Town of Kensington
Planning Board Minutes
October 21, 2008
Approved January 20, 2009
In Attendance: Chair Joan Whitney, Peter Merrill, Theresa Wojcukiewicz, and Dylan Smith, Rockingham Planning Commission Circuit Rider. This did not represent a quorum as Dylan Smith is not a voting member of the Board. It was agreed at 7:49 pm to proceed with an informal discussion regarding Hilliard Road. M. Schwotzer arrived at 8:03 pm and Michael Motherway, Selectmen’s representative filling in for Richard Powers arrived at 8:17 pm.
Lynne Monroe, Steve Smith, Carl Rezendes, Frank Whittemore and others complimented both the Road Manager and the Police Department on their efforts to control traffic speed. However, overall the group said they felt the changes compromised the character of the town and safety. Lynne presented numerous photos showing the intersection and berms. Connie Sprauer added that she drives the intersection daily and feels there is a safety problem with the intersection of Hilliard and Brewer, but the reduced speed doesn’t help; overall a difficult turning situation rather than slowing speed.
David Buxton requested that the tapes of this discussion be saved. Denise explained that the session had not been taped up until this point as it was not a meeting due to the lack of quorum. The tape was started at this time and will be saved for the future. Mr. Buxton explained that the safety changes included removing vegetation, providing decent gravel shoulders and drainage and an adequate area for fire trucks, rubbish trucks, etc., and overall slowing traffic.
Numerous suggestions regarding the intersection were proposed including removing the berms and providing a 3-way stop, and/or a stop sign in place of the yield sign on Shaws Hill Road. David Buxton suggested Town Counsel be consulted first before adding stop signs. Steve Smith summarized by saying he felt David Buxton was doing a great job of doing what is in the best interests of the town. He suggested that as a future process any changes be discussed with the Planning Board then the results be forwarded to the Selectmen, providing an open forum for residents to be involved. Chief Sheehan will be asked to evaluate the potential use of stop signs. Selectmen will evaluate all suggestions and consultations with regard to the safest way to configure the intersection.
Joan Whitney called the meeting to order at 8:30 pm and discussion continued with regard to Frying Pan Lane. David Buxton explained that it has become a dumping ground and the town should either close it or build to town standards. Currently it drains on to Drinkwater Road and his suggestion is to do a Warrant Article for Town Meeting and close Frying Pan Lane subject to gates and bars.
Scenic Roads – Amend Ch II, Article 5.1a to read more in keeping with RSA 231. It was suggested that the paragraph which currently reads, “RSA Chapter 231” be amended to read, “RSA Chapter 231:157 & 158” for greater clarity. A public hearing on this will be scheduled for November 18, 2008.
OLD BUSINESS:
Driveways – Proposed regulation changes – Dylan Smith provided an updated revision and an example of Brentwood’s Addendum C - driveways and other accesses to town roads. Dylan Smith will check on whether this can be done by the Planning Board or needs to go for a Town Meeting vote. The references throughout for Road Agent will be changed to reflect Kensington’s change to a road manager/expert. A public hearing on this will be scheduled for November 18, 2008 as well.
Workforce Housing – Joan Whitney explained that she attended a recent Rockingham Planning Commission meeting regarding this issue. Kensington is part of the Portsmouth/Rochester region. The Rockingham Planning Commission has developed a model and suggestions have included inclusionary zoning. There is an attempt underway to extend the deadline of July 1, 2009, but currently if a Warrant Article is not passed at the March Town Meeting guiding how this statute is to be implemented then a developer who is denied has recourse by petitioning Superior Court.
Signs – M. Schwotzer presented a draft for the board to review. Included is a proposal to add it as a new article 10 with definitions and more effective descriptions. Peter Merrill said he would like to address trucks and trailers with signs advertising businesses.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Outstanding bills – Following review and discussion, it was agreed that the Planning Board would pay them.
M. Schwotzer moved to adjourn at 10:30 pm seconded by Peter Merrill with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant