Town of Kensington
Planning Board Minutes
July 17, 2007
Draft – subject to change prior to approval
In Attendance: Chair Joan Whitney, Mike Schwotzer, Bob Solomon, Peter Merrill, Steve Wilson, Theresa Wojcukiewicz, Jill Robinson, Rockingham Planning Commission Circuit Rider, and Stefanie Johnstone, Selectmen’s representative. Meeting called to order at 7:37 pm.
NEW BUSINESS:
Consultation - Buxton Lot line adjustment – between 66 Osgood Road, Map 12, Lot 45-B4 and 203 Drinkwater Road, Map 12, Lot 45-A – David Buxton presented his proposal for 66 Osgood Road, which would include reducing the frontage to 200 feet, eliminating the commercial special exception and returning the balance of land to the original parcel. Board members explained that he would need to ensure that at least two acres were retained, he would need a letter from the Buxton Family Trust accepting the balance of land, a driveway permit would be required, mylars for both parcels would be needed, and any approval would be conditioned upon the elimination of the special exception since the lot would no longer comply with the regulations. David Buxton will prepare the final plans for a public hearing at the next meeting.
Driveway issues were briefly discussed, with David Buxton as Road Manager explaining that driveways are approved, usually as gravel, with a negative 2% pitch. Subsequent owners then pave them eliminating the pitch, thus water runs onto the roads. Ideas on how best to correct this problem were discussed with an informal consensus agreeing that requiring paving at least the first ten feet should be required as part of the building permit process, as incorporating it as part of the subdivision regulations would only cover subdivisions, not all building lots.
NEW BUSINESS:
Town Park plan review – Michael Del Sesto, Bruce Cilley, Richard Powers and Donna Carter gave a conceptual overview of the preliminary plans. While Planning Board approval is not required, Town Park committee members wanted feedback from a planning perspective. Mr. Del Sesto explained that the design is for a rural, country atmosphere. Suggestions from board members included removing a guard rail and broadening the overall design to include physical and sport activities of all venues, but no serious design flaws were noted.
Expedited Review regulation – Members discussed the issue that the current regulation doesn’t require notification of abutters. M. Schwotzer read RSA 676:4E which reads, “A planning board may, by adopting regulations, provide for an expedited review…” It is not required by law. Members agreed to amend portions of the current town regulation of Chapter III, Article 3.1H to require a public hearing for all subdivisions with notice to abutters. A public hearing on the changes will be held at the August 21st meeting. M. Schwotzer moved to have Jill Robinson amend the current Expedited Review regulation, seconded by Steve Wilson with all in favor.
Lot Dimension – Jill Robinson presented a draft “Lot Shape Regulation”, including intent and purposes. The draft incorporates the ideas of having future lots created in a rectangular or square shape to promote clarity of ownership and prevent lot shapes that cannot reasonably be interpreted, and prevent close proximity of narrow portions of lots that reduce privacy and increase congestion and overcrowding. This will be discussed further at the board’s next meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Elderly Housing Ordinance – Jill Robinson explained she had added a provision for universal design, which would allow for wider doorways and handicapped bathroom adjustments. She emphasized that this was just the basics, such as framing and blocking. Discussion focused on whether to mandate this universal design with the majority of members opposed to this. Following several motions that did not carry, Bob Solomon moved to recommend the developer adopt provisions for universal design, seconded by M. Schwotzer. The majority vote was in favor with Peter Merrill voting opposed.
Proposed Wind Energy Conversion Systems Zoning Ordinance – Author, Peter Merrill, said what he had proposed has been used by communities in California and establishes criteria which allow compatible accessory uses to be located within the land use districts. Jill Robinson confirmed that the town can regulate. Joan Whitney suggested adding restrictions on cell phones. All agreed further discussion was needed and this will be continued to the August 21 meeting as well.
Steve Wilson moved to adjourn at 10:22 pm seconded by Theresa Wojcukiewicz with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant