HomeMy Public PortalAboutPB Minutes 2003-03-25 ORLEANS PLANNING BOARD
March 25, 2003 —Minutes
A meeting of the Orleans Planning Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on March 25, 2003,in Meeting
Room A, Orleans Town Hall.
Present were: Chairman: Alan Conklin; Clerk: Sims McGrath;Nate Pulling; William Wilcoxson;
Associates: Karen Etsell; Kenneth McKissick; Town Planners: George Meservey, Secretary: Karen
Sharpless. Absent: Vice-Chairman: Mark Zivan.
DISCUSS PRESENTATION OF PROPOSED ZONING ARTICLES
Meservey explained five zoning articles on the 2003 annual town meeting warrant. The Planning Board
discussed how the proposed zoning articles should be presented before town meeting to civic groups and at
town meeting. Meservey reminded the Planning Board that many of these articles were a result of the
business corridor study. McGrath agreed to present the articles at town meeting. McKissick stated that for
continuity the same person should present all of the articles at town meeting. Meservey stated that many
people have preconceived notions about cluster zoning. The Planning Board agreed that a Powerpoint
presentation would be helpful to explain the nature of businesses that will be affected and how they will be
affected. McKissick suggested using three Powerpoint slides: 1) What the change means; 2) What is the
Benefit; 3) What areas will be affected. Conklin stated that keeping it simple would be the best strategy.
Meservey stated that the Planning Department mailed letters to the residents on Bay Ridge to explain the
proposed change to Industrial and how it would affect them. McGrath agreed that this area is primarily used
like a industrial area currently. McGrath stated that the Planning Board is not trying to change the
neighborhood,just conform zoning to the current uses. McGrath asked about the potential of traffic
generators in General Business District vs. Industrial.
Meservey stated that it would be best for Planning Board members to respond to town meeting floor
questions about the articles rather than staff members. McGrath stated that this was influenced by two
factors: 1) the Long Range Plan; and 2) the Business Corridor Study.
McKissick talked about the need for slides that clearly state what"cluster"means. McGrath commented that
the nature and nuances in the bylaw are hard to convey to the public. McGrath stated that there is a benefit to
emphasis what it does rather than what it is? McGrath stated that photos would be more helpful to the
public presentation than subdivision plans. The Planning Board agreed that an advantage to the town is
obtaining open space. There will be no impact on density. Meservey noted that a downside is the notion that
the town is taking people's land. Meservey noted that the public needs to understand the benefits to the
community. McGrath stated that the concept of open space is "define it and then don't touch it". McGrath
stated emphasizing flexibility of use (i.e. can be used for a community denitrification system,practicality of
pocket septic systems).
CORRESPONDENCE
Cape Cod Commission Enabling Regulations
Meservey described a document from the Cape Cod Commission regarding thresholds of Developments of
Regional Impact. The Cape Cod Commission is looking for input. McKissick asked for information on any
changes.
Planning Board Minutes March 25, 2003 Page 1 of 2
Chapter 91 Waterways License—Rock Harbor Maintenance Dred2in2
Meservey presented information that the Harbormaster has filed for a permit to dredge Rock Harbor. It is
maintenance dredging. It is required that a copy be presented to the Planning Board.
Chapter 91 Waterways License—Arey's Pond
Meservey presented information that the Planning Board has received a Chapter 91 filing for Arey's Pond
near Nauset Marine East. It is required that a copy be presented to the Planning Board.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: On a motion by Ken McKusick, seconded by Nate Pulling, the Board voted to approve the
minutes of March 11, 2003.
VOTE: 4-0-1 The vote was passed by majority. (Bill Wilcoxson abstained).
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: On a motion by Nate Pulling, seconded by Sims McGrath, the Board voted to adjourn at
7:45 p.m.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The vote was unanimous.
SIGNED: DATE:
(Clerk: Sims McGrath)
Planning Board Minutes March 25, 2003 Page 2 of 2