Chilmark Planning Board Minutes
Joint Planning Board Meeting with West Tisbury Planning Board
Public Meeting @ 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Final
Chilmark Planning Board Members Present: Janet Weidner, Chairperson; Russell Walton,
Mitchell Posin, William Meegan, John Flender, Tim Lasker, Rich Osnoss and
Christina Soulagnet, Administrative Assistant
Absent: None
WT Planning Board Members Present: Virginia Jones, David Douglas, Susan Silva, Lieh Smith,
and Simone DeSorcey, Administrative Assistant
Public / Guests: Bill Veno, Russell Maloney, Chuck Hodgkinson, Gary Harcourt, Ruby Iantosca,
Warren Doty, Skip Manter, and Richard Knabel (WT BOS).
Call To Order
Janet Weidner, Chairperson, opened the meeting at 4:30 pm.
High Meadow Trust (Map 7, Parcel 21, Lot 34)
The Board reviewed the High Meadow Trust View Easement Amendment Certificate. At the October 6, 2008 meeting, the Planning Board discussed this item and voted to rescind the view easement; however, the document was not signed at that time. Mr. Walton made a motion,
Mr. Flender seconded, and the Board voted to sign the document; 6 yeas, 1 abstention. The members signed the document. Christina will forward the signed document to Mr. Rob McCarron.
Meeting Minutes
The meeting minutes of September 22, 2008 were reviewed by the Board. Mr. Walton made a motion, Mr. Flender seconded and the Board approved the minutes with a few minor amendments; 6 yeas, 1 abstention.
West Tisbury Planning Board
Chairperson Weidner welcomed the West Tisbury Planning Board (WTPB) members, David Douglas, Chairperson; Virginia Jones, Susan Silva, Liah Smith and Simone DeSorcey, Administrative Assistant, to the Chilmark Planning Board meeting. Introductions were made.
Mr. Lasker reclused himself as a Planning Board member and joined the audience due to a potential conflict of interest.
Ms. Weidner provided an overview for the Boards stating that Chilmark has two existing wind turbines; one of which generated abutter concerns. Ms. Weidner discussed and distributed a comparison chart of wind turbine regulations for the towns on Martha's Vineyard. Mr. Douglas began by stating that West Tisbury permits wind turbines by right. There are five existing wind turbines in their town and they anticipate amending their regulations in the near future to require a special permit for a wind turbine.
The Boards began the discussion by voicing the concerns associated with wind turbines.
Mr. Douglas voiced that there are health problems linked to wind turbines that need to be
looked into.
Mr. Tim Lasker suggested that a special permit be required. He also suggested that putting together a comprehensive plan to address turbines would be beneficial; such as installing a few large turbines at a site, rather than spread out over the town.
Ms. Smith commented that the size of the turbine and the capacity of energy would need to be addressed. Ms. Smith is also concerned with the visual and noise impact of the turbines.
Mr. Gary Harcourt stated that the Ice Rink is proposing to erect a 50kW wind turbine at 140 feet in height plus 20 foot blades. This has not been approved by the FAA because it is within close proximity of the airport. Mr. Bill Veno provided a wind map of the island and he stated that the FAA has influence within a 20,000 foot radius of the airport. Mr. Richard Knabel shared that the WT School proposes to erect a 250kW machine and the MV Charter School is exploring erecting a 100 - 800 kW unit that is 200+ feet in height. The MV Charter School is conducting a feasibility study for wind turbines. These turbines would need a variance from the FAA. Tisbury is looking into a 600 foot turbine at the Refuse Center (dump), which has already received a variance
approval.
Mr. Knabel shared that excess electricity generated from the West Tisbury School turbine could
be sold back to the utility company or the excess can be credited to another school within the
Up-Island Regional School District (Chilmark).
Mr. Russell Maloney began by stating he was approached by his neighbor who is considering putting up a wind turbine. Mr. Maloney supports alternative energy, but had some concerns regarding his neighbor's idea. Due to the location of the machine, which is placed furthest from the owners home and closest to Mr. Maloney's home, the turbine would disrupt his view.
Mr. Warren Doty suggested that the towns should indicate areas where visibility is prominent and preserve those areas within the towns. In addition, Mr. Doty believes that the state model bylaw is a good start for an amendment, but suggests that we do not need to zone all towns the same way.
Mr. Harcourt shared that large machines are more efficient than smaller ones; but with a larger machine, there is a larger impact. Mr. Harcourt has put up nine turbines so far this year.
Mr. Billy Meegan expressed an interest in the health issues. Something to look into in the future.
Ms. Virginia Jones supported identifying areas within the towns where wind turbines would be less visible. Ms. Jones continued to say that the health issues need to be researched and that she encourages the members to explore all options and the island. She outlined the important considerations which include the height, the abutter setbacks, the location, and fencing with locked gate for safety purposes.
Mr. Richard Osnoss shared that as a Board, we are learning more and more every day. Presently, only abutters within 300 feet of the property owner applying for a turbine are sent notification. The possibility of extending that zone needs to be looked into.
Mr. Posin discussed his support for community turbines versus a turbine on every three acres.
Mr. Chuck Hodgkinson confirmed that there are no pending wind turbine applications. Mr. Hodgkinson shared that the 300' abutter radius was inadequate because the visibility and noise of a turbine may affect more than just the abutter. He suggests expanding the notification radius. Mr. Harcourt concurred that expanding the abutter notification radius would be beneficial.
Mr. Meegan supported expanding the review board of wind turbine applications to get more opportunity for feedback. Perhaps, extend the public advertising to three or four weeks. Another thought would be to create an up-island energy district and include Aquinnah in the process.
Chairperson Weidner read aloud from the Chilmark Distributed Antenna System Zoning Bylaw, which establishes a board to review DAS applications. The Chilmark Plan Review Committee (CPRC) is a board made up of all the members of the Planning Board, all the members of the Zoning Board of Appeals and one member appointed by the Board of Selectmen that can be a Selectmen. The Planning Board is considering adopting the same language for the Wind Turbine Bylaw amendment so that the thirteen-member board would review the turbine applications.
Chairperson Weidner summarized the discussion by stating that a fragmented approach would not be good and that zoning or identifying areas to encourage specific locations would be beneficial. There are health issues that need to be researched. Lastly, perhaps creating separate regulations for large and small wind turbines. The Board needs to look at the process, expand notification and explore visual and noise impact. There was a sense of a tri-town approach to ensure continuity between the three towns.
With no further business to discuss, Ms. Weidner adjourned at 6:26 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Christina Soulagnet, Administrative Assistant.
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