TOWN OF HINESBURG

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES

April 5, 2006

Approved April 19, 2006

Commission Members Present: Jean Isham, Joe Iadanza, Carrie Fenn, Joe Donegan, Nancy Norris, Fred Haulenbeek, Johanna White, George Bedard, Kay Ballard.

Commission Members Absent: none.

Also Present: David Fenn, Andrea Morgante, Bill Marks, Jean Kiedaisch, John Kiedaisch, Craig Chevrier, Dana Hirth, Dase Hirth, Debra Perry, Marie Gardner, Lynn Gardner, Howard Russell, Barbara Walling, Julie Colangeli, Bill Fleck, David M. Newton, Karl Novak, Trisha Novak, Bob Links, Marty Gray, Stew Pierson, Julie Pierson, Gary Livingston, Dorothy Pellett, Larry Telford, Dale Wernhoff, Sally M. Reiss, Chuck Reiss, Arthur Guarino, Helen Kopik, Jonathan Trefry, Ann Thomas, Lisa Falcone, Kathy Beyer, Peter Erb, Henry White, Sandy White, Ken Brown, David Lyman, Nancy Goddard, Carol Jenkins, Liz Lee, Monique Breer, Steve Frey, Kris Perlee, Joe Bissonette, Wendy Patterson, Dan Sullivan, George Damelon, Wayne Bissonette, Kristy McLeod, Carl Bohlen, Karla Munson, George Munson (54).

The meeting began at approximately 7:50 p.m.

Alex welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained that due to a family illness the representative from the LaPlatt Water Shed Group would not be able to attend this meeting. Therefore the focus would be on reviewing all of the areas discussed at the previous forums. Alex asked the attendees to offer any ideas they have about village growth and to focus questions on clarification issues. He emphasized that the Planning Commission will be using these ideas to reshape the zoning regulations and would welcome as many ideas as possible to help them complete this task.

Barbara Walling, a resident of Swamp Road expressed her concern about intrusions into wetland areas. She asked what plans the town has to protect wetlands in Hinesburg. Alex responded that the village area is in a low-land area with many converted and existing wetlands. He asked the public in attendance their feelings on Hinesburg's wetlands and water ways.

Dale Wernhoff noted that a lot of sediment is washed into the LaPlatt river from roads upstream. He said that in 2003 the whole field on his property was mowed, in 2004 the field was not dry until August and in 2005 the field had 6” - 8” of water on it all year. He suggested that the LaPlatt needs to be dredged so that sediment is removed and water will return to the LaPlatt as opposed to flooding other low-land areas. Dale felt the LaPlatt is a nice asset to the town that could be used to drain runoff more effectively. He added that some roads such as Buck Hill Road should be paved to limit the amount of sediment washed into LaPlatt as well as the cost of continually repairing the road after heavy rains. David Lyman noted that the last time the LaPlatt was dredged was in the 1940's.

Dana Hirth asked for some clarification regarding the village growth process. Alex explained that the Planning Commission would be revising the existing zoning regulations to move towards the goals determined by these community forums. The zoning regulations will then allow the town to layout the types of uses for different spaces. The goal is to allow the Planning Commission to put rules in place that will allow the town to encourage growth in certain areas in town.

Wendy Patterson asked what rate of growth the town wants and in what areas. Alex asked Wendy what she would like to see in terms of a growth rate and type. Wendy said she would like to see one drugstore, one dentist's office, and something addressing senior living. She added that slow growth would be more acceptable to her.

Kathy Beyer, said that although she had seen a genuine interest at these forums to make the historical village center the focus of growth, certain geographical and soil constraints will make this very difficult to accomplish. She felt there was a real opportunity to develop north of the village towards Ballard's Corner in a way that is respectful of the historic village center. Kathy thought that requiring 2-level commercial buildings, impact fees and locating parking to limit its visual impact could all function to make this area visually appealing and functional.

Liz Lee said she felt the aesthetics of development are very important and that signage requirements can make a huge difference. Lisa added that Vermont is second to Maine in the size of their aging population and that Hinesburg should be thinking of elderly housing needs. She said Hinesburg should also discuss the pros and cons of impact fees.

Monique Breer said that she works at a retirement community in South Burlington that has an amazing design. She said that you would not know by looking at the outside of the building that it houses 250-300 people. She noted that the idea of having an elderly and/or assisted living community in Hinesburg was very exciting to her as she might have a job opportunity closer to home. Monique added that jobs are important to get families to move into Hinesburg.

Carl Bohlen urged the Planning Commission to return to the public with more visual ideas of concepts they are debating for future town growth. Carl said having visual representations of projected growth would help him to decide what would work where. He added that at several forums the idea of affordable housing was mentioned and that he has discussed the idea of starting an affordable housing committee with the Select Board. The Select Board thought this was a good idea, and Carl hoped that anyone interested would speak to the Select Board to get involved.

