Finance Committee Meeting

Minutes – November 3, 2008

Town Hall, Lower Level Hearing Room – 7:30 P.M.

Members Present:  Brian Fitzgerald, Donald Gilligan, Gordon Gladstone, Charles

                               Goodman, Jonathan Hitter (late), Josh Kiernan, Joel Lessard, Ira

                               Miller, Laura Nelson, Edward Philips (Hamilton)

                Absent:   Maria Anderson

1. The agenda was to continue deliberating on Warrant articles.

2. Paul Lauenstein, Vice Chair, of the Planning Board, stated they had a public hearing on October 29.  No vote on Articles 4-5, 6-7-8, and 13.

3. Article 4 and 5.  Adoption of Chapter 40R Overlay District for Sharon Commons Subzones A & B and C.

4. Paul Lauenstein explained that 40R is a friendly 40B, LIP.  40R is Smart Growth.  Near public transportation, near schools or highways.  With incentive, the town gets close to $1 million with extra units.

5. There was much discussion on Articles 4 & 5.  The Planning Board will discuss this on Wednesday.

6. Article 13.  Easement on Lakeview Street.

7. Paul Lauenstein reported that the road wasn’t laid out right.  They need easements instead of eminent domain.

8. There was one owner that objected to the easement.

9. There was some discussion on Article 13.  To be discussed at Planning Board meeting on Wednesday.

10. Articles 6, 7, and 8.  Johnson Drive.

11. Paul Lauenstein stated that 60,000 sq. ft. on Route 95 near Walpole.  Empty lot with trees.  Would give revenue to town.  There is a piece of county road that the county would have to abandon.  Town would take receipt of land from county.  Easement from county layout.  Give permission to Selectmen to sell to highest bidder.  The last part has to do with zoning this parcel of land for commercial so owner could develop for any number of commercial uses.

12. There was some discussion on Articles 6, 7 & 8.  To be discussed at Planning Board meeting on Wednesday.

13. Don Gilligan recused himself and left the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

14. Article 1.  Changes to Brickstone Development Agreement.

15. People came from the Selectmen’s meeting that discussed Article 1, Development Agreement, including some members from Brickstone; Town Consultant, Tom Houston; and town residents.

16. There was considerable discussion held on Article 1 especially the use of Mountain Street and traffic, the length of time to build the access road, and the need to get permit from Stoughton for curb cut.

17. There were many questions and comments from the residents that were answered by Tom Houston, Town Consultant, and John Twohig, Attorney for Brickstone.

18. If project doesn’t happen, Brickstone could build 250 units of 40B or 88 single family homes with no benefits to town.

19. The next meeting will be on November 10, regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. followed by Open Warrant meeting at 8 p.m.  Another meeting will be scheduled for Thursday, November 13, if needed.

20. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

21. VOTED:  9-0-0.

22. The meeting was adjourned at 10:55 p.m.