Development Review Board Meeting

Present: Shirley Maiden, John Watanabe, Ray Ferrarin, Perry Green, Julie Nolan, Devin Halligan; Bob Bushee, John Watanabe, Gerry Deyo, John Griffin, Howard Kalinsky; Sydney Schiffman; also Planning Director/Zoning Administrator Lee Krohn, and others per sign in sheet.

Motion Griffin to approve the minutes of 9/30/09 and 10/08/09; seconded by Bushee and OK by all.

Northshire Day School, 5484 Main Street, continued: parties were sworn. Further discussion about the barn, costs of renovation, concerns, historic value, the original commitment to restore, and other options for ownership/renovation/adaptive reuse, and at least stabilizing the structure to prevent further deterioration while other ideas and options are pursued. NDS would prefer to be granted the amendment first, and then to explore options; but it is likely more appropriate for NDS to explore options first, which can then be heard and considered within the context of the hearing. NDS then suggested it was the Town’s responsibility to do this (or help with it) if the Town wants the barn to remain. Krohn offered to help with a new barn grant application to the state. Given that Act 250 and the Division of Historic Preservation will also be involved, and the expertise they can bring to this discussion, NDS was urged to file its 250 amendment soon; we will then seek to create a helpful and collaborative town/state approach to this matter. Toward that end, motion Kalinsky to recess the hearing to December 16, 2009; seconded by Bushee and OK 5-0.

 Maclean, off Three Maple Drive and Beartown Road, preliminary review: Chris Ponessi described the lay of the land and a preliminary proposal for a nine lot residential subdivision. The existing house would remain on a 20 acre parcel; the other lots would be in the 4-6 acre range, described as being similar to existing, surrounding development. Two lots need access off of Beartown, a Class 4 highway (requires Selectboard approval for access); the other six lots would be accessed via a new private road (partly following logging roads) off of Three Maple Drive, opposite Sweet Hollow Road. Ponessi described the pattern and intent of development as similar to Sweet Hollow (limited clearing of land for homes, but not clearcutting). Firefighting infrastructure will have to be designed and installed, per MFD needs yet to be determined. No major questions or concerns were expressed at this time; a formal application will likely be submitted soon.

Upcoming schedule, and other informational items were discussed.

Beth Meachem (for the Chamber) and Don Dorr appeared regarding the Chamber banner. The Board had recently asked Krohn to limit the size of temporary ‘nonprofit’ signs in the future to that which is otherwise permitted for permanent signs in any zoning district. Meachem and Dorr asked that this not occur; that the Chamber banner be allowed to continue as it has for many years: it would not be an issue if it were still over Main Street; nonprofits have invested in these banners, many of which are reused each year; they promote nonprofits and events that add vitality to the community; and part of the banner fees to go nonprofits who use it for scholarships. The real issue appeared to be the size and prominence of one particular commercial logo on one specific banner. Krohn and Meachem agreed to review designs in advance, and to ensure that any sponsor’s name or logo is better integrated into the overall visual design of each banner. This is consistent with the purpose of these signs, which is to promote events, not entities. Meachem also agreed to work to keep the size of these banners toward the smaller end of what has been displayed thus far. While not unanimous, there was general agreement of the DRB that with staff review as noted above, the Chamber banner may continue to be displayed.

 With no other business, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by Lee Krohn.