George Dameron said he would like village growth to slow down. He was concerned that the infrastructure is not in place to support a large amount of growth. Particular areas of concern included: sidewalks, calming traffic, and lighting. As a village resident, George noted it is becoming increasingly difficult to get around the village on foot. He felt that if a child cannot safely walk to school from a development in the village, that the developer should provide the sidewalks necessary to make this possible. George added that the DRB needs to ensure that sidewalks go in as promised, and that further development is not approved if it will increase congestion. He also said that impact fees should be researched and that Hinesburg needs to preserve and promote the welfare of its senior citizens.

Chris Perlee thought commercial development should be encouraged in town to give people a reason to come to Hinesburg to shop.

Steve Fry said that he was very impressed with the town members' concern for their village. He suggested that 2-story commercial buildings could work well in town and that it was important to try to reduce the number of trips out of town by attempting to keep residents in town to work and shop. Steve also added that providing less parking might be a good way to encourage people to use public transportation.

Carla Munson explained that she is a member of the village steering committee and that they are working to have Hinesburg designated as a village growth center in an effort to get more businesses to move into town.

Andrea Morgante said that as a Hinesburg resident she hopes to live in a healthy community that supports local businesses and is focused on a rural lifestyle. She thought that it was important to recognize that the town's capacity to continue as an agricultural community with industrial uses is its biggest asset. She added that living in a rural area means having less conveniences and that this should be taken into consideration during the growth process.

Ken Brown said he felt green spaces are a significant issue for Hinesburg. He thought that perhaps the Baptist field behind the Elementary School should be re-examined for playing field use and that the potential use of a wetland should be taken into account during the review process. He added that he feels the town doesn't need any more gas stations and that open spaces and trails need to be protected.

Jerry Livingston asked if there is a suggestion box where residents may submit ideas in the future. Alex said that attending the Planning Commission meetings would be the best way to offer input into the process. The Planning Commission meets on the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday of every month at Town Hall. In addition town members can speak to Planning Commission members or Alex individually at their convenience.

Bill Marks asked that the Planning Commission members each provide a brief written synopsis of what they took away from these forums as the most significant issues in Hinesburg. He thought it would be good to get this information on the record.

Dave Fenn said it was important to control the speed of growth. He felt that development should fit in with the existing architecture of the town and should not take over the look of Hinesburg. He added that in order to be able to support a drug store you need to have a certain sized community and he was not sure that Hinesburg could provide this. Dave also noted that in this day and age a drug store is much more than a pharmacy, and he asked if this is what we want in Hinesburg.

John Kiedaisch, related a story about his grandfather's business and how it was drastically affected by a roadway and bridge. He noted that Hinesburg does not have control over 116 and how it drives the development of the town. John asked that the town work closely with the state on how 116 impacts Hinesburg.

Craig Chevrier thought it was very important to focus on creating a walkable village center. He said he'd like to see grid like street systems with stop signs. Craig also said he did not want to see Ballard's corner developed as a satellite village center and that it should be connected to the existing village through pedestrian walkways. He added that the town should address the amount of retail that can be supported by Hinesburg. He supported 2-level mixed use developments and was not sure that a 'Brooks-like' pharmacy is what is needed in town. Craig said he would like to see on-street parking utilized to slow traffic and any buildings at Ballard's corner oriented towards 116. He suggested that mixed use could work well here as long as retail space is limited, perhaps by a ratio system. Craig also expressed concern regarding the trading of valuable town property (the police station) for what amounts to garage space.

Sandy White expressed her support for Lantmans and said she would like to continue to see the townspeople support small local businesses like Lantmans.

Howdy Russell said he was concerned about the development pressures on rural land. He said he would like to see development focused on the village area and that affordable housing should be interspersed with other types of housing and mixed use buildings. He liked the idea of using density allowances via transfer development rights to allow all landowners to benefit in the growth process. In addition, he suggested that there are other ways the elementary school space can be used after school hours and that space should not be created that already exists for community meetings and functions.

Lynn Gardner felt that the more that people move into a smaller area, the more problems the town will have. He thought the town should look into rural housing and that more money should be spent on the outlying areas. He added that he felt expansion to the north was a great idea.

Peter Erb said that whether or not the townspeople agree with Lynn, development in rural areas is happening and that it is a constant struggle to get appropriate development in these areas. Peter felt the density allotments are not accurate for the kind of development people want in Hinesburg and that the Development Review Board is in need of more tools and better guidelines to mandate good development.

Marty Gray said she was surprised by the construction that is allowed to take place in wetlands in Hinesburg. She asked how growth planning interplays with state regulations for wetlands. Alex responded that Hinesburg has a rich history of development in the village core and that some of that development has been good and some has not been good. He said that at present, the town needs to do the best with what is existing. Marty went on to ask if the soils will support multi-level mixed use buildings. She added that she would like to see an organized commuter hub at Ballard's Corner.

Community Announcements:

George Damelon said that he is the chair of the Village Steering Committee and that they are currently discussing the village center, architectural design standards and transportation issues. He explained that the committee makes recommendations on these issues to the Planning Commission and Select Board. The committee meets at Town Hall on the 2^nd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.

Andrea Morgante invited everyone to town hall on April 17^th at 7:30 p.m. to listen to a Geological and Cultural History of Hinesburg. A second presentation will take place on May 10^th at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Heather Stafford

Recording Secretary