2008-02-06-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 4 Minutes for the Meeting of February 6, 2008 building permit. Town Official Questions and Comments: Mr. Garry Rhodes, Building Commissioner, said the statements about the bylaws not being enforced concerned him. While there are some differing interpretations, before statements are made about the lack of enforcement of the bylaws, Mr. Smith should come into the office to discuss it, the door is always open. Mr. George Burnell, Board of Selectmen, said there is a subject that is not being discussed and needs to be considered, and that is that the EDTF consultant has looked at the .9 FAR that would permit full development of the commercial property. Mr. Nyles Barnert of the Zoning Board of Appeals said if the FAR in the CRO district is at .30 you could increase the supply, but there is already a frequent turnover of occupants. The demand may not be there and the demand has not been addressed. Mr. Smith said 6.7% vacancy is not bad. Mr. Barnert said that the hearing on Denny’s replacement last week showed that you need to think about what the Town’s wants and needs are so he was concerned about changing “Yes.” He also wondered about the change to setbacks along Hartwell Avenue and how it would look. Audience Questions and Comments: Mr. Partick Mehr, Precinct 3, said if you double the FAR then you could double the floors and build up. If the Board is trying to regulate the residential districts more, then why is it regulating the commercial districts less? He heard the parking regulations aren’t enforced, so why not get rid of them? He asked if Mr. Smith had studied any other possible reasons as to why the center was not vibrant. He felt a more comprehensive study might be in order. Mr. John Rosenberg, Bloomfield Street, said density is good and the Town is better off with denser development. This could allow for more efficient transportation options and energy use, which are good ideas. It would be good to have a visual interpretation of the redevelopment in ten years and going forward. The streetscape now is bleak and with an increase in the FAR, he hoped there would be taller buildings with parking structures, leaving more open space.