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Planning Board Meeting Minutes 8-12-10
Members Present: Maggie, Stephen Rose, Alan, Barry and Bridget
Public Present: Brian Domina
To order: 7:10 PM
- Brian Domina of Berkshire Regional Planning (Communications bylaw guidance) - Brian mentioned that previous studies showed that there was not a lot of interest from cell providers to put a tower on Mt. Wilcox. However Larry Klein of the planning board has been in contact with an AT&T representative that is interested in putting a tower on New England Keswick property. Brian found out that it is possible to put a tower on Mt. Wilcox it is a matter of interest. Alan brought up the point that if it is a reasonable idea to put a tower on Mt. Wilcox then we would not have to re-zone. Brian felt that no companies are interested because it is a good distance from town and towers lose signal the further away. Also the tower would need some reconstruction and that is a tedious process that no one is interested in. Maggie mentioned
that the board needs to decide if we want a town wide overlay district or if we want specific sights to be overlay sights. Larry questioned as to whether or not we should find out if companies would be interested before we select areas. Stephen Enoch thought that it might be a better idea to change our bylaws because that might be more enticing to companies looking at where to put up a tower. Brian suggested that the board do outreach to property owners that seem like they have viable sights prior to having a town meeting. Barry brought up the point that we need to decide how many sights we would need. Stephen Enoch made the point that viable sights would need to have no restrictions such as an agricultural restriction. Brian suggested that the board could write in clauses such as a tower can be allowed anywhere in town except where there are wet lands or conservation restriction etc. Barry felt that these restrictions would still leave a lot of spots that people would feel were
inappropriate. Brian explained to the board that it was not allowed for a town to prohibit cell usage or reception. Barry stated that he felt that as a board we should make sure that everyone was on the same page. Alan is in favor of cell towers, Stephen Enoch is in favor, and Barry is in favor as is Bridget. Maggie felt that she would like to hear from the town’s people and proceed from there.
- What next? - Brian felt that an important next step would be to decide which areas would work for overlay sights and which would not. Maggie felt that figuring out the pros and cons would be a good start. The point was brought up that setbacks would need to be set in order to protect land as well as structures and citizens. Maggie wondered if we had to worry about access or if that were the tower companies job. Brian felt that we should consider the access from an environmental impact point of view. Stephen suggested that such the lake shore district is heavily populated we could designate sights by saying that any elevation that was at a height decided by the board ,at a future date, would be overlay sights. Coming up with criteria will help the board decide which steps to take.
- Community development plan- a plan was done in 2002. It is a helpful tool for finding overlay sights. There are two state registered historic sites and one state registered historic point. The plan also shows the existing housing. It is mostly concentrated around route 23 and Lake Garfield. A biological resources map is within the plan. It shows that there are priority habitats for state protected rare species as well as estimated habitats for rare wildlife. Core habitat areas are shown and supporting natural landscape. Brian suggested that these plans be used as a rational base for using an area for overlays or not.
- List of prohibited areas for cell towers- federal or state wetland, rare or endangered species habitat, 100'from a state wetland, 200' from any river or stream, 500' from historic district or eligible property for state or federal register, 500' from any archeological site. These criteria were supplied by Brian from Berkshire Regional Planning. The town zoning bylaws also has restrictions.
- Maps- Brian is going to have maps made with specific criteria that the board decided on. These include the restrictions already listed in the bylaws. The board is also going to consider how to proceed with abutters that are against cell towers being on neighboring property. These maps will be overlaid on the maps that the board has been looking at that show wetlands, state property etc. This will give a good view of areas that may be better suited than others.
- Informational meetings- The board will hold an informational meeting prior to a public hearing once they have more facts. Maggie also suggested that an article in the town news would be helpful. Alan wondered if it was too soon. The board is going to wait until Larry hears from AT&T and until Brian has completed the maps.
- Previous meeting minutes- Although not enough members were present to approve the minutes the board read them over and made amendments.
- Mail opened- List from Melissa Noe of when the town hall will be closed for the year 2011, The ZBA decision on the dock application for 19 lime Rock Road, notice of public hearing in Gt. Barrington, notice of decision of special permit in Gt. Barrington, Berkshire Regional Planning minutes.
Meeting adjourned: 9:20 PM
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