HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - MPC - 08/15/2017 (2) Master Plan Committee
Minutes of August 15,2017 Meeting
APPROVED MINUTES
MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE MEETING
DATE: Wednesday,August 15, 2017
TIME: 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Willcutt Center, Pratt Room
IN ATTENDANCE: Patrick Kennedy, Vice Chair
Katie Dugan
Lynn Schwandt
Dr. Paul Schubert
Eric Seuss
Kevin McCarthy
Charles Higginson
Angela Geso, MPC Administrator
ABSENT: Peter Hobson
Clark Brewer
John Donohoe
Amy Glasmeier
Meeting called to order at 7:10 by Vice Chair Kennedy
Minutes for Approval: June 28, 2017- Motion to approve by Kevin McCarthy, 2116 by Katie Dugan; Vote 7-4
Meeting Scheduler It was suggested by Katie Dugan to have an additional meeting in September due to the
interviews for the consultant position being scheduled for the September 19 meeting. The committee:decided on
Thursday, September 14 for its regular business meeting.
Update and Review of RFP: Hiring of Consultant
The deadline for RFP bids is Sept. 8; the 3-member consultant review working group will select three finalists to
be notified by Sept. 15 and brought in for the Sept. 19 meeting. This position is seen as a 12-month commitment
with the final plan to be presented at the 2018 Fall Town Meeting. Jason Federico provided an update for the
GIS mapping system and explained aerials will be taken in spring 2018 for optimal conditions, and data will be
available in June 2018.
MASTER PLAN REVIEW OF ASSIGNE❑ CHAPTERS:
Land Use and Zoning:
There was discussion regarding lot sizes as they effect revenue and economic development_ Lynn Schwandt
suggested bringing businesses and shops to the village and 3A corridor that offer goods and services not
currently available in town. Katie Dugan discussed `form-based code'which fosters similar results in similar
areas but feels we should try to maintain the pockets in town with different appeal. She feels we should control
and channel growth based on more than just lot sizes or she fears Cohasset will lose its unique charm and
become more homogenized. Members of the committee sited Pleasant Street as an example where smaller
homes have been replaced by large homes. Eric Seuss said a non-conforming lot cannot be made more non-
conforming but can be developed as it exists. Katie Dugan ask with roughly 60%u of lots grandfathered how can
larger home construction be restricted. Patrick Kennedy feels there is a lot of focus on residential development
and redevelopment as residents are initiating changes to zoning by-laws in an attempt to maintain some control
over land use and development in town. Dr. Schubert pointed out that as sewer access is increased
redevelopment will be on a grander scale than before. Patrick Kennedy said if town sewer is made available in
water-shed areas, it will eliminate the need for lots to be pert tested and will lead to more development.
Master Plan Committee
Minutes of August 15,2017 Meeting
Housing:
Patrick Kennedy would like to focus on needs going forward that Cohasset currently doesn't have, including
meeting the 40B threshold by 2020_ It was pointed out that the Avalon development has become an independent
neighborhood and hasn't created the negative situations that were anticipated. Lynn Schwandt feels affordable
over-55 housing should be a priority. Katie Dugan feels is would not only lead to tax breaks for seniors but allow
many long-time residents to remain in town and will also lead to more diversity in housing. Kevin McCarthy feels
we have to have a pian of action in place for the 406 requirements and should start to actively look for potential
locations that would be easier to assimilate into the community. Properties people aren't aware of could be
grabbed for 40B development so the community needs to be pro-active. Charles Higginson said expanding
Avalon should also be considered. Kevin McCarthy said that many municipal employees cannot afford to live in
Cohasset and we need to have affordable housing options available to them and would like to see more variety
in housing designs.
Economic Development:
Patrick Kennedy feels the 3A Corridor, Village District and harbor front are the areas most associated with
economic development: they are geographically'where the action is and questioned if they are meeting the
needs of residents. Lynn Schwandt felt that people are sometimes reluctant to open businesses in the Village
District because there is not a substantial amount of foot traffic. The proximity and number of realtors in the
village were discussed. While potential buyers may be enticed by the village and common area it might be
prudent to pay attention to other areas of Cohasset as well and focus on their attraction to potential buyers.
Patrick Kennedy feels that more of our tax base should be based on the 3A corridor. He suggested having the
assessment based on productivity and cash flow and not just the structures. Currently non-residential property
accounts for 6% of our tax base and it should be more_ Katie Dugan offered to look into assessment
requirements.
CMPC Vision Statement Working Group Update
Members Eric Seuss and Kevin McCarthy(Member Peter Hobson was absent) have met several times to
develop a Vision Statement. Using the town seal as a focal point they came up with 50 different themes pertinent
to Cohasset as a basis for the vision statement. The goal is to come up with one theme that is clear, concise and
establishes direction for the committee and the town. The town seal will be prominent. The Working Group will
be meeting on a regular basis and will update the committee at the 9114 meeting.
With no further business to discuss motion to adjourn at 8:45 pm was made by Katie Dugan, seconded by Lynn
Schwandt and passed unanimously on a 7-0 vote.
MINUTES APPROVED BY MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE• DATE) L
SIGNED BY MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE CHAIR: /,�///