TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Commission Attendees: Tina Cutler, Leon Ward, Chris Glabach, Greg Boshart, Ana Rahona.
Staff Attendees: Janet Hurley (Planning & Zoning Director).
Public Attendees: Brian Benson, Mike Nawrath.
Hurley initiated audio and video recording. Cutler called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Hurley read the remote meeting script attached to these minutes and thereby incorporated. Planning Commissioners identified themselves each in turn. Hurley identified herself.
Minutes from 12-14-2020 were approved by unanimous consent.
Preparation of Zoning Revisions for Public Hearing. Hurley shared proposed revisions to the regulations on screen and directed attention first to changes to the subdivision section. Boshart judged the changes would eliminate redundancy and provide for stronger standards. Commissioners agreed that the subdivision revisions were thus advisable. Commissioners agreed, however, that adding accessory commercial units in the R10 was a significant change that warranted more discussion before proposing. Hurley will change references to “allowed” uses to references to “permitted” and “conditional” uses per Nawrath’s recommendation at the last meeting.
Commissioners reviewed the use table for added uses in the RR and determined that the proposed use additions are appropriate. Hurley confirmed that the revisions will include changing the zoning for the rec park and surrounding parcels to Mixed Use 2. However, she has to get consultant help to prepare the new proposed zoning district map and APO map. Boshart suggested and commissioners agreed that the proposed maximum parking standard should be worded as “shall be 1.25 times the minimum.” Hurley will make that change.
Letter to Selectboard Regarding Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure. Commissioners discussed Ward’s draft letter. Cutler noted that the letter should reference that people are moving here and the increased numbers warrant more pedestrian infrastructure. Hurley added that more people are out walking or biking because of pandemic restrictions. Boshart commented that side road in town deserve to have sidewalks. There is very limited sidewalk infrastructure outside of the downtown and it should be extended to other areas. For example there is no sidewalk to the rink. He suggested the increased use of roadways for walking is a safety issue, and people should not have to get into ta car to drive to the rec park for a safe walk. There are more children enrolled at MEMS and we are pushing for higher residential density and supportive infrastructure should be built along with it. Cutler commented that the effective personal story that Ward offered should be complimented with these general goals as recommended by the whole commission. Ward will incorporate suggestions and finalize the letter tomorrow.
Other Business. Ward asked for input on the idea of ordinance-based seasonal light display. Hurley and commissioners generally felt that the venture would be better put to the Manchester Business Association than the municipal government through an ordinance. Ward stressed the importance to the local economy of improving the appearance of the town once the vaccine allows for more travel to resume. He suggested the appearance of the town has deteriorated under COVID, and needs to be more photogenic to attract travelers. Cutler suggested Ward confer with Granville, New York, officials to determine how Granville approached its lights displays. Boshart agreed that the MBA was the appropriate avenue for the idea and that making it a requirement was not advisable. Hurley suggested that Ward contact Gordon Black, Town Assessor and Economic Development Officer, who liaison’s with the MBA.
Benson asked for clarification on what was being proposed for changes to the APO regulations. Hurley described the hearing process that would occur. She also explained that changes were highlighted in strikethrough and bold italics and that Benson could access the proposed revisions from the Town Calendar or it could be provided to him directly.
The next meeting of the commission will be February 8, 2021.
Rahona motioned to adjourn. Ward seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0-0 at 8:07 p.m.
_____________________________________ __________________________
For the Planning Commission Date