ATTACHMENT 1
SUMMARY OF PLANNING BOARD ACTION
Subject: Recommendations for Development of
Future Neighborhood Conservation Districts
Meeting Date: May 16 and June 6, 2006
Present: Ruby
Sinreich (Chair), Rebecca Boyles, Tim Dempsey, Margaret Campion, George
Cianciolo, Tom Jensen, Nancy Milio, Gene Pease, James Stroud
Overall Discussion: The Planning Board agreed by consensus to
recommend the following process for development of Neighborhood Conservation
Districts:
The Planning Board feels strongly that there is a need for
more deliberation, education, and creativity in the Neighborhood Conservation
District process. The Board continues to feel that a neighborhood committee is
essential to lead the effort, especially in cases where there is division within
the community. The Board proposes the following process for all future
Neighborhood Conservation Districts.
Upon being petitioned for a Neighborhood Conservation District, the Council should
consider the specific needs of the neighborhood before moving forward.
- The Council should agree upon the objectives of a potential Neighborhood
Conservation District, whether it is urgent, and the boundary of the proposed
district. This information should be sent to the Planning Board for review and
recommendation on whether to proceed before the Town initiates the process.
- When considering whether to initiate a Neighborhood Conservation District, the
Council should determine whether to hire a consultant or use staff to develop a
Neighborhood Conservation District.
- Upon initiating a Neighborhood Conservation District, the Council should define a
committee structure based on the stated objectives and appoint committee
members.
The Council-appointed residents committee should play a key part in leading the
development of a Neighborhood Conservation District.
- The
committee should consist of diverse geographic and demographic representatives
of the neighborhood.
- The committee should include some non-residents of the neighborhood, not to exceed
one-third of the total membership. Residents from neighborhoods that have been
through the Neighborhood Conservation District process should be encouraged to
apply.
- The committee should include at least one member and at least one alternate from
the Planning Board.
After the Council decides to initiate a Neighborhood Conservation District, an
information packet should be sent to every resident of the area being
considered that includes:
- general information about Neighborhood Conservation Districts (what they can / cannot do);
- explanation of process;
- the Council’s stated objectives;
- an application form and invitation to apply for the residents committee;
- a booklet explaining dimensions and planning terminology;
- history of Neighborhood Conservation Districts;
- checklist;
- summary of existing Neighborhood Conservation Districts;
- schedule of meetings; and
- website information.
Neighborhood Conservation Districts should look at a broader range of solutions including
design standards and viewsheds. In addition to dimensional regulations, the
process should include:
- Discussion of design standards should be a part of the process while not required as an
outcome. Consider a design charrette and other methods to encourage education
and discussion of the neighborhood’s visual character.
- A review of solutions from other communities who have faced similar challenges.
The Town should develop an interactive website with frequently asked questions,
definitions, maps, printer-friendly information booklet, and a status page for
each neighborhood with a Neighborhood Conservation District or possible
Neighborhood Conservation District.
Timing
- The Town should not start more than 1 Neighborhood Conservation District at a time,
and should not develop more than 2 - 3 Neighborhood Conservation Districts at a time.
- The process should be expected to take longer than 6 months.
Prepared by: Ruby Sinreich, Chair
Loryn Clark, Staff