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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMaster Plan Council 11/19/1987Date of Meeting Members Present: TOWN OF MANSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS 50 West Street, Mansfield, MA 02048 MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNC �ECI i9h, MINUTES OF MEETING November 19, 1987 Kelli Baker Stuart Sweet William Madan Richard Gordon Carlene Dezotell Ralph Seifert The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM. Allen Willis Carlotta James Carl Nelson Paul Folkman Edward Broderick Michel LaCasse A motion to approve the minutes of the October 22 meeting was made by Allen Willis and seconded by Ralph Seifert and passed by a unanimous vote. Correspondence A memo dated October 28, 1987, from Carol Ferris, Secretary, to all Master Plan Advisory Council Members enclosing minutes of the October 22 meeting. A note dated November 4, 1987, from Kelli Baker to all Members of the Master Plan Advisory Council postponing the meeting of November 5 to November 12. A letter dated November 12, 1987, from Kelli Baker to all Members of the Master Plan Advisory Council, informing them of the meeting on November 19, 1987 and enclosing an article to the press to be considered by Council Members. A letter dated October 27, 1987, from Mansfield Life Care Associates regarding creating a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Mansfield. A memo dated October 27, 1987, from Joan Cutillo, Acting Town Manager, to all Department Heads informing them of a staff meeting on November 3, 1987. A memo dated November 3, 1987 from Michel LaCasse to all Departments, Boards and Committees regarding the Master Plan Survey results. Y MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL 2 MINUTES OF MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1987 Correspondence (con't.) Letters dated November 10, 1987, from Michel LaCasse to the following: Professor Andrew Sum Northeastern University Mr. Douglas Carnahan, Demographer Metropolitan Area Planning Council Tufts University Planning & Development Mr. Thomas Pisaturo SRPEDD State Data Center Executive Office of Communities & Development University of Massachusetts Center for Massachusetts Data University of Massachusetts Center for Economic Development Massachusetts Institute of Technology Urban Studies and Planning requesting their technical assistance in evaluating the validity of the survey form, the sampling and distribution methodology, and the results compiled. Presentation from Connery Associates Kelli Baker introduced all members of the Master Plan Advisory Council to Mr. Bob Gatineau of Connery Associates. Mr. Gatineau began by giving a slide presentation of aerial photos of the town of Mansfield. Several potential problems that come with the rapid growth of a town were pointed out by Mr. Gatineau. A brief analysis of the Trends Extended followed. Several large maps were then presented and explained by Mr. Gatineau including the McConnell Survey Map, the USGS Map, showing Natural Features of the town, an overall Land Use Map, a Zoning Map, and a map combining the existing land use and the developable land. MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL 3 MINUTES OF MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1987 Presentation by Connery Associates (con't.) Several points were discussed by Mr. Cat ineau; some of which were: Timing Timing is programming for the future -- trying to realize when this development is going to occur. Mr. Gatineau noted that from now until 1995 there will be a lot of residential growth continuing to occur in Mansfield at a very brisk pace. Impacts 1. Schools - The effect of this growth on the school system in the sense of trying to project enrollment into the future was discussed. It was noted that in the peak year 2000 the capacity would be exceeded by approximately 61%. 2. Water - Projected water use and average daily water consumption was discussed. It was pointed out that Mansfield is almost at capacity now, and that new wells will have to be built to keep up with the continued growth in the town. 3. Sewer - It was noted that if no one else was using Mansfield's treatment plant, with its present capacity, in approximately 1997 the plant would need to be expanded. 4. Traffic - The impact on traffic expansion was briefly discussed. It was explained that within the planning areas, the average daily trips that were made on the major roads were totaled. Questions and/or Comments Some questions and/or comments from members of the Council concerning Connery's presentation were as follows: A question was raised as to the possibility of buildout being shown in acres as opposed to being shown in square feet. Mr. LaCasse explained that Connery Associates job was to look at what was available in terms of acreage; whether it is going to happen or not. MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL 4 MINUTES OF MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1987 Questions and/or Comments (con't.) Mr. Catineau noted that the Findings Report is market sensitive. He feel the figures are very reasonable. A question was raised as to whether wetlands and roadways that effect buildable areas have been considered. Mr. Catineau noted that wetlands and roadways have been considered in the entire process. A question was raised as to whether a higher buildout figure would be more realistic. Mr. Catineau noted that Connery Associates feels a more conservative figure is more realistic for a variety of reasons. Some questions that were raised by members of the audience were: Could the vacant land abutting the airport be a potential problem in the future? Mr. Catineau noted that if in the future it was decided by the airport authority and the town to make use of some of that property for airport -related activities, one of the things that would have to be considered would be going through local streets and neighborhoods to get to and from the property. How does the airport effect the town? Mr. Catineau noted that although there are positives and negatives, he felt that the airport