INTRODUCTION

This petition provides a report from the Planning Board regarding the initiation of a Neighborhood Conservation District. The Board recommends that the Council consider creating a Neighborhood Conservation District for the Greenwood Subdivision.

BACKGROUND

On February 1, 2005, the Planning Board began consideration of a Minor Subdivision proposal in the Greenwood Subdivision. The subdivision proposes to demolish the existing structure at 907 Greenwood Road and subdivide the property to create two lots. The Planning Board delayed consideration of the proposal until the Board’s March 1 meeting. At the February 1 meeting, Board members learned from the applicant that he had accepted an offer to purchase the property. The closing is expected to occur on February 18. If the property is acquired, we understand that the request to subdivide would be withdrawn.

Neighborhood representatives attended the Planning Board meeting and asked the Planning Board to consider recommending that the Town Council initiate a process to establish a Neighborhood Conservation District. A copy of the neighbors’ request is attached. The neighborhood representatives indicated that they were in the process of acquiring the necessary percentage of property owner signatures to make the request of the Council, and hoped that the addition of a Planning Board endorsement would encourage the process. The neighbors believe that the establishment of an overlay zoning district tailored to the character of their neighborhood will help to provide some protection from future development and redevelopment that is not in keeping with the neighborhood.

RECOMMENDATION

The Planning Board unanimously recommended that the Town Council consider creating a Neighborhood Conservation District for this neighborhood.

Members Present: Timothy Dempsey (Chair), Rebecca Boyles (Vice-Chair), Donna Bell,

Donna Manley, Nancy Milio, Gene Pease, Ruby Sinreich, Mitch Strobin

Member Absent: Julie Coleman

ATTACHMENT

1) Request to Planning Board from Greenwood neighborhood residents (p. 3).