HINESBURG PLANNING COMMISSION

MINUTES OF JULY 24, 2002

Members of the Planning Commission: John Buckingham, John Mace, George Bedard, Nancy Norris, Carrie Fenn, Joe Iadanza, Jean Isham, and Fred Haulenbeek.

Members of the Audience: Lynn Gardner, Andrea Morgante, Sally and John Guttler, Jonathan Trefry (Selectboard); Clinton Emmons(DRB); Ian Jenkins, David and Jan Blittersdorf, Steve Frey (from NRG); Bill Marks (Conservation Commission) and Peter Erb (Zoning Administrator).

***** Prior to this meeting, the Planning Commission and other members of the audience had met on the property owned by Howard Riggs which is located on the east side of Route 116 north of Commerce Park. At that time they were presented building location and construction plans by representatives of NRG *****

This meeting was to discuss and review the Hinesburg Zoning Bylaw to establish a new district on a portion of the Riggs property as light industrial. Members of the other boards in town had been invited to participate in this discussion. Jean Isham (Planning Commission Chair) gave background information on this issue. Lynn Gardner (Selectboard Chair) also gave the history of some other proposals that had been made for this property.

Joe Iadanza had made draft changes to this document to reflect the discussion at the last joint meeting which was held on 6/26/02. Dave Blittersdorf, owner of NRG, had also submitted draft language. John Mace presented a document “In Defense of creating the Industrial V Zoning in Hinesburg” and Zoning Administrator, Peter Erb presented “Reasons to Create Commercial Zone V.”

The following issues, concerns and suggestions were then exchanged between the Planning Commission members and members of the audience:

– It would be good to include affordable housing in this district.

– This is an excellent business for Hinesburg and the town should encourage and assist them in staying here, as we would like to encourage businesses that promote renewable energy.

– People can still walk from here to Commerce Park and the Village.

– If a portion of the Riggs property is zoned industrial then the remainder of his property on this side of the State road will still be Rural Residential I. Howdy would also like to retain about 10 acres for himself.

– The Planning Commission is also working on other changes to the Zoning Bylaw and Town Plan that will address other requests from landowners.

– This site is ideal for other types of businesses as it has good views, is conducive to using solar energy, and is close to the village.

– Andrea Morgante, who lives near both commercial and industrial uses, felt that it is easier to have residential housing near industry. There is less traffic and noise than at a busy commercial business. The Town also has sewer allocations for industrial available under its current policy. Howard also has paid for a large sewer allocation for quite a few years.

Minutes of Joint Meeting July 24, 2002 Page 2

– There is a pedestrian easement on this property but it does not connect with one in Commerce Park.

– The windmill proposed by NRG will not be in this new industrial district but a conditional use in the RRI portion.

– They would like to encourage car pooling and bike riding and therefore may not require the number of spacing currently allowed in the Bylaw.

There was then discussion on and revisions to the draft language changes prepared by Joe. He explained that there needs to be a professional description of the boundaries of this new district. Dave’s engineer said that their company could do this and get it to the Commission.

– Several changes were suggested for the purpose clause such as to cover sustainable resources, closeness to village and helpful to pedestrians.

– This building will not have to be as high as that proposed for Commerce Park but will need a change to Section 2.7 governing building height. The treed background on this site will also help with the appearance of this building.

– It was felt that the permitted uses proposed would be fine and work with what NRG is proposing. This new district would be for light manufacturing with low environmental impacts. Retail would have to be incidental to the manufacturing use.

– The term “warehousing” would be incidental to this business for them to store supplies and some finished product, but would not be for other businesses. Dave explained that they have some items manufactured off-site and brought to Hinesburg.

Jean then explained that the Commission will set up the schedule for making these zoning changes and have the language revised once again. This update of the Bylaw does not have to go to the public for a vote, but can be accepted by the Selectboard.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Holly Russell