The Thursday, March 5 Planning Commission meeting was the last for member David Kenyon while work continued on updates to the Charlotte Land Use Regulations.
The Thursday, February 20 Planning Commission meeting ran longer than usual, despite only five agenda items. Members discussed expanding parking at Mt. Philo State Park, worked through a lengthy list of proposed edits to the Charlotte Land Use regulations, and reviewed an updated draft provided by Town Planner Daryl Arminius.
The Planning Commission again took up business related to the East Charlotte Village at its Jan. 16 meeting, which also included a working session on Charlotte’s land use regulations. Five members of the commission took no action on the village commercial boundaries or lot size, but did go through the regulations to discuss where changes might occur if they reduce lot sizes from five acres to one.
The January 2 Planning Commission meeting moved the vote on the next steps for East Charlotte village incrementally closer. The commission largely agreed on the proposed village commercial boundaries as presented by Vice Chair Charlie Pughe in an updated map. Members discussed adjusting the boundary line on Hinesburg Road to the middle of the right of way, similar to the proposed boundary line on Spear Street. Member Marty Illick preferred the consistency, “in terms of planning for utilities in the future.”
During the Nov. 21 Planning Commission meeting, the commission again took up three recurring topics: Act 143 as applied to land use regulations, boundaries in the East Charlotte village and updates to driveway standards.
The bulk of Thursday’s Planning Commission meeting was again devoted to discussion among members and the public regarding Act 143 as it applies to the Charlotte Land Use Regulations. The commission heard from several interested individuals, including Philo Ridge Farm, but took no action.
An amendment to the Town Plan is on the Nov. 5 ballot. Before anyone’s eyes start glazing over, an explainer is in order: What is the town plan? Why is it being amended? What does this have to do with Charlotte, and why do we need to vote on it?
The Thursday, October 17, Planning Commission featured the same agenda items as the previous meeting: next steps for the East Charlotte Village (ECV), Act 143 applied to the land use regulations, and an update to the roads and driveways construction standards.
The October 3 Planning Commission meeting continued discussions on the East Charlotte Village (ECV) district boundary and how Act 143 could be applied to the Charlotte Land Use Regulations. With the minute taker and town planner both out sick, the commission was left to their own visual presentations on the topics.
The Thursday September 5 Planning Commission agenda featured only two items and four members: a sketch plan review and a discussion about updating the 1997 driveway construction standards. The commission deferred a joint discussion with the Selectboard about Act 143 and the Charlotte Land Use Regulations concerning agricultural businesses to Sept. 19 because two members of the Selectboard were not able to attend the Sept. 5 meeting, though representatives from Philo Ridge Farm did appear for the discussion and provided written input to the board before departing.
The August 22 Planning Commission meeting continued discussion on the East Charlotte Village boundaries and included closed hearings on a boundary adjustment and two-lot major subdivision.
The August 1 Planning Commission meeting agenda was a continuation of several topics from recent meetings: Act 143 and accessory on-farm businesses and the East Charlotte Village (ECV) district boundaries. The commission also introduced its newest commission member, James Faulkner.
The July 18 Planning Commission agenda featured several continuations and a sketch plan review of the Charlotte Library addition. Selectboard Member Fritz Tegatz, supported by Library Director Margaret Woodruff, presented the sketch plan (PC-19-97-SP Charlotte Library), which focused largely on parking and the mitigation of stormwater runoff.
The Thursday, April 4 Planning Commission meeting focused once again on the East Charlotte Village District boundary and Charlotte land use regulations, as was proposed during the March 21 meeting. The commission’s goals were to analyze possible development maps, hear public comment, and figure out the finer points of LURs and boundary issues. Attendance was lower at this meeting, with about four members of the public in attendance, as opposed to the previous meeting which had almost 20 concerned Charlotters.
The Thursday, March 21, Planning Commission meeting focused primarily on the proposed changes to and comments on the East Charlotte Village District (ECV) boundary and Charlotte Land Use Regulations (LUR).
The Thursday, March 7 Planning Commission meeting included a sketch plan review for a right of way (ROW) located at 95 Inn Road and reconsideration of boundary adjustment for 4190 Mt. Philo Road, adjourning after lengthy discussion with both applicants.
The Thursday, February 21, Planning Commission agenda contained only three agenda items: a subdivision amendment for landowner Andrew Zins and sketch plan reviews for the Charlotte Library addition and for the proposed Charlotte Health Center (Mason-von Trapp application).
Boundary adjustments and lot-splitting were on the agenda at the January 17 Planning Commission meeting at Town Hall. The commission met for two sketch plan reviews and a request for reconsideration on a previous decision.
The Jan. 3 Planning Commission meeting focused primarily on the Mason–Von Trapp sketch plan agenda item, with Chair Peter Joslin opening with an explanation of the intent of the sketch plan discussion: to listen to the ideas put forth by the applicants with a resulting recommendation from the commission. After nearly two hours of discussion from various meeting attendees, the commission scheduled a follow-up site visit and will include the item on a future agenda in February.
With recent headlines describing hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, hazardous spills and a host of other natural and man-made disasters nationally, it is worth taking a moment to review what all of us can do to make sure that we are prepared for an extreme weather event or if a small-scale disaster hits us here in Charlotte. As a town we are required to have an emergency plan that provides the Selectboard, fire and rescue services and the road commissioner with a check list for procedures and resources they may draw upon should a major event affect our town.
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