WORKSHOP SESSION of the Town Council held Monday, August 18, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Town Building, Harrisville for and within the Town of Burrillville.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek and Ronald E. Faford.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilors William A. Andrews and William E. Gonyea.
OTHERS PRESENT:
Thomas J. Kravitz, Burrillville Director of Planning & Economic Development
Joseph Raymond, Burrillville Zoning Official
Burrillville Planning Board: Raymond Levesque, Brian Lanoie, Jeff Partington and Leo Felice
Burrillville Zoning Board: Raymond Cloutier
Andrew Teitz, Land Use Attorney
Grow Smart RI: John Flaherty and Sheila Brush
Relative to an introduction/explanation of the proposed “Village Planned Development” ordinance under consideration.
The workshop was called to order at 7:00 p.m. At the request of Council President Wallace F. Lees, asked those present to identify themselves. He then called upon Thomas J. Kravitz, Director of Planning & Economic Development, to introduce the discussion.
Thomas J. Kravitz, Director of Planning & Economic Development, described the purpose of the workshop as an introduction and explanation of a proposed “Village Planned Development” ordinance. He stated that the ordinance had been developed with the assistance of Andrew Teitz. According to Mr. Kravitz, the intent of the ordinance was to adopt a smart-growth tact towards developing Burrillville. The ordinance would focus growth into nodes around villages, channeling development in a location-specific manner and providing density bonuses to the development community if they develop in certain areas of the Town. Under this ordinance, developers would look for tracts of land adjacent to the existing village centers, where there is existing infrastructure and pedestrian traffic.
Mr. Kravitz addressed the problems of sprawling growth, which involves more linear feet of infrastructure and is costly. Focusing the growth through village planned development helps to address these issues.
Additionally, village planned development may encourage an atmosphere that is conducive to supporting affordable housing. The ordinance mandates twenty percent of the village-planned development to be affordable, which could result in nicely integrated affordable housing.
Mr. Kravitz introduced John Flaherty of Grow Smart RI. Mr. Flaherty displayed a slide presentation of the background and mission of Grow Smart RI. In summary, Mr. Flaherty said that Grow Smart RI accomplishes its mission through policy reform and advocacy, education, training and technical assistance to municipalities. Note: a copy of the presentation is filed with the record of the meeting. Mr. Flaherty explained that the proposed village planned development ordinance is in keeping with the philosophy of Grow Smart RI. He defined and described the concept of smart growth.
Thomas J. Kravitz, Burrillville Director of Planning & Economic Development, continued the presentation by displaying existing maps and photographs of the Town to illustrate examples of well-developed areas and less well developed areas. He showed the Burrillville Zoning Map, discussed the higher density at the village centers and explained the advantages of mixed-use buildings. Among the intended advantages are multiple exit points from neighborhoods, good public safety and traffic dispersion, and usable open space with pedestrian access. Mr. Kravitz described the ordinance in more detail and explained the challenges that it would present to the development community. He displayed and briefly explained the soils map, which he used to identify certain areas that are suitable for development.
In response to a question, Andrew Teitz, Land Use Attorney, addressed the group. He clarified that his presence at this workshop was as an attorney representing developers with a specific project that they hope to incorporate under this ordinance. He spoke in favor of the ordinance, which he suggested would be in the best interest of his clients and serve the Town as a whole. He suggested that the established village centers and existing zoning support the adoption of village planned development. He addressed the question of an affordable housing density bonus, which would make the village planned development appealing, describing several methods of realizing the goals of the developers as well as the Town.
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, recommended flexibility in the percentage of residential versus commercial development. He briefly elaborated on the differences from one area to another and addressed the requirements of each.
Additionally, he raised the question of dealing with existing infrastructure that may not be practical for modern applications. Sheila Brush of Grow Smart RI discussed the advantages of the Building Rehab Code and the Commercial Historic Tax Credit, both which can assist and encourage developers. Thomas J. Kravitz agreed, emphasizing the importance of providing information about these programs. He discussed the appeal of existing architecture and the advantages to maintaining the character of these areas. Ms. Brush mentioned owners’ reluctance to make a major investment, but that this attitude can be eased when the community has made a clear commitment to the area, such as improved streets and lighting.
Additionally, Mr. Teitz had three suggestions in support of revitalization of the centers. First, he suggested elimination of the parking requirement for commercial uses in the village centers. Secondly, he recommended aggressive tax treaties. Finally, he discussed developing a marketing strategy that would exhibit and develop the unique character of the village centers.
Walter J. Kane suggested that the lack of development in village centers, such as Pascoag, was due to the small market. His recommendation for greater density included encouraging mixed residential and professional offices, which might then create a need for increased commerce.
There was a brief discussion of the Commercial Historic Tax Credit, the type of buildings that might be approved and the timeframe involved in applying for these credits. Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, recommended a practical approach, stating the need to consider the benefits versus the restrictions.
Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, explained the process applied in considering any amendments to the Town Ordinances. The Town Council would refer the recommendation to the Ordinance Subcommittee, who would make a recommendation to the full Town Council. The Town Council could then decide whether to hold a public hearing.
Council President Wallace F. Lees thanked participants for attending the workshop.
VOTED to adjourn at 8:05 p.m.
Motion by Councilor William E. Gonyea. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The vote was unanimous by the five members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, , Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek and Ronald E. Faford. Councilors William A. Andrews and William E. Gonyea were not present.
The workshop was taped. The tape is on file with the minutes.
Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk
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