Smart Growth Committee
Minutes of August 27, 2008 Meeting
In attendance:
Therese Gould, chair;
Mark Amado, Larry Gould, Eve Kummel, Howard Levin, committee members;
Chris Bouchard, Highway Superintendent
The meeting was called to order and the minutes from the past three meetings were summarized in a memo written by Terry dated July 21, 2008 which the group listed above proceeded to review. As we are moving into issues which will require legal expertise, there was a suggestion made to enlist the services of Attorney Ed Partyka, a specialist in town law.
Included was a discussion regarding fees and costs and the suggestion was made to initiate a conversation with the Otis Selectmen regarding a working budget for the committee’s expenses so that our suggestions are made within the laws of the Commonwealth and worded correctly.
Chris Bouchard, Highway Superintendent joined the meeting and the issue of winter parking was raised. His crews have difficulty plowing town roads after snowfalls. Cars parked on the sides of roads create hazards during snow clearing operations. He stated that he would like the committee to recommend a 24 hour ban on parking on town streets: from the start of a snow or ice event until the completion of the clearing thereof. We discussed adding enforced ramifications such as towing and fines to ensure compliance with the ordinance. Chris offers to gather information regarding other municipalities’ strategies so that we may be able to create a fail proof change in the parking situation on town roads.
Problems with the Town beach were discussed. Apparently, seasonal residents in and around the beach have been dumping garbage in the dumpsters left by the town for the beachgoers. It was also pointed out that the port-o-potty was loaded and clogged with rocks. Nothing definitive was discussed regarding solutions for that problem.
We talked about increasing the size of the minimum frontage and acreage necessary for single family, new home development throughout Otis. Currently, the statute allows for 150’ frontage and a minimum of one acre. The committee is interested in submitting a by-law to the planning board to increase the footprint for single family residences to 2 acres and 200’ road frontage. Further, it was suggested that we even think about a minimum of 250 feet for frontage. These changes will help the town to maintain it’s sustainable growth in a more eco-friendly and manageable fashion. It will help to preserve the character of the town, the quality of the water, etc. Howard Levin suggested that the law would have to be written so that it is retroactive to keep people from jumping in with planning and permitting, and
thus diluting the impact of the new ordinance.
Regarding landholders with multiple and contiguous lots:
2 required septic fields with 1500 gallon tanks
There are technical requirements for larger fields; the second field has to be as big as the first. Septics – 10’ from house. Tight tanks not allowed for permanent residences. Discussion: How do we know if a seasonal resident moves into town permanently?
Reasons include the need for extensive green space – the committee sees that this is a positive step and environmentally sound, doesn’t effect existing home owners, but will limit crowded developments – or Otis will go the same route as the rest of the Berkshires.
It may change driveway requirements with new frontage and acreage regulations. The committee has to figure out how to present these concepts and changes to the Town and be able to defend it.
Mark Amado suggests we send a letter to the Planning Board to suggest that we have an operating budget. He read a brief outline to the members of the committee. An advertisement in the Otis Gazette and fact sheets can be made around town to help educate the local populous.
More information is needed such as the # of permits for new construction for the past ten years and the percentage of growth over time. It is important to shift from home construction and the individual to developers with large plans. If the town reasonably upgrades the road and acreage adjustments now when the building trades have slowed, we will be in the right position when the construction market rebounds. The timing is appropriate.
There was also a discussion about the wording of the bylaw regarding townhouses 7.3.8 and 4.1, any other provision and requirements for a principle building/townhouse as long as the intent of the bylaw is being met. Larry Gould reads bylaws and we all agree that there’s a problem in the wording.
Eve Kummel offers to record minutes for Terry’s review.
Next meeting, September 24, 2008
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