HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-03-26Planning Board Meeting
Senior Center
March 26, 1996
Members Present:
Joseph V. Mahoney, Chairman, Richard Rowen, Vice Chairman, Alison Lescarbeau, clerk.
Alberto Angles, Associate Member, arrived at 7:07 p.m., Richard Nardella arrived at 7:55 p.m.
and John Simons was absent. Kathleen Bradley Colwell, Town Planner, was also present.
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
The purpose of the meeting tonight is to discuss the proposed Growth Management Bylaw.
Ms. Lescarbeau read the legal notice to open the public hearing.
The following members of the Board of Selectmen were present to discuss the proposed bylaw:
John Leeman, Chairman, Ken Crouch, Donald Stewart and Kevin Foley.
Mr. Mahoney asked Mr. Leeman to speak on the proposed warrant article. Mr. Leeman stated
that he is present tonight to receive input from the public and the Planning Board.
Ms. Colwell stated that under the proposed bylaw there would be a building moratorium on new
building permits for non-exempt permits from May 1, 1996 until January 1, 1997. The question
was asked how the pefafits would be given out, on a first come, first serve basis or when your
permit is issued. Mr. Leemah stated that he thought it would be first come, first serve.
There were many developers present with questions, among them: Bob Janusz, Ben Osgood, Jr.,
Jay Burke, Peter Breen, Gene Willis, Ben Osgood, Sr., Tom Laudani, Dave Kindred and Steve
Breen. Basically they all had the same concerns: they feel the bylaw as presented is very
confusing, hard to understand, hurts the developers as a whole, but especially the little guy. They
had many questions that needed clarification, particularly the status of Form A lots.
Mr. Leemah and Ms. Colwell answered to the best of their ability, and Ms. Colwell stated that she
is awaiting advice from Town Counsel on some of the questions. Mr. Nardella asked if Town
Counsel has reviewed the proposed bylaw, and Mr. Leeman stated they have and are comfortable
with it.
Tom Laudani stated that moratoriums on building have a negative effect on a Town, as stated per
the Chamber of Commerce. He thinks North Andover needs to expand the tax base by seeking
out co~cial and industrial development. How do you plan to attract business to the Town if
you curtail residential building - they feed off each other. He also stated that he doesn't feel
developers have been encouraged to develop commercially, as every time a rezoning comes up it
is turned down.
Ben Osgood, Jr. stated that the Town isn't in a crisis situation yet, and suggested that maybe if
the Town strictly enforced the Phased Development Bylaw that already exists, it would make a
big difference. He suggested that the Town should really study this before deciding on what
course of action to take, doesn't want to see the Town as a whole hurt by this proposed bylaw.
Mr. Mahoney stated that what he hears fi.om residents is that the "Town is not like it to used to
be." While that is true, what is the answer?. What do we want for the Town?
Mr. Leemah stated that this proposed bylaw is an attempt to address the issues before they
become a crisis. Mr. Crouch stated that we need to slow down the building so the Town can
catch up.
On a motion by Ms. Lesc, arbeau, seconded by Mr. Rowen, the Board voted to continue the public
beating to April 2, 1996.
On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Ms. Lesearbeau, the Board voted unanimously to
adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.