MEMBERS PRESENT:       Dick Elkins (Chairman); Brian Precourt, Kate Lalley, Tucker Holland, Sam Chauncey. (Daren Jorgensen and Ron Bouchard were absent.)

STAFF PRESENT:                Dean Pierce, Town Planner.

OTHERS PRESENT:            Brianne and Matthew Taylor.

Chairman Dick Elkins called the meeting to order at 7:08 PM.

 

 

Deferred:

Ø      Item #6 – Noise Regulations

Ø      Item #8 – Partial Review of Development Applications

 

There were no comments from the public.

 

The public hearing was opened at 7:10 PM. Brian Precourt recused himself from deliberation/decision on the zoning changes pertaining to the Village Center (Article VIII). Dean Pierce reviewed the changes to include reduction of lot area to 15,000 s.f. (was 20,000 s.f.) and frontage for a single family house from 75’ to 60’ and from 100’ to 75’ for a two family house. The frontage for other uses was reduced from 150’ to 100’. There are five properties in the district that are impacted by the changes. With the changes these properties will have new opportunity for some commercial development. Some of the five properties are already in commercial use. There were no comments from the public.

 

 

Brian Precourt returned to the Planning Commission.

 

Deferred to a future meeting when Daren Jorgensen is present.

 

Dean Pierce reported the planning grant application has been submitted. A response is expected by the end of June. The state legislature did not change the update cycle for town plans. The update cycle for regional plans was changed from every five years to every eight years. Also, update of regulations pertaining to fees was changed from every five years to every eight years. If Shelburne does not receive the planning grant then the original update cycle for the town plan (five years) will be followed. January, 2012 is when the update needs to be complete.  Kate Lalley suggested contacting the Community Planning Center at UVM for assistance. Dean Pierce agreed this option can be pursued if the grant is not received.

 

Deferred to a future meeting when Daren Jorgensen is present.

 

There was discussion of looking at the entire Mixed Use District rather than piecemeal and spot changes. It was noted Mark Naud was not able to supply information that was previously promised pertaining to his property in the Commerce & Industry District. Dick Elkins suggested including fast food establishments and gas stations on Shelburne Road as a question on the survey for public opinion. There was further discussion of options to deal with properties in the Mixed Use District, such as having different requirements for vacant parcels versus an already developed parcel or allowing adaptive reuse of a property. It was suggested another question on the survey could ask about potential uses to get public opinion. Kate Lalley observed the regulations as written now may be too narrow. Adaptive reuse needs to be allowed so the town is not stuck with large abandoned box stores. Setbacks, scale issues, landscaping, and configuration of the site can be reviewed. Tucker Holland suggested inviting the Development Review Board to a joint meeting to discuss confusing or grey areas in the regulations. Mr. Holland recalled past discussions of having a visual difference when leaving South Burlington and entering Shelburne. Architectural review of the buildings along the road may be as effective as a setback. Brian Precourt agreed with having an emphasis on building design, but not a set feature such as a determined number of peaks on the roof. Tucker Holland suggested the HP&DRC or an ad hoc committee review projects, keeping in mind these are mainly commercial uses, not historic residences. Kate Lalley suggested the HP&DRC deal with development along Route 7 much the same as it deals with development in the historic village. Dean Pierce advised that if a board in that role is used then a design study of the corridor must first be done. Brian Precourt suggested simply getting an informal opinion from a panel of individuals in town who have architectural expertise. Tucker Holland observed the market and economy drives the businesses that decide Shelburne is where they want to located. The town boards need to maintain the aesthetics and character of Shelburne over time. Sam Chauncey suggested a joint meeting be held with the Planning Commission, DRB, and HP&DRC to discuss how Route 7 can enhance economic development (i.e. discuss the Mixed Use District). The DRB is making design decisions now. Kate Lalley stated a broadening of the current understanding of the ordinances is needed. The DRB needs a broader set of tools. Brian Precourt mentioned the “Cars to People” committee in South Burlington and will forward information to Dean Pierce. There was continued discussion of holding a joint meeting with the DRB and other groups. Tucker Holland said the DRB needs to inform the Planning Commission where the bylaws are not working. The Selectboard should also be invited to a joint meeting to discuss areas of concern. Dean Pierce will find out the interest in a joint meeting with the DRB, Selectboard, and other committees, and determine if June 10^th is an available date. It was noted the Planning Commission and DRB will be attending the upcoming Selectboard retreat.

 

There was discussion of the site visit with the Public Service Board on May 17, 2010 for the Cole and Hollenbeck installations, and the pre-hearing conference for Hollenbeck. Dean Pierce advised the town must be prepared to state what is wrong and why (and call witnesses if necessary). In the Section 248 process if the town enters the hearing the town attorney will be present. Tucker Holland pointed out the Significant Views Map is the town’s focus. Mr. Pierce explained the PSB would have to find that there is an undue adverse impact on aesthetics. The town’s expert may counter by saying the installation violates a clearly written community standard and there is a map as well. There was mention of identifying alternate locations that do not violate the regulations. Sam Chauncey noted NRG in Hinesburg leases panels in their solar field.

 

 

 

None.

 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.