2009-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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A number of zoning articles were approved at the October Town Meeting, including elimination of the I-C Overlay Zone and allowing those uses previously permitted in that zone, along with a number of additional uses, in all Industrial Districts, as well as articles allowing ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems and renewable or alternative energy research and development (R&D) facilities by right in industrial areas, subject to approval only by the Plan Review Committee. The former articles were intended to increase commercial activity and tax base in our Industrial Districts, while the latter were intended to help the Town qualify as a state- certified "Green Community". In addition, another approved zoning article clarified the rules for "contractor yards" and"contractor bays" in Industrial Districts. In addition to assisting the Planning Board with permit reviews and other tasks, the Department undertakes other assignments from the Board of Selectmen or Town Manager, assists other boards, committees and departments with their activities and responds to frequent requests from developers, appraisers, attorneys, landowners, planning students and the general public for information and assistance. During 2009, the Town Planner continued to serve on the Plan Review Committee, Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge Management Committee, APCC Cape Cod Business Roundtable, County Smart Growth Working Group and DEP Popponesset Bay Pilot Project Working Group (work on the latter two was completed early in the year). The Wildlife Refuge Management Committee continued to focus its efforts this year on planning for public safety, particularly wildfire hazard protection, as well as on habitat protection and a specific project related to mapping the presence of rare New England Cottontail rabbits. The Planning Dept. / Planning Board pages of the Town's web site provide Planning Board agendas, minutes, notices, decisions and forms, planning-related links, the Town's Zoning Bylaw, project checklists, the Board's Subdivision and Special Permit Regulations and other planning-related documents. Television broadcasts of the Planning Board's meetings can also be viewed on the Town's web site at http://www.ci.mashpee.ma.us. The Planning Department sincerely appreciates the support and encouragement we have received from Mashpee's citizens. We welcome your opinions on the planning issues that face the Town, especially with regard to the Comprehensive Plan update, and encourage you to participate actively in meetings and community debates about our town's future. Please feel free to contact me with any opinions or suggestions at (508)539-1400 x521 or via e-mail at townplanner@ci.mashpee.ma.us. Respectfully submitted, F. Thomas Fudala Town Planner 150