Westmoreland Planning Board Minutes

July 14, 2009

 

Present: Jim Starkey, Russ Kotfila, Lauren Bressett, Laurie Burt, Jim Ranson, alternate. Bruce Smith arrived during hearing.

Excused absence: Bob Harcke

 

Meeting called to order at 7:05. Due to absences, Jim Ranson was a seated member.

 

In Lori’s absence, Laurie Burt took minutes.

 

Russ moved, Lauren seconded that the June minutes be accepted as printed, motion passed.

 

NEW BUSINESS:                  

Jeff Ingram regarding Cedar Knoll property on 35 Old Rt 12. Jeff distributed a statement of intention which is to purchase property, use shop building most recently used for automotive repair as a storage warehouse for his construction business and rent out house which was most recently used as an office for a single family dwelling. This is a change of use. There will be no changes to the existing site plan (approved 2005). He does plan to do cosmetic changes including finishing the siding on the shop.

 

As the site plan is not being changed and is an approved plan, Jim S moved, Laurie seconded that we waive the site plan review checklist. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Jim S moved, Russ seconded that the application be accepted as complete. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Discussion of application: the sign will be removed, security lighting approved for previous owner may be installed to protect the warehouse. The footprint will not change, perhaps up to 12 vehicles weekly for warehouse. The current driveway and parking will be maintained, the current access to the shop will be used, it is not shown on plan but goes to right of house off the parking area. Is over 6 acres so meets the requirements for residence in C/I zone. Current septic plan was provided and review report verifying that the system is adequate for a 3 bedroom residence.

 

Curtis Mead was the only abutter present and spoke in favor of the proposal. There were no public comments. The hearing was closed.

 

The board verified that zoning approval is needed, the zoning hearing has been scheduled. It was felt that a certificate of occupancy verifying that the house has necessary requirements for residency would be a good idea. Jim S moved that the Site Plan be approved contingent upon the driveway access to the warehouse be indicated on the site plan and a copy provided for filing, that zoning board approval is granted, and that a certificate of occupancy is obtained. Russ seconded. Approved unanimously.

 

Malcolm Pringle driveway permit from state was received. The permit gives him permission to move the access onto Rt 12 providing that the previous access be removed. This will be put on file.

 

Selectboard report

Russell property R10 16-1 & 2 – A hearing with the zoning board has been scheduled for the shared driveway.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

At the work meeting last week the final ordinances were reviewed. Southwest Regional Planning Commission is willing to do a special work session with the board on workforce housing, Planned Unit Developments, accessory apartments and multifamily housing. The date of August 13 was selected with the meeting to begin at 6 PM. The Conservation Commission has agreed to review the waterway/wetlands sections of the ordinances. The Zoning Administrator has been asked to review the last section on building codes with the assistance of the Building Inspector.

 

The AIA Blueprint for America DVD was received and will be kept in the Planning Board box for access by members and the public.

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Burt

Secretary Pro Tem