2023-01-09-ConCom-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. David Fairman, property owner of 5 Tucker Avenue, asked if an opportunity can be created to offer the owners of Wilson Farm to have the built-out portion of the farm zoned for multi- family in exchange for agricultural and open space preservation restrictions. Mr. Fairman added that Wilson Farm is zoned residential and up until recently was under consideration for an overlay district to create multi-family zoning districts close to MBTA transit (MBTA Communities Act). The Planning Board removed Wilson Farm from the list of possible multi- family zoning sites prior to this meeting. Mr. Fairman asked if there is a history of conversation with the owner(s) of Wilson Farm, and if there is an opportunity to offer such a deal, how might that move forward? Mr. Fairman also asked, if the town wished to rezone the land currently occupied by Wilson Farm as agricultural land, could it do so? Ms. Mullins deferred to the Planning Board and Planning Director. Ms. Samuels joined the meeting. Mr. Charlie Wyman, Chair of the Land Acquisition Subcommittee, responded that Mr. Fairman’s statements are intriguing, and that the next step would be to discuss the topic at a Land Acquisition Subcommittee meeting, as well as touching base with the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board. Ms. Mullins stated that currently Wilson Farm is not under Chapter 61A so they do not take tax credit, and so the town would not have right of first refusal if they chose to sell the property. Mr. Wyman confirmed that there is not an Agricultural Preservation Restriction on the site. Mr. Charles Hornig, property owner of 18 Bacon Street, stated that agriculture is an exempt use and it’s permitted in any zoning district at any time. He added that the site cannot be zoned for only-agricultural use any more than it can be zoned for another specific use. Insignificant Plan Change/Conservation Plan Modification: 501 Marrett Road (Old Reservoir) aquatic plant management, DEP#201-437, BL# 393 On behalf of the Department of Recreation and Community Programs, Ms. Mullins presented the plan change request to allow for treatment of Phragmites with Glyphosate applied directly to the plants by either a “bloody glove” treatment or an injection into the stem. Ms. Mullins added that the existing Order of Conditions allows for aquatic management at the site, and this treatment would be done in late Summer 2023, during the applicable time frame. Depending on the results, the applicant may request to perform the treatment the following year. On a motion by Ms. Ladd and seconded by Ms. Samuels, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to approve the insignificant plan change. Record of Vote as Follows: Duke Bitsko – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Holly Samuels – Aye Jason Hnatko – Aye