Community
Forum
BFA
– Multi-Purpose Room
PC
MEMBERS PRESENT: G. Heyer, A. Lemieux, P. Hudson, R. Wimble
PUBLIC PRESENT: S. Taylor, ZA; G. Brunswick, NRPC; J. Blake; G. Gilbert;
P. Moss; W. Bouffard; J.
Wotherspoon; J. Loller; B. Young; K. LaPerle; D. LaPerle;
J. Brown; K. Brown
7:00 PM The first Public Forum took place on a very snowy evening. G. Heyer welcomed the public and introduced the Planning Commission members and G. Brunswick from Northwest Regional Planning Commission. G. Brunswick used a power point presentation and she talked about each area. The first section was focused on what is the Town Plan and why it is important. She then went over the Survey Results. Four major areas for discussion were identified:
1) Balancing Growth with Rural Community Feel
2) Agricultural and Forest Land
3) Business and Commercial Development
4) Recreation
There were not enough participants to break out into focus groups, but the Planning Commission encouraged public participation. A request was made to break down the results of Business and Commercial development by the number of years residents have lived in Fairfax. Rural feel was brought up. Most Fairfax developments
can not be seen from the main roads, but are hidden by trees and private roads – they are set back and are well designed. Infrastructure was brought up along with sewer and water capacity. Since Fairfax does not have direct access to the highway and Chittenden County is so close, there is a lot of competition in attracting commercial development. Tax benefits may need to be offered. Limited high-speed internet access was also brought us as a deterrent to businesses coming to Fairfax. The possibility of larger lot sizes were also discussed. One resident said she chose Fairfax because of privacy, space and affordability. They enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Town and they even like the dirt roads. She feels if residents use the Town sewer and water, they should be the ones to pay for it. Developers should also share the financial burden.
Goals and objectives are an important part of the Town Plan and they were discussed. The town needs to state what they want to achieve and a dream for the future. Reality versus goals was discussed. Due to the bad weather, the meeting ended early.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cathy Raymond, Zoning and
Planning Assistant
Approved_____________________________________
Date______________, 2007
(Chair)