4 May 2005 | Approved: 1 June 2005
Chairman John McClelland called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. In attendance were Commissioners Darrell Anderson, Bob Evans, Bud O’Connor and alternate Jim Leng. Also in attendance were town residents Bob Booher, Ed Roberts, David Stopak and John Tomlin and property owners Mel Cakmak and Al Ergul.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes for April were approved.
Building Permits
The following building permits were discussed and voted on by the Planning Commission:
- 352 Ridge Road » The HPC review included in file. New house approved unanimously.
- 206 Chestnut Avenue » Roof remodel approved unanimously.
- 122 Chestnut Avenue » Fence approved unanimously.
Mansionization/HPC and TC Input
Bob Booher, chairman of the HPC presented information from the recent Mansionization Conference held at McCathran Hall (see attachment A.) The HPC has a subcommittee of Bob Booher, David Neumann, Bruce Rothrock and David Stopak looking at what other communities are doing about this issue and evaluating the FAR concept. Chairman McClelland stated that the PC is investigating schedule of standard changes making uniform application of lot size/square footage the major criteria across all zones (RR1, RR2, RR3, RR4). Mr. Booher stated that it also matters to the HPC where the house is located in Town (called "overlays"). Mr. Booher also presented a questionnaire (see attachment B) that the HPC would like to be sent out with the next Town Bulletin.
A discussion was prompted by the questionnaire debating "style" versus "bulk". Commissioner Evans stated that if the issue is the bulk of houses, he is interested in discussing that. However, he is not interested in regulating the style of homes. David Stopak pointed out that style can make larger houses appear smaller by breaking up the roof lines. Commissioner O’Connor stated concerns about governmental controls over property owners. Commissioner Leng stated that he feels the HPC should do a presentation about mansionization issues at the Town Meeting to find out if this is an issue that Town residents want to pursue. Commissioner Anderson pointed out that the last time FAR was presented to the Town, there was a lot of negative feedback. Commissioners Anderson and Evans both felt the questionnaire was too general and that the questions should be about what each resident is willing or wants to happen to their property and their direct neighbor’s properties. Mr. Stopak asked the Commissioners to email their questionnaire suggestions to him. Mr. Booher asked if the PC would like to meet with the HPC to discuss the issue further. Chairman McClelland agreed to a joint meeting if the survey results demonstrated resident support.
305 Washington Grove Lane
A letter will be sent to Kathi Higdon outlining the restrictions on using the second kitchen at this property. She is instructed to disclose to potential buyers that this property can only be inhabited as a single family dwelling. There was some discussion as to whether the second kitchen should be removed before it is sold based upon the ordinances and prior Town action.
Cater Property
Mayor Compton has asked the PC to revisit the Cator property annexation issue. The owners are still asking for five total lots even though the PC has told them that the Town will only entertain annexation with four total lots. Commissioner Leng stated that he thinks the annexation should occur only when/if the railroad crossing is closed. Chairman McClelland restated the PC’s concerns of train noise, vehicular traffic and nearby industrial use. Mr. Stopak stated that he feels a mixed use zone annexed into the Grove would make sense in order to keep it from going industrial. Chairman McClelland pointed out that the owners have previously been denied industrial zoning by the County. Annexation should not be considered until development plans meeting the PC’s recommendations, outlined in an October 2004 letter, is received. The terms and conditions of the annexation should also be made with the buyer/actual developer.
Master Plan 10 Year Revision
Chairman McClelland asked the Commissioners to read the Master Plan and make notes for the next meeting.
Missy Yachup – Secretary
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.