HomeMy Public PortalAboutPB Minutes 2003-08-26 ORLEANS PLANNING BOARD
August 26, 2003 —Minutes
A meeting of the Orleans Planning Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on August 26, 2003,in Meeting Room A,
Orleans Town Hall.
Present: Chairman: Alan Conklin; Vice-Chairman: Kenneth McKissick; Clerk: Sims McGrath;
Nate Pulling; John Fallender; Associates: Gil Bamford; Seth Wilkinson; Town Planner: George Meservey;
Secretary: Karen Sharpless.
Also Present: Board of Selectmen Liaison: Kendall Farrar; Finance Committee Liaison: David Dunford.
BUSINESS CORRIDOR STUDY
Meservey spoke to the Planning Board about the Business Corridor Study. Meservey stated that the Zoning By-Law
Task Force needs direction from the Planning Board regarding future zoning articles for town meeting action. The
Planning Board members studied various proposed changes in zoning from the Business Corridor Study completed
earlier this year.
Apartments over businesses: McKissick stated that he would like to hold off decisions about apartments over
businesses in deference to sewerage and wastewater management issues.
Signs: McGrath stated that there are problems with some of the signs around town- they don't seem to comply with
current regulations. McGrath requested more sign controls, especially regarding backlit signs. Meservey offered to
take a sign of questionable signs and check to see if they comply with the sign bylaw. Pulling stated that this comes
under the purview of the Architectural Review Committee. Bamford stated that Architectural Review Committee
members would be helpful in a sign study.
Lighting: The Planning Board agreed that lighting issues need to be reviewed around town. Meservey was asked to
write a memorandum to the Architectural Review Committee asking them to review business signs around town and
suggest possible changes to the by-law. McKissick that the Architectural Review Committee opinion be based on
current bylaws as well as any changes that should be made. The Planning Board asked to have a joint meeting with the
Architectural Review Committee.
Outdoor Dining: The Planning Board suggested deferring the idea of outdoor dining to the Board of Health—they
can discuss this at the October 14"'meeting. Meservey stated that parking is a major issue with outdoor dining.
McGrath agreed with the idea that the town needs to come up with a parking plan. Wilkinson indicated the need for
action on this issue sooner rather than later. Wilkinson stated that he would prefer to see more "green space"than
asphalt. Fallender suggested the possibility of parking time restrictions in order to facilitate the parking and outdoor
eating requirements. Farrar stated that he agrees with Wilkinson that the issue needs to be addressed. Farrar indicated
that the town should be "user friendly". McKissick stated he felt the Planning Board might be amendable to the idea of
relaxing the parking requirements, and suggested sending this on to the Zoning By-Law Task Force. Fallender stated
that outdoor dining should be allowed as additional seating, not replacing existing indoor seating.
Strip Mall development: Wilkinson suggested that the answer could be to set adequate Architectural design
requirements. Pulling stated that he would like to have Architectural Review Committee input on this issue. The
Planning Board discussed the possibility of Is it possible to help current areas make their areas nicer? Tap into
beautification grants?
Bike Lanes on Roadways: The Planning Board discussed putting bike lanes on newly paved roads. Pulling wants
Bob Bersin to come talk to the Planning Board about bike safety issues. There was a consensus of the Planning Board
Planning Board Minutes August 26, 2003 Page I of 2
to refer sidewalk issues and mowing problems on State Roads to the Board of Selectmen to contact the State
authorities. Farrar stated that Bersin has a good rapport with the State and could probably get this problem resolved.
Multiple curb cuts: The Planning Board discussed the Access Regulations Bob Bersin showed to the Planning Board
and suggested that he present them to the Board of Selectmen for their review and input and possible adoption.
Possible Zoning By-Law Amendments to be forward to the Zoning By-Law Task Force
The Planning Board discussed the following possible town meeting articles for bylaw changes to be referred to the
Zoning By-Law Task Force.
Definition of a Building
Bylaw on Wind Generators
Sign Regulations (Lighted Signs)
Lighting Regulations
Cluster Zoning - to allow without special permit
NEW BUSINESS:
Bike Trail Study—Fallender stated that they had a group who studied the bike path at various points on Saturday,
August 23, 2003 —there were 1,588 people who crossed the bike bridge over Route 6 between Orleans and Eastham.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES—July 22, 2003:
MOTION: On a motion by Ken McKusick, seconded by Nate Pulling, the Board voted to approve the minutes
of July 22, 2003.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The vote was unanimous.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES—August 12, 2003:
MOTION: On a motion by Ken McKusick, seconded by Nate Pulling, the Board voted to approve the minutes
of August 12, 2003.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The vote was unanimous.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: On a motion by Nate Pulling, seconded by Sims McGrath, the Board voted to adjourn the Planning
Board meeting at 9:10 p.m.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The vote was unanimous.
SIGNED: DATE:
(Clerk: Sims McGrath)
Planning Board Minutes August 26, 2003 Page 2 of 2