Town of Kensington

Planning Board Minutes

December 19, 2006

Amended and approved January 16, 2007

In Attendance:  Chairman Michael Schwotzer, Vice-Chair, Joan Whitney, Peter Merrill, Steve Wilson, Theresa Wojcukiewicz, and Jill Robinson, Rockingham Planning Commission Circuit Rider. 

Approval of October 17, 2006 minutes – Joan Whitney moved to approve the October 17, 2006 minutes as presented, seconded by Peter Merrill with all in favor.  The minutes of November 8, 2006 were postponed.

NEW BUSINESS:

Preliminary consultation – Buxton, Diane and Bill – did not attend.

OLD BUSINESS:

Hudson Heights/Davlynn Development, LLC – Attorney Ed Woiccak reviewed the conditions and confirmed that they had been met.  Although the bond amount has been determined, confirmation from the town’s engineer has not yet been received.  A bond/security agreement remains to be drawn up as well.  Denise will fax a template to Attorney Woiccak but it will need to be updated to include that both the Planning Board and the Selectmen must approve bond reductions.  Although final plans were delivered to the office, there was not enough time to review them.  Steve Wilson moved to continue the hearing to the January 16, 2007 meeting, seconded by Peter Merrill with all in favor.

Conservation Commission proposals – Environmental impact assessments and subdivision access.  Chair Sydnee Goddard attended.  Jill Robinson explained that Emily Brunkhurst, Wildlife Biologist for NH Fish and Game has prepared a checklist for what’s on the site is reviewing our draft.  The members discussed whether the assessment should be done prior to any layout of roads or lots and how large or small a subdivision should be required to do an assessment.  Jill Robinson explained that The Nature Conservancy, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, Rockingham Planning Commission, and the Strafford Planning Commission, have completed work on the Land Conservation Plan for New Hampshire’s Coastal Watersheds. The project, undertaken in a partnership among the four agencies, was funded through the New Hampshire Coastal Program, the New Hampshire Estuaries Project, and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. The completed plan is available at http://www.rpc-nh.org/coastal-conservation.htm  It contains a four step design process and a habitat protection checklist.  Durham, NH utilizes a four step approach with resources being first, followed by roads and infrastructure.  Steve Wilson suggested adding language that acceptance of the application would be contingent upon an acceptable environmental impact assessment.  Jill Robinson will present more information at the next meeting and explained that since these would be subdivision regulation changes, they do not need Town Meeting approval; therefore they do not need to be rushed.

Elderly and Workforce Housing Ordinance – Jill Robinson presented a revised ordinance.  Peter Merrill suggested adding wording about the intent of the ordinance.  The reference to 10 miles was discussed with most feeling it was too great.  Steve Wilson disagreed with the density as proposed.  Jill Robinson explained that in checking with other towns it is the density needed for a developer to build a percentage of affordable units due to the high cost of land.  Glenn Greenwood and others at the Rockingham Planning Commission will continue to review and revise the draft for further Board discussion

Peter Merrill moved to adjourn at 9:55 pm seconded by Steve Wilson with all in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Denise Gregson

Administrative Assistant