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MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING
HELD SEPTEMBER 12, 2007
PROPOSAL TO CREATE A NEW “BUSINESS/INDUSTRIAL” ZONING DISTRICT
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Patricia Halpin, John Baker, Karen Paré, Lawrence Salate, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Michael Muir, John Hadley, Dave Eckhardt, Maryann Schelin, Bobby Matthews, Barbara Wyatt, Michael Kane, Chris Rucho, Patrick Healy, Brenda Bowman, Kathryn Callahan, Leon Gaumond, Barry Esteves, Mindy Esteves, Lincoln Barton, David Mercurio, Paula Mercurio, Danielle Erickson, Edwin Erickson, Gary M. Erickson, Matthew Mulvey, Allen Phillips, George O’Toole, Raymond Quinn
Ms. Halpin opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. Ms. Paré read the legal notice of public hearing that was published in the Telegram & Gazette on August 29th and September 5th. Ms. Halpin stated that the intention of the Planning Board in making this proposal to create a new “Business/Industrial” District is to help generate more revenue for the town. Ms. Paré continued to explain that, after creating this new District, the town will then rezone certain parcels in an effort to attract new “light” industrial uses and businesses to the area. This proposal will modify Section 2. of the Zoning Bylaws, Establishment of Classes; Section 4. Dimensional Requirements; Section 4.3, Modifications to Dimensional Requirements, F. Building Height; and Section 3.2,
Schedule of Use Regulations, by adding a “Business/Industrial” column to the Schedule of Uses. A handout detailing these zoning changes was distributed to members of the audience for their edification.
Mr. Baker queried why the Planning Board is not simply rezoning more areas to Business and Ms. Paré stated that this new district will allow for research and development facilities and biotech industries, while preventing heavy industrial uses. Mr. Vignaly noted that, in the Schedule of Use, under Section D.7., charitable organizations will not be allowed so that non-tax paying, non-profits will not be allowed to develop in these areas, as the American Red Cross did by building at Worcester Corporate Center on land that the townspeople paid to develop. In an effort not to be arbitrary, Ms. Halpin suggested that the new district might be better called “Office/Light Industry” and Ms. Paré then suggested “Business/Light Industry”. Mr. Vignaly noted that some uses require Special Permits from
the Planning Board and those the Board can deny if the use is not appropriate. He added
Minutes of the Public Hearing -2-
Sept. 12, 2007 – Proposal to Create New Zoning District
that under Section G. 4., a warehousing or trucking company, such as FedEx would be allowed after going through the Site Plan Review process and that type of business creates a lot of revenue for the town.
Ms. Barbara Wyatt, 132 Sterling Street, addressed the Board and agreed that, with such a lot of manufacturing going out of the country, additional warehousing space is going to continue to be needed here. Mr. Bob Matthews, 21 Prescott Street, agreed as well and noted that Worcester is a transportation “hub” and it would be unwise to say “no” to warehousing or trucking. Mr. John Hadley, Chair of the town’s Economic Development Task Force, stated that this committee is in favor of the proposal and cautioned not to limit its scope. Ms. Paré stated that the Planning Board cannot, however, limit religious or educational uses.
Mr. Baker stated that the name of this proposed district needs to be less confusing and Ms. Maryann Schelin, 191 Pierce Street, suggested that the area be called “Limited Industrial”. Town Selectman Chris Rucho stated his support of the Industrial use and questioned the need for Special Permits in many instances. Mr. Vignaly explained that, with a Special Permit requirement, the Planning Board still maintains some control and can limit unwanted uses and Ms. Paré added that applying for a Special Permit through the Planning Board is not an extra burden on the applicant and does not involve the ZBA.
It consists only of an additional letter of request submitted while going through the Site Plan Review process. It was decided that the name “Commercial/Limited Industrial District” be used and would better suit the intent of the new district.
Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Vignaly, it was unanimously voted to close the public hearing.
Date Accepted:_____________ By:______________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:________________________
Susan Abramson
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