FAIRFAX TOWN OFFICE
PC MEMBERS PRESENT: G. Heyer, M Hunziker, D. Brown, A. Lemieux
PUBLIC PRESENT: S. Taylor, ZA; G. Brunswick (NRPC)
7:15 PM G.
Heyer called the meeting to order. The minutes from April 7, 2009 were reviewed.
M. Hunziker made a motion to accept the Minutes from April
7, 2009. D. Brown second. All in favor.
D. Brown expressed interest
in attending the Board Member’s training provided by NRPC. There was general discussion on the future
wind farm in Georgia, as well as discussion on wireless network towers. G.
Brunswick led discussion on district dimensional standards.
The issue of road frontage
was discussed in detail. S. Taylor
mentioned that the frontage issue has been a problem for the Development Review
Board (DRB) in some developments, especially for land locked parcels. M.
Hunziker could think of no reason to have frontage requirements. If frontage requirements are removed, hammer
heads would be needed for back lots, for emergency vehicle turn-around. Minimum lot widths were discussed. The town does not want “bowling alley”
shaped lots, but the issue of triangular lots and “flag” shaped lots was
brought up. Ingress and egress to a
back lot is needed. G. Brunswick will
give more thought to these issues.
Planned Unit Developments
(PUDs) were the next topic of discussion. G. Brunswick handed out a sheet of
discussion points which included density bonuses and traditional subdivision
standards vs. PUD standards. There will
need to be more work and thought put into this issue. The current 10% density bonus for creating a PUD will be
reconsidered. There were other issues
brought up with regulating future PUDs such as: administration issues
(including recording and tracking conditions); personnel changes; changes in
regulations; language in Deeds, Town priorities, etc. Flexibility for good
design is an important criterion for PUDs.
G. Brunswick will review the language for the Towns of Middlebury and
Starksboro and make suggestions for Fairfax.
The next discussion point was
for a public forum to gather information and ideas. G. Heyer will do the
introduction then G. Brunswick will talk about proposed dimension requirements
and how PUDs will work. She will make
it as simple as possible. Post cards will be mailed to all residents with a
sticker added for large land owners (over 50 acres) to encourage their
attendance. The 2007 Town Survey
revealed concern about increased growth in Town. The new Bylaws will hopefully slow the growth in Fairfax while
preserving natural resources. There may
be changes in density and minimum lot sizes.
A tentative date for the first forum will be June 23, 2009.
The next meeting will be on
May 5th without G. Brunswick.
9:00 PM A.
Lemieux made a motion to adjourn.
D. Brown second. All in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cathy Raymond, Zoning and
Planning Assistant
Approved_____________________________________
Date______________, 2009
(Chair)
These minutes are unofficial until approved at the
next regularly scheduled meeting.