5:30 P.M. Memorial Hall
Town Hall
1196 Main Street
Members Present: Barbara Kohlstrom, Chair; Celeste Duffy, Joe Giotta, Kimberly Ferguson, Barbara Kohlstrom
SubCommittee Members: Ed Starkus, Ed Benoit, Scott Carlson, Paul McManus, Richard Shiels, Ed Starkus, Wendy OLeary
Staff: Pamela Harding, Town Planner
Consultants: Brian Barber, lead; Daphne Politis, Public Participation & Public Facilities; Jeffrey Maxtutis, Transportation; Bill Geizenhanner, GIS & Environmental Planning, Martha Lyan, RLA & Historic Preservationist.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
E. Benoit requested contact information and topic areas for the consultants.
All the Committee members discussed why they felt a Master Plan for Holden was necessary.
K. Ferguson stated that she felt a better look at the development of remaining land and land-uses needed evaluation. Many people have mentioned a minimum two acre zoning requirement. It was suspected that the demand for 55 and over housing was saturated. Cluster development options should be investigated.
J. Giatta mentioned the construction of two new elementary schools and high enrollment at the Wachusett Regional High School (WRHS). He stated that consideration of the growth in neighboring Towns, such as Rutland, and the impact they will have on the school system and traffic should be evaluated. J. Giatta also noted the need for moderately size housing, stating that Holden had a large supply of smaller ranches or extremely large homes.
E. Benoit stated that an analysis of the long term need for public facilities has not been conducted and the Town constructed/renovated many new buildings within a short time frame, including; a senior center, two new elementary schools, major renovations to two existing schools, a new pool, and a new light department.
E. Starkus mentioned the lack of a Town plan for acting on the release of Chapter 61A property and the investigation of different avenues for land acquisition. P. McManus stated that he recently became a member of the White Oak Land Conservation Society which has been working with the Trust for Public Land to fund future acquisitions. The Community Preservation Act was discussed. The Town attempted adoption of the act two years ago and it was denied. Many felt they could not take on an additional tax burden due to the recent construction costs and school budgeting issues.
The Committee discussed methods to engage Town residents and all agreed Holden Days would be a great way to announce the Master Planning process. It was suggested that the Committee create an identifiable logo and name for the process. It was suggested that the WRHS Graphic Arts department be contacted for assistance. Publishing a weekly articles in the Landmark, including progress and meeting schedules was discussed, Holdens Corner was a possible name for the article. J. Giatta stated that he would contact Jim Keogh, at the Landmark. K. Ferguson volunteered to contact Jennifer Stanovich to reserve a booth at Holden Days.
Members discussed operational issues including how subcommittees and steering committee members would communicate. It was asked if subcommittee members should recruit additional members for their topics, the consultant did not advise this. They stated that they would generate a report on existing information , the Committee should begin identifying stakeholders, and then once public input is received specific tasks for subject areas will be clearer.
The Committee wanted to be clear that certain opinions were not already set and that all citizens had a voice and would create the vision for the Town.
D. Polotis stated that she would put together a list of names and goals that were discussed at the meeting with specific tasks for Committee members. June 6th was the next scheduled meeting for Committee members only and the consultants will attend a meeting with the Committee on June 22.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
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