Town of Washington

Planning Board

MINUTES

Public Hearing

Master Plan

May 16, 2006

 1.0       ASSEMBLY

1.1       Hearing called to order at 7:00 PM.

1.2       Members: Jack Sheehy, Charlie Fields, Lynne Cook, Marv Jager, Richard Cook (for Tom Taylor) and Bill Rhoades

1.3       Visitors: Tom Talpey, Don Damm,  

1.4       Minutes recorded by: Michelle Dagesse

 Fields advised the reason for the Hearing is to review the proposed changes to the Master Plan and Fields asked if everyone had a copy of the proposed Master Plan. Fields asked if there were any suggestions for improvement. Richard Cook asked if there were any major changes. Jager stated that there were no major changes in the proposed Master Plan. Richard Cook asked if zoning issues were reviewed. Fields stated that there was some mentioned in the appendix to zoning. Don Damm asked if there were any maps to go along with the Master Plan. Fields stated that the intention is to complete the maps by the end of 2006. Jager stated that the Conservation Commission is working on the maps at the present time. Cook asked how often the Planning Board sends out a questionnaire, stating that the last questionnaire was from 2003. Fields advised about every five years.   Damm advised that a portion of the Village District information on page 25 is incorrect. Damm suggested the Planning Board contact Bob Thompson who is the Head Commissioner to get the correct information. Fields stated that he would contact Bob Thompson for the information. Damm referred to page 9, paragraph two, he advised that as the president of the Lake Ashuelot Association he felt there was no pressure for the Town to take over the roads, there has never been a letter sent or a motion made and felt that pressure was the wrong wording. Sheehy stated he had spoken to resident in Lake Ashuelot Estates that have stated they would like the Town to take over the private roads.

 Sheehy stated that the Planning Board had received 126 responses out of the 400 questionnaire that had been sent. Sheehy stated that there are a few changes but basically a revision of the 1992 Master Plan. Damm referred to page 9, regarding the number of lots that are built on in Lake Ashuelot Estates, Damm stated that there were more than 153. Damm stated he would contact Pat Liotta and get back to Sheehy with the actual number of lots. Cook referred to page 9, regarding Island Pond and seasonal home is this still true. Sheehy stated he believed there are currently 20 full-time residents in this area. Damm stated he believed the west side of Ashuelot pond should be addressed in the revised  Master Plan this is an area that is now beginning to grow, with he believed 5 children attending school. Rhoades referred to page 11, regarding the phrase, that the two acre minimum lot size could be construed as excessive, Rhoades felt this was an   incorrect statement that a resident could go before the Board of Adjustment for a variance. Cook inquired about cluster development is it included in the Master Plan. Rhoades and Jager confirmed that it is in the plan. Rhoades referred to page 7, regarding the Capital Improvement Program. Sheehy advised that the CIP is a $5,000.00, six year, projected expenditure from the Department Heads in Town given the Planning Board. Talpey suggested that Bill Rhoades and Lindsay Cullen be included in the list of Planning Board members that helped develop the Master Plan.  Talpey asked if all the contributors from the 1982 Master Plan have been included in the revised Master Plan. Sheehy to review.  Rhoades suggested that the Board solicit input from the Townspeople to see if there views are still the same as when the questionnaire when taken.

 Sheehy stated he would make the minor changes and bring this back to the next Planning Board meeting.

 Sheehy made a motion to adjourn. Fields seconded the motion. All approved.

The hearing was adjourned at 8:37 PM

Respectfully,

Michelle Dagesse

Recording Secretary for the Planning Board