Greenfield Conservation Commission + Open Space Committee
Minutes
December 13th, 2006
Attended: Karen Day, Chair; Karla Allen, Carol Irvin, Laura Putnam, Janet Romanelli
Absent: Neal Brown, Roger Lessard, Miriam Lockhart
Special Attendee: John Hopkins
Special Meeting - Because of the upcoming holiday and the numerous activities of both groups, the Conservation Commission met in conjunction with the Open Space Committee. It was a brainstorming session concerning the warrant article proposed to allocate 100% of the revenues collected from the land use change tax to the Town Conservation Fund, as well as other potential actions regarding Open Space.
1. Elementary school: We need to iron out the facts about the elementary school. When we went before the Selectboard, Conrad stated that our growth is consistent and the school should meet the Town’s needs for many years to come. It’s a hot-button issue and we need to have answers: What is the capacity of the school? Where are we now in relation to that capacity?
2. Planning Board meeting: Carol and Janet went to the Planning Board meeting on 12/11. Dario asked if we had any numbers to compare acres put into conservation versus acres developed. He thought that would be an interesting statistic. We need to be able to answer questions like that. Myron Steere is working on a Build Out Analysis and offered to share the information with us.
3. Surveys and Analyses: These are always contracted by the developer. We should offer to foot the bill and get independent surveys and analyses whenever a subdivision is proposed. Surveyers, foresters and soil/water analysts are licensed by the NH Licensing Board and should be listed on the State website.
4. Supporting the Warrant Article: a) Roger Swain and Monica Lehner would be good people to ask to speak up at Town Meeting on behalf of the warrant article. b) We could have a forum (with food) with Dick Ober as a speaker, or someone from Fish & Game. Possibly the last weekend in January? Coordinate with the Sportsman’s Club - Greg Martis, Duffy Fox, Phil Vanasse. c) Have a booth at the winter carnival.
5. Master Plan: We need to review it for Goals, Policies and Objectives to give the idea of Open Space more punch.
6. Potential Parcels to Target: Crotched Mountain Rd., Old Bennington Rd., Hopkins Rd., New Boston, Holden Rd., Cornwell Rd., Schoolhouse Rd., Muzzey Hill Rd., Sawmill Rd., the East Rd.
7. Next Steps: a) prioritization of land, b) a mailer, c) pick a project, d) send letters to owners of large tracts - get personal.
Submitted by Janet Romanelli
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