HOLDERNESS PLANNING BOARD
PO BOX 203
HOLDERNESS, NH 03245
Minutes: June 17, 2010
Members Present: Todd Elgin, Peter Francesco, Earl Hansen - Chair, Carl Lehner, and Suzanne Peoples – Selectman
Members not Present: Randy Currier and Ron Huntoon
Staff Present: David Lorch – Planner
Others Present: Peter Hendel, Richard Stevens, Chris Devine – SLA Director, Jac McCormack, Kevin French, Terry Lorber
Call to Order: Mr. Hansen called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
Roll Call: Mrs. Huff called the roll.
Approval of Minutes: Mr. Elgin moved, seconded by Mrs. Peoples, to approve the minutes of May 20, 2010 as corrected. Motion passed.
New Business:
Information for Boundary Line Adjustment: Kevin French requested an informational review of a proposed boundary line adjustment for three lots in the Westridge subdivision. Lots 26, 27, and 28 will be adjusted to give lots 27 and 28 more acreage. The existing right-of-way would need to be extended to lot 26. After the adjustment, the house currently on lot 26 will be on lot 27. Mr. French was advised of the following: the right-of-way should service two lots only; the right-of-way should be surveyed and shown on the plan; and that each lot needs a minimum of five acres of buildable area.
Informational for Site Plan Review: Mr. Devine and Mr. McCormack presented a brief overview of the history related to the construction of the barn on the Squam Lakes Association (SLA) property and the recent decision to install a new septic system to service the barn, which will be used for winter storage and youth programs during inclement weather, and the existing house, currently used for storage. Mr. McCormack noted that at the January 2010 Planning Board meeting, the Board indicated that a site plan review would not be required for the barn, but that any future changes could require a site plan review. Mr. McCormack expressed the opinion that the septic system, which recently received Zoning Board approval for two variances, was not a change in use and requested confirmation that a site plan review was not
needed.
Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Mr. Elgin, to require site plan review for the SLA property. During discussion, Mr. Hansen explained that he felt it was necessary to document all of the existing structures and activities. Mr. McCormack continued to express his opinion that the only change from January was a septic system which should not be considered a change or expansion of use. He also stated he was concerned that activities scheduled for the barn would be placed at risk by a site plan review after construction has been completed. Mr. Elgin felt that a site plan review could provide clarification as to the exact nature of the use of the barn, which had been described as storage and use by the campers during thunderstorms only. Mr. Lorch noted that the original use of the barn was for storage only, with which Mr.
Devine disagreed. The motion was called. The motion was unanimously approved. In response to Mr. Devine’s request for clarification, Mr. Hansen stated that a baseline of all predominate activities scheduled throughout the year should be included in the site plan application, which should be submitted soon.
Applications:
Case #2010-05: Holderness School:
Request for site plan review for property located at Chapel Lane, Map 225 Lot 52, rural and general residential zones. Applicant seeks approval for construction of two dormitories and access road.
The public hearing was opened at 7:05 P.M. Mr. Hendel and Mr. Stevens presented the proposed project, explaining that two new dormitories housing 24 students would be constructed with three faculty dwellings attached to each dormitory. The goal is to achieve an eight to one ratio of students to faculty, not to increase the student population. The circular road accessing the dormitories slightly impacts wetlands as does the pedestrian path and variance applications submitted to the Zoning Board of Adjustment have been approved. The tunnel under the road and access path will be a future phase of the overall project. The roadway will be constructed of permeable materials to reduce water run-off. There will be eighteen parking spaces to accommodate the faculty dwellings and visitors. Overflow parking will be provided on a
graveled area. Chiefs Mardin and Patridge and Conservation Chair Larry Spencer have reviewed the project favorably. “Dark skies” lights will be used. Municipal sewer and water will be used.
Mr. Lorch briefly noted that the site is in both the General Residential Zone, which allows multi-family units, and the Rural Residential Zone, which allows single and two-family units. The Board did not see an issue with the zoning requirements.
Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Mr. Elgin, to accept the application as complete. Motion passed. Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Mr. Francesco, to approve the application as presented. Motion passed. The public hearing was closed at 7:27 P.M.
Other Business
Zoning Ordinance – Non-conforming uses, structures and lots: Mr. Lorch provided language for changes to the section dealing with non-conforming uses and structures. It was agreed that more clarification was needed for lots which have more than one dwelling and what type of expansion would be allowed.
Zoning Ordinance – Waivers: Statutory language which became effective in September 2009 regarding waivers was reviewed. The Board agreed that waivers for subdivision and site plan review criteria could be waived but not the entire review. Mr. Lorch will provide clarification language for review.
Mr. Lorch provided an LGC article regarding grandfathered uses for the members to read. He also noted that he would be attending a hearing regarding changes to regional impact criteria.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Wendy J. Huff
Secretary
Minutes Approved: July 15, 2010
Corrections:
Page 1: Add Bob Snelling to Members not Present
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