Planning Board, April 23, 2013
Planning Board Meeting Minutes
April 23, 2013
Memorial Hall
Members Present: W. Ritter, D. Lindberg, O. Lies, J. Head, J. Michalak
Members Absent: S. Carlson
Staff Present: P. Harding, Town Planner, D. Sciascia, Recording Secretary
Others Present: Matthew Wilde, Wilde Irrigation
7:00 PM: W. Ritter called the Planning Board meeting to order.
7:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING - Digitized Zoning Map Town Meeting Recommendation: W. Ritter read the Public Hearing Notice into record.
The Town of Holden Zoning Map was originally created in the 1970’s. The proposed zoning map has been updated to incorporate previous amendments, including zone changes that were conducted to the bylaw in 2000. The new map utilizes current GIS data, no new amendments to the current zoning districts or boundaries are being proposed.
D. Lindberg motioned to close the Public Hearing. O. Lies seconded.
J. Head motioned to recommend approval at town meeting. D. Lindberg seconded. Vote 5-0, all in favor.
Documents presented during review can be viewed in the Town Planners office.
Citizen Petition to Remove “No Parking” Signs At Turning Radius on Vista Circle: Both the DPW and Fire Department do not have an issue with removal of the “no parking” signs.
O. Lies motioned on the recommendation of DPW, the Fire Department, and Police Department, to approve removal of the “No Parking” signs and the amendment is an unsubstantial change to the subdivision approval. D. Lindberg seconded. Vote 5-0, APPROVED.
Documents presented during review can be viewed in the Town Planners office.
HIGHLANDS OF HOLDEN (f.k.a. Deer Run), Petition for Street Acceptance, Vista Circle: A letter with a punch list of items, required to be completed prior to street acceptance, was reviewed by the Board. This is the only street up for acceptance at Town Meeting. The item was continued.
Documents presented during review can be viewed in the Town Planners office.
7:15 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING – Amendment to Chapter 7.1 Zoning Bylaw, Temporary Moratorium on Marijuana Dispensaries for Town Meeting: W. Ritter read the Public Hearing Notice into record.
On recommendation of the Police Chief, a temporary moratorium is proposed for medical marijuana dispensaries to allow time for the Holden Planning Board to investigate appropriate zoning regulations to properly address the impact and operation of the distribution/treatment centers. The sample By-Law came from Burlington, MA. The temporary moratorium expires on June 30, 2014. Counsel advised an additional year would be acceptable if the Planning Board would like to extend the moratorium until 2015.
D. Lindberg motioned to close the Public Hearing. J. Head seconded.
J. Head motioned to recommend approval of the temporary moratorium on marijuana dispensaries for Town Meeting. J. Michalak seconded. Vote 5-0, all in favor.
Documents presented during review can be viewed in the Town Planners office.
7:30 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING –Town of Holden’s Request, 1420 Main Street, Zone change Existing R-1 to BO-P Business Office Professional, Town Meeting Recommendation: W. Ritter read the Public Hearing Notice into record.
The Holden Board of Selectmen are proposing to change the zoning district of the former Holden Police Station, 1420 Main Street, from R-1 to Business Office-Professional. The BO-P zone would act as a transitional land use between the surrounding residential and commercial zoning districts. Abutters within 300’ were notified of the hearing.
Matt Wilde, Abutter, was in attendance for the Public Hearing.
J. Head thought the rezoning to BO-P was a good compromise.
J. Head motioned to recommend the zoning change for 1420 Main Street from R-1 to BO-P at Town Meeting. J. Michalak seconded. Vote 5-0, all in favor.
Documents presented during review can be viewed in the Town Planners office.
OTHER BUSINESS:
- The Board was reminded that they still need another member. W. Ritter will call Jackie Kelly.
- Town Meeting is May 20th. The Board will likely meet briefly before the meeting.
- CMMPO Walkable Communities Workshop: O. Lies informed the Board about this free workshop. CMRPC will be getting in touch with TCC, John Woodsmall, a number of departments, and elected officials. O. Lies thinks TCC should take the leadership on this one, but the Planning Board should participate.
NEXT MEETING: May 14, 2013 and May 28, 2013
O. Lies motioned to adjourn. J. Michalak seconded. All in favor.
Adjourned 7.40 PM.
April 23, 2013 Minutes approved: