Sutton Master Plan
Public Information Session
Pillsbury Memorial Hall
Tuesday, July 27, 2004 @ 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Registration ( A list of those who signed in is on file at the Pillsbury Memorial Hall in the Master Plan Binder. Copies of all the handouts are available for review at the Pillsbury Memorial Hall in the Master Plan Binder).
Prior to the meeting participants and interested members of the public signed in and received (as available) an informational packet (see attached) which included the following handouts:
1. Public Information Session Group Norms
2. Agenda
3. 1999 Master Plan Questionnaire Summary Report
4. Highlights of 1999 Sutton Master Plan
5. Master Plan meeting Dates
6. Public Information Survey
Welcome and Overview of the Evening
Laura Scott, Facilitator for the Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission (CNHRPC) opened the meeting shortly after 6 p.m. Ms. Scott commended the group for the excellent turnout and their interest in the Master Plan. She announced that due to high attendance there were insufficient handouts and that they would be made available upon request. She also stated that Public Information Surveys would be collected at the end of the meeting or accepted at the Sutton Town Offices until Friday, July 30, 2004 if people wanted more time.
Ms. Scott reviewed the group norms “rules” for the conduct of the meeting and requested that the group extend the meeting time until 9 p.m. due to the late start. She also requested that those present would turn their cell phones off or to “vibrate” during the session. The group accepted the extension of time and agreed to the group norms.
Ms. Scott noted that the Town did not opt to do a comprehensive survey to all land onwers subsequent to the 1999 survey. The public information survey that was distributed will be used to supplement the 1999 survey, not replace it. The packet survey was three pages and asked some very specific questions. The results will begin to be tabulated on Monday, August 2, 2004.
Ms. Scott advised the forum that their packets contained a schedule of all Master Plan Meetings, although from time-to-time there may be a reason a meeting time might change. If there is change of meeting time or venue, it will be posted at the Town Hall or on the Town’s website.
Ms. Scott introduced Mr. Sundquist to provide a history of the process to date.
Dan Sundquist, Acting Chair for the Master Plan Process thanked everyone for the high turnout, which may have been due to the Planning Board mailer. He said that it was the kind of interest the Planning Board has wanted since they began the process in 1998. Mr. Sundquist introduced members of the Planning Board present: Robert ‘Dave’ White, Naia Conrad, Steve Enroth, John Sullivan, John Csutor, Joe Burns, Marnee Saltalamacchia, and Robert Wright, Ex-Officio Member for the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Sundquist said that the Planning Board is an all volunteer board which meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
Mr Sundquist discussed the purpose of a Master Plan which is to “… set down as clearly and practically as possible the best and most appropriate future development of an area under the jurisdiction of the Planning Board . . .” The Master Plan is not a land use regulation, it is a conceptual basis for other regulations. Mr. Sundquist quoted from RSA 674:2 Master Plan; Purpose and Description.
Mr. Sundquist reviewed the history of the Master Plan process and stated that a Master Plan is generally updated every five to ten years. The Planning Board began discussions about the Master Plan and conducted a survey in 1999. Mr. Sundquist noted that 600 surveys were mailed to property owners and that the Planning Board received 195 responses. A committee of 18-19 people was formed in 2000 and a great deal of work was done. A real issue for the Planning Board was who would write the plan in a unified tenor. The Planning Board and Selectmen turned to the CNHRPC. The Town appropriated funds to accomplish this at the 2004 Town Meeting. The Commission is doing a terrific job. The plan is now at the mid-way point and the purpose of tonight’s meeting was to raise public awareness, offer a
progress report and receive feedback. Mr. Sundquist encouraged public input and involvement in the various own Boards and Committees.
Ms. Scott noted that Master Plan materials are available at the Town Hall and will be updated on an ongoing basis. Materials for subcommittee meetings will be available one week in advance. Information can also be obtained from the Master Plan page on the Town’s website [ http://www.sutton-nh.gov ]www.sutton-nh.gov.
Ken Uzdanovich expressed concern that the 1999 survey was five years old and asked about additional surveying due to changes in the community. The survey process was discussed, and it was noted that the survey that was distributed at this meeting was more specific and would be used to supplement the 1999 survey.
There was a general discussion regarding the completion time for the Master Plan. It is anticipated that the final Master Plan public hearing, held by the Planning Board, will be conducted in January 2005. Public hearings are to be conducted on the various chapters as depicted in bold print on the Sutton Master Plan Meeting date schedule. The reason for conducting public hearings on individual chapters instead of the Master Plan as a whole is because there is a substantial amount of information in the various chapters which is really too much for one hearing. The public hearings will be properly noticed, and all the material will be available on the web site and at the Town Hall ten days prior to the Public Hearing.
Bill Uhl asked that if a committee writes a chapter will the Planning Board change it later. The response was that the Planning Board has the ultimate authority to adopt the Master Plan. The committee drafts the chapter and the planning board has the ability to amend it. The chapter the committee writes is the chapter that is presented for the public hearing.
Mr. Uhl asked why the Vision Chapter was changed to Introduction. Laura Scott replied that the Planning Board wanted to incorporate the vision from each chapter into the Introduction. The Vision Chapter is required to be in the Master Plan, but it doesn’t have to be called Vision.
Dan Sundquist stated that the 1999 survey contained the core of the Town’s vision. Although there are a couple years on it, the ’99 survey needs to be carried into this vision.
Peter Blakeman asked whether the Introduction would have a Public Hearing. It was confirmed that all components of the Master Plan must have a public hearing.
There was a general discussion regarding the 1999 survey.
OVERVIEW OF FINISHED MASTER PLAN CHAPTERS
Laura Scott reported that four chapters are currently finished and are awaiting Public Hearing and that there is still an opportunity for the Planning Board or the public to make suggestions or revisions.
Laura Scott introduced Dave White, Chairman of the Population and Economics Chapter. Copies of the Chapter were distributed to interested members of the public.
Population and Economics
David White briefly discussed the Population and Economics Chapter, the purpose of which is to delineate the elements of the Town. He reviewed components of the Chapter and noted that it was a summary of demographic responses – not too controversial.
There was a general discussion of the growth curve within the community. Pete Blakeman inquired about the 2% growth curve and whether looking at a window from 1990-1999 was the standard. Laura Scott, CNHRPC responded that ten years is the standard. A ten year period takes into account peaks and fluctuations.
The Population and Economics Chapter looks at Sutton and how it compares to surrounding communities and that the chapter was basically a snapshot of demographic information that provides the baseline for other chapters. Data was collected from 2000 Census information and NH Office of Energy and Planning. Sue Morel asked whether more recent information has been incorporated. Laura Scott replied that data is as up-to-date as possible and data is included in the Chapter as it becomes available.
Laura Scott introduced Dan Sundquist, Chairman of the Current Land Use Committee and pointed out the maps that were available for public review showing how land in Sutton is being used.
Current Land Use
Ms. Scott explained the currently land use in Sutton is comprised of the following elements: Residential, Public/Institutional, Commercial, Excavation, Highway and Utility Land, Non-profit, Conservation and Undeveloped.
Iain Gilmour asked whether or not the maps were available on line. Ms. Scott replied that they weren’t because most computers don’t have the capacity to download and print the maps without a lot of trouble. Bill Uhl asked what kind of application you need to use the maps. The response was a high speed connection. All maps for each chapter are available at the Committee and Planning Board meetings. When the Plan is done, the maps will be updated as a permanent piece on the website.
