Town of Kensington
Planning Board Minutes
June 17, 2008
Approved August 19, 2008
In Attendance: Chair Joan Whitney, Steve Wilson, Theresa Wojcukiewicz, Richard Powers, Selectmen’s Representative and Dylan Smith, Rockingham Planning Commission Circuit Rider. Peter Merrill arrived at 9:20 pm.
Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm.
Approval of April 15, 2008 minutes – Steve Wilson moved to approve the minutes of April 15, 2008, seconded by Joan Whitney with all in favor.
PUBLIC HEARING
Expedited Review, Ch III, Article 3.1H, Johanna K. Rice Revoc. Trust – Two lot subdivision of 180 Drinkwater Road, M12, L46 – Johanna Rice, daughter Rebecca and Peter Landry of Landry Surveying, LLC presented the plan. Mr. Landry reviewed the specifics with the Board, highlighting that the new lot would be 2.28 acres and the remaining lot with acreage in Hampton Falls would be 15.5 acres. Dylan Smith explained that per RSA 674:53, the Town of Hampton Falls needs to be notified since the lot is affected by a municipal bound. Following discussion of the Town Engineer’s review and Dylan Smith’s review, three waiver requests were presented: 1) Section 4.16.2-Determination of Soil Type; Section 4.20-Sequence of Construction; and 3) Section 4.21-Tree Clearing Regulation for New Development. The Board reviewed, discussed and voted on each with Joan Whitney moving to grant each waiver, Steve Wilson seconding and all voting in favor. Steve Wilson moved to approve the subdivision plan for the Johanna K. Rice Revocable Trust at 180 Drinkwater Road subject to the following four conditions: 1) Certification of monumentation showing granite bounds; 2) Road Manager approval of the driveway, site distance and paving; 3) adding the zoning district; and 4) recording the subdivision. Joan Whitney seconded the motion and all members voted in favor. Steve Wilson moved to authorize Joan Whitney to sign the final plans and mylar, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Joan Whitney moved to end the public hearing, seconded by Steve Wilson with all in favor.
Driveway Permits – David Buxton presented one for 189 Amesbury Road. He explained two driveways currently exist. He said he had discussed with the owner ways to eliminate one of the existing driveways, but it has not been done to date, thus this would be a third driveway. Steve Wilson moved to deny the driveway permit, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Peter Kuegel – Mr. Kuegel explained that he would like to import concrete and asphalt on a two year trial basis for the purpose of processing it and creating an eco-friendly product, which will benefit consumers and help save diminishing natural resources. He emphasized that it’s the same process he’s been permitted to do. If the trial goes well then he would ask the Board to consider adding these two materials to his list of approved imports. Joan Whitney and Steve Wilson said they felt a public hearing would need to be done to allow abutters an opportunity to speak. Other Board members agreed, thus the request was not ruled on.
Felch Gravel Pit – While a letter was received, Board members agreed they needed something more definitive. Joan Whitney moved to send a letter requesting the Felches meet with the Board and provide a revised estimated time for completion, seconded by Steve Wilson with all in favor.
Joint Meeting with Conservation Commission and Selectmen
Chair, Sydnee Goddard, Rob Garneau, Joan Skewes, and Heather Douglas were present for the Conservation Commission. Sydnee explained that their goal was three-fold:
1) To understand why developers are choosing traditional developments over Open Space Developments
2) To discuss options for making the Open Space Development plans more inviting
3) To discuss the conservation recommendations in the town's master plan and the Coastal Watershed Land Protection Plan. For example, both documents recommend making open space subdivisions mandatory. While we don't know if that is even possible, the statement highlights the importance of encouraging this type of development.
Discussion began with the 3rd topic. Joan Whitney commented that people don’t seem to like the density. It was noted that the State will be requiring work force housing and Joan Skewes said she felt that would work best in a village/open space development. The State is looking at 20% for work force housing and 10% if it’s a critical parcel of land. Sydnee said that in 1998 they couldn’t make it mandatory, but now they can. Rezoning of the town might need to be done and the Conservation Commission will look at the possibilities. No decisions were made, but overall potentials for future development were discussed with an emphasis toward lower cost housing, preservation and connectivity to existing trail systems and habitats.
Peter Merrill moved to adjourn at 10:12 pm seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant