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Minutes of 3/18/19 Meeting
APPROVED MINUTES
MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE MEETING
DATE: MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2019
TIME: 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Cohasset Town Hall, Lower Level Meeting Room
IN ATTENDANCE: Clark Brewer, Chair
Katie Dugan
Dr. Paul Schubert
Charles Higginson
Patrick Kennedy, Vice Chair
Peter Matchak, Town Planner
Angela Geso, MPC Administrator
Ralph Willmer, MAPC
ABSENT: Eric Seuss
Peter Hobson
John Donohoe
Amy Glasmeier
Lynn Schwandt
Meeting called to order at 7:10 by Clark Brewer
Land Use Chapter Discussion
Katie Dugan feels there are still issues to be addressed or expanded on in this chapter. While
there is a separate chapter on Open Space and Recreation the Committee agreed that mentioning
open space in the Land Use chapter is appropriate. Patrick Kennedy would like to see more at-
tention given to undeveloped parcels in Cohasset, how to acquire those available and how to use
them wisely. Ralph Wilmer asked if there is already established criteria under Open Space to de-
termine viability of a parcel purchase is it worth it for the MPC to pursue but Ms. Dugan feels
strongly that it is worthwhile.
In reviewing the chapter, Ms. Dugan asked that the stats on current land use be clarified as she
felt they were misleading. She would prefer a map rather than a chart to show the areas of inter-
est and concern. Ralph Wilmer suggested using a pie chart. Ms. Dugan wants to show both resi-
dential and commercial growth patterns including the size of dwelling units.
Town Planner Peter Matchak mentioned the potential impact of sewer availability in the Route
3A corridor and also of zoning changes in retail/mixed use areas currently being considered. The
areas of critical concern include Downtown Business, Beechwood area, Summer Street, West
Corner and the waterfront area.
Ms. Dugan also felt the Large Plan Review information is written in a way that could be vague
or misleading and should be rewritten in laymen's terms. Chair Brewer suggested including Spe-
cial Permit and Variance requirements from the Zoning Board. A discussion on how previously
undeveloped lots are now developable and that larger parcels are being broken down into multi-
ple lots allowing for greater development. A figure of 400 acres of developable residential was
discussed with Patrick Kennedy mentioning hot issues like harbor development, inclusionary
zoning and scenic roads that need to be addressed.
Master Plan Committee
Minutes of 3/18/19 Meeting
It was decided to recodify the Zoning Bylaws for formatting purposes only and leave the content
as is. Ms. Dugan and Chair Brewer both stressed wise development as opposed to over-growth
and to make it more challenging for potential development.
With no further business to discuss, motion to adjourn was made, seconded and approved
unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.