PLANNING BOARD
Town of Dublin
Dublin, New Hampshire
October 1, 2009
The Planning Board met for its regular meeting on Thursday, October 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the town hall. Present: Chairman Bruce Simpson, David Whitney, Suzan Macy, Scott Swanson, Neil Sandford, Bill Goodwin, and Selectmen’s Representative Charlie Champagne.
Minutes of September 17
The minutes of September 17 were reviewed. Bill moved they be approved as amended, seconded by Neil; Approved.
SWRPC Membership
The board discussed the value of membership in Southwest Region Planning Commission , its fees, and whether membership should continue.
Open Space Development Committee
Diane Schott, chairman of the Open Space Development Committee along with Sue Yarger, John Morris, and Betsey Harris, was present to explain to the Planning Board what the committee is doing, what they are planning to do, and why. Diane presented a map highlighting land that might be appropriate for open space development. They have developed a rating sheet showing the characteristics of the property addressing what may or may not be important considerations, such as, water resources, scenic views wildlife habitats, aquifers, etc. They would use tax parcels to be specific about what area is being considered.
They stressed that their committee had no power to ‘take’ land; their plan is only to identify key parcels in town (priority areas) and suggest that the owners of these parcels consider protecting them through conservation easements. The Planning Board could also use their analysis in deciding how to best design subdivisions under the Open Space Subdivision Ordinance.
They have contacted Antioch New England in partnership with the Harris Center, Monadnock Conservancy and the extension service from UNH and put together a proposal to work with the towns to create a data base of land resources and characteristics tied to tax law parcels. This has been grant funded. The desire is to have all of the information available on a layered computer program that would be valuable for the Planning Board, Open Space Committee, and other town boards. They have been in contact with an intern from the Monadnock Conservancy who may be able to develop this program.
Burt House Preservation Society
Nancy Cayford, president of the Burt House Preservation Society, was present to discuss the development of the Burt House (former General Store) for a Community Center. The Society has applied for an LCHIP grant to develop this landmark property, which needs a great deal of work. The grant application asks if town officials support this project. It was noted that support for the project would follow several recommendations in the 2007 Master Plan, including one that specifically recommends saving buildings (such as the Burt House) that are on the National Registry.
The Board felt that preservation of the building was important to the town, and accordingly, the Board’s support for the preservation portion of the project was appropriate. The issue of establishing a Community Center in the building, however, would need to come before the Board for Site Plan Review in order to determine parking, safety, and other issues, and therefore it was best that the Board not indicate approval or disapproval before seeing the details of a Site Plan Review Application.
Suzan moved that the Planning Board indicate its support for the preservation of the Burt House, seconded by Scott; Approved.
Adjournment
Bill moved the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Neil; Approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Bonnie A. Bartelt, Secretary
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