MASTER PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2007
6:30 P.M.
1196 Main Street, Town Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Wronski, Co-Chair; Barbara Kohlstrom, Co-Chair; Joe Giotta,
Cheryl Owoc, Celeste Duffy, Kimberly Ferguson Absent: David Lindberg
Element Leaders: Steve Mentzer, Wendy O'Leary, Ed Benoit, Judy Haran, Richard Sheils,
Paul McManus, Scott Carlson, Rosemary Johnson, Ed Starkus
STAFF: Pamela Harding, Town Planner
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm.
Element leaders reviewed implementation recommendations with the Committee. The following items were discussed.
LAND USE Improve Zoning By-laws, The Town's by-laws are out of date. Many of the goals being identified in the master plan cannot be obtained under current zoning requirements. Phase II of the master planning process consists of rewriting the Zoning By-laws, a few topic which should be addressed are by laws for cluster developments resulting in the preservation of open space, creation of village nodes, and preservation of small Town character. Low Impact Design criteria and green buildings should be encourgaed, design review standards should be developed.
Obtaining APR's for Farms and further preservation of open space were also expressed as desirable land uses.
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION - J. Haran reviewed the importance of a permanent open space committee and receivingstate approval of the open space and recreation plan for grant purposes.
Preserving open space and rural character was a unanimous response in community meetings and data collection venues whenever the issue was raised. Preservation of open space may conflict with desires expressed in the master plan.
Pursue adoption of conservation-related bylaws and policies which have worked for other towns.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - S. Carlson reviewed the following points for economic development; Rzoning areas on Main Street to allow for development behind existing commercial property and infilling existing businesses.
Recruitment of small specialty stores and not chains as per public meetings. Small business park and office space areas are desirable.
The zoning by laws should be amended to create aesthetically pleasing buildings and prevent "big box retail"
Rezoning land in Jefferson area to further promote the village concept.
If the I-190 interchange is being considered, relevant land uses and their affects should be studied simultaneously.
The EDC committee should set term limits for members and increase communication with the Chamber of Commerce.
Possible zoned area for small office building for small businesses looking for office space.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30pm. The next meeting will be March 20, 2007.
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