Town of Hinesburg
Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
July 14, 2010
Approved 8-11-10
Members Present: Joe Iadanza, Carrie Fenn, Bob Linck, Jean Isham, Tom Ayer, Johanna White, Will Patten
Members Absent: Tim Clancy, Ray Mainer
Also Present: Alex Weinhagen (Director of Planning/Zoning), Mary Seemann (Recording Secretary), David & Barbara Lyman, Rob O’Neil, Jim Collins, George Bedard, Jon Roos
Jean I opened the meeting with a site visit to the Saputo property at 7:35 pm. The group returned to the meeting room at 8:25pm and the meeting continued.
Saputo Steering Committee: After the site visit Will Patten, who also serves on the Saputo Redevelopment Steering Committee, informed the Commissioners that there maybe a contract on the Saputo property by the Redstone Group and the buyers likely have 45 days to finalize the deal. The Commissioners discussed interim zoning vs. permanent zoning for this property and which one the new buyer falls under. Will P pointed out that the best way the Town can protect itself is to firm up the permanent zoning before any buyer takes possession. There was discussion on the economic growth potential of the property and the jobs that may be created by the new owner. Will P said that most of the potential buyers are attracted by the fresh water supply and the water treatment. Will P stated that there were other buyers interested in the Saputo property now that the price has come down. He felt sure there is a meat processing (not slaughter house), company who is interested. Some Hinesburg residents have shown interest in the property as well.
There was a discussion referring to the property (1.5 acres) David Lyman has given to the Town which is located behind the Fire/Police station. Alex W said the property is not only the 1.5 acres but also the property the fire station and police building sit on. He pointed out that none of the property is in any flood area; it is flat and has a lot of possibilities for its use which led to some brainstorming about what could be done with that piece of property (e.g. farmers, market locations, co-locate fire/police station, town green, transit stop, and park & ride.
There were comments on wetlands, lagoons, soccer fields, recreation fields, village green, and a possible pocket park alongside the brook. Some talk about warehousing going in, a fish farm or perhaps a refrigeration company.
John Roos asked about the 45 day period that Redstone has on the property and how does that affect the Towns interest in the property? He asked if Will P thought that they would want to collaborate with the Town on the use of the property.
Jean I asked Will P, since he has been working on this site for some time, did he see more than one zoning district for the property. She asked what he saw as working the best to promote the vision the Commissioners and Town have.
Will P said that he felt that was the purpose of this group. He said there is concern from the Selectboard that the Commissioners are being too prescriptive. He talked about the site for green space for a Town Green on Route 116.
Jean I stated that if retail went in they would want to be seen from Route 116 as well.
Rob O’Neil had presented the Commissioners with a vision what the property could be used for, and said he is very interested in the property if the buyers with the deposit down do not take it.
Jean I suggested that perhaps the site could have more than one zone. Alex concurred with her idea. He suggested that they could put parameters in the zoning to help get conversations with new buyers started.
Will P said by the next meeting he should have more information on whether Redstone is going ahead with the purchase or not so any discussion can be continued at that time.
Other Business:
Carrie F made a motion to accept the minutes from the June 23rd meeting. Johanna W. seconded. A vote was taken. - THE MOTION PASSED.
Alex informed the Commissioners that the Triple L mobile Home Park is up for sale for 1.4 million. It has 65 trailers on 25 acres, using only a small part of the land and more land to expand.
Alex spoke of Act 250 for the Kinney Drugs project and the Martha Keenan subdivision on the town line of Charlotte and Hinesburg.
Alex mentioned that Shelburne, Charlotte and St. George are modifying their regulations. Shelburne to authorize a private airport, Charlotte to change land use regulations adding Farm Café in rural zoning districts, and St. George combining regulations.
Alex talked about the Selectboard meeting on the previous Monday night. He said they sent back the flood hazard area regulations, but felt the new Fluvial Erosion Hazard (FEHA) regulations were good. He said the Selectboard felt that a complete prohibition on fill and new development in the Flood Hazard Area (FHA) needs adjusting, especially in the Village Growth area.
Jean I said she felt the Commissioners should concentrate on the Saputo property before going back to address the concerns from the Selectboard. All agreed.
Jean I said she would entertain a motion to close the meeting. Joe I made the motion and Johanna W seconded. A vote was taken. THE MOTION PASSED.
The meeting adjourned at 10pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Seemann
(Recording Secretary)