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HomeMy Public PortalAboutVPC 10/31/22 Meeting Packet Town of Brewster Vision Planning Committee 2198 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631 brewplan@brewster-ma.gov (508) 896-3701 MEETING AGENDA 2198 Main Street, Room A Monday, October 31, 2022 at 3:30 PM Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021, this meeting will be conducted in person and via remote means, in accordance with applicable law. This means that members of the public body may access this meeting in person, or via virtual means. In person attendance will be at the meeting location listed above, and it is possible that any or all members of the public body may attend remotely. No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted, and public participation in any public hearing conducted during this meeting shall be by remote means only. Members of the public who wish to access the meeting may do so in the following manner: Meetings may be joined by: 1. Phone: Call (929) 436-2866 or (301) 715-8592. Zoom Meeting ID: 819 3038 8203 and Passcode 317154 To request to speak: Press *9 and wait to be recognized. 2. Zoom Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930388203?pwd=VHEvUURMM1ZFdUJNREJIbEN3SFdOZz09 and enter Passcode 317154 To request to speak: Tap Zoom “Raise Hand” button or type “Chat” comment with your name and address, then wait to be recognized. Additionally, the meeting will be broadcast live, in real time, via Live broadcast (Brewster Government TV Channel 18), Livestream (livestream.brewster-ma.gov), or Video recording (tv.brewster-ma.gov). Vision Planning Committee Hal Minis Chair Sharon Tennstedt Vice Chair Amanda Bebrin Andi Genser Patricia Hess Suzanne Kenney Fran Schofield Alex Wentworth Town Planner Jon Idman Admistrative Assistant Ellen Murphy Select Board Liaison Kari Hoffmann Finance Committee Liaison Honey Pivirotto 1. Call to Order 2. Declaration of a Quorum 3. Meeting Participation Statement 4. Approval of October 3rd meeting minutes 5. Discuss joint public hearing on October 12th 6. Discuss communication strategy prior to Town Meeting 7. Update on Bay and Long Pond Parcels planning 8. Review Action items from October 3rd meeting 9. Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair 10. Adjournment Date Posted: Date Revised: Received by Town Clerk: 10/20/2022 Page 1 of 2 TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Monday, October 3, 2022, at 3:30PM Hybrid Meeting Hal Minis, Chair, convened the Brewster Vision Planning Committee with members: Amanda Bebrin (virtual), Suzanne Kenney, Patricia Hess, Andi Gesner, and Alex Wentworth (virtual) were present. Sharon Tennstedt, Vice Chair and Fran Schofield were absent. A quorum was determined. Also present: Jon Idman, Kari Hoffmann(virtual), Honey Pivirotto, Sharon Rooney (virtual), and Ellen Murphy The Chair read the Recording or Taping Notification: This meeting will be conducted by remote participation pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021, this meeting will be conducted in person and via remote means, in accordance with applicable law. This means that members of the public body may access this meeting in person, or via virtual means. In person attendance will be at the meeting location listed above, and it is possible that any or all members of the public body may attend remotely. No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted, and public participation in any public hearing conducted during this meeting shall be by remote means only. To submit public comment or questions to the Vision Planning Committee, please email: brewplan@brewster-ma.gov. Review and approval of September 19th meeting minutes: Suzanne made a motion to approve the September 19th meeting minutes, Andi seconded the motion, a roll call was taken, and the September 19th meeting minutes were approved unanimously. Discuss minor revisions to the final draft LCP based on comment from Cape Cod Commission staff: Jon provided background stating a meeting was held on September 29th with 3 staff members of the Cape Cod Commission (CCC), Hal, Jon, and Ellen to discuss minor changes to the draft LCP. Jon brought the Committee’s attention to the documents provided in the meeting packet that included an email summarizing the suggested changes and a companion document with the incorporated redline changes in the LCP. He stepped through the suggestive changes made by the Cape Cod Commission. The Committee discussed and decided to incorporate all the suggested changes to the LCP except referencing the recent Coastal Resilience grant. Patricia made a motion to adopt the changes from the CCC as discussed, Suzanne seconded the motion a role call was taken, and the Committee voted unanimously to accept the changes. Review illustrated final draft LCP: Sharon Rooney stepped through the illustrated draft of the LCP. She indicated the changes discussed at the last meeting have been incorporated. Sharon will take the Committee’s comments page by page as she steps through the draft. Hal suggested not stating Cape Cod on the title page and changing to “Building our Future”. The Committee also decided to replace the title page picture with a picture of the grist mill. Kari suggested checking to ensure all the names are spelled correctly. Hal commented on the map and suggested to draw a boundary to define the map of Brewster, include all of the town beaches (landings) and remove the businesses. The Committee commented on replacing some of the pictures and ensuring the title pages align with the content. Sharon Rooney will make the suggested changes and provide an updated version by the end of the week for the public hearing on October 12th. Jon clarified that there may be additional changes after the public hearing on October 12th and if that is the case, we will deliver them to Sharon Rooney to incorporate for a final draft. Discuss upcoming public hearing on October 12th: Hal gave an overview of the public hearing informing the Committee the Select Board, Planning Board and the VPC will be present virtually. Jon stated that it is the Planning Board and the Select Board that have the approving authority and the warrant belongs to the Select Board. Hal informed the Committee of the expectations during the public hearing and referred to the draft presentation he will be presenting of the LCP that was handed out in the meeting. Page 2 of 2 Update on Bay and Long Pond Parcels Planning: Amanda provided a brief update on the Bay Parcel property informing the Committee she presented an update of the LCP process highlighting public engagement. She indicated the Committee is in the process of developing process and policy for prioritizing and evaluating proposals for interim uses. There will be articles on the warrant for Town meeting that reflect some of the interim uses proposed and the planning process. Hal provided an update on the Long Pond Parcel indicating at the last meeting there was a preview of a video increasing the public’s understanding of the Long Pond Parcel. Review Action Items from September 19th meeting: Patricia suggested any pictures should be sent to Sharon as soon as possible. Next Meeting: Joint Select Board, Planning Board Wednesday, October 12th 6:30 pm virtual Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair: none Suzanne made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Patricia seconded the motion, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 5:02 pm. Brewster Planning Board 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631-1898 (508) 896-3701 x1133 brewplan@brewster-ma.gov BREWSTER PLANNING BOARD JOINT MEETING WITH SELECT BOARD AND VISION PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 6:30 pm Brewster Town Office Building (virtual) Approved: 10/26/22 Vote: 6-0-0 Chair Madalyn Hillis -Dineen convened a remote meeting of the Planning Board at 6:30 pm with the following members participating remotely: Amanda Bebrin, Charlotte Degen, Tony Freitas, Rob Michaels and Alex Wentworth. Elizabeth Taylor was not present. Also participating remotely: Jon Idman, Town Planner and Lynn St. Cyr, Senior Department Assistant. Hillis -Dineen declared that a quorum of the Planning Board was present. Select Board Chair David Whitney declared a quorum of the Select Board with Cindy Bingham, Mary Chaffee, Ned Chatelain and Kari Hoffmann present. Also participating remotely Peter Lombardi, Town Administrator and Donna Kalinick, Assistant Town Administrator. Vision Planning Committee (VPC) Chair Hal Minis declared a quorum of the VPC with Sharon Tennstedt, Amanda Bebrin, Andi Genser, Patricia Hess, Sue Kenney, and Alex Wentworth present, Fran Schofield was not present. Also participating remotely: Ellen Murphy, VPC Administrator. Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021, this meeting will be conducted in person and via remote means, in accordance with applicable law. This means that members of the public body may access this meeting in person, or via virtual means. In person attendance will be at the meeting location listed above, and it is possible that any or all members of the public body may attend remotely. No in -person attendance of members of the public will be permitted, and public participation in any public hearing conducted during this meeting shall be by remote means only. The meeting will be broadcast live, in real time, via Live broadcast (Brewster Government TV Channel 18), Livestream (livestream.brewster-ma.gov), or Video recording (tv. brewster-ma.gov). The Planning Board packet can be found on the Planning Department page on the Town of Brewster website (www. brewster-ma. gov). 