HomeMy WebLinkAboutMaster Plan Comm. 11/26/1996Master PIhn Commles. 09
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November 26, 19?66 'J S
Meeting called to order at 7:30 p.m.
Present: Bernie Dolan, John Sullivan, Marydee Flynn and Tom McShane of the Planning
Board; Jim Burke and Shirley Hanlon of the Conservation Commission; Peter DeTrolio
of the ZBA; Kathleen Nash, Lionel Brooks and Donna Sennott, Citizens -at -Large; Shaun
Burke, Director of Planning and Development; and Kenneth Kreutziger, Consultant.
Also present representing the IDC were Tom Prestwich and Chris Trombetta; John Larch,
Electric Department Manager; and Christopher Marion, Assistant to the Town Manager.
Kenneth Kreutziger presented the "Economic Development" and "Implementation"
sections.
Economic Development Section - How the Town could best take advantage of its
economic base was discussed. Assets included: location, education, low electric rate
and, most important, utilities and public sewer. Equal tax rate was perceived as an
advantage in attracting new business and industrial development.
Implementation Section - priorities were discussed and consideration was given as to the
responsibilities for each task.
Mr. Prestwich suggested that retaining existing businesses should be the number one
issue.
Mr. McShane suggested: Economic policy
- sewer capacity reserved for business and industry
- policy to keep electric rate level
- equalized tax rate
He suggested that the downtown area should encourage apartments on upper floors of
commercial buildings.
Mr. Prestwich expressed concern about the reuse, rehab or replacement of existing
buildings and what we can do to prevent replacement of buildings with parking lots or
modem structures. The question was raised about getting downtown buildings on a State
historic list and it was suggested that we get a copy of a recent bill that provides for tax
incentives for rehabilitation and restoration of existing structures on the list.
Following the conclusion of Mr. Kreutziger's presentation, the committee discussed the
possibility of having him write the executive summary and prepare a number of draft
zoning by-laws. Consensus was reached that the Planning Department would talk with
Mr. Kreutziger about a new contract to cover an executive summary and draft by-laws.
In order to reduce the cost, the Planning Department will work with the consultant in
drafting zoning proposals.
The committee entered into a discussion of when and what brings the Master Plan process
to a closure. Issues relating to consensus building, level of public input on the plan, and
the need for public support for the plan followed.
The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
Next Two Meetings - Tuesday, December 3rd at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 7th at 8:00 a.m.
,- ignature of Acting Clerk Date of Approval