Conservation Commission
Meeting
Sharon Community Center
November 29, 2012
Peg Arguimbau Chairman, Keevin Geller, Elizabeth McGrath, Stephen Cremer, and Hank Langstroth were the members present. Commission Members Christine Turnbull and Linda Orel, were absent from the meeting. The Conservation Administrator, Greg Meister, was also present.
7:45 p.m. Discuss proposed Warrant Articles of the upcoming December 3rd Special Town Meeting:
The members of the Commission reviewed the proposed Warrant Articles of the upcoming
December 3, 2012 Special Town Meeting and decided to only take a position on Article 6. The proposed article pertains to changing the Special Permit Granting Authority in Business Districts A and C, from the Zoning Board of Appeals to the Planning Board. The Commission expressed the following comments:
- Peg indicated that the Commission has worked with the Zoning Board of Appeals on many different projects from the concept of subdivision approval and zoning changes. It has been the Commission’s past experience that it is better to have a separate and neutral Board to examine projects when problems arise. The Zoning Board of Appeals is an appointed Board as opposed to an elected Board. The Zoning Board of Appeals is separated from approving projects except when projects come before them for an appeal process. The Commission’s past relationship with the Zoning Board of Appeals has been a good one.
Peg is anticipating that some attendants at the upcoming December 3, 2012 Special Town Meeting may ask for the Commission’s position concerning proposed Article 6.
- The Conservation Administrator, Greg Meister, explained that the Special Permitting Authority, in general, is the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Planning Board proposes zoning and administers the Subdivision Control Act. The Conservation Commission works closely with the Zoning Board of Appeals when they are seeking comments from Conservation and the Board of Health on most voted projects that come before them.
- Stephen Cremer expressed his opinion that he does not like the idea of not having an independent review of an item under conjecture. He does not see any reason to create an accelerated process. Stephen feels that the current system has worked effectively from all that he has experienced during the time he has served on the Commission.
- Hank Langstroth agreed with Stephen Cremer’s comments. Hank expressed his opinion that the Zoning Board of Appeals reviews input from all entities and it is uncertain whether that the
Planning Board would do that.
- Keevin Geller indicated that the present Special Permit Granting Authority should remain unchanged and that Peg should propose a motion for an indefinite postponement.
- Elizabeth McGrath indicated that she does not see an advantage of changing the Special Permit Granting Authority from the Zoning Board of Appeals to the Planning Board. She concurred with the sentiments voiced by the members of the Commission during this meeting.
Peg called for a motion that the Commission made a determination not to support Article 6 of the December 3, 2012 Special Town Meeting.
Keevin Geller moved. Elizabeth McGrath seconded. Voted. 5-0-0. Unanimous.
7:50 p.m. Signatures:
The Commission signed bills.
7:55 p.m. Old/New Business:
Greg explained to the Commission that Steve Benoit purchased Lot 4, 130 Norwood Street.
Greg met with Steve Benoit on the site and requested him to mark the boundary lines of the
Conservation Restriction on the parcel.
8:00 p.m. Adjournment:
Peg called for a motion to adjourn.
Hank Langstroth moved. Keevin Geller seconded. Voted. 5-0-0. Unanimous.
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