6:34 PM CITIZEN'S FORUM No citizen comments. 6:36 PM PUBLIC HEARING The Planning Board, Select Board and Vision Planning Committee will review, discuss and potentially vote on the final draft 2022 Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) prepared by the Vision Planning Committee (VPC). Documents: • 09/29/22 Email from Chloe Schaefer of the Cape Cod Commission • 10/12/22 Public Hearing Presentation on Brewster's Local Comprehensive Plan • Final Draft Local Comprehensive Plan, October 2022 Motion by Planning Board Member Bebrin to Open the Public Hearing. Second by Degen. Roll call vote: Michaels -aye; Freitas-aye; Bebrin-aye; Degen-aye; Wentworth -aye; and Hillis -Dineen -aye. Taylor was not present. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion by Select Board Member Mary Chaffee to Open the Public Hearing. Second by Hoffmann. Roll call vote: Bingham -aye; Chaffee -aye; Chatelain-aye; Hoffmann -aye; and Whitney -aye. Vote: 5-0-0. Hal Minis, Chair of the Vision Planning Committee (VPC), made a presentation on Brewster's Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP). Minis stated that the LCP describes how Brewster looks today and where it would like to go in the future. The LCP provides direction to help guide the Town particularly in land use decisions. The LCP is not law or a regulation. It does not create a mandate or requirements. The LCP has been prepared with guidance from the Cape Cod Commission. PB Minutes 10/12/22 Page 1 of 5 Minis summarized the VPC's work on the LCP, The LCP was prepared based on Brewster's 2018 Vision Plan. The Vision Plan and its 8 building blocks were the framework for the LCP. Two new building blocks have been added: climate mitigation and adaptation and solid waste. Minis stated that in February 2022, the VPC conducted the Next Steps surrey based on the proposed land use actions from the Vision Plan. The Vision Plan summary papers were also updated. Based on the results of the Next Steps survey, the VPC formulated an Action Plan. The Action Plan was reviewed by Town staff and a draft LCP was put out for public comment. Minis reviewed public involvement in the LCP including the Next Steps survey which had 2300 participants, and public comment periods for the Action Plan, LCP Overview, and draft LCP. The LCP will be presented at Town Meeting for approval. Minis summarized sections of the LCP which include Brewster's Vision, Community Engagement, Building Blocks -Existing Conditions and Issues, the Action Plan by building block, the Capital Facilities Plan, the 2022 Housing Production Plan Update Summary, Implementation and Performance Monitoring, and Supporting Town Plans and Policies. Minis thanked all those who contributed to the LCP. Planning Board member Elizabeth Taylor joined the meeting. Hillis -Dineen invited the Planning Board to comment on the draft LCP. Michaels and Wentworth both stated that the LCP was an impressive document and thanked the VPC for their work on the plan. Bebrin stated that the VPC has engaged the public throughout the LCP process by mailing postcards to all homeowners, engaging 2300 participants in the survey and organizing pop ups in the community. The feedback, from both the public and Town staff, was considered and used to make changes to the plan. Bebrin noted that the LCP is a guidance document that will be used to guide the Town for the next 5-10 years. The LCP includes over 100 action items which will take on their own engagement process to move forward. Degen also appreciated the work that went into the LCP and suggested a definitions section be included. Taylor suggested the reference to the Herring River watershed being protected under recent actions by the Town (page 26) be removed as that has not yet happened. Taylor stated that there is no reference to the Grow Smart mapping project by HAC and APCC in the plan and she thinks it is an important document that should be included. Minis responded that the map did not come to Brewster until after the technical review for the LCP was complete. The Town can consider integrating the map. Taylor asked if the Town, under the Governance building block, has considered working with Open Cape to help expand internet availability for residents. Minis responded that this document is not a complete listing of every action that will be taken by the Town. Additional actions may be taken. Freitas also stated that he appreciated the work done on the LCP and supports the plan. Hillis -Dineen also expressed support for the plan and all the work that has gone into its creation. Whitney invited Select Board members to comment on the draft LCP. Chaffee noted the importance of the LCP as a Town planning document and thanked the VPC for their work. Bingham stated that the LCP was a document the VPC and Town should be proud and appreciated the VPC's work on the LCP. Hoffmann thanked the VPC for their efforts and reminded everyone that the LCP is a guidance document not law or regulation. Hoffmann also stated that she appreciated the efforts of both the Vision Advisory Group and the VPC to solicit public comment on the Vision Plan and the LCP. Chatelain thanked the VPC, Town staff and the public for all their work and time given to the LCP. Whitney also thanked the VPC for all their hard work. Hillis -Dineen invited members of the public to provide comments. Ben Mc Kelway, 1802 Main Street, asked that the boards not approve the draft LCP as it relates to actions that call for implementation of the Drummer Boy Park Master Plan. Mc Kelway requested that all references to a boardwalk or walkway linking Drummer Boy Park to Wing Island be deleted from the LCP. He expressed his opposition to concept plans that have been presented for the boardwalk and expressed concern that the boardwalk would negatively impact the scenic view. Lori Shockley, a resident, stated that she had concerns with the integrity of the planning committee and their work on the LCP. She feels that her views along with the views of a larger group have not been considered. Shockley also feels that the LCP process has been rushed and there are environmental issues that need to be addressed. She requested any reference to the boardwalk to Wing Island be removed from the LCP. Additionally, she expressed concern about misinformation in the community including inaccurate information being shared regarding access to Wing Island. She noted that the draft LCP states that the plan has already been adopted and felt that was troubling. PB Minutes 10/12/22 Page 2 of 5 Len Egert, a resident, appreciates the work that has gone into the LCP but feels the plan is tainted with a tacit approval of the Wing Island project. Egert recognized that the plan is not providing policy, but it does give guidance for land use. He stated that the Wing Island boardwalk project is troubling and faces growing opposition. Egert stated that state and federal review of the project may be required. He asked that any reference to the Wing Island boardwalk be removed from the LCP as further review and public comment is necessary. He asked that a vote on the LCP be postponed as further review of the boardwalk project is needed. Rebekah Powers, 440 Main Street, is strongly opposed to any boardwalk to Wing Island referenced in the LCP. Powers stated that she is usually supportive of access to open spaces, but this is a sensitive area and access may need to be limited. John Depuy, 835 Main Street, stated that the LCP is an excellent plan except for the references to Wing Island and Drummer Boy Park. He supports the request to remove those references from the plan. Carol Marcy, a resident, stated that she supports accessibility to Brewster's beautiful spaces but a viewing deck in Drummer Boy Park or at the beach at the Sea Camps property would be more accessible than a boardwalk to Wing Island. Janice Riley, 32 Old Red Top Road, stated that the LCP includes the Drummer Boy Park Master Plan. Also, there are references within the LCP to implementing the Drummer Boy Park Master Plan and there is confusion as to what "implement" means. Riley stated that residents are seeking clarification and asking that the plan be revised to exclude references to implementing the Drummer Boy Park Master Plan. Gillian MacKenzie, 373 Stony Brook Road, urged the boards not to approve the LCP as drafted and to remove all references to Drummer Boy Park from the plan. She encouraged board members to stand true to the Vision Plan which supports public engagement and collaboration. Minis responded to comments made by MacKenzie and stated that the VPC discussed how to present the Executive Summary in the LCP and opted to use the language that would be used to present the plan at Town Meeting. The language is in no way meant to project that the LCP has already been approved. Minis noted that in a previous draft of the LCP the Wing Island boardwalk project was listed under action items but in response to public comment received the reference to Wing Island under action items was removed. Minis stated that the LCP is a high-level planning document and that there will be further public discussion and engagement on action items. Lynne Hamlyn, a professional wetlands scientist and environmental consultant, stated that she believes the boardwalk proposed at Wing Island would require local, state, and federal permitting. She expressed concerns that the designs being shared with the public cannot meet permitting requirements. Hamlyn also expressed concern with the lack of information regarding costs of the boardwalk and costs of permitting the boardwalk. Chris Powicki, 2042 Main Street, thanked