WESTMORE PLANNING COMMISSION

PUBLIC HEARING

PROPOSED REVISION OF TOWN PLAN AND ZONING BYLAWS

APRIL 17, 2008

The hearing was opened at 7:03 pm by Chairperson Louisa Dotoli who read the warning published in "the Chronicle". Present from the Planning Commission (P.C.) were Alan Cole, Arthur French, Bill Perkins, and Anne Alexander. Brian Hanson from NVDA was also in attendance. Several members of the community were also present (see attached list).

Mrs. Dotoli explained the suggested changes to the Town Plan which are being proposed in order to update. She stated that the Planning Commission intends to work again on the Town Plan once the bylaw changes are finalized. There were no comments or suggestions made by those in attendance regarding the proposed changes to the Town Plan.

Next, Mrs. Dotoli opened the hearing on suggested changes to the Westmore Zoning Bylaws, copies of which were available for distribution. There were several suggestions made regarding the proposed ban on outdoor wood furnace use from May to October. The public felt that not everyone would have a backup heat source or hot water source and that the ban is overly stringent. It was pointed out that the Planning Commission put the idea out for discussion purposes. Other states have instituted bans for certain times of year when people are apt to have windows open and be subjected to smoke from the furnaces. Also, chimney height was discussed. The proposed revision suggests that the chimney should be greater in height than the roof of the residence. It was also mentioned that stoves currently in operation are grandfathered and would not be subject to the changes being proposed. A straw vote showed that the majority of people present at the hearing favored removing the seasonal ban from the revision. Although there was discussion on other issues, there didn’t seem to be substantial objection. There were some in attendance who feel that zoning goes too far in regulating ones use of ones own land.

In addition to the outdoor wood furnace discussion, fence issues raised questions. The Planning Commission was asked if the planting of trees exceeding six feet used as a windbreak would constitute a fence violation. It was explained that fence issues have been brought to the Planning Commission in the past for clarification. The proposed changes deal with issues that have arisen. The subject of windbreaks will be discussed by the P.C. as it moves forward with the revision. There was also question about the six foot limitation. It was pointed out that there might be a need for a fence higher than six feet to enclose some animals. Brian Hanson suggested that the Planning Board could write in a waiver process that would address specific requirements.

There was a comment by a townsperson that she doesn’t want to be told that she can’t have junk on her land. She suggested that the town might take a proactive approach and provide a day of free dumping for tires and other large items that some find expensive to dispose of.

Explanation was given for the P.C.’s position, which includes concerns for erosion and habitat, on removing and/or disturbing vegetation in the vegetative buffer zone. There was inquiry regarding a landslide occurrence a year ago on the west shore of the lake. Mrs. Dotoli pointed out that the problem is under state regulation and that she checks in regularly with the Act 250 coordinator to determine progress on corrective measures.

When it seemed that the issues of concern had been addressed, Mrs. Dotoli stated that the Planning Commission would go back and make changes in light of the ideas expressed during the hearing. If substantial changes are required the Planning Commission will hold a second hearing. Otherwise, the changes will be sent to the selectboard and they will hold their hearing.

The hearing was closed at 8:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Anne Alexander

(APPROVED APRIL 28, 2008)