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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-10 Master Plan Implementation Committee Minutes Master Plan Implementation Committee Meeting Minutes March 10, 2025 Attending: (in person): Meredith Barnes-Cook(Chair), Jon Strauss (Vice Chair), Al Manzi, Peter Koesterherm, Stan Limpert, and Amy Mabley Absent: Brian Roache, Hollie Williams, and Sean Kevlahan Staff: Andrew Shapiro (Assistant Town Manager/Director of Community and Economic Development) Zach Melcher (Staff Planner) Call To Order Chair Meredith Barnes-Cook called the meeting to order and noted those who were present for the meeting, consisting of a quorum. Public Comment No public comments were offered and no emails had been received by either Ms. Barnes-Cook or Mr. Shapiro. Vote on approval of February 3, 2025 minutes Jon Strauss motioned to approve the February 3, 2025 minutes. Stan Limpert seconded the motion. The vote was 6-0 in favor; 2 members abstained(Williams and Koesterherm). The motion passed. Old Business: Continued discussion of updates on Master Plan strategies that have been made on the MPIC Implementation Web Pam Mr. Shapiro covered the following updates to Master Plan strategies: • Housing, Strategy 19: Create an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw that would allow small accessory residential units on existing residential parcels. o The Planning Department is currently working with the Planning Board to discuss and develop an ADU bylaw that will be brought forth to Annual Town Meeting in May of 2025. Mr. Manzi asked about what happens if someone applies today to construct an ADU. Mr. Shapiro explained that it is currently legal for someone to construct an ADU on their single family property by-right,per the State's new Housing Choice bill. The Town's ADU bylaw, which proposes reasonable regulations on the construction of ADU's, was advertised prior to the State's law taking effect. This means that any ADUs that are approved prior to Town Meeting will be retroactively subject to the new Town Bylaw, assuming that it is approved at Town Meeting. For instance, ADUs will not be allowed to be short-term rentals (i.e. AirBnb). • Transportation, Strategy 49: Hire a consultant to evaluate and recommend possible streetscape improvements along Main Street and Water Street. o The Town entered into a contract with engineering firm Green International Affiliates to design and engineer streetscape improvements for downtown North Andover, which were initially conceived during the Downtown Improvement Master Plan process. The project is projected to begin in April of 2025 and run through all of calendar year 2026. Mr. Limpert asked if this type of plan had previously been developed for the downtown. Mr. Shapiro noted that a conceptual design had previously been developed, but this new plan will do some additional conceptual work, as well as fully design/engineer the project. It will result in construction drawings that can be bid out. Mr. Limpert also asked where the funding for the project comes from. Mr. Shapiro responded, noting that it is a combination of money from the Columbia Gas settlement and a State grant(MassWorks). Mr. Koesterherm asked if the new design would incorporate the path connection between Main and High. Mr. Shapiro noted that it would, although the path itself is being designed by another firm, and that is a separate project. • Open Space and Recreation, Strategy 60: Create an Open Space and Conservation Committee supported by planning staff with education/outreach as one responsibility. Include membership seats for FONAT and representation from other organizations, as appropriate. o The Town's updated Otpace and Recreation Plan (OSRP) is currently being finalized and on March 3, 2025 was presented to the Select Board. As currently drafted, the Plan includes an objective that states: Pending approval by the Select Board and based on established need, create an Open Space Committee, as noted in the Town's Master Plan. • Public Facilities and Services, Strategy 88: Complete the inventory of shade trees located throughout the Town in order to help identify locations where more might be needed. o In February of 2025, the Town, in cooperation with its consultant(Davey Resource Group) completed the Tree Inventory and Management Plan, which on February 24, 2025 was presented to the Select Board. New Business Discussion of additional project updates as time allows,including but not limited to: • Wayfinding Master Plan • Tree Inventory and snags ent Plan • Qpen Space and Recreation Plan Staff Planner Zach Melcher presented updates regarding the Town's efforts with respect to developing a Wayfinding Master Plan. He noted that designs have been refined based on feedback from Town Staff and the Select Board. The preferred designs refer to the Town's scarlet red branding, with gold lettering in a traditional style. Historic district signs are black with gold lettering. There are secondary gateway signs that are taller and thinner, as opposed to in between two granite posts, that can be placed in specific locations that can't accommodate larger format gateway signage. *At this point, Peter Koesterherm exited the meeting. Mr. Melcher also pointed out that there will be new signage denoting the Watershed Protection District. With respect to the other items under new business, Mr. Shapiro noted that they had mostly been covered on the prior portion of the agenda(under website updates). Discuss and agree to next meeting date The Committee agreed to meet next on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 6pm. Adjournment: Jon Strauss moved to adjourn, and Amy Mabley seconded. The vote was 5-0 in favor.