Minutes of Meeting— April 3, 2007
The Hudson Planning Board met at the Town Hall, 78 Main Street, Hudson, Massachusetts.
At 7:30 p.m., Chairman Robert D’Amelio called the meeting to order.
Present: Tom Collins, Robert D’Amelio, Dirk Underwood, Jennifer Burke, Town Planner and Teresa Vickery, Clerk.
Planner’s Report
ANR – 439 Main Street
Tom Collins recused himself.
The Board took no action.
Tom Collins returned to the Board.
Minutes
Dirk Underwood, seconded by Tom Collins, moved to approve the minutes of March 20, 2007, as written
Vote: 3-0-0, Unanimous
Public Hearing – Zoning Amendments, May ’07 Town Meeting
The Board opened the public hearing.
Ms. Burke began by stating that the Finance Committee unanimously recommends the three articles being added to the May ’07 Town Meeting Warrant. The three zoning amendments being considered are:
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
Open Space Residential Development (OSRD)
Adaptive Re-Use Overlay District (AROD)
Each of the proposed by-laws was explained and Mr. D’Amelio opened the discussion to the public. First discussed was the Accessory Dwelling Unit by-law. This by-law is designed to preserve the residential character of a neighborhood while adding moderately priced rental units to existing single-family homes and neighborhoods. Ms. Burke believes that this by-law could help residents of Hudson who left for financial reasons come back into town. Many of the surrounding communities have adopted this by-law and none of them think this is a burden.
Bob Barrell, Hudson Housing Authority, asked how the town would enforce the owner occupation requirement in the by-law. Ms. Burke stated that a signed affidavit stating that the owner will live in home is required. Jeff Wood is the enforcing authority, however much of this would require trusting the citizens of town. She went on the say that if the home is sold the new owner must also honor the owner occupation requirement.
The next by-law discussed was the Open Space Residential Development. Joe Leandres of the Hudson Housing Authority asked several questions regarding the affordability component of the by-law, including the affordability calculation, whether or not the homes must stay in perpetuity and what the safeguards of the by-law are. The Board had a brief discussion about affordability and stressed that they would have local control over all provisions of the by-law. Ms. Burke informed the public that the Board is given a lot of flexibility under this by-law.
Mr. Barrell asked if a lottery system would be used instituted. Ms. Burke said that aspect has not yet been structured. Those details would be conditioned in the approval process by the Board.
Lastly, the Adaptive Re-Use Overlay District by-law was explained. The purpose of this by-law is to foster a range of housing opportunities for several parcels of land in town that are restricted by their zoning district. Currently mixed use is not allowed in town. The hope is that much of the vacant space in town could be rented if mixed use were allowed.
Dirk Underwood, seconded by Bob D’Amelio, moved to close the public hearing.
Vote: 3-0-0, Unanimous
Adjournment
Robert D’Amelio, seconded by Dirk Underwood, moved to adjourn at 8:30 PM.
Vote: 3-0-0, Unanimous
Cc: Town Clerk
Department of Public Works
Jeff Wood, Building Commissioner
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