HomeMy Public PortalAboutPB MINUTES 2009-02-24 For Official Use Only
PLANNING BOARD
February 24, 2009-Minutes
A meeting of the Orleans Planning Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Nauset Meeting Room at
the Orleans Town Hall. Present: Chairman: John Fallender; Vice-Chairman: Seth Wilkinson—late
arrival; Clerk: Paul O'Connor; Kenneth McKissick; Sims McGrath; Associates: Gary Guzzeau; John
Ostman. Planning Department Staff: George Meservey; Secretary: Karen Sharpless. Board of
Selectmen Liaison: Jon Fuller.
REVIEW CHATHAM FORMULA BUSINESS EXCLUSION DISTRICT
Meservey gave a summary the legal ad for a draft proposed formula business bylaw for the Town of
Chatham but noted that the Town of Chatham has decided not to pursue the bylaw at this time due to
economic issues. Meservey noted that Chatham would refer to the area as the Formula Business
Exclusion District. Meservey explained that Orleans discussed a similar bylaw last year but due to public
hearing comments, the Planning Board decided to research the issue further before bringing forth a
Formula Business bylaw. Planning Board members agreed that the bylaw would refer more to the look of
the business, rather than the name or type of business it is. Planning Board members noted that business
chains have made an effort in other towns to conform to the town character rather that just sticking to
their standard look. Planning Board members discussed the downside of restricting formula businesses
only in the downtown areas such as in the Chatham proposal. Meservey suggested a town-wide
proposition, and noted the need for flexibility in the Village Center District. Wilkinson pointed out that
there are already a number of existing formula businesses in Orleans, and non-formula businesses need to
be protected in order to maintain the town's unique character.
VILLAGE CENTER TRAFFIC STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS
Meservey shared a document entitled, "Proposed Town Center Recommendations", which was developed
by Judith Nitsch Engineering, Inc. in May 2004, and paid through a Cape Cod Commission
implementation grant. Planning Board members discussed a list of short term items and long-term items
from the document. Planning Board members discussed the need for sidewalks and bikeways and a
review of pedestrian and vehicle traffic patterns in Orleans. Planning Board members discussed parking
issues in town and possible ways to alleviate parking problems and foster public parking partnerships
between the town and businesses.
Planning Board Minutes February 24, 2009 Page 1 of 2
OLD BUSINESS
Compliance for the Outdoor Lighting Bylaw
Planning Board members discussed various ways to notify Orleans business owners (with the help of the
Chamber of Commerce) of the Orleans Lighting Bylaw (General Bylaw Chapter 122 entitled, Outdoor
Lighting") which has already been in existence since May 10, 2004 for new commercial businesses, but
now sunsets for existing businesses on May 10, 2009. The bylaw states that all exterior lighting must
conform to the Orleans Lighting bylaw(shielded and pointed downward) and manufacturer tear sheets
must be provided for town review of height and glare compliance.
NEW BUSINESS
Cancel March 24, 2009 Planning Board Meeting
Meservey explained that there is a Special Election scheduled for March 24, 2009 and by law the
Planning Board cannot meet after 4:30 p.m. on an Election Day.
MOTION: On a motion by Paul O'Connor, seconded by Kenneth McKusick, the Planning Board
voted to cancel March 24, 2009 Planning Board meeting.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: On a motion by Paul O'Connor, seconded by Seth Wilkinson, the Planning Board
voted to adjourn the Planning Board meeting at 8:15 p.m.
VOTE: - - The motion passed unanimously. /The motion passed by a majority. L _
abstained).
SIGNED: DATE:
(Paul O'Connor, Clerk)
Planning Board Minutes February 24, 2009 Page 2 of 2