does have a positive aspect for industry. Is Connery taking into consideration the replacing of existing structures? Mr. Catineau noted that this is an issue that will be taken up. Based on the information that Connery has on school projections, do they feel it is necessary to construct a new school? Mr. Catineau stated that Connery felt that the School Department sees a need for a new school. As the growth continues, in the peak year of 2000, the school system would be over capacity by about 61%. Has this report taken into consideration the changing economy? Mr. Catineau stated that this report really does not take into consideration the changing economy. It takes into consideration what has been generally happening over the past six to eight years. MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL 5 MINUTES OF MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1987 Questions raised by audience members (con't.) What recommendations do you have to help neighborhoods that abut the Industrial Park? Mr. Catineau noted that at this point in time Connery was not ready to address those recommendations; although, one alternative that may be considered to help these neighborhoods would be rezoning. Kelli Baker then stated that she felt Connery Associates' report was a job extremely well done. She asked Mr. Catineau what the time frame would be to go on from here? Mr.Catineau suggested scheduling the next meeting of the Master Plan Advisory Council on December 10. Summarization of Some Problems Mr. Catineau then summarized the following problems: 1. Loss of character/identity 2. Loss of open space 3. Enormous pressure on older neighborhoods - how to preserve and protect them 4. Diversify housing and make it affordable 5. Pressure on the water supply 6. Maximize financial benefits to the town - minimize the need for public expenditure Mr. Catineau stated that Connery Associates will return and present alternatives to the Trends Extended and they will show how these alternatives meet various goals in different ways. A roundtable discussion followed. Some points that were discussed were: What supply sources other than ground water are being considered? Mr.Catineau explained that Connery wants to be. sure that total growth in the future is within the capacity of the present ground water system. MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL 6 MINUTES OF MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1987 Roundtable Discussion (con't.) Were trends looked at regarding the effectiveness on other town services? Mr. Catineau stated that these trends have not been looked at as yet. The Fire Department will be looked at in as far as where an additional fire station might be needed. An issue was raised that between now and when a package is prepared for Town Meeting, much of the open space on the map may be blueprinted. Are there any types of activities that the Council, along with the Planning Board, can take to be a consulting board to look at case-by-case pieces that are being consideredfor development? Mr. Catineau noted that there are several things that may be done -- none of which he felt were ideal. 1. One approach would be to quickly come up with interim zoning for the period that the Master Plan is being done. 2. The second, more radical approach would be a temporary moratorium. Connery Associates is willing to look at some interim approaches as this is a big problem when doing a master plan. A motion was made by Mr. Gordon to see figures reflecting_ the difference in Connery's buildout as opposed to IEP's buildout. Mr. Catineau stated that he stood by Connery's numbers and he felt it would be a mistake to compare them with IEP's. Mr. Gordon then withdrew his motion. Ms. Baker then noted that she felt Connery's report was fairly dramatic and extremely informative. She asked if anyone knew of an inexpensive way to have this report copied and made available to the public. It was decided that Connery Associates would edit the report down to approximately five to six pages and Mr.LaCasse would look into the possibilities of having copies made. The possibility of editing Connery's presentation down to approximately 30 minutes and airing it on Cable 8 or making the video tape available was also discussed. MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL 7 MINUTES OF MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1987 Old Business No old business was discussed. New Business A motion was made by Mr. Folkman to invite the Mansfield Life Care Associates to come before the Master Plan Advisory Council to discuss their concept. The motion was seconded by Mr. Seifert and passed unanimously, with Mr. Willis abstaining. It was also noted that the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen would be invited to attend this meeting. A question was raised by a member of the audience as to whether the Council would be interested in hearing from anyone who has land up for rezoning. Kelli Baker stated that the Council cannot support or condemn zoning amendments until the final Master Plan. The Council is interested in concepts, not rezoning. Consideration would be made on a case-by-case basis as to hearing presentations on concepts for land available for development. Ms. Baker's letter of November 12, 1987, addressed to the Press, for review by Council Members was discussed. A motion was made by Mr. Seifert to send the letter to the Mansfield News and the Sun Chronicle with some suggested corrections. This motion was seconded by Mr. Madan and passed by a ten -to -one vote. Audience Questions/Comments Mrs. Carol Gordon read a prepared statement regarding her dissatisfaction with the Master Plan Advisory Council concerning several issues. The date of the next Master Plan Advisory Council meeting was set for December 10, 1987, at 7:30 PM. A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 10:10PM by Mr. Seifert and seconded by Mr. Folkman and passed by a unanimous vote. Respectfully submitted, (2,aaC Carol Ferris, Secretary cc: Michel LaCasse, Planning Director Planning Board/Board of Selectmen Joan Cutillo, Acting Town Manager