OPEN SPACE PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP, 3/10/06
The two committees met at Memorial Town Hall at 4:30 p.m. Present were Ted Kiritsis, Harold Thompson, Tim Griswold, Ellie Czarnowski, Ted Crosby, Steven Ross, Chris Kerr, Diana Johnson, George James, Bob Pierson, Kim Groves, Jim Mattern, Ann Brown, Nan Strohla, Connie Kastelowitz, Amanda Blair, Howie Tooker, Mike Silberberg, and Jenn Hillhouse.
Mike Silberberg (Conservation Comm.) stated that the PRCD’s need amending, with the possibility of added incentives. He also stated that there is a need for multifamily housing for the elderly who are downsizing. George has sent suggestions to Zoning. Ted Kiritsis would like the Conservation Comm.’s ideas to assist in rewrite, adding that the present regs are close. The Cons. Comm. has come up with a model conservation easement.
Jim Mattern has reviewed the OS protocol & advises insertion of dollar amounts in order to produce an entire proposal. Diana wants to move funding language up in priority. Harold states is is a “living negotiation” and can be changed. Tim stated the land use entities should avoid financial discussion and that the final decision re price is up to the Town Meeting. Diana stated that OS is the first group to ok the cost, then the proposal can go to Planning for further ok.
Discussion followed on (perpetual) Conservationn Easements as an alternative to purchase. To be decided: who holds the easement, who enforces it & who inspects it. Harold suggested we have a list of all easements & George reported that CRERPA does that. Harold asked that developers come early in their planning, and repeated that we need enabling legislation re inspection. He asked Diana to write a procedure for enforce-
ment. Diana suggested Jim Mattern help develop easement literature defining rights & obligations. Jim stated the holder of the easement has the right to inspect but we do not yet have regulations defining these rights, rules & requirements. Diana stated the OSC monitor Homeowners’ Ass’n easements should they exist. Ellie reported that the Conser-
vation Comm. has done a boilerplate easement. George reported it has been sent to Planning. Ann Brown has inspected but stated she has no power. Jim Mattern stated we could have an ordinance which would include enforcement language. Diana stated the State’s work may help. Harold asked the OSC to work on language & develop an ordinance. Diana agreed.
Amount of wetlands that can be designated as Open Space.(vs developable land):Harold stated that Planning feels OS should be accessible developable land. There is a need for a corridor. Diana stated the OSC does not yet have desirable figures re type of OS land. Steve opposed the taking of land for OS & stated other incentives should be offered. George reported there is as much land proposed for development in 2006 as there was in the decade between 1990-2000. Tim stated that Zoning must contend with density crisis.
Harold stated that developers do not attend workshops. Harold wants to work with OSC on percentage. George suggested we refer to the State statutes.
Inclusion of specific amount of OS in PRCD regulations: Ted K. stated the requested amount is 40%, with 30% for one acre. These rules need modification with the possibility of increased density if there is increased open space. Diana is not satisfied with 15% for PRCD’s and stated increased cluster development and single septic systems should be
encouraged. Harold stated that PRCD’s & open space will be discussed in regular meeting & that the PC members will be made aware of the website in the Town Hall basement.Diana asked if the PC provides for accessibility to OS for all members of a development.
Harold thanked all for coming and stated that the challenges increase as property becomes less desirable.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:23.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer G. Hillhouse
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