MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CORNWALL

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION HELD ON JULY 12, 2005.

A Regular Meeting of the Cornwall Planning and Zoning Commission was held at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, July 12, 2005, in the Cornwall Town Hall. Present were: Chairman Richard Lynn, presiding; members David Colbert, Heidi Kearns, Anne Kosciusko, Doc Simont, and Alternate James LaPorta Jim Laporta was designated to vote for Pat Hare. Land Use Administrator Karl Nilsen and Land Use Clerk Vera Dinneen were also present.

R E G U L A R M E E T I N G

The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 14, 2005 were approved as circulated.

APPLICATIONS FOR ZONING PERMITS

The monthly report of zoning permit activity by staff was briefly reviewed.

OLD BUSINESS

Subdivision Jennings Hill Subdivision, Laurel Galloway, South Road

(William Treem & Laurie Racine, Applicants)

To subdivide 12.844 acres into two lots

Dave Wilson presented the application. The prospective buyers (the applicants) wanted to make the existing house an accessory apartment, but the existing house does not meet the criteria for an accessory apartment. The applicants plan to construct a more substantial house for themselves. The current owner has done a boundary line adjustment to create a larger lot which could be subdivided into two lots. The entire parcel is active farmland, on a ridgeline and surrounded by protected, open land. Mr. Wilson showed two areas which could be reserved for open space. The property is known as “Ripley Field.” Commission members encouraged the applicant to consider the payment of a fee in lieu of open space. Karl Nilsen recommended that the Commission hold a public hearing, and it was unanimously set for August 9^th.

Commission Sandwich Board Signs

Members agrees to provide an opportunity for public comment prior to the Commission’s discussion on this issue. Ron Hummel distributed copies of the results of a survey he had done on signs in neighboring towns. He suggested that commission members visit the other towns and look at their sign regulations. Doc Simont asked if the signs listed on the survey results were illegal signs. Mr. Hummel was not sure, and said he was willing to work further on the survey. Judy Herkimer commented that the businesses are the backbone of the community and everyone needs to work together. She spoke with the Washington ZEO and commented on their sign regulations and enforcement. Commission members then reviewed discussions they had with business owners about the removal of sandwich board signs. Some business owners were not aware that sandwich board signs were illegal in Cornwall and

expressed that the signs were important for their businesses. One was a temporary sign, and allowed without a permit under the sign regulations. One was set on the cement base of a pre-existing, free standing sign for a gas station. Most businesses removed the signs willingly, though begrudgingly. The business owners were advised to write to the Commission requesting a change in the sign regulations if this is important to them. It was the consensus of the Commission that they would wait for feedback (letters) from the business community prior to taking any additional action. If there are continued violations, then further enforcement action will be taken. Karl was asked to monitor the situation and pursue additional enforcement if necessary.

It was unanimously voted to change the order of the agenda to accommodate those present.

NEW BUSINESS

Resubdivision John O’Donnell, Cogswell Road

To resubdivide 134.35 acres into two lots

John O’Donnell and Matt Kiefer presented that application. Mr. O’Donnell explained that he wishes to sell 18.8 acres to his neighbor. He now owns a total of 134 acres. The Inland Wetlands Agency has approved the feasibility of the subdivision, any activity would require another permit. The conveyance can not be done by means of a boundary line adjustment because the buyer wants the 18.8 acres to be designated as a separate lot. No accommodation has been made for open space. Rick reminded members that the Commission’s policy is to require the reservation of up to 15% or agree to a fee in lieu of open space. Mr. O’Donnell expressed concern about the open space set aside requirement for this parcel. Karl explained the time sequence for the public hearing and the decision on the application. It was unanimously voted to set the public hearing for August 9^th.

OLD BUSINESS (continued)

Commission Village District Regulations

It was the consensus of Commission members that broad based support from the town is needed for this regulation and further discussion of this option should occur with the Town Plan update.

Commission Land Use Forum

Rick explained that the date had changed since he announced it at the June meeting. He stated that the major concern discussed was the lack of affordable housing. It was the consensus of members to discuss the process of updating the Town Plan with several professional planners prior to scheduling a public forum on updating the Town Plan. Karl suggested asking the Selectmen to sit in on the informal discussions. Annie suggested also asking someone from the Board of Finance to sit in on the discussions.

COMMUNICATIONS

Rick briefly reviewed a new state statute regarding Town Plans of Conservation and Development. Vera will make copies and distribute them in the packets for the August meeting.

Dave Colbert thanked Ron Hummel for his work on the sign surveys, etc. Rick also thanked Kim and Judy Herkimer for their input.

Jim LaPorta showed members his copy of a Natural Resources Inventory from the Town for Sharon. Vera will contact the Sharon office and ask for additional copies.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 9:20pm.

Vera Dinneen, Land Use Clerk

NOTE – THESE MINUTES ARE A DRAFT. THEY WILL BE NOTED AS FINAL ONLY AFTER THEY ARE REVIEWED AND APPROVED AS DRAFTED OR AS MODIFIED AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING OF THE CORNWALL P&Z COMMISSION.