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APPROVED
Chilmark Planning Board
July 25, 2016
Present: Rich Osnoss, Chairperson, Janet Weidner, John Eisner, Joan Malkin
Not Present: Mitchell Posin, Peter Cook, Chris MacLeod
Public: Jane Slater, Tim Rich, Jim Malkin, Ben Retmeir, Andy Goldman, Bill Rossi
Staff: Jennifer Christy, Admin. Asst. Chuck Hodgkinson, David Norton
Meeting called to order at 4:35 PM
- Public Safety Bldg. Site Committee Report:
- Mr. Goldman presented the report and the current proposal for the location.
- Mr. Osnoss inquired whether the process may require action from the Planning Board. Mr. Goldman noted that it was not known whether the Planning Board would need to take action but he did not think it likely.
- Mr. Goldman phrased his presentation as an “interim” presentation. Mr. Goldman briefly discussed the committee’s progress in locating a parcel of land suitable for the building. He noted that key considerations for the currently considered site are:
- The site is centrally located.
- Eminent domain may need to be considered due to the need for a public safety building in the center of town.
- The size of the site should be three acres or possibly more.
- The size of the building may need to be 12,800 sq. ft. approximately.
- The building and site must relate to the land, to the environment and to the other elements in the built and natural landscape of the site.
- Mr. Rich noted that the currently considered site has been considered in the past and continues to be the best area, in the opinion of the committee, for the public safety building.
- Mr. Rossi stated the emergency services building needs to be in the center of town and the possibility of a permanent home for Tri-Town services in the new building is very desirable due to the fact that Tri-Town Staff would be stationed in the middle town of the Tri-Town region.
- Mr. Rossi noted that the North Rd. safety building and the current firehouse have considerable restrictions on the sites due to conservation restrictions and size, for example.
- Ms. Malkin stated that long-term planning, particularly to accommodate the Police Dept., is smart planning. Ms. Malkin also noted her interest in joint-use buildings. Mr. Goldman noted his communications with the Police Chief who has expressed interest in being located within a public safety building rather than in a separate building. Mr. Goldman further noted that it is not clear that the planned building will include the Police Dept., but that the committee plans to propose a safety building that could, in the future, accommodate other public safety departments.
- Mr. Rich noted that the idea of utilizing eminent domain has been considered very carefully by the committee and is not considered lightly.
- Ms. Malkin noted that the committee will need to identify wetlands before proceeding much further.
- Ms. Weidner stated her appreciation that the committee is visiting the various committees and boards. Ms. Weidner stated her view that eminent domain is not a preferred action for the town. Ms. Weidner asked if the possibility of moving the community center was a possibility that was being considered. Mr. Goldman stated that moving the community center is not being considered.
- Mr. Osnoss asked for clarification on why the center of Town is the key area for the site. Mr. Goldman stated that the committee did analysis on where best the response to emergencies would emanate from. Mr. Rich stated the center of town, in his extensive experience, is the best place from which to proceed out to emergencies.
- Mr. Eisner stated his concern with the size and aesthetics of a large building in the center of town.
- Ms. Malkin suggested that some thought be given to possible uses for the old Menemsha School if the Police Dept. should move to a portion of the public safety building. Mr. Goldman and Mr. Rich stated that, although that would be good planning, imagining the uses for the Menemsha School is outside of the task set by the Board of Selectmen for the PSBSC.
- Mr. Malkin stated that the proposal for the public safety building should be kept concise without including the possible plans for other town buildings.
- Mr. Hodgkinson stated that there may be zoning bylaws that would be applicable in the area being considered.
- Mr. Eisner stated that the restrictions on roadside district, etc., may be an additional reason to support a public safety building out of Beetlebung Corner.
- Mr. Osnoss and Mr. Rossi suggested that a public safety building may be placed in the middle of town and still be aesthetically fitting.
- Ms. Weidner stated that it is possible that an in-town site could alleviate some of the current severe parking concerns for the library and the community center.
- Mr. Rich noted that concerns about aesthetics are valid but that with good planning a public safety building and site could be made to fit in Town.
- Mr. Osnoss stated his support for the project.
- Form A Discussion, Jane Slater, Map 12, Lot 50:
- Ms. Slater showed the Board members a photograph of the lot and the assessors’ map showing the lot.
- Mr. Hodgkinson indicated an existing right of way along one of the lot lines.
- Mr. Hodgkinson stated that a car may be driven on the right of way and he showed the Doug Dowling plan showing the right of way.
- Discussion concerned access and a possible MV Commission referral.
- Ms. Slater stated she would consult with Mitchell Posin, Road Agent, and return to the Board.
- George Rivera Form A date issue:
- The chairperson stated that he would like to wait until the Board member, Mitchell Posin, is present before dating the mylar.
- Kate Warner correspondence to BOS:
- Brief discussion occurred regarding road widening and safety of the roads.
- Sergio Modigliani correspondence:
- Brief discussion occurred and it was agreed that Ms. Christy would provide, at the next meeting, the data on subdivisions requested.
- The minutes June 27, 2016 were reviewed. Minutes were approved by Rich, Janet and John as written.
- Next Meetings:
- Public Safety Building Site Committee Report and Sketch Plan of Land dated October 11, 2011
- Jane Slater Map 12, Lot 50 plan
- Rivera, Map 17, Lot 21.1 Mylar Plan
- Draft Rules & Regulations Governing subdivision in Chilmark public hearing notice
- Correspondence from: Kate Warner, Sergio Modigliani, Adam Turner (MVC) and Chuck Hodgkinson(ZBA)
- DEP Waterways Application: Scheuer Family
Meeting adjourned at 6:03 PM. Minutes respectfully submitted by Jennifer L. Christy
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