HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning 11/04/2021Planning Board Minutes I` C`IVED
November 4, 2021 C F' I1 OFFICE
2021 Special Town Meeting jl Zl �V ( 2 A q: 25
Present: Beth Ashman -Collins, Chair; Joseph Cerretani, Clerk; Michael McClan4haV$bar nD
Friedman, Diana Bren, Adrian LeCesne (Alternate)
Noemi Kowamoto, Town Counsel,
Shaun P. Burke, Director of Planning and Development
Priscilla McGill, Administrative Secretary
Absent: Michael Feck, Ralph Penney, Brendan Roche (Alternate)
On October 13, 2021 and October 27, 2021, the Planning Board conducted a public meeting and
discussed and considered Article 19 of the Special Town Meeting warrant to amend Zoning By -
Law Section 230-3.4, Classification of Governmental, Institutional and Public Uses, Paragraphs
B and E; and 5.3, Site Plan Approval, Applicability, Paragraphs C and D regarding
educational/day care center/facility uses in residential zones.
On October 27, 2021, with seven (7) members present, the`Planning Board voted four (4) in
favor with three (3) opposed to support Article 19 as amended. The Board further voted six (6)
In Favor, one (1) Opposed, zero (0) Abstentions to withdraw Article 19 in the event that the
amended article fails.
Ms. Bren stated that the November 4, 2021 meeting was for reconsideration of Article 19.
Motion: (1) To reconsider the October 27, 2021 vote to support Article 19 as amended:
(Bren-McClanahan) Five (S) in favor. 0 opposed. 0 abstained. PASSES
Board Comment i
Ms. Ashman -Collins expressed concerns explained to her by the School Dept. that FAR of. 10
would allow tiny schools on small lots, but also allow very large schools on large lots. However
the proposed FAR would also make all schools in residential zones, including public schools
non -conforming. She suggested continuing to work out Article 19.
Motion: (1) To pass over the Article 19 (McClanahan -
Board Comment
Discussion ensued with members discomfort with how Article 19 is currently written. Ms. Bren
stated that she would speak at STM to express the Planning Board plans to continue to work on
Article 19 to revisit in the spring and present at Town Meeting. Mr. Burke noted that Town
Counsel suggested the potential use of a sliding scale with municipal exemption. Mr.
McClanahan noted that it may satisfy the town but not smaller places such as churches and
daycares and expressed that it would have to work for all. Ms. Ashman -Collins noted potential
impact and the need for consideration of all.
Planning Board 1 11/4/21
Ms. Friedman noted that previous focus was primarily on Dover Amendment issues. Mr.
McClanahan stated that it is more complicated. Mr. Burke stated the board acted in good faith
in keeping with what was proposed in the citizens petition in spring 2021, where there are a lot
of moving parts. He said final language for Spring Town Meeting had to be submitted early.
Mr. Burke said with more time to consider, the board could make it better. He noted a municipal
exemption could exclude public schools, St. Mary's and Al-Noor would remain non -conforming.
Mr. LeCesne arrived at 6:14 p.m.
Mr. Burke noted that the submission of a site plan does not freeze zoning and a new site plan
could be submitted. Ms. Ashman -Collins agreed that there is a lot of work to accomplish prior to
deadline for Annual Town Meeting submission and review of impact to different zones should be
considered. Mr. Burke reiterated the FAR calculations current impact and how changes could
affect the zoning. He noted the Mansfield school complex on East St. is almost 100 acres which
with a FAR of. 10, could result in several hundred thousand square feet of buildings but become
non -conforming. He suggested the FAR could be different in different residential zones.
Ms. Ashman -Collins reiterated that for STM the Planning Board is not for or against Article 19
but that it is not ready at this vote. Ms. Bren confirmed that the options are to either go forward
with the current submission or pass over to resubmit for spring.
Motion (1 continued) -Bren) Five (5) in favor. 0 opposed. One (I-LeCesne)abstained. PASSES
Mr. LeCesne inquired if this had been a citizens' petition, could it be reconsidered within two
years and what the potential is for discussion if withdrawn. Ms. Ashman -Collins noted that
people would still discuss and the Planning Board will have further discussions at the board
level. Mr. Burke stated that if the motion is to pass over, that ends discussion and goes to a vote.
Ms. Friedman stated that a simple majority vote is required.to.pass over and a reconsider action
would require a 2/3 vote. Ms. Ashman -Collins suggested keeping it civil and that it would not
be the end of the conversation. Further discussion ensned with the board in agreement that they
are trying to help and that the intent is to come up with protection on educational uses in
residential zones. Ms. Bren suggested that Town Counsel should speak to this as well.
Ms. Bren read the statement that was prepared to be read at STM relating to ART 19. She
further reviewed which board member will speak for each article presented.
3. Adjournment
Motion: To adjourn at 6:27 p.m. (Bren-McClanahan) All in favor. PASSES
Date of Next Planning Board Meeting: November 10, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Signature of Clerk
i
Date of Approval
Planning Board 2
11/4/21