MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 21, 2007
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Karen Paré, John Baker, Patricia Halpin, Vincent Vignaly, Elise Wellington
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: None
ANNUAL REPORT – FISCAL YEAR 2006
Upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Mr. Baker, it was unanimously voted to accept as amended the “Planning Board Annual Report for the Fiscal Year 2006” that was written by Ms. Wellington. Members expressed their appreciation to Ms. Wellington for her time and the thorough and professionally written report she submitted.
CINGULAR WIRELESS – BEAMAN STREET
Mr. Brodeur inspected the site of the wireless communication tower erected on Beaman Street by Cingular Wireless. By email, he informed the Board that the construction has been completed according to plan and he recommends that the project be accepted. Upon motion of Ms. Wellington and second of Mr. Vignaly, it was unanimously voted to issue a Certificate of Completion for Cingular Wireless at 200 Beaman Street.
PLANNING BOARD FINANCES
Ms. Paré has been working with the Assistant Town Accountant, Ms. Leslie Guertin, to ascertain exactly what balances remain in the revolving and general expenditures (application) accounts of the Planning Board. Since 1995, there have been questions whether deposits were credited to the appropriate accounts, and through much persistence, Ms. Paré has been able to reach a consensus with the Accounting Department so that the Planning Board now knows how much remains in both accounts. Refund checks will be distributed to those applicants whose projects are complete. A problem facing the Board is that the general expenditures account is no longer being “replenished”
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as much as in the past (through applications and ANR plans) and funding is apt to run out by the end of the fiscal year. Ms. Paré suggested that the Planning Board submit a budget request to the town, to be presented at Town Meeting, to fund this account, which pays for secretarial help, supplies and attendance at professional seminars and meetings, among other things. The question is whether to make a request as part of the town administrator’s budget or to present the request as a Warrant Article. Ms. Wellington stated that the Board also needs to consider acquiring funds for a new zoning map and for technical services, to assist with new zoning changes and zoning questions which arise out of implementation of the Master Plan. This type of work to be undertaken by the Board cannot be billed to
applicants. The sum of $10,000 will be requested for staff and $10,000 for a new zoning map and technical services. Ms. Halpin added that she is concerned that the budget for Town Counsel, especially in light of the many housing issues, is underfunded.
Ms. Paré expressed her concern with changing the zoning map along lot, or parcel, lines. Ms. Wellington agreed that it may be premature to prepare a new zoning map if it will need to be redone in the near future. She suggested that the Board needs a clearer vision with projects as Village Zoning before further action is taken. Ms. Paré noted that zoning changes need to be carefully examined. The zoning change in the General Residence District that was passed to allow increased density needs to be redefined. Attorney Knapik, representing the Crescent Street Chapter 40B proposal, stated that “by right” the developer can calculate density of this multi-family housing by including the back land on the site that is zoned for Single Residence. “Use” and “density”
are two different entities.
On the topic of Chapter 40B, Ms. Halpin stated that the DHCD declared that the town has 81 units that are certified. There is confusion about when a unit can be counted. Mr. Vignaly questioned who in town is responsible for submitting figures to calculate the number of units certified. Ms. Paré stated that, once a permit is granted for a project and no appeal is made within 20 days, a unit can be counted if work on the project begins within one year. While a project is under appeal, no units may be certified. The town still does not have a Certified Affordable Housing Plan. Ms. Halpin stated that the Housing Partnership met with the ZBA to try and arrange for the money, given to the town by Aftra Terrace, to be used to hire a consultant to prepare the plan. The issue of what “Safe
Harbors” are applicable to the situation in town is also one that needs to be explored.
CRESCENT VILLAGE – CHAPTER 40B APPLICATION
The developers of the Crescent Village project have applied for a permit under Chapter 40B. Although the application itself contains little information, the Board of Selectmen is looking for written input from other boards by March 2nd. A total of 24 units is planned, with more than one building per lot. There is a question of whether, with multiple family housing in
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the General Residence District, the limit of no more than one habitable building per lot pertains to condo developments.
PROPOSED STORMWATER BYLAW
On March 7, 2007, the Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on a proposed Stormwater Bylaw to become part of the General Bylaws of the town. Ms. Paré requested that members of the Planning Board carefully review the draft prepared by John Westerling, Director of the Department of Public Works, and be prepared to discuss it at the next meeting.
MINUTES/BILLS
Invoices were submitted for payment to VHB, Verizon Wireless and the Telegram and Gazette. Upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Ms. Halpin, it was unanimously voted to approve as amended the Minutes of the Continued Public Hearing on Amendments to the Subdivision Regulations, held on January 24, 2007. Upon motion of Ms. Wellington and second of Ms. Halpin, it was unanimously voted to accepte as amended the Minutes of the January 24, 2007 Meeting of the Planning Board.
At 9:15 p.m., upon motion of Mr. Baker and second of Ms. Halpin, it was unanimously voted to adjourn.
Date Accepted:____________
Submitted By:_______________________
Susan Abramson
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