2008-02-20-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 6 Minutes for the Meeting of February 20, 2008 would be a good way for them to get acclimated. The general consensus of the Board was to leave the date of appointment open, but specify the length of the Associate’s term. It was also suggested the associate member would participate in deliberations of a proposal beginning with the Sketch Plan. Mr. Canale would do the presentation of the Article. He asked for information on the number of recusals and how many times the Mullins rule was used. Article 52, Countryside Rezoning: The Board should have a discussion on their position regarding this Warrant Article after the proponents make their presentation February 27, 2008. Articles 53-60, Commercial Development (Citizens’ Petition): Mr. Hornig asked how the Board should proceed. Ms. Manz suggested that the Board hold back a bit. Mr. Smith was looking forward to talking with Mr. Hornig and would be willing to make some changes in his articles, such as coming down from 50,000 square feet for by-right projects. The Board should wait for the meeting with Mr. Smith before they have any further discussion of the Board’s position on these Warrant Articles. Mr. Hornig asked the Board to either confirm or deny his impression that the only pieces the Board was considering supporting were the mixed uses in the CM district, Article 59 on Parking (with some changes), and giving the Zoning Board of Appeals discretion instead of the rigid level of services in the traffic article. Mr. Canale said he was unlikely to support any of the proposed commercial articles, as it would send the wrong message. All the topics need to be addressed, but it would be unwise for the town to pass these articles because they are structured in ways that would not be in the town’s best fiscal interests. The timing doesn’t allow them to be fixed before Town Meeting occurs. Mr. Zurlo said he agreed with Mr. Hornig’s comments; the FAR was going in the wrong direction. Mr. Hornig asked the Board if they would support an increase in the FAR? Mr. Zurlo said yes with some revisions. Ms. Manz said Mr. Smith was pushing and although that could be good, he should wait for the Economic Development Task Force report, which would have an initial presentation within a week. The Town was trying to take a methodical approach to commercial development and he should wait for a more comprehensive look. Mr. Hornig said Mr. Zurlo was open to FAR negotiations and the other three items listed were possibilities. Mr. Canale would not support them and Mr. Galaitsis' opinions were currently unknown. (?). Mr. Hornig said the Board could work with Mr. Smith to amend some items or they would oppose them.