Dan Sundquist said that the Current Land Use is a required chapter in the Master Plan. The Current Land Use Chapter translates vision into physical terms. It shows the existing conditions of land use. Sutton has two zones, Residential and Rural Agricultural. There are diverse land uses within the Town that have been identified on the maps. The Chapter deals with use over time. It looks at subdivision in the Town. Through the mapping, 299 units were identified that haven’t previously been shown on topo maps. Existing subdivisions have been filled in. Dan noted that there have been 125 new houses built in the last five years, approximately 25+ a year. Laura stated that there is some data in the chapter that needs to be filled in. CNHRPC is in the process of
acquiring data outside their planning region. There are no recommendations in the Chapter. It is used as the basis for other chapters.
Laura Scott introduced Dan Sundquist as Chair of the Housing Chapter, but Ms. Scott presented the Chapter Overview. Draft chapters were distributed to interested members of the public.
Housing Chapter
The Housing Chapter looks at data, trends, subdivisions, and types of housing and develops goals and recommendations. Ms. Scott talked about the different type of housing that was available such as accessory apartments, duplexes, multifamily, elderly, manufactured, affordable housing and cluster developments. Ms. Scott stated there was a map which shows the locations of building permits since 1998 and shows how development has spread over the area. Sutton has been developing equally over the area.
Iain Gilmore asked for a summary of recommendations. Laura Scott enumerated several recommendations such as to create clarity in current regulations; encourage development of accessory apartments; review lot size requirements for duplexes; change lot size requirements as appropriate (i.e. for area or zoning district); create specific regulations for multi-family housing; ensure manufactured housing regulations meet state law; plan for elderly housing; develop strategies for affordable housing and cluster development; look at incentives for developers to consider cluster housing.
Patrick O’Rourke asked if the town was trying to develop a plan to prevent growth and also discussed changing lot size requirements. The response was that there were no specific recommendations on these matters.
Sue Morrill asked why not change lot size. Laura discussed matters pertaining to lot size and future land use and said that could be a recommendation. She said that different zoning abilities could or should be looked at and discussed.
Laura Scott noted that this Chapter provided guidance and recommendations. Once the Planning Board adopts the Master Plan, zoning doesn’t change until a warrant article is put forward and approved. The Master Plan is for advisory purposes for the Town.
Mr. Uhl noted that the Planning Board writes and approves the Master Plan and writes and approves subdivision and site plan regulations.
Marnee Saltalamacchia noted that a public hearing is held regarding these matters. There was a general discussion of how various ordinances and regulations are adopted.
Bob Wright, ex-officio member of the Planning Board, noted that the Planning Board does not operate in a vacuum and encouraged volunteerism. Dan Sundquist reminded everyone that the Planning Board is comprised of volunteers. He encouraged attendance at public meetings and noted that he had been at important hearings before where only four people were in attendance.
There was a discussion about cluster housing and open space recommendations. Jim Ward said that zoning should look at higher density in the village zone and create separate zoning district. He discussed subdivisions in Newbury where land set aside is throw away land and suggested that rather than setting aside 50% open space – it is a better tool to transfer density to the village areas – work toward more appropriate transfer of development rights.
Pebbles Sillars (Fleury) said that she’s not in favor of developments but thought there should be provisions for housing for various economic backgrounds and that the subcommittee needs to look and different economic and age levels.
Laura Scott introduced Steve Enroth, Chair of the Transportation Committee. Draft chapters were distributed to interested members of the public.
Transportation Committee
Steve noted that the Transportation Chapter is not a required chapter but it is a plus to the Master Plan. It provides an inventory and assessment of roads and traffic flow in the community. He noted that there is 90 miles of roads in Sutton and through traffic counts the Town gets an idea of average daily traffic. He cited some interesting statistics such as traffic counts and annual accident reporting. He stated that the goal of the Chapter was to help develop a convenient, efficient travel network.
Diane Rosewood and Yvonne Howard discussed concerns regarding speeding vehicles. Mr. Enroth agreed that speed was a transportation concern.
Pete Blakeman asked whether the Committee was recommending adoption of Class A trails and inquired as to whether that requires a vote at town meeting.
Laura Scott explained that only Class IV roads have the ability to be turned into trails and that is done at Town Meeting. She noted that Class IV roads are often used as