WORKSHOP SESSION of the Town Council held Wednesday, January 10, 2001 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, Councilwoman Jacqueline Zahn; Councilmen: William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
In his opening comments, Town Manager Michael C. Wood said that the reason for the workshop is to re-present items discussed at the joint workshop approximately a year before and to get input from the Town Council, particularly of items that they are not interested in pursuing. This will enable the administration to prioritize items, which would then be presented at a regular town council meeting.
Members of various boards were invited to the workshop and Town Solicitor Walter Kane pointed out that these people would be permitted to speak during the workshop, since they had been invited to participate.
Town Planner Katia Balassiano outlined the broad definition of economic development and the avenues that have been pursued. The view is to generate a priority list of items that would further economic development. She reviewed improving regulations and developing commercial and industrial design standards. Councilman William A. Andrews asked whether there would be a handbook available. Katia Balassiano responded that the more that is available in writing the easier it is. Clearly written, flexible guidelines encourage high quality economic development that meets the Town s health and safety standards.
She discussed work with the utilities to understand what infrastructure is necessary; maintaining zoning districts that promote preferred land uses; creating programs that serve to maintain existing businesses and that attract new businesses; and the redevelopment of blighted commercial and industrial areas. Katia Balassiano advised that there would be a public workshop on the Stillwater Mill on January 25, 2001 at the A.T. Levy. School.
Katia Balassiano talked about revitalization and working with the private development community, pointing out that these efforts require work and nurturing, but show positive results. She discussed Route 102 and the increase in economic activity as it relates to the Comprehensive Plan. The pros and cons of the proposed sites for rezoning were reviewed.
A graphic was presented, identifying areas included in the proposal. Properties on Route 102 were discussed in some detail, with focus on health and safety issues. The various areas shown on the graphic were discussed, relative to their appropriateness for development.
Town Manager Michael C. Wood discussed the pride in the rural character in Burrillville and the long-term perspective needed in economic development. He said this is an opportunity to help industrial and commercial development occur at a particular standard that would protect the character of the Town. He acknowledged that it is difficult to look at issues that might not happen until five or ten years down the road, but said that it is a golden opportunity to focus and make a difference in the Town s future. The Clear River Drive project was identified as a successful project that would benefit the Town. Michael C. Wood addressed the work that is involved in bringing zoning issues before the Town Council and the need to focus on these issues.
Councilman Norman C. Mainville asked how these properties affect the question of aquifers and overlays. Katia Balassiano reviewed the properties on the graphic and how each related to the aquifer. There was a discussion of wells in “Area I”. Raymond Levesque, Chairman of the Planning Board, reviewed the testing at the site and the concerns that the Planning Board has about the area. There was a discussion that this area has been before the Planning Board for several years. No decision has been made because the developer has asked for numerous extensions.
Michael C. Wood mentioned the Crossman Study, and discussed why the particular areas had been targeted for rezoning, including access to water and sewer. He said that the study was available for review. He reviewed the proposed sites, asked for Town Council input on alternative areas and stressed the importance of making decisions that make sense.
Councilman Norman C. Mainville said that there is a mix of properties involved in this discussion and addressed how property would be taxed after rezoning and mentioned grandfather rights. The purpose, he said, is to prevent and protect; to find a solution that protects everyone.
Councilman William A. Andrews suggested changing areas zoned F5 to industrial/commercial, rather than rezoning residential areas. Katia Balassiano responded that the Planning Board approach is not to rezone that which had no opposition, but rather to rezone that which would lend itself to commercial and industrial development. Many F5 districts, she said, are on the outskirts, farther away from good roads and sewer lines. There may be some F5 zones that can be reviewed. Michael C. Wood pointed out that it is costly to bring infrastructure to these remote areas and, while it may not be out of the question, it is necessary to put forth things that make sense.
Kevin Menard, Vice Chairman of the Industrial Foundation, spoke about the Crossman Report, which was cosponsored by the Foundation. He said that there was a weighting system based on access, topography and utilities, and that each property was graded. The Industrial Foundation, he said, supports the Planning Board proposal. He stated that when it comes to industrial development, if the utilities are not there, they will not come; they would not invest in utilities.
Planning Board member James Sculley said that, in his opinion, the area marked “Area I” is a problem because of the junkyard; pollution will be pulled from under the yard. He also pointed out that the developer knew from the beginning that water would be a problem.
The Town Council thanked Katia Balassiano and all committee and board members who attended the session.
VOTED: To adjourn at 7:50 p.m. by Councilwoman Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilman William E. Gonyea. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilwoman Jacqueline Zahn; Councilmen: William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
Information relating to the meeting is on file with the record of the minutes. The meeting was taped and the tape is on file with the record of the minutes.
Recorded by
Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk
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