Town of Hinesburg

Planning Commission Meeting

August 11, 2010

-Approved-

Members Present: Carrie Fenn, Will Patten, Johanna White, Ray Mainer, Joe Iadanza, Jean Isham

Members Absent: Tom Ayer, Tim Clancy, Bob Linck

Also Present: Alex Weinhagen (Director of Planning/Zoning), Mary Seemann (Recording Secretary), David Lyman, Doug Nedde (Redstone Group), John Roos, Wendy Patterson, Geoff Matthews

Site Visit at Saputo: The evening started off with a site visit to the Saputo property at 7:30 p.m. A total of 18 interested parties went on the tour. The Commissioners returned to the meeting room at 8:20 p.m.

Jean I called the night’s meeting to order at 8:25 p.m. She introduced Doug Nedde, from the Redstone Group, to the members and audience.

Doug said The Redstone Group has an offer in on the Saputo site and he wanted to discuss with the Commissioners the interim zoning regulations. He said his group has been in contact with various businesses and need clarification on the interim zoning; specifically what will be permitted uses, and are there other changes that would affect the site.

Doug stated businesses his group has contacted that might be interested in the site: food processing, restaurants, warehousing, retail, office space, refrigeration space and perhaps even residential. He spoke about the parking area, the possible need for more and where they could be created. He also stated that Redstone is hoping the Town will help in attracting businesses to the area.

There was a discussion on possible green space close to Route 116, and ways the space could work with the businesses on the site.

Jean I asked Doug what time frame his group was looking at for starting to place businesses in the site. He said it all depends on which business shows an interest and the zoning.

There was a discussion on the Town’s Master Plan/Vision and Redstone’s vision for the site and ways to blend the best of both plans. It was suggested that the site be broken into two separate districts for better usage.

Doug brought up the fact that fill may be needed in certain areas as some of the site is in the flood plain and there are several elevation changes throughout the site.

Jean I opened the meeting up to the public for questions or comments.

John Roos thanked Doug for the tour and said he would like to see the cobblestone that is there kept and used in any design as well as incorporating the stream into the plans.

With no other questions Jean I thanked Doug for attending the meeting and sharing the concerns of Redstone with the group.

The Commissioners then had a brain storming session with ideas for the site; most importantly how they could help Redstone with the zoning. The Westside road was discussed and how that would play into the design/use of the site and the possibility of the Town buying some of the buildings for “Civic Use”. Jean I asked if the Town could afford the purchase and then pointed out the continued upkeep and costs associated with buying any part of the site.

Jean I asked Alex W to come up with a plan on how the Commission should proceed in making the interim zoning permanent, (taking into consideration the concerns of the Redstone Group), how soon could they send it to the Selectboard, holding public hearings, and continue the possibility of two districts for the site. It was agreed that these topics will be continued on the 25th.

Other Business

Minutes of July 14th: Will P made a motion to accept as written, Joe I seconded. A vote was taken. 6-0. THE MOTION PASSED.

Minutes of July 28th: Carrie F made a motion to accept as written, Ray M seconded. A vote was taken. 6-0. THE MOTION PASSED.

Triple L Trailer Park: Alex said the residents submitted a petition to the VT Dept of Housing and Community Affairs as well as the Audettes, the property owners. This give the residents 90 days to investigate the possibility of having a non-profit, low-incoming housing buy the property or decide if they, as a whole, would buy the lot. The Housing Foundation already said they were not interested and the residents are now waiting to hear back from the Addison Community Trust on the possibility of their buying the park.

Next Scheduled Meeting: August 25th.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Seemann

(Recording Secretary)