the VPC for their work on the LCP. Powicki stated that the LCP should not be approved as it did not allow public participation, the scope is too narrow, and it lacks specific community wide performance measures for assessing progress. Powicki stated that more public engagement is necessary before the plan is presented for a vote at Town Meeting. Len Egert stated that the Chair should be accepting comment from anyone who wishes to speak and that it is not necessary for speakers to provide new information during the public comment period. Laura Eldredge, a resident, stated that there have been rumors in the community that a 50 -space parking lot was being added to Drummer Boy Park. She asked if that was necessary if the boardwalk project did not happen. She also expressed budget concerns given the recent purchase of the Sea Camps property. She stated that an important matter such as the LCP should not be up for discussion at an indoor Fall Town Meeting given concerns with COVID and the number of people who head out of town at that time. Hillis -Dineen asked for follow up comments from the Planning Board. Freitas was not present. Taylor wondered whether any of the issues raised during the hearing create a need to postpone Town Meeting. Degen does not have concerns with approving the LCP. She understands the concerns raised by the public but believes there are processes in place through various boards and committees for additional review of the recommended action items. Michaels stated that in PB Minutes 10/12/22 Page 3 of 5 reviewing the LCP, he understands the concerns raised by the public regarding the boardwalk project and the Drummer Boy Park Master Plan. Hillis Dineen stated that the plan will go through various phases of development. Idman stated that references to the boardwalk project in the LCP are made in the existing conditions section and exist as fact as the Town has explored the Wing Island boardwalk project. Idman agreed with Minis that the heart of the LCP is in the action items. He noted that the VPC voted to remove reference to the Wing Island boardwalk project from the action items. The VPC also discussed the Drummer Boy Master Plan and did not see the boardwalk project as part of that plan. Idman appreciated the comments made by the public but noted that the Wing Island boardwalk project is not part of the action items in the LCP. Further, Idman stated that the fact that an item appears in the LCP action list does not mandate the Town to move forward with that item. Also, the fact that a project does not appear in the LCP action list does not mean the Town cannot move forward with that project. The purpose of the LCP is to give policy guidance to the Town to inform them in land use decisions over the next 10 plus years. Whitney requested additional comments from the Select Board. Bingham stated that she thought the Town had come a long way with engaging the public but listening to public comment during the hearing it appears the Town has a long way to go. She stated that although the Wing Island project is not an action item in the LCP, the Town needs to listen to the concerns raised and work on addressing them or the LCP may not pass at Town Meeting. Chaffee stated that there are a lot of action items in the LCP and everyone may not agree on all of them but that does not mean certain items should be deleted. There will be additional review and engagement on the action items as they are moved forward. Chaffee stated that this document is not a mandate, but a guide based on many years of work in the Town. In response to public comments made, Chaffee stated that she knows of no instance or complaints in which members of the public were treated negatively by Town government based on their political views or opinions. Chatelain appreciated the thoughtful public comment offered by the public. He is concerned because he understands that the LCP is a policy document, but the public appears to be confused as to the LCP's purpose. Chatelain stated that additional work needs to be done by the Town to get accurate information out to the public on both the LCP and the Wing Island boardwalk project. Hoffmann thanked the public for their comments. She noted the extensive efforts the VPC had taken to engage the public throughout the LCP proves. Hoffmann stated that the LCP is a very important and comprehensive document and there will be additional opportunity for public input on action items. Lori Shockley stated that the LCP was a mandate for the Town and that it is an important document that is being rushed through a self-imposed deadline. Shockley stated that it is a comprehensive document and there has not been enough time given to the Town and the public to review it. She asked that the vote on the LCP be delayed allowing for more public discourse on the