TOWN OF HINESBURG

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES

 

January 10, 2007
Approved January 24, 2007

 

 

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

 

Commission Members Absent:  Joe Donegan, Nancy Norris

 

Also Present: Alex Weinhagen (Director of Planning and Zoning), Peter Erb (Zoning Administrator), Karen Cornish (Recording Secretary).

 

The meeting began at approximately 7:35 p.m.

 

I. Village Growth Project

Alex reported he is still working on a draft proposal for the village growth project.  He is also compiling information regarding inclusionary zoning, having reviewed several affordable housing ordinances from other towns.  He said the Hinesburg Affordable Housing Committee has recommended moving forward with some type of inclusionary zoning in our ordinances.

 

 

Alex also reported that the Village Steering Committee is still working on design standards for the village area.  He hopes to have feedback from them as to what design standards exist now and what the Committee recommends going forward.

 

 

II. Other Business

 

Minutes of the December 13, 2006 PC Meeting

George MOVED to approve the minutes as amended.  Carrie SECONDED the motion. The motion PASSED 7 – 0.

 

There was a discussion of upcoming planning workshops and/or presentations.  The Vermont Homebuilders Association has invited a national speaker for a presentation on January 18th to offer a developer’s view of inclusionary zoning.  Brian Pine, the administrator of the Burlington affordable housing program, will also attend.  Alex thought the Hinesburg Affordable Housing Committee has been open to hearing all points of view on the subject.  Fred felt the key was to find the ideal densities that made affordable housing work.  George noted the difference in existing infrastructure between Burlington and Hinesburg; he felt Burlington was perhaps better prepared to include affordable housing due to a greater potential for rehab projects as opposed to new construction.  Fred felt that any language that was adopted needed to be clear, without much room for interpretation during the permit application (DRB) process.

 

Alex told the group that representatives from the towns of Charlotte and Shelburne are interested in meeting with our group to discuss how issues or efforts affecting neighboring towns could be coordinated.

 

Alex mentioned other workshops, a water quality protection workshop on January 25th in Montpelier and a workshop on historical preservation and design review on January 19th in Shelburne.  David Blittersdorf of NRG is speaking at the Hinesburg Community Library on January 18th.

 

Members discussed affordable housing initiatives being planned for town-owned land in Charlotte.  There was further discussion about how affordable housing could work in Hinesburg.  It was felt that communication of the definition of affordable housing and its goals was key to making such a program successful in Hinesburg.

 

A third meeting was added to the January Planning Commission schedule, on Wednesday, January 31st.

 

The next Planning Commission meeting is Wednesday, January 24th, 2007.

 

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted:

 

Karen Cornish

Recording Secretary