HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - MPC - 09/05/2018 Master Plan Committee Meeting Minutes
September 5, 2018
MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE MEETING
DATE: Wednesday, September 5, 2018
TIME: 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Willcutt Commons, 91 Sohier Street
IN ATTENDANCE: Clark Brewer, Chair ABSENT: John Donohue
Patrick Kennedy, Vice Chair Array Glasmeier
Dr. Paul Schubert Peter Hobson
Charlie Higginson Katie Dugan
Lynn Schwandt
Kevin McCarthy
Eric Seuss
Peter Matchak, Town Planner
Ralph Willmer, MAPC
Angela Geso, MPC Administrator
Meeting called to order at 7:00 by Chair Brewer
CHAPTERS REVIEWED:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING, HISTORICAL/CULTURAL, STABILITY
Ralph Willmer will format these chapters when initial editing and corrections have been made. Clark
Brewer asked for continual numbering with a Table of Contents and a summary page for each
chapter. Mr. Willmer is finishing his interviews with other town committees, boards and commissions
and, once completed, will create a Land Use Chapter to tie the information together. Town Planner
Peter Matchak will work with the sub-groups responsible for each chapter to fine-tune the information
and present these drafts to the Planning Board at a forum on November 14, 2018 and set another
meeting date for the Planning Board to consider formally adopting the Master Plan as presented.
Chair Brewer would like the chapters to be focused on goals, objectives and strategy with a final
chapter focused on implementation and tying the previous chapters together.
Chair Brewer expressed concern about the Atlantica as it impacts harbor development. The possibility
of a change in ownership could affect redevelopment for other business in the harbor area. Zoning
restrictions could also limited development of the area. Amy Glasmeier had previously suggested a
harbor study that would show other possible uses and development, including mixed use that could
stimulate economic development and encourage residents to visit the harbor for recreational
purposes. Peter Matchak suggested that proper zoning would make retail properties more desirable.
The Planning Board could model zoning so potential property owners would have the information they
need before making any offers. Chair Brewer feels appropriate zoning adds flexibility, increased
revenue and allows for property values to change. Lynn Schwandt would like the committee to be pro-
active with zoning regulations rather than have buyers dictate what they want but Peter Matchak felt
that if our boards are willing to work with the needs applicants and developers it could draw more
investors to Cohasset.
TRANSPORTATION ISSUES:
Patrick Kennedy feels the current Private Way policy needs to be edited as it contains some
misinformation and the data on some traffic studies dates back to 1991. Ralph Willmer said to include
things like self-driving vehicles as possible future impacts because comprehensive data is not yet
available. Lynn Schwandt would like more focus on sidewalks because they have become a bigger
Master Plan Committee Meeting Minutes
September 5, 2018
issue than in previous Master Plans. Chair Brewer said a comprehensive plan is in implementation,
Peter Matchak said that Cohasset is working with the State Department of Transportation and will
have a complete street policy with sidewalk analysis and other updates. Ralph Willmer said that towns
can use Chapter 90 money towards sidewalk improvements including ADA requirements.
With no further business to discuss a motion to adjourn was made, seconded and approved
unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 9 pm by Chair Brewer.
DATE APPROVED BY MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE: Ly— & f s e9