Planning Board Minutes

Planning Board

December 18, 2018

Approved on January 15

Members Present:  Bruce Healey, Chair; Michael Beaton, Vice Chair; Regina Cockerill, Howard Maurer, Bill Weiler, Richard Wright, Members; Deane Geddes, Alternate; Russell Smith, Ex-officio Member, Ken McWilliams, Advisor.

Mr. Healey called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Public Hearing:

2019 Amendments to the Newbury Zoning Ordinance Proposed by the Newbury Planning Board

Mr. Healey read the public notice.  Mr. Healey opened the hearing for public comment.  There being non, Mr. Healey closed the public comment.  He then read through the five proposed Newbury Zoning Ordinance Amendments.

Mr. McWilliams reviewed all of the amendments with the Board and asked if the members had any questions.

There were no questions from the Board.

Mr. Healey closed the public hearing.

Amendment #1 - Mr. Healey asked the Board if there was any discussion on Amendment #1.   There was none.  Mr. Healey asked the Board members if they thought this amendment was more restrictive. The Board agreed that it is.   Mr. Healey noted that if an amendment is more restrictive it will be considered effective as of the date of the notice for the amendment unless defeated at town meeting.  Mr. Weiler moved that amendment #1 be moved to the ballot.  Mr. Wright seconded.  All were in favor.

Amendment #2 - Mr. Healey asked the Board if there was any discussion on Amendment #2.  There was none.  Mr. Healey asked the Board members if they thought this amendment was more restrictive.  The Board agreed it is not more restrictive. Mr. Weiler moved that amendment #2 be moved to the ballot.  Mr. Smith seconded.  All were in favor.

Amendment #3 -   Mr. Healey asked the Board if there was any discussion on Amendment #3.  There was none.  Mr. Healey asked the Board members if they thought this amendment was more restrictive.  The Board agreed it is more restrictive.  Mr. Weiler moved that amendment #3 be moved to the ballot.  Mr. Wright seconded.  All were in favor.

Amendment #4 - Mr. Healey asked the Board if there was any discussion on Amendment #4.  There was none.  Mr. Healey asked the Board members if they thought this amendment was more restrictive.  The Board agreed it is more restrictive.  Mr. Weiler moved that amendment #4 be moved to the ballot.  Mr. Wright seconded.  All were in favor.

Amendment #5 - Mr. Healey asked the Board if there was any discussion on Amendment #5.  There was none.  Mr. Healey asked the Board members if they thought this amendment was more restrictive.  The Board agreed it is more restrictive.  Mr. Weiler moved that amendment #5 be moved to the ballot.  Mr. Wright seconded.  All were in favor.

Discussion on Alternative Housing for the Elderly in Newbury

Mr. Ivor Freeman approached the Board to discuss the possibility of elderly housing in Newbury.  Mr. Freeman stated he believes there is a need for elderly housing in Newbury and that some detailed work should be done to see if this could become a reality.  Mr. Weiler suggested that someone shouldlook at the costs and the economics of a project such as this.  Mr. Wright said one of the first questions to ask is if Newbury wants to move in that direction.  Mr. Wright said that some elderly people leave, not just because there are no elderly housing options, but also because Newbury does not have as many conveniences as some other towns in the area.  Mr. Wright said that Newbury will never be able to compete with some of these other communities that offer more services to their residents.  Mr. Freeman would like to have a meeting to see how many residents might be interested in elderly housing.  Mr. Healey said that sounded like a reasonable request.  Mr. Wright said he believes there is a need for tiny houses in the area for the younger generation.  Mr. Geddes agreed that we should be offering more housing for the younger generation.  Mr. Geddes agreed the elderly will continue to leave town due to there not being services in town.  Mr. Healey said that the topic of alternative housing is the most important topic that the Planning Board should address.  Mr. Healey said the Board needs to decide if we are happy with what Newbury offers, or if there should be a plan to change things.  Mr. Healey suggested that a subcommittee be formed to take a closer look at the need and create a plan and proposal to the Planning Board.  Mr. Freeman proposed to put an ad in the Shopper to see if there is any interest from the townspeople.  Mr. Freeman thanked the Board for allowing him to speak.

Minutes:

The Board reviewed the minutes of November 13, 2018.  Corrections were made.

Mr. Weiler made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected.  Mr. Maurer seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

Other Business:

Planning Board 2019 Budget – Mr. Healey distributed the 2019 proposed budget.  Mr. Healey briefly went over the budget process.  

Letter to Hilton concerning AoT for property located at 274 South Road –

Mr. Healey distributed a packet with the preliminary letter, the AoT permit with conditions and the letter of compliance for the files of all of the Board members.  

Voluntary Merger of Lots of Record – Tax/Map 019-430-207 and 019-425-193 –

Mr. Healey showed a map of Birch Grove Road.  He explained the owners want to merge these two lots.  He explained the dwelling on one of the lots was demolished.  

Mr. Geddes made a motion to adjourn.  Mr. Smith seconded the motion.  All in favor.

The meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna S. Long

Recording Secretary

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