plan. Bebrin reiterated that the LCP is not a mandate but a guide to be used by the Town for the next several years. There will be additional public engagement on the action items listed in the LCP. Motion by Bebrin to Close the Public Hearing. Second by Michaels. Roll call vote: Michaels -aye; Wentworth -aye; Degen-aye; Taylor -aye; Bebrin-aye; Hillis -Dineen -aye; Chatelain-aye; Whitney -aye; Bingham -aye; Chaffee -aye; and Hoffmann -aye. Freitas was not present. Vote: 11-0-0. Hillis -Dineen asked for additional comments from members of the public bodies. Minis reminded people that the LCP was a first step that outlines directions and provides guidance but does not hold the Town to specific actions. As the Planning Board and Select Board move forward with the LCP details and specific actions, there will be additional public debate. Motion by Tennstedt to Recommend Adoption of the Draft Local Comprehensive Plan As Presented. Second by Wentworth. Minis asked for any discussion on the motion. Lombardi stated that the plan adopted tonight will be the plan voted on at Town Meeting. The vote at Town Meeting will be for or against the LCP. There will not be opportunity to amend elements of the plan at Town Meeting. Genser asked the VPC if they believed additional public comment was necessary before bringing the LCP to Town Meeting. Bebrin noted edits to the LCP made by the VPC including removing references to the Wing Island boardwalk project from the action items. She stated that she was unsure what further edits could be made regarding that specific issue. She recommended further public engagement and education on the LCP. Bebrin reminded everyone of the collective work that has gone on in the Town over several years to bring the LCP forward and supports recommending the adoption of the LCP and bringing it to Town Meeting. Tennstedt stated that it was important for the Town to educate the community about the LCP. Roll call vote: Tennstedt-aye; Bebrin-aye; Genser-aye; Hess -aye; Kenney -aye; Wentworth -aye; and Minis -aye. Schofield not present. Vote: 7-0-0. PB Minutes 10/12/22 Page 4 of 5 Motion by Hoffmann to Endorse the Draft Local Comprehensive Plan As Presented and Recommended by the Vision Planning Committee. Second by Bingham. Hoffmann reminded everyone that the action items are not mandated and are not regulations or bylaws and that there will be more public discussion on the action items moving forward. Hoffmann stated that there will also be further discussion on the Wing Island boardwalk project. Bingham reiterated that there will be further public engagement on the Wing Island project and that it is not a done deal. She stated that any references to the project in the LCP do not make it a done deal. Roll call vote: Chatelain-aye; Chaffee -aye; Bingham -aye; Hoffmann -aye; and Whitney -aye. Vote: 5-0-0. Degen asked how to move forward with corrections suggested by herself and Taylor. Idman stated that to the extent there are not substantive changes to the plan, errata sheets can be sent to the Planning Department noting scrivener's errors. Idman stated that he reviewed page 26 as referenced by Taylor and does not believe any corrections are needed. He also stated that adding a definition section to the LCP at this time could be problematic. Motion by Degen to Endorse the Draft Local Comprehensive Plan As Presented. Second by Michaels. Roll call vote: Michaels -aye; Wentworth -aye; Bebrin-aye; Degen-aye; Taylor -aye; and Hillis -Dineen -aye. Freitas was not present. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion by Genser to Adjourn the Vision Planning Committee Meeting. Second by Tennstedt. Roll call vote: Tennstedt-aye; Bebrin-aye; Genser-aye; Hess -aye; Kenney -aye; Wentworth -aye; and Minis -aye. Vote: 7-0-0. VPC meeting adjourned at 8:39 pm. Motion by Hoffmann to Adjourn the Select Board Meeting. Second by Chatelain. Roll call vote: Chaffee -aye; Bingham -aye; Chatelain-aye; Hoffmann -aye; and Whitney -aye. Vote: 5-0-0. Select Board meeting adjourned at 8:39 pm. 8:40 PM PLANNING DISCUSSION Approval of Meeting Minutes: September 28, 2022. The Board reviewed the September 28, 2022 meeting minutes. Motion by Degen to Approve September 28, 2022 Meeting Minutes. Second by Michaels. Roll call vote: Michaels -aye; Wentworth -aye; Bebrin-aye; Degen-aye; Taylor -aye; and Hillis -Dineen -aye. Freitas was not present. Vote: 6-0-0. 8:41 PM COMMITTEE REPORTS Hillis -Dineen announced the Community Housing Forum taking place at the Brewster Ladies Library on October 27, 2022. 8:43 PM FOR YOUR INFORMATION St. Cyr announced the CPTC workshop on October 20, 2022 and reminded board members that registration fees were reimbursable. Motion by Bebrin to Adjourn. Second by Degen. Roll call vote: Michaels -aye; Wentworth -aye; Bebrin-aye; Taylor -aye; Degen-aye; and Hillis -Dineen -aye. Freitas was not present. Vote: 6-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm. Next Planning Board Meeting Date: 10/26/22 Respectfully submitted, Lynn St. ent Assistant, Planning PB Minutes 10/12/22 Page 5 of 5 1 Brewster’s Local Comprehensive Plan Frequently Asked Questions October 2022 What is a Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP)? Brewster’s Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) describes how Brewster looks today and where it wants to go in the future. The LCP creates policy direction to help guide land use decisions and policies in the Town for the next decade. The heart of the LCP is the Action Plan (Section 4 of the LCP) which calls for Town government to accomplish a variety of tasks over the next 10+ years. The Action Plan addresses a range of issues important to Brewster residents, including expanding housing opportunities for our aging population and young families, protecting our water supply and the water quality of our ponds, fostering our local small businesses, and dealing with climate change. More broadly, the Action Plan is also intended to guide future decision-making and actions involving community organizations and residents. How did Brewster’s Vision Planning Committee prepare the LCP? The Planning Committee used the Vision Plan with its Vision statement and Building Blocks as the foundation for the LCP. As with the Vision Plan, the LCP was developed over 2+ years with a great amount of input and engagement of everyone from Brewster residents to Town staff and committees and local organizations. The center piece of the process was the Next Steps Survey in which over 2,300 people participated in early 2022. The Vision Planning Committee asked for input and feedback by making drafts of the LCP Action Plan and then the full LCP publicly available. These documents were posted and announced on the Town website for 3 weeks each during the summer and fall 2022. Is Brewster’s Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) a law or regulation? NO, it is neither. It provides recommendations on a variety of initiatives across the community. It will serve as guidance to inform new or amended local bylaws or regulations, including those related to zoning. Does the LCP create binding requirements or mandates on the Town? NO, the LCP provides relatively general policy direction. It neither requires nor prohibits the Town pursuing any particular action or project. It is intentionally high-level, leaving the details to be decided through future public implementation processes. Does the LCP replace the 2018 Vision Plan? NO, it continues that planning process. The LCP is based on the fundamental principles and structure of the Vision Plan and picks up on many of the actions proposed in the Vision Plan Can Town Meeting seek to amend the LCP? NO, Town Meeting must vote for or against the LCP as recommended by the Vision Planning Committee and as endorsed by the Select Board and Planning Board. Town Meeting cannot seek to make specific changes to certain elements of the plan. 2 Does the LCP require the Town to pursue the Wing Island Boardwalk project? NO, while the Wing Island Boardwalk project is referenced in the LCP, it is not expressly included in the Action Plan. The LCP recommends a broad policy of improving access to coastal resources. Will not approving the LCP at the fall Town Meeting stop the design and/or construction of a new Wing Island Boardwalk? NO, the LCP is larger than any one project and should be considered independent of the Wing Island project. Inclusion of this proposed project in the LCP will not change the ongoing public process, nor will it impact the outcome. Support of, or opposition to, this project, or any others in the LCP, can be provided during public forums or subsequent Town Meeting consideration. Does the Cape Cod Commission (CCC) need to approve Brewster’s LCP? NO, Brewster would have an approved LCP if Town Meeting were to adopt the LCP as endorsed by the Planning and Select Boards. After local adoption, the Town could elect to pursue CCC certification (see below). What is CCC certification? The certification process entails the CCC reviewing a Town’s LCP and determining that it is consistent with the Cape Cod Regional Policy Plan. If Brewster’s LCP is certified, the Town would be eligible for CCC technical assistance and any future zoning bylaws would have to be consistent with the LCP. What happens if Town Meeting adopts the LCP? The LCP would be implemented through the Select Board’s annual strategic planning process and the Town’s standard capital budgeting process. The Select Board will report annually on progress in implementing the LCP. Residents will have opportunities to provide feedback regarding how specific projects and initiatives are implemented.