TOWN OF HINESBURG

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES

October 5, 2005

Approved October 19, 2005

Commission Members Present: Jean Isham (chairperson), Joe Iadanza, Carrie Fenn, Fred Haulenbeek, Nancy Norris (left at 8:45pm), Johanna White (left at 9pm).

Commission Members Absent: George Bedard, Kay Ballard.

*NOTE – There is 1 vacancy on the Commission due to John Buckingham’s resignation on 9/4/05.

Also Present: Alex Weinhagen (Director of Planning/Zoning), Bob White (consultant), Andrea Morgante (left at 6:45pm), Paul Wieczoreck (left at 7pm).

The meeting began at approximately 5:30pm.

Village Walking Tour & Growth Project:

Bob & Alex discussed the “focus areas” for the upcoming charette – i.e., existing village core, west side of Route 116, and Mechanicsville Road corridor. The Commission and the village growth project consultant (Bob White) walked a portion of the village core area while noting various features. The group then drove up VT Route 116 to Ballard’s Corner to observe the area west of Route 116 and the existing commercial development at the corner. The group then drove down CVU Road and Mechanicsville Road to view this focus area.

The group returned to the Town Office for some pizza dinner and conversation about the village growth project. Bob shared some of his thoughts and explained that developing detailed scenarios for all the areas in question would be beyond the scope of the project budget. He said he could handle the 3 main focus areas – existing village core, west side area, Mechanicsville Road area. However, he needs to restrict the village core portion to the historic core so as not to include the Commerce Park area. He agreed that the Commerce Park area could be included as a focus area in the design charette, but that he wouldn’t be able to flesh out much detail beyond the charette and community forum results for this area.

Fred discussed his vision for the west side area, and the rest of the Commission shared their thoughts on some of the possibilities in this and other areas. The group also discussed the basic logistics for the design charette. Jean asked Bob if Planning Commissioners should take an active role in the charette. Bob advised against this as the Commission is really looking for fresh perspectives and possible new ideas. He said that Commissioners could attend the end of the charette when the various work teams gathered as one group to share their sketches and ideas.

Minutes of the September 7, 2005 Meeting:

Carrie MOVED to approve the August 17, 2005 meeting minutes. Joe SECONDED the motion. The motion PASSED 5-0.

Other Business:

Regulation Clarification on Accessory Apartments:

Tabled until the October 19 meeting.

Village Steering Committee Progress:

Alex noted that the village steering committee has been appointed by the Selectboard. He reviewed the 7 members, and said that he will be working with them as they organize.

Agenda Items for October 19 Meeting:

Jean said that Tony Cairns of Champlain Oil (Jiffy Mart owner at Ballard’s Corner) is interested in talking to the Planning Commission about his ideas at Ballard’s Corner. He was unable to attend the special multi-board meeting on September 21, and is interested in explaining his thoughts to the Commission.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Alex Weinhagen, Director of Planning & Zoning