Town of Kensington
Planning Board Minutes
June 17, 2005 Work Session
Approved July 7, 2005
In Attendance: Chaired by Michael Schwotzer, Peter Merrill, Joan Whitney, Bob Solomon, Michael Motherway, Selectmen’s Representative, and Jill Robinson, Rockingham Planning Commission Circuit Rider.
The Meeting was called to order at 6:41 pm.
Review of current Elderly Housing Regulation
Jill Robinson started out the discussion with a list of major concerns regarding the current Elderly Housing Regulation. She also passed out copies of Elderly Housing Regulations from East Kingston, Newton and Stratham, NH.
1) Where in the town can they be located? Currently, they can be located in all parts of the town. Mike Schwotzer suggested that a 1 mile radius circle be drawn on the map of the town with its center point being the current Fire Station. The idea behind the suggestion was to locate elderly housing developments as close to the center of the town as possible to help with the response time of the fire department. Other ideas included picking specific roads on which to allow development. OPEN issue regarding any change to the current regulation.
2) How many units to be allowed in town? Currently, there is no restriction regarding the total number, only on the number per lot of land. One idea was to restrict the number of elderly units to a percentage (4 – 10%) of the number of houses not including any elderly. Thereafter, the max number would be increased only as a factor of any new houses constructed in the prior year. OPEN issue regarding any change to the current regulation.
3) Next was a lengthy discussion of the issues surrounding the town’s need for affordable housing for the elderly and/or the work-force. Reference was made to the Stratham zoning articles. The method of defining affordable and its financial basis was deemed to be a problem. Further discussion is needed to see if the town’s people wish to implement this concept in Kensington. OPEN issue regarding any change to the current regulation.
4) The current regulation asks that recreational opportunities be considered by the developer of an Elderly Housing development. Since elderly people are more active and the town currently does not provide any recreational facilities, the developer must provide opportunities on the grounds of the development. OPEN issue regarding any change to the current regulation.
5) The issue of access / layout of an elderly development were discussed. The board believes that there should be more than one entrance, each starting at a through street, one of which must be in Kensington. Thereby prohibiting cul-de-sacs. Additionally, there should be open space available to the residents of the project and community and accessible via walking paths. OPEN issue regarding any change to the current regulation.
6) Attractive and effective lighting of the internal roadways was another issue brought forward by Ms. Robinson. Additionally, the possible inclusion / suggestion that a mixed use of small retail, professional buildings on the through road edge might be a benefit to the residents. These buildings could include physician’s offices or pharmacies for example.
Action regarding the current Elderly Housing Regulation
Mike Schwotzer opened up the discussion of what to do to / with the current elderly housing regulation due to the loop-holes that have been exhibited in a recent application. Time is needed to do a well thought out revision of the current ordinance and the fear is that while the current regulation is in effect, additional developments may be proposed on other pieces of property.
Bob Solomon mentioned how when he was first on the planning board, it was common to have monthly work sessions, especially while the Master Plan was being revised. Peter Merrill stated that he would be willing to attend up to two additional work sessions (one on the weekend) per month to work on rewriting the Elderly Housing Regulation and finishing up the CIP. Jill Robinson said that she or her office would be willing to assist in this project and Mike Motherway stated that he would look into the funding for same.
It was agreed that the best way to proceed was to revoke the current regulation and then replace it with a rewritten one in the near future. Bob Solomon discussed the procedure, if there had to be a special town meeting or just a public hearing with official acceptance at next years town meeting.
Peter Merrill motioned, Mike Motherway seconded a motion authorizing the chairman to contact town council for his opinion on how to delete the current Elderly Housing Ordinance, and replace it with a statement to the effect that there are no longer any benefits granted to that type of development.
Peter Merrill motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m., seconded by Mike Motherway with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael A. Schwotzer
Chairman