WELLESLEY PLANNING BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2007, 4:00 p.m.
LULU CHOW WANG STUDENT CENTER - WELLESLEY COLLEGE - RM 210
MINUTES
(Mr. Frisardi had recommended and it was subsequently arranged to have a "retreat" style posted meeting in a venue other than the Town Hall.)
Present: Mr. Frisardi, Ms. Donahue, Mr. Chan, Mr. McCauley, Ms. Lehman, Mr. Kaplan ……………………………………………………………………..Mrs. Jop, Mr. Brown.
Polly D. Smith
1. Request for Release of Bond - Unaccepted Street - portion of Woodside Avenue
The Board considered a request from Ria Stolle for release of the bond being held in conjunction with the portion of Woodside Avenue serving #56. The 2007 Annual Town Meeting voted to accept Woodside Avenue as a public way (with betterments). Consequently this portion of Woodside Avenue will be brought up to Town acceptance standards. After a brief discussion the Board moved, seconded and voted unanimously to release the bond in full.
2. Minutes
The Board moved, seconded and voted unanimously to approve the minutes of June 4, 2007.
3. Wellesley West Gateway Study
The Board discussed the June 7, 2007 open forum. Some concern was expressed regarding the forum.
Mr. McCauley expressed concern relative to the topics presented and the short time for public input. He noted that there were some interesting comments made by residents in attendance. Ms. Donahue shared his concerns. It was decided that a meeting should take place with staff of Metro West as soon as it can be arranged.
Board members discussed the importance of the study. It was felt that the Housing Development Corporation should be brought into the process.
4. Member Assignments
The Board discussed assignments and liaisons.
In discussion Mr. Frisardi expressed an interest in monitoring the 27 Washington Street matter. Ms. Lehmann indicated that she would like to follow this issue as well.
Ms. Donahue said she would continue to oversee the Wellesley West Gateway project. Mr. McCauley indicated an interest in this project as well.
The Board discussed regional liaisons. Frank DeMasi has fulfilled roles as representative to the Metro West Growth Management Committee (Metro West), the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), the Regional Transportation Advisory Council, and the MBTA Advisory Board. The Board acknowledged the importance of having Town representation in these bodies. It was not immediately known which of these Mr. DeMasi wished to drop. They are Board of Selectmen appointments.
Mr. McCauley volunteered for the Metro West planning representative post.
Mr. Kaplan asked about MAPC. The nature of the organization was discussed and that there are quarterly meetings.
There was mention of whether there should be a liaison assigned to the ZBA . Ms. Donahue felt that this would not be appropriate. It was decided that there should be liaison with the Board of Selectmen but liaison with other boards will be on an ad hoc basis. Ms. Donahue felt that on-going projects should be added to the meeting agendas on a more regular basis with discussion by the full Board.
Zoning Program
General residential development trends were discussed and the need for better permit tracking. The recent Babson College management course was mentioned and the team project to address this. Ms. Jop was a member of this team.
There was discussion of the zoning program based on an outline prepared by Mr. Frisardi and distributed to the Board. The importance of educating the public was emphasized. Ms. Smith said that she will help with this. She felt the approach to the Mansionization issue should be comprehensive and town-wide.
Mr. Frisardi said that a letter should appear in the Townsman very soon announcing and explaining the zoning effort. Ms. Smith mentioned that the Town Clerk is able to send the copy to all Town Meeting Members that have email addresses registered with the Town Hall.
It was requested that the staff circulate any housing data collected to the Board. There was discussion of the schedule leading to the Fall Town Meeting. The Board requested that the staff inquire of the Selectmen's office the Warrant closing date.
It was suggested that "Citizen Speak" be added to the Planning Board agenda. After some discussion it was decided to include this item once per month. This will be placed on the agenda for July 30 along with the discussion of zoning drafts on July 30.
Next Meeting: July 16, 2007 Regular Meeting
Meeting Adjourned: 8:10 p.m.
Approved: 7/16/07
Richard H. Brown
Planning Director
| 
