MASTER PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
February 15, 2007
6:30 P.M.
1204 Main Street, Starbard Building
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Wronski, Co-Chair; Cheryl Owoc, Joe Giotta, Celeste Duffy, David Lindberg
ABSENT: Barbara Kohlstrom, Co-Chair; Kimberly Ferguson
Element Leaders: Steve Mentzer, Ed Benoit, Judy Haran, Richard Shiels, Paul McManus, Scott Carlson, Rosemary Johnson, Wendy O'Leary Absent: Ed Starkus
STAFF: Pamela Harding, Town Planner
CONSULTANTS: Brian Barber, Daphne Politis, Bill Giezentanner
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm.
Bill Murray from Places Site Consultants was present to discuss Smart Growth Chapter 40R legislation. Pine Tree, LLC has approached the Town regarding the development of a mixed use parcel under Chapter 40R. M. Wronski explained that the Master Plan was just exploring this subject to determine if utilization of the statute would achieve goals identified in the Master Plan.
Chapter 40R is a zone change. A parcel has to meet certain smart growth criteria established by the State, the program is administered through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Municipalities usually have a project in mind when submitting an application to the state DHCD. The project must receive support from a majority of the Board of Selectmen prior to submission to DHCD. If the project meets the smart growth criteria the State will approve the designation of the 40R. Technical assistance grants are available to aid Towns in preparing by-laws and design criteria. The zone change will then have to go before the Planning Board for Public Hearing and received 2/3 majority approval at Town Meeting.
Depending upon the development size, the Town could receive a one time payment of up to $75,000 and an additional $3,000 for each additional unit over those allowed by right. A preliminary plan was presented by Bill Murray including approximately 76 residential units and 56,000 square feet of commerical/retail area. The applicant was asked why they wanted to utilize Chapter 40R and it was explained that the Town would have to commit to the project and guarantee certain services, such as sewer extension permits. A document prepared by the applicant summarizing how the plan aided in achieving goals of the Master Plan were distributed for review to all Committee members. The Committee thanked the applicant for attending and stated they would need time to educate themselves and to evaluate whether utilizing 40R would
achieve goals of the Master Plan and will not be making recommendations for specific parcels.
ELEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS It was decided that each element team leader would recommend three to five points received from community input. All element team leaders should submit their recommendations to P. Harding by March 1, she will compile the results and distribute them to be reviewed at the March 6 and March 8 meetings. In a parallel track the consultants will be meeting and developing their own recommendations from data and community input. The Committee will meet with the consultant on March 20 to finalize the recommendations. After this date, a joint meeting with boards, committees and staff will be scheduled to review a draft of the recommendations.
A Wachusett Working Landscapes meeting announcement was distributed to members, the workshop will be conducted on March 10 and is free to the public.
M. Wronski requested assistance with conducting a meeting with the Holden Neighborhood Association on March 13. W. O'Leary stated she would forward material she utilized for the Senior Center workshops.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm.
| 
