AGENDA #3a(1)

 

PETITION

 

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

FROM:            Ruby Sinreich, Planning Board Chair

SUBJECT:      Recommendations for Development of Future Neighborhood Conservation Districts

 

DATE:            June 12, 2006

INTRODUCTION

At the June 6, 2006 Planning Board meeting, the Board agreed by consensus to forward, as a petition, the attached Summary of Planning Board Action regarding development of future Neighborhood Conservation Districts.

RECOMMENDATION

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.

  1. Upon being petitioned for a Neighborhood Conservation District, the Council should consider the specific needs of the neighborhood before moving forward.

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. Upon initiating a Neighborhood Conservation District, the Council should define a committee structure based on the stated objectives and appoint committee members.

  2. The Council-appointed residents committee should play a key part in leading the development of a Neighborhood Conservation District.

    1. The committee should consist of diverse geographic and demographic representatives of the neighborhood.
    2. 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.
    3. The committee should include at least one member and at least one alternate from the Planning Board.

  3. 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:

    1. general information about Neighborhood Conservation Districts (what they can / cannot do);
    2. explanation of process;
    3. the Council’s stated objectives;
    4. an application form and invitation to apply for the residents committee;
    5. a  booklet explaining dimensions and planning terminology;
    6. history of Neighborhood Conservation Districts;
    7. checklist;
    8. summary of existing Neighborhood Conservation Districts;
    9. schedule of meetings; and
    10. website information.

  4. 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:

    1. 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.
    2. A review of solutions from other communities who have faced similar challenges.

  5. 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.

  6. Timing

    1. 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.
    2. The process should be expected to take longer than 6 months.

A copy of the Summary of Planning Board Action is attached.

ATTACHMENT

  1. Summary of Planning Board Action (p. 2).