October 7, 2013
Minutes
These minutes are not verbatim – they are the secretary’s interpretation of what took place at the meeting. - Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A§22.
Board Members: Marc Garrett, Paul McAlduff, Tim Grandy, Malcolm MacGregor, and Bill Wennerberg
Planning Board Alternate: Ken Buechs
Staff Members: Lee Hartmann
Recording Secretary: Eileen Hawthorne
Administrative Notes:
Minutes:
September 30, 2013
The Board approved the minutes* of September 30, 2013 as presented.
Endorsement of the Town’s Affordable Housing Plan
The Board approved the Town’s Affordable Housing Plan*.
Form A Plans:
The Board determined that A4475* was entitled to endorsement.
Re-sign A4475 – Frank C Dunlap Family Trust, 305 Sandwich Street, Map 26, Lot 21 – Note changes
Bill Wennerberg moved for the Board to approve the Administrative Notes as presented; Tim Grandy, second; the vote was unanimous (5-0).
Zoning Bylaw Workshop
The Board received the following documentation* for review of this case:
Letter from A.G. Jennings dated October 3, 2013
Lee Hartmann opened the workshop by noting that the funds to update the Zoning Bylaw were approved by Town Meeting. The funds are being utilized to have Atty. Elizabeth Lane, Kopelman and Paige PC and Angus Jennings, A.G. Jennings LLC work with staff, the Board and the community to update the Zoning Bylaw. The existing bylaw was adopted in 1972 and has been amended frequently through the years. The workshop will help focus and identify issues, changes and updates to the existing bylaw that should be considered. As we move forward, drafts of the bylaw will be e-mailed to a distribution list and posted to the Town’s website. Mr. Hartmann asked that anyone wishing to be added to the distribution list contact the office.
Angus Jennings and Atty. Elizabeth Lane explained their roles in updating the Zoning Bylaw which include prioritizing changes (amendments, adding new sections and removing obsolete language/sections), formatting, making sure that current laws are reflected, and inclusion of policy objectives. The goal is to preserve what is working and amend/delete what is not working.
Public Comment/Suggestions:
Randy Parker, Land Management Systems Inc., made the following comments/suggestions:
- Place sections with limited use in an appendix
- Allow guest apartments/dwellings for single family homes on larger lots
Improve and update definitions
Deal with the use of in-law apartments after the in-laws have left
Adopt shed policies into the zoning bylaw
Use the same dwelling setbacks for all residential districts
Eliminate the variable side yard setbacks (R20–R25 - 15’ single 35’ total)
- Remove/clarify width requirements so lot width are measured at the standard front yard setback not the deeper building setback established for Major and Collector Streets
- Eliminate the requirement for zoning permits
Atty. Donald Quinn, made the following comments/suggestions:
- Dovetail proposed zoning changes with the zoning reform initiatives occurring at the state level
- Look at the requirement of certain developments to have access or frontage on a Major Street (i.e. Recreational Campground 205-31 (D)(1))
Paul Hapgood made the following comments/suggestions:
Don Bracken, Bracken Engineering Inc., made the following comments/suggestions:
- Look at allowing accessory/secondary dwellings
- In-law provisions are outdated
- Likes a lot definition that is based on a buildable area circle
Joshua Bows, Merrill Associates, made the following comments/suggestions:
- The bylaw needs to be simplified
- Maintain the smart growth and low impact approach
Planning Board Comments/Suggestions:
Malcolm MacGregor
- Dovetail some of the master plan goals and strategies into the Zoning Bylaw
Bill Wennerberg
- Need master plan references
- Create a “Plymouth Brand” after all we are first in the nation
- Develop design guidelines for specific areas
- Raise the minimum standards of the Zoning Bylaw
- Allow developments with a mix of uses at traditional (higher) neighborhood densities
- Allow accessory units with single family homes
- Define “meaningful open space”
Tim Grandy
- Protect private property rights
- We need a “Plymouth” brand
Maintain the diversity allowed in the bylaw
- Mirror the design guidelines in the master plans for each village center
Marc Garrett
- Streamline permitting
- There is a vast duplication of project review
The Board asked staff to add the Steering Committee Chairs to the Zoning Update e-mail list and obtain a copy of the shed policy from the Building Commissioner. They also suggested that all comments should be sent to the Planning Director.
Other Business:
“Topics not reasonably anticipated by the Chair 48 hours in advance of the meeting.”
1820 Courthouse Update
Marc Garrett announced that the presentation for the proposed renovations of the 1820 Courthouse has been scheduled for November 13, 2013 at 6:00 pm in the Cafetorium of Plymouth South High School. The consultants will present findings to the public and for the Committee will have an opportunity to listen to comments of the citizens.
The Board was supportive of Marc Garrett’s request to draft a letter to Mass Highway, District 5 and the State delegation asking for consideration of upgrading the Exit 5 overpass.
Tim Grandy read excerpts from a letter from Larry Rosenblum (former Planning Board member) regarding Jean Loewenberg’s (former Selectman and Zoning Board of Appeals member) need for a kidney transplant and request for donor screening. He noted that contact numbers are available in the office of Planning and Development.
Tim Grandy moved to adjourn at 8:48 p.m.; Bill Wennerberg, second; the vote was unanimous (5-0).
*On file with the Office of Planning and Development in project case files.
Respectfully Submitted:
Eileen Hawthorne Approved: October 28, 2013
Administrative Assistant
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