2 - May 7, 2007
Mr. Meegan referred to the South Mountain Plan Options A, B and C, which suggested for the Town to build the homes. If the Town proceeded with that plan, the costs would not have been as affordable as liked. Mr. Goldman stated the need to keep this development affordable. The South Mountain Plan was utilized as a reference guide for David Handlin. The Plan B before us is most similar to the South Mountain Plan A.
Mr. Doty stated that the Homesite Housing Bylaw was created five (5) years ago, and the Planning Board has approved only 1 resident homesite to date. The Town needs to create more Homesite Housing lots, since there hasn't been one lottery yet.
There was discussion about the Plan B DRI referral to the MVC. When the MVC receives a DRI, it looks at the energy policy, public transportation, historic issues, open space, archeological issues and wastewater. The Planning Board referred this Plan B to the MVC due to: 1. The development has a density greater that 10 (MLR has 12), 2. The land is greater than 15 acres (MLR is 21 acres) and has more than 3 lots (MLR has 7 lots) and 3. There is a possible presence of endangered species
(1 moth and 1 fish). The MVC Public Hearing for MLR is on May 10, 2007 at
7:30 p.m. at the Chilmark Community Center.
The Board agreed to construct a letter to the MVC for the May 10 Public Hearing. The letter should state that the PB appreciates the Commission addressing the regional issues, however, the PB is confident that the local issues will be resolved at the local level. The Board requests the MVC to refer this plan back to the Planning Board. A motion was made to write a letter to the MVC, seconded and approved unanimously. Mr. Osnoss will write a draft letter and forward to all members for their review/input.
The Board reviewed Public Hearing procedures. It was confirmed that if a member is not present at all MLR Public Hearing meetings, he/she is excluded from voting on MLR Form B. The option of closing the Public Hearing at the start of next week's meeting, May 14, was discussed.
Mr. Osnoss asked the public if there were any additional comments or concerns. With no additional comments, the Public Hearing was continued to May 14, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at Town Hall.
There was no other business. Meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Christina Soulagnet, Administrative Assistant
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