SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 16, 2019
Members Present: S. Gregg (Vice-Chair); B. Kerr; M. Gammal; D. Roy
Member Absent: D. Patterson (Chair)
Public Present: Tim Maxham; Nate Hayward; Martha Taylor-Varney (ZA)
7PM – S. Gregg called the meeting to order.
Changes to the Agenda
There were none.
Public Input
There was none.
Discussion with Nate Hayward on benefits of PUD’s
Nate explained to the Commission members that, as a developer of 5 Planned Unit Developments, he has not seen a lot of incentives for development. He recommended that towns could consider density bonuses for affordable housing or senior housing. Benefits of consolidated development included protection of open space and savings on infrastructure (roads, shared septic, utilities). In a PUD the number of units is based on the amount of acreage of the entire parcel. Discussion included whether the height of a structure affects density, if the Fire Department has limitations in respect to the height of a structure, how open space is managed, and utilization of wetlands. There is currently one commercial PUD in South Hero (Health Center/Wally’s/FD and Rescue/future Library) and no residential PUD’s.
Status of Sign Ordinance draft
- Gregg asked Martha to make corrections on some formatting issues and to add page numbers to the document in preparation for presenting the ordinance’s final draft to the Selectboard. The Commission will schedule a public hearing (date TBD) prior to a Selectboard public hearing (not yet scheduled).
- Roy moved to approve the final draft; B. Kerr second. All in favor.
Meeting Minutes
- Kerr moved to approve the minutes from January 2, 2019; M. Gammal second. All in favor.
New/Old Business
The Commission discussed adding bicycle facilities (racks, etc.) to site plans, and general issues affecting on-street parking.
Administrator’s Report
- Martha will be meeting with Taylor Newton at NRPC on Thursday, Jan. 24 to go over formatting of the final draft of the Development Regulations.
- The Colchester Planning Commission has updated their Town Plan. As an abutter to the Town of Colchester, the South Hero Planning Commission was sent notice that a copy of the updated plan is on the Town of Colchester website.
- The next meeting of the South Hero Planning Commission will be Wednesday, February 6 at 7PM.
Adjournment
8:15PM – D. Roy moved to adjourn; S. Gregg second. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA
Signed: ____________________________________________ Date: _____________________
For the Planning Commission
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These minutes are unofficial until they are approved at the next regularly-scheduled meeting. All motions were unanimous unless otherwise indicated.