Lyme Planning Board Minutes
January 25, 2007
Board Members & Staff: Present: Freda Swan, Chair; Dan Brand, Member; Dick Jones, Selectboard Representative; Simon Carr, Alternate; Ben Kilham, Alternate; Stephanie Clark, Alternate; and Victoria Davis, Planning & Zoning Administrator Absent: Jack Elliott, Vice-Chair; John Billings, Member; and Don Dwight, Alternate
Public: Peter Dzewaltowski, Upper Valley-Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission
Item 1: Approval of Minutes: Dick Jones made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2007 meeting. Dan Brand seconded the motion and unanimous agreement followed.
Item 2: Master Plan Update Discussion: Peter Dzewaltowski stated he had reviewed the community attitude survey results and the minutes of previous Planning Board meetings where the master plan update was discussed. He had also reviewed with Tara Bamford of the RPC her impressions of meetings with the Planning Board to discuss the master plan. When asked what the Board perceived his role should be in the master plan update, Freda Swan responded she hoped he would assist leading the Board through the process. Dick Jones added they need a neutral facilitator for public interaction. Peter Dzewaltowski inquired what work has already been achieved. Dick Jones has already worked on the transportation issues for the master plan. Victoria Davis stated she has interviewed some
of the departments for their input about future needs and she will continue this process. The Natural Resources Inventory is in the works, and an aquifer study may begin this year depending upon the outcome at town meeting. She added that she would work with Peter Dzewaltowski in writing the chapters for the master plan.
The Board discussed approaching the master plan in an issue based approach rather than the text book chapter by chapter. Dick Jones emphasized his concern that a regional assessment is important as regional changes can drive how a town changes. The Board discussed how the area has changed over the years citing the rebuilding of Route 10, the opening of the interstates, and the expansion of the hospital in the 1960s which all caused a population increase in Lyme and an increase in property values. Ben Kilham commented that the young people used to leave Lyme because they could not find a job. Now they can find a job, but they cannot find affordable housing.
Peter Dzewaltowski inquired about a tension he picked up in the survey results between the “natives” and the “newcomers.” He felt the survey response rate was very high, but wondered if it is a proportional representation of the two general groups. Simon Carr stated the questions which might answer this question were often not answered so it would be difficult to say. The Board discussed the possibility of using the education level to determine the different group responses. Simon Carr added that it seems that there are about an equal number of people feeling the zoning is a benefit to the town to people who feel the zoning is much too complicated and cumbersome. Peter Dzewaltowski inquired how the Board members felt the two groups could be brought together to develop
an acceptable vision for the town for most of the people.
Ben Kilham stated many of the “natives” have felt intimidated in public forums—they couldn’t argue with a professor. Dick Jones added the town cannot get “natives” to serve on the boards anymore. Freda Swan responded that some of them feel like they have already done their part on the boards. Ben Kilham felt the “newcomers” have embraced the physical part of Lyme, but have not accepted the human culture and have little understanding of it. Freda Swan added that the “newcomers” are the ones writing the books about Lyme’s history and doing oral histories of the “natives.” However, when it comes to decisions which might raise taxes, the “newcomers” do not realize or consider the impact on the “natives.” Ben Kilham suggested making the Hewes barnyard a historic site to showcase the importance of the practical local custom of materials re-use. The Board discussed how “newcomers” do not appreciate the “unsightliness” of some local structures and buildings.
Peter Dzewaltowski suggested the Board try to determine methods to engage all members of the community. He proposed creative ideas in lieu of the standard public meetings with lists being made. One idea was to ask people to draw a map of the town as they see it. This would engage people who might not articulate ideas and opinions in a traditional manner. He also suggested storytelling, neighborhood gatherings, and games to raise the comfort level of participants and involve more segments of the population. Dick Jones suggested the questions, “how do you see Lyme in 50 years” and “how would you like to see Lyme in 50 years.” Also, where would you put 100 new houses, a new post office or gas station or store? Freda Swan suggested making a game with
symbols to be placed on a board to represent new uses or structures.
Simon Carr pointed out that the world has changed and “natives” have the same issues in many parts of the world: times have changed and we need to move forward together. Freda Swan stated the Board should try to involve the young adults who have grown up here. She added that having the zoning “too tight” will not leave room for the service industry workers who provide for the wealthier residents.
Ben Kilham stated that many survey respondents wanted a more user-friendly zoning ordinance. He felt if they did this, it might not meet legal requirements. He suggested having a committee of former board members to advocate for the applicants and help them through the process. Dick Jones stated it was a thankless job.
Peter Dzewaltowski suggested the Board first make a presentation of the survey and then work with the public to explain where the Board is going with the master plan update process and what they would like to achieve. He felt it should be a very visual presentation. Stephanie Clark suggested the Board should meet soon to plan out the presentation. The Board determined this process should begin after town meeting to allow time for a well-planned, valuable meeting.
Dan Brand expressed a concern that the town does not limit development on steep, dirt roads. He feels the sight distances and curvatures are dangerous. Freda Swan responded correcting this will just make the drivers go faster and the danger will not decrease. Dan Brand stated this might be why large lot zoning is a good idea. Freda Swan added that Lyme is being “one lotted” to death. There are few big subdivisions, but there are many small ones.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm.
Submitted by,
Victoria Davis
Planning & Zoning Administrator
Public Hearing for January 30, 2007 at TOWN OFFICES at 7:30 pm:
Zoning Amendment hearing for definition of “lot”
Tentative Meeting for February 8, 2007 at TOWN OFFICES at 7:30 pm:
Brainstorm for public community attitude survey results and master plan meetings
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