Middlesex Planning Commission
Minutes
January 11, 2006

DRAFT – prepared by Sandy Levine 1/16/06
Approved: _______________

1. Present: Sandy Levine, Gregg Faber, Lowell Smith, Steve Martin.
2. Agenda approved; October minutes approved.
3. Correspondence from VLCT, zoning changes from Montpelier & Waterbury, response from DHCA to James Colby letter;
4. Bills approved for mapping services, postage & copying for zoning changes
5. Next meeting Feb 8. This will also be information session for zoning changes; Reviewed plans for information session hosted by the TMSC on January 18.
6. 7:00 – Site Plan Review for White Out, LLC. Site plan approved by unanimous vote. Gregg to draft findings.
7. 7:30 – Public Hearing on Zoning Changes; Present: Peter Hood, Felicia Fox, George Fox, Chris Reilly, Dale Klein, Larry Devlin, Paula Gosselin, Joe Gosselin & Jane Dudley.
 • Review of changes by Sandy Levine
 • Questions and comments regarding lot sizes and how acreage would be determined for allowed subdivisions in Conservation & Rural Residential districts
 • Effect of lot being in two districts
 • Question need for zoning changes; people are pretty responsible and zoning not needed. Those who will break the law will do so anyway
 • Process developing zoning changes was not conducive to public comment and input
 • Changes in lot sizes too much of a leap from existing zoning & too restrictive of property rights.
 • Any interpretation of zoning rules should favor the landowner
 • Good idea to manage density instead of lot sizes in rural districts. This helps keep more land open. These provisions fairer in this proposal than in previous one
 • Thanks to PC for hard work on a very tough project. Proposal represents a good compromise from many perspectives and advances the best interests of the town as a whole
 • Proposal will help Middlesex be prepared for future changes we see happening in communities around Middlesex.
 • Particular concern about Middlesex exit and how much development there will be in rural areas of town
 • Concern about effect on property values. Less land available for development will increase already high land prices
8. Reviewed comments from Public Hearing & consider whether proposed changes should be forwarded to the Selectboard.
 • Recommendation from CVRPC to correct typo & change group home from 6 to 8 residents in the district standards. It is correct in the definition & 8 is required by VT statute.  PC approved change.
 • Considered advancing to Selectboard. Gregg & Sandy in favor; Lowell & Steve opposed. Decided to hold special meeting before public information session and hold vote when all PC members could be present. Sandy will send out notice.