02/09/1983 GROWTH STUDY COMMITTEE Minutes

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GrowStudyCom. Page 4. Buff Chace noted that there has apparently been no increase in the commercial area? He acknowledged incentives had been given in certain areas. But he feels future growth has been restricted by the R-4 zones. He questions whether it is wise to have that cut- off? He said why not give owners in the R-4 area the option of being C-1 or R-4, for two reasons: 1) Consultants have said a magnet is needed to begin the process of attrac- ting others to the center. What is needed is an "anchor store". He feels twice as much space is needed. He pointed out that Fields Point has already asked for relief along one boundary. 2) Is the rotary area suitable for housing? Will it be possible to attract quality housing there, even with the incentives? Mr. Chace also questioned the parking space requirements, stating the present parking re- quirements are higher than present industry standards. Over 50% of the people are now driving smaller cars, he said, and do you really want massive parking lots? Also, with the reduction of set-backs, is there going to be a reduction of lot sizes? Mr. Barber responded that no, that will still be 40,000 square feet. The only chages, are in set- backs* sign regulations, and having parking placed behind the establishments. He said the parking might need further study, agreeing that some towns are starting to reduce dimensional requirements - but that needs study. Mr. Chace said he would appreciate it if new lots could be designed at this time. On another matter, Mr. Chace said he personally owns land along the Mashpee River. At one time, the town had a Scenic River Committee, and he met with them several times, and that the committee wanted to secure permission to apply for a scenic river designation, but the town would not give its approval. He does not think the 300 foot set-back being re- quested is necessary, or should be part of this plan. He stressed again that he had cooperated with the Scenic River Committee, but feels now a hardship is being placed on himself and other landowners along the rivers. He feels this is a seperate issue, and should be discussedseperately. He feels this requirement is unfair. He thanked the committee for a chance to present his case. Earle Marsters then said he feels this process has taken a long time, but the committee hasn't had much input. Most meetings have begun with a presentation by the consultants, and then the committee is put on the defensive. He said there are not many members of the committee present, maybe that's the reason. Assuming this defensive posture takes a lot more time, and the cost is expensive. He feels a blackboard session with just the com- mittee is needed - and that the committee should just stay with questions relating to the commercial area - then later go to the residential districts. He would like to see the committee get more involved. Chm. Terry responded by saying he has been on the Planning Board for four years, and little or not planning goes on. The members of the Planning Board simply don't have the skills; it is necessary to have professional planners involved. He feels it is the responsibility of this committee to continue to look at these concepts, or just shelve the whole thing and take development as it comes. Earle, he noted, you have not favored a master plan from the beginning. Mr. Marsters said he does favor a master plan, but wants to take it one step at a time. Chm. Terry said this committee has had lots of meetings, all posted and open, but you have to give some latitude to the planners. Give them your faith, he said, they know what they're doing. Otherwise, we will see the strip development that has already started, continue. This is the first planning he has seen since he began his four years on the Planning Board. We don't have to go along with this concept plan, we can let things go along as they have in the past - and the future will be the same. It just won't work to look at commercial this week, residential next week, rivers the next week. We just can't cater to special interests - we have to plan, he emphasized. The future must be marked out - and it will take some hard decisions. The Planning Board has not been looking down the road. If we don't look at the whole picture now with some long range planning, we might as well open the flood gates and let it happen. We have hashed and rehashed all this. Give the planners some lee-way. We just don't have the expertise. We have had a year to provide the planners with input, he said. Mr. Marsters said he would like to hear from the other members of the committee, as to whether or not the sessions have been developmental enough. Ask the others, he said.