Finer points of LURs nailed down, now ready for public comment

Finer points of LURs nailed down, now ready for public comment

The Planning Commission held a special meeting Sept. 24 to mark up and approve a final draft of the Charlotte Land Use Regulations amendments. The purpose of the meeting wasn’t to develop policy, which has been in progress for the last year, but rather to identify and clarify any outstanding gray areas in language or policy.

Planning Commission holds Land Use Regulation hearing and hears Mt. Philo Road subdivision plans

Planning Commission holds Land Use Regulation hearing and hears Mt. Philo Road subdivision plans

Public comment was the theme at the July 16 Planning Commission meeting, where Charlotte residents had plenty to say about proposed changes for Land Use Regulations and about a sketch plan proposal for a four-lot subdivision on Mt. Philo Road.

Planning Commission convenes to discuss how to meet during COVID-19 emergency

Planning Commission convenes to discuss how to meet during COVID-19 emergency

On April 16 the Planning Commission held its first meeting since early March, with all members virtually present. While planning and scheduling future meetings was the only agenda item, members also discussed logistics such as site visits and how to encourage public participation in hearings using a virtual platform.

First look at doubled parking at Mt. Philo State Park

First look at doubled parking at Mt. Philo State Park

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.

Planning Commission holds session on land use and supports study of Charlotte’s farms

Planning Commission holds session on land use and supports study of Charlotte’s farms

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.

Review of East Charlotte Village plan and Act 143 continue

Review of East Charlotte Village plan and Act 143 continue

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.”

Proposed East Charlotte village commercial boundaries nearly complete

Proposed East Charlotte village commercial boundaries nearly complete

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.

A vote next week on a Town Plan amendment.  Wait…what is that and why are we voting on it?

A vote next week on a Town Plan amendment. Wait…what is that and why are we voting on it?

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?

Planning Commission: East Charlotte Village proposal, Act 143, and roads and driveways standards discussed

Planning Commission: East Charlotte Village proposal, Act 143, and roads and driveways standards discussed

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.

Planning Commission continues discussion of East Charlotte Village commercial boundaries

Planning Commission continues discussion of East Charlotte Village commercial boundaries

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.

Planning Commission considers updates to driveway standards

Planning Commission considers updates to driveway standards

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.

Planning Commission closes sketch plan review of the library addition

Planning Commission closes sketch plan review of the library addition

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.