01/26/1983 GROWTH STUDY COMMITTEE Minutes

Home Browse Search

GrStCom. 1/26/83 3. he said "maybe we are being unfair". Sel. Thomas reminded him of a statement he had made at the last meeting, when he said that office space was as valuable as retail space. Mr. Marsters agreed that he was changing his position somewhat - but he was thinking of per- haps using an office zone as part of the buffering zone. Peter Lawrence questioned the way the maps showed the designated zones - he said it appeared some people's property was being divided into different zones. He suggested it would be more appropriate to chosee roads, or river, or property lines for zone boundaries. Mr. Marsters agreed that using natural lines would be better. Chm. Terry said he was sure that no one's property was divided into different zones - we will get a-.scale drawing that : clarifies this. Peter Lawrence continued that Brian Barber had originally said that good development meant getting a good mixof offices, residences, commercial establishments, etc. Chm. Terry said this has been done, but that Mr. Barber was asked to stick to a ring approach. Mr. Lawrence persisted that Mr. Barber wanted a melding of zoning types. Has he changed, he asked? Chm. Terry felt Mr. Barber had been true to his charge, and pointed out that in many places office space is scarce and considered very valuable. Vernon Thomas raised a question concerning the buffering of the C-1 area. Mr. Marsters felt the buffer zone around the shopping center should be retained, with open space and multi-family residential development. Chm. Terry said that all the office zone restricts is retail establishments. It does allow restaurants. Some people want offices located that way, he said, but maybe some don't. Sel. Thomas said she had been giving thiS whole concept a lot of thought, and she realizes it can't be accomplished without the co-operation of the landowners. The town doesn't own the land she pointed out, individuals do - and we can't accomplish our goal without them. Most of all - she would hate to see the whole concept lost. She stated that it sounds as though the land-owners are willing to work with the Committee4 %rinp- this about. She referred to Fields Point's intent to erect offices - that's fine, he has all choices, she said. Sel. Garland spoke up in defense.'.'of Fields Point and Mr. Chase, saying that they are being asked to accept some changes in their residential zoning. Mr. DeLory said he favors the Village Center concept, but doesn't think Mr. Kirsner should be so restricted. Chm. Terry said that point had already been made. George Benway said that the set back and parking requirements should apply to all C-1 districts in town, equally. He felt the buffer could be the continuation of townhouses, apartments, condos, whatever. He noted that with the 300 ft.. buffer proposed on the Mashpee River, one sub-division already proposed would be put out of business. There was somediscussion as to whether this was still a viable plan. Mr. Marsters said he thinks this committee should have all jste property owners along the river in for discussions. Chm. Terry said all these items would be discussed at a Public Hearing. Sel. Thomas does not agree that there should be any change in the 300 foot corridor - much depends on this corridor zoning, she said. Chm. Terry stated that we are here to get an overall view - we're ptoViding an opportunity for everyone to be informed. This is not a Public Hearing. Peter Lawrence said he thought the Committee has done an excellent job - but it just takes time to digest the whole proposal. His immediate reaction is that it needs tightening up. He said it appears that everyone here 6ndotses the plan, and all would be willing to sit down and work with the committee ® this is for the best of everyone. He said it seems that a lot of people like the idea of the Review Board. Sel. Thomas asked if he would want to see it made up of business people? Mr. Lawrence responded no, it should be made up of representatives from the Planning Board, Board of Appeals, etc. He will work to see that what gets done is for the good of everyone. Sel. Thomas asked if that meant he would be willing to take down his sign (Liquor Warehouse). Mr. Lawrence said he would, and he would not change his mind about this later., He said he would also work to get Dan & Bills and Dick and Ellie's to change their signs, too.