Town of Hinesburg
Planning Commission Meeting
September 22, 2010
Approved - October 13, 2010
Members Present: Carrie Fenn, Johanna White, Ray Mainer, Tom Ayer, Tim Clancy, Bob Linck
Members Absent: Joe Iadanza, Jean Isham
Also Present: Alex Weinhagen (Director of Planning/Zoning), Mary Seemann (Recording Secretary), David Lyman, Doug Nedde (Redstone Group), Jim Collins, Andrea Morgante, John Roos, George Dameron, Scott Buckingham
Carrie Fenn chaired the evenings meeting. Carrie called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Saputo: Doug Nedde announced to the Commission that his company, The Redstone Group has purchased the Saputo property. He stated his visit to the Board tonight was to discuss the changes from interim zoning to permanent zoning. Doug stated right now with the interim zoning some of the wording is a concern and his group is looking for a better understanding as to what the Commissioners are considering as permanent language. He stressed he did not want to talk to businesses about the property and then have the DRB turn the business down.
There was a discussion on whether or not to break the site down into the three different zones, and if so would the zoning be the same for all three or would they each have their own zoning regulations. Doug N pointed out the way they are showing the breakup of the big building it could make one company be in two different zones and if each zone had its own set of regulations that could be a problem. This led to a discussion on what types of businesses, how many businesses could possibly fit in the building, more parking needs for the public and employees, and having an area where the town’s people could gather (a pocket park).
Doug N said the Redstone Group was concerned about having a road run through the property as shown. He talked about the possibility of using the lagoon area for parking, which with the road being there would separate the parking from the businesses making the employees cross the road to get to work, which is a hazard for the employees and the majority of employers would not accept that as it could be a major liability for the company.
Doug N asked about the Westside road. He wanted to know if the plans to complete the road were in the queue and if so when it would be started. Alex W said that the road has been talked about and desired for years. At this point in time there is no plan to get a bond to collect monies to pay for it, and there probably won’t be in the near future. There is no definite date as to when it ever will be started and the suggested path for the road is not set in stone.
George Dameron stated he would like to see companies who do not have the need to use large trucks on Stella Drive. He said in the past he had to put up with Saputo’s large trucks and they were noisy, caused his house to shake and caused a lot of dirt in the air.
Residential area(s) was brought up and ideas where shared as to where they might be located, how residents would get in and out of the property, and parking.
Doug N then asked the Commissioners to define what types of businesses they would allow stating in the interim zoning a health club would not be allowed. He pointed out with all the outside area that can be used for sports he has a health club interested in using some of the building for an indoor site and the fields outside for outdoor activities. He wanted to have it clarified on what would definitely be allowed.
Tim C stated he thought they should not get too restrictive as it would tie the hands of Redstone to get anyone in there.
Doug N stated he had an engineering company interested in the building on Rte 116 and again with the interim zoning what is on the no list may not be compatible with this type of business.
Scott Buckingham said he thought Doug N had some good questions and agreed with Tim C on keeping flexibility in the decision. He said he did have a desire to keep the Village Center more attractive with a community feeling and wondered how Redstone’s plans would affect that idea.
George D said he would like to see the return of manufacturing jobs and to allow more flexibility. He stated this might bring in more than the 80 jobs the Commissioners are looking to restore.
David Lyman agreed with Scott and George saying the Commissioners should stay flexible with the zoning.
After more conversation and discussions regarding the Saputo property Alex W said the Commissioners had a lot more work to do, the permanent zoning regulations are not ready for public hearings yet. It was agreed by all to continue and hopefully wrap up this part of the zoning at the next meeting. At which time they can give Alex W the go ahead to write all the decisions up to present them to the Selectboard and a public hearing.
Other Business:
Minutes from September 8, 2010. Motioned and seconded to accept. A vote was taken. - THE MOTION PASSED
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Next Planning Meeting: October 13, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Seemann
Recording Secretary