Jan 22: Town Hall Notes

Tony Johnson a member of the Planning Commission kicked off the meeting with introductions and Marie Wayman again took to the flip board to take notes about what was said during the meeting.

After some table setting by Bull Mulder, chair of the Commission the public was asked for comments. Highlights of the great conversation included:

• A request that the list of concerns and gaps of the current code delivered as part of Bill’s presentation be updated after these first few listening sessions to reflect what was heard

• A reminder it is up to citizens to keep up with meetings and stay informed

• Additional concerns about the current code allowing undesirable businesses (like “adult” shops) on Main Street

• Perhaps only about 20% of the repealed code really needs to addressed

• There was great agreement that going back to square one was not necessary-the repealed code was a good spot to start

• Combine the lists of loopholes onto one list and address those concerns one-by-one

• Important for suggestions to be specific so that solutions can be found

• Trying to get as many comments as possible by February 20th

• There was an improved format in the repealed code, and it makes sense to start from that platform and move forward

• The current codes format is confusing for users and information is often duplicated

• Could we combine some of the residential zones to make them consistent?

• A glossary of terms could be really helpful

• Can we make it easier for people to add on and have families thrive? Perhaps an “owner-occupied” restriction would help

• Requiring that homes be larger really hurts efforts for affordable housing

• Nearly 46% of people in town wanted the repealed code. Now that it has been repealed several things that were allowed (like building a side porch) cannot be done under the current code

• There is still a need to address the number of districts