Land Use Comprehensive Plan Committee
Meeting Notes for March 11, 2003
Attending: Brad, Paul Barbara, Jerry, Terry, Marcia
Brad reported on the outcome of the latest Steering Committee meeting.~ The overall question presented was "what are the goals for our committee" - and how will we proceed to achieve them. Terry offered some textbook outlines for developing a comprehensive plan (cp) and Paul asked if we needed a wholesale change in the current plan or just a ‘tweaking’.~ It was felt that by looking at the zones as they exist we could amend and update as needed to meet our goals.
Paul presented maps developed by the SMRPC with mylar overlays to help us~ better distinguish the present zones.~ He also mentioned that the State does set goals for communities to use in developing such plans. (Title 38 chapt. 137).~ Barbara suggested that we look at Section 12 on the current plan and review it item by item as a way to begin.~
Discussion that began at the last meeting on the Industrial Zone (IZ) continued.~ Several ideas were presented. It was suggested that we leave the zone as it is and optimally have it serviced by water and sewer. Paul noted that this would be at cost to the developers.~ He also noted that there are State grants for~ this that developers could be made aware of.~ The maps showed significant wetlands on the west side of Route 236.~ Other issues that plague that zone include the limitation enforced by the DOT on the number of curbcuts allowed on Route~~ 236.~ However, it was suggested that this could be solved by encouraging one common curbcut that any potential developers would share.
Discussion changed somewhat when Jerry noted~ that the Zoning Ordinances state that if sewer and water are supplied to an Industrial Zone, no residences can be built there.~ This prompted some discussion about changing the designation on the west side of 236~ from Industrial to Residential to avoid limitations to landowners. This suggestion was shared by the committee.
In summary, the wording on Section 12-4 #11 would include~ the following statements:
* water and sewer hookups shall be necessary in the IZ at cost to the developer.~
*all IZ development will be subject to a Site Plan Review
*deletion of the line that starts "Locate industrial development......."
The next topic discussed involved the recent~ vote by the Town Council to change the B3 designation along Portland St. to R1.~ The committee agreed that it should be suggested that this designation be reversed.~ In suggesting this we also agreed that we want to keep commercial growth in the village area of town.~ We would suggest encouraging multi-use of buildings in that zone, first floor businesses, and that the integrity and historical authenticity of the buildings be preserved.~
~
Thoughts to consider before the next meeting:
*review designations of B1, B2 & B3 and what they mean
*What else do we want to see happening in the Commercial Zone/area
*How to insure historical integrity in these zones *Density requirements.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Minutes respectively submitted by Marcia Flinkstrom
| 
