Town of Kensington
Planning Board Minutes
February 21, 2006
Approved March 21, 2006
In Attendance: Chairman Michael Schwotzer, Bob Solomon, Joan Whitney, Richard Powers, Peter Merrill, and Mike Motherway, Selectmen’s representative.
The Meeting was called to order at 7:34 pm.
Driveway permits – Bill Grant - Driveway permits for lot 5, 4 French’s Lane and lot 25, 7 French’s Lane, owned by Dover Realty Trust were submitted on behalf of Bill Grant. Bob Solomon moved to approve the driveway permits for French’s Lane, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
PUBLIC HEARING
Proposed Cul-de-sac changes - to the Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations, Chapter III, Subdivision Regulations regarding Cul-de-sacs: Article 2, Definitions – adding definitions for cul-de-sacs and loop roads; and Article 4.3, deleting “the maximum length shall not exceed 1,000 feet, etc…” and adding the above definitions as well as a paragraph defining purpose. – M. Schwotzer explained that he had received a phone call regarding the proposed amendment. In the definition of a cul-de-sac, there was a question about the measurements. Several members made suggestions regarding how to address it. Suggestions ranged from changing the sentence to read, “The length of the cul-de-sac shall be equal to 1/2 of the total access way or measured distance from the beginning point…”, to configurations around the cul-de-sac and/or to the outer edge of the pavement. Board members felt it best to wait and confer with Jill Robinson. Peter Merrill moved to continue the Public Hearing on the cul-de-sac amendment to the next meeting, March 21, 2006, seconded by Mike Motherway with all in favor. Peter Merrill moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Elderly and Workforce Housing Ordinance – Presentations by Mark Lopez and Lisa Henderson, Housing Partnership. Mark Lopez was not in attendance. Lisa Henderson did a presentation entitled, “Workforce Housing Coalition”, which included information on workforce housing, why it is needed, what is available and ways the Planning Board and community can address affordability. Lisa emphasized that housing should not demand more than 30% of monthly income, whether renting, leasing or home ownership. She explained that Kensington is located in the Portsmouth-Rochester NH-ME and the AMI (Area Median Income published annually by HUD based on region) for Kensington in 2005 was $69,600, for a family of four. The median price of homes on the market in Kensington for 2004 was $677,500, and the income needed to afford this price is roughly more than three times the AMI.
Municipally-sponsored solutions included establishing workforce housing overlay districts, density incentives, accessory apartments, narrower road ways, reduced parking, clustering, and community water and sewer systems.
Developer-sponsored solutions included the use of manufactured housing, using slabs rather than full basements, smaller living spaces (750-1200 sq. ft.), unfinished 2nd floors, and foundation only for a future garage.
Existing ordinances in Exeter and Hopkington were reviewed. Bryan Wyatt, Executive Director of The Housing Partnership of Portsmouth, NH spoke with the Board regarding possible affordable housing solutions. Several other town ordinances were left for the Board to review.
OTHER BUSINESS:
CIP (Capital Improvement Project) – discussion – Michael Motherway reported that there were no further developments at this time – continued to the next meeting.
Review information regarding PSNH Transmission Line Easements – PSNH had sent information regarding their easements and need to review plans for potential impact. The members agreed to add this to their subdivision checklists.
Peter Merrill moved to adjourn at 9:30 pm, seconded by Mike Motherway with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant