Town of Bolton
3045 Theodore Roosevelt Highway
802-434-5075
Meeting called to order at 5:35 p.m.
Planning Commission members present: Linda Baker, Jim Bralich (6:40 p.m.), Steve Barner (6:10 p.m.), Rodney Pingree
Planning Commission members absent: Chris Haggerty
MPG Advisory Committee members present: Jen Andrews, Joss Besse, John Devine, Jerry Mullen, Margot Pender
MPG Advisory Committee members absent: Rob Heimbuch, Dick Ward
Clerk: Amy Grover
Also present: Sharon Murray Burnt Rock, Inc., Bob Fries, Bolton Valley Resort
1. Review draft of proposed regulations with an emphasis on Article II Zoning Districts.
2. Minutes May 4, 2004, June 8, 2004
3. Other communications/mail
4. Any other business
5. Adjournment
The committee reviewed their proposed zoning district map in relation to the zoning district map proposed by the SE Group for Redstone. District boundaries, dimensional requirements, and build out summaries were reviewed and discussed at length. It was noted that Redstone’s proposal included a higher density core, the “RV District” surrounded by a “RRI” district, less dense than the core. Differences in the two proposed maps were discussed intensively. Comments, issues, challenges and concerns included the following:
General
· Whether the committee is willing to start making changes to the plan at this point in the process.
· Bob Fries noted that no building can be done in the current VII District until the over allocated sewage system is expanded.
· Redstone would like to replace current surface water supplies with drilled wells.
· Bob Fries noted that Redstone is close to selling a 1,000acre parcel (to the south of Timberline), which would largely be conserved, with one building lot.
· There are problems locating some of SE Group’s district boundaries on the ground.
· Lodging density is not included in Redstone’s proposal.
· Statutes do not specify density bonuses.
· Minimum lot size defines the yield density.
· Remove wetlands, stream buffers, and slopes unsuitable for building from density calculations? The committee came to the consensus that defining undevelopable land, etc. would be a horrendous process, and that all acreage will be included in density calculations.
· Consider overlay of fluvial district for (at least) the Joiner Brook drainage. Explore the possibility of a grant to accomplish this undertaking.
VII District
· Bob Fries noted his concern of precluding single residential development in the VII district, adding that he envisioned some low-density single-family development in the flatter terrain to the left of lift #1.
· Allow for minimal development within the SPA, east and west branches of Joiner Brook?
· Increase minimum lot size from 1 to 2 acres?
“RV” District
· Consider core area density = ½ acre with 12 units/acre for multifamily.
· Create a smaller “RV” district, cutting off the “toe of the boot.” Follow the contour line to the north of Thacher Road to the boundary. Bob noted that change would be acceptable to him.
Redstone’s proposed “RRII” District
· Redstone’s proposed “RRII” district (to the west of Joiner Brook) is an enormous area (approximately 400 acres), which with Redstone’s proposed 2 acre zoning would open up large amounts of acreage for development creating water retention issues/flood hazards, soil/erosion issues.
· Bob noted that his understanding was Redstone’s vision for this area was a limited number of high end homes intermingled within the cross-country trail network.
· Margot noted that under the current draft proposed by the committee the area is in the “Forest District” which would allow for 16 homes to be built.
· Consider changing the “RRII” minimum lot size from 2 to 10 acres = 40 units, and change the committee’s proposed ARII District along the access road to the Forest District. Build out including the Forest, “RV”, and “RRII” would then be approximately 600 units. The committee came to the consensus that this was not a viable option as issues previously noted (first bullet) would remain.
Following intensive discussion, several motions were made and rescinded by members of the committee.
Gerry made a motion to keep the proposed (by the MPG Committee) “VII District” area intact, except for such area as designated as a denser core, “RV District,” and expansion of the VII boundary to the north, following the 2300’ contour line, until the boundary of Bob Fries’ property, or the east branch of Joiner Brook, whichever comes first.
Jen seconded the motion. All were in favor, motion carried.
Joss made the motion to leave Redstone’s proposed “RR2 District” as the “Forest District.” Gerry seconded the motion. All were in favor, motion carried.
Amy will contact RPC to draft a map including the acreages of the “RV” and “VII” districts as newly defined.
Sharon will draft tables – uses/densities for the “RV” and “VII” districts for the July 20, 2004 meeting.
Agenda Item #2– Minutes May 4, 2004, June 8, 2004
The committee noted that municipal planning grant applications for FY 2005 had been received.
The committee reached a consensus that keeping to a hearing schedule that would allow for a November 2, 2004 by the Town was unattainable. Constraints include sufficient time to: finish the conversation with Bolton Valley/Redstone, fully complete the review of the draft document and make any needed revisions, allow CCRPC to make any needed changes to the draft map.
The next scheduled meeting of the MPG Advisory Committee will be Tuesday, July 20, 2004, 5 – 10 p.m. at Smilie School. Dinner will be provided.
The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Amy Grover
Clerk, Planning Commission
These minutes are unofficial until accepted.
__________________________ , 2004. _______________________________
Linda Baker, Chair