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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMaster Plan Council 09/10/1987September 21, 1987 i To: Master Plan Advisory Council Members From: Carol Ferris, Secretary / �CI-CU7U C%C.tL/GK Enclosed please find the minutes of the September 10, 1987, meeting. If there are any amendments, please bring them to my attention at the next meeting. Thank you. /cf TOWN OF MANSFIELD MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING Date of Meeting: September 10, 1987 Members Present: Kelli Baker William Madan Steven Chapman Carl Nelson Stephen Calvin Ralph Seifert Paul Folkman Stuart Sweet Lawrence Harrington Allen Willis Michel LaCasse The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM. A motion to approve the minutes of the August 20 meeting was made by Mr. Harrington and the motion was seconded by Mr. Madan and passed by a unanimous vote. CorresDondence A request was received from Richard Gordon to listen to and record the tape of the meeting of August 20 and to have copies of all minutes from May 7 to the present. It was decided to provide a copy of the original tape to Mr. Gordon along with copies of the minutes that were requested. A letter dated September 4, 1987, to Kelli Baker from George Wojtkiewicz, Chairman of the Board of Appeals, informing the Master Plan Advisory Council of his resignation, effective immediately. A letter dated August 31, 1987, -addressed to Kelli Baker from Joanne Colella informing the Master Plan Advisory Council of her resignation. A motion was made by Mr. Harrington to accept the two letters of resignation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Calvin and passed by a unanimous vote. Mr. Harrington then stated he felt it would be appropriate to discuss the need for new members at some point during the meeting. Members of the Council agreed. A memo dated August 25, 1987, to the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board from Kelli Baker inviting them to a joint meeting to be held on Thursday evening, September 10, 1987, at 7:30 PM. The purpose of this meeting would be a televised presentation by Connery Associates of the Affordable Housing Plan. TOWN OF MANSFIELD MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING - SEPTEMBER 10, 1987 Correspondence (con't.) A memo dated August 25, 1987, to the members of the Council from Kelli Baker enclosing minutes of the meeting of August 20 and informing them of a joint meeting between the Master Plan Advisory Council, the Board of Selectmen, and the Planning Board on Thursday, September 10, 1987, at 7:30 PM. A letter dated August 24, 1987, addressed to Mr. Robert Catineau of Connery Associates from Michel LaCasse enclosing the Parcel Map for the Town of Mansfield. This letter also advised Mr. Catineau that the Council voted to approve the July 1987 copy of the Affordable Housing Plan with certain changes. Note: Kelli Baker then stated that no official vote was made to approve the draft by Connery Associates; although, the general consensus was to approve the styling of the draft. A speed memo dated August 13, 1987, to Mr. Bob Catineau of Connery Associates from Mr. Michel LaCasse enclosing a copy of the Water Protection District Advisory Committee's final recommendation and informing him that the Board of Selectmen supported the document at their August 12, 1987, meeting. Presentation by Connery Associates A presentation by Connery Associates outlining a brief over- view of their approach to the Master Plan was given. Mr. Catineau began by discussing a floc✓ chart (copy attached). The following three large maps were then presented: 1. Partially completed Land Use Map 2. Zoning Map (Connery Associates intends to show where in the town units could be built in certain areas using present zoning.) 3. Natural Features Map 2 The Findings Report would include a discussion of where the town is going in terms of future growth. The topics of water capacity, school impact and traffic impact would also be addressed. Alternatives would then be presented for the Council's consideration. TOWN OF MANSFIELD MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING - SEPTEMBER 10, 1987 uestions concerning the Master Plan Mr. LaCasse requested Connery Associates indicate where the Affordable Housing Plan stands in the whole process and the relative importance of it. In Connery Associates` response, the matter of residential development was addressed. Connery Associates stated one of the basic elements of the Housing Plan is agreement about where residential growth density type units should happen in Mansfield. Discussion on Affordable Housing Some points that were discussed were: There is often confusion as to why there is a need for affordable housing. When people moved to Mansfield years ago, it was quite different than it is now. Existing rentals are going condo. Mansfield needs to begin by seeing diversity of their own needs. In 1980, the ratio of income needed to purchase a home was significantly lower than it is today. Elderly needs were also briefly discussed, as were the needs of the young and single -parent families. It was noted that affordable housing effects jobs, economy, etc. How are all these people going to be accommodated if there is not enough affordable housing? Connery Associates proceeded to explain basic elements that were put into the Affordable Housing Plan. The most important element is the need to agree on the Master Plan. Major Elements of the Affordable Housing Plan 1. Permit more diverse new resident development to match the diverse needs that were discussed. 2. Adopt cluster zoning as a very good means to bring variety into the community. 3. Adopt incentive zoning. (It was noted at this point in time that the Council has not reached an agreement on how to apply this incentive zoning.) 4. Improve and preserve the existing stock. 3 TOWN OF MANSFIELD MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING — SEPTEMBER 10, 1987 Major Elements of the Affordable Housing Plan (con't.) 5. Generating financial resources to create a housing fund. Two means were discussed to create a housing fund: 1. Direct appropriation from Town Meeting. (Connery Associates feels this to be an unrealistic means.) 2. Real Estate Transfer Tax. (It was noted by Connery Associates that at this point in time the Council is not in favor of this.) Summarization of the Overall Approach 1. Allow a variety of housing for a variety of needs. 2. Encourage private sector to build affordable housing. 3. Use the existing stock to the fullest extent possible. 4. Get local funds. 4 Kelli Baker then noted that there are three areas where the Council is indecisive. 1. Incentive Zoning. 2. Mobile Homes ("Mobile Homes" being a misnomer, as newer codes require permanent homes on foundations.) 3. Accessory Apartments. It was stated that the informal consensus is that the Council basically agrees with most of what Connery Associates has discussed. It was then requested that Connery Associates explain Affordable Housing that has been targeted for this area, for the benefit of the television audience and the members of the two Boards that were present at the meeting. Connery Associates responded and explained Affordable Housing as it related to Mansfield. Connery Associates was then asked to comment on the difference between low and moderate income and affordable housing. Connery Associates responded and held a discussion concerning monthly rent dollars, etc. At this point there were no questions or comments from the Council. TOWN OF MANSFIELD 5 MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING - SEPTEMBER 10, 1987 Summarization of the Overall Approach (con' Some questions from the members of the other Boards present were: What is the average monthly rental in the town of Mansfield? Average monthly rent depends on what particular type of unit is being referred to. It was then noted by Connery Associates that they recommend, and they feel the Council agrees, to broaden the zoning by-laws to make sure that a broad variety of different types of units are allowed. A question about density in the downtown area arose. It was pointed out that other areas in town need to also be targeted. Accessory apartments and other alternatives were also discussed. It was noted that it is important to satisfy the state's needs for Affordable Housing. What is manufactured housing? The difference between mobile homes and manufactured housing was explained. Mobile homes are not allowed under the zoning by-law; manufactured homes are allowed. How does manufactured housing stack up in terms of affordability? This depends on how much of.the house can be built off site. It was noted that all manufactured housing and mobile homes are built according to the building code today, not as in the past. It was also noted that mobile homes and pre -manufactured housing are allowable in town as long as they are on a foundation. Should a collective housing concept for Norton -Foxboro -Mansfield be considered? A brief discussion followed making the point that a town solution must be reached before regional solutions can be generated. Connery Associates noted it was their desire, and they felt the desire of the Council, to meet Mansfield's affordable housing needs -- not just to meet the state's requirements. TOWN OF MANSFIELD MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING - SEPTEMBER 10, 1987 ummarization of the Overall ADDroach (con' Some discussion on cluster development followed. It was noted that people are concerned about cluster development. Where in the town can cluster developments be placed? Is there a way to control where and how many housing units there are in different areas of town? Can the rate in which housing invades any particular area be controlled? Ll Mr. LaCasse noted it is important to inform the people that this report gives us tools on affordable housing. Also, implementation -- to propose something that is acceptable to town meeting. It was then agreed by Members of the Council and by members of the two boards present to put the Housing Study on the shelf temporarily until the Master Plan is developed. No specific comments were made by members present of the Planning Board or the Board of Selectmen concerning the Housing Study at this time. Ms. Baker then stated that there was a unanimous concurrence that the Affordable Housing Plan is done for the moment. Old Business No old business was discussed at this meeting. New Business Mr. Harrington suggested that strong consideration be given to asking the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen to appoint new members to the Council since several members have been lost since last June. Mr. Chapman informed the Council of his pending move to North Attleboro, and discussion followed as to when an appropriate time would be to give his resignation. The importance of having a diverse input from various town boards of Mansfield was noted. Ms. Baker stated that now might be an appropriate time for blanket re -appointments. The Council agreed that certain guidelines to be requested were as follows: 1. Reappointments are to be made one-for-one, replacing current vacancies. TOWN OF MANSFIELD MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING — SEPTEMBER 10, 1987 New Business (con't_) 2. A deadline of October 15 for reappointments should be made so that an update meeting, introducing new members, etc., can be held. 3. No reappointments should be made after this process. It was then noted that all future Advisory Council meetings will be televised on Cable 8. It was then decided that Ms. Baker would seek the guidance of the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen in requesting blanket reappointments to the Council by October 15. A motion was made by Mr. Harrington to send the letter that was discussed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Willis and passed unanimously. It was also suggested that an organizational meeting would be appropriate at some point after the October 15 deadline to introduce new members and to update them on the current issues. It was then stated by Mr. LaCasse that he had received the Community Profile. It was agreed that after his reviewing it, if no problems are seen, copies will be mailed to all Members of the Council. A comment was made by Tony Caponigro commending the Council on their time and effort spent and.also commending Mr. LaCasse on his work. At 10:05PM a motion was made by Mr. Seifert to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Chapman and passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, �vt �&l C4-' Carol Ferris, Secretary cc: Michel LaCasse, Planning Director Planning Board Board of Selectmen Joan Cutillo, Acting Town Manager 7 . Sn O mn COMMUNITY VALUES "'o :jO z m C) m 0 J c 4q - 7 3 pn O m0 oa O DAz� m- C� v'n OZ 0fel 0o Dm -Di Q] N -in w� '\ �� mZ ^� D O D D zz mD cn z r �o r m n z O -i z z GROWTH IMPACTS . I I I IJO m no� ALTERNATIVE GROWTH PLANS -yam c-, �lJ z m. _m -y-� zzzLn �D V rn IMPACTS m 1 O O z 71 cnz O D PREFERRED. PLAN m 'a z a `n 00 FLn p0 <M Dm K:E N >� m COMPONENT PLANS m� z -n oc� zz mKK K �^ "> z _0 m l/ J 71 FINAL PLAN q O F- 00 00 PRIORITIES°Z 0 rZ OS r n m o O O �_ D a VmU m m i ria z PROGRAMS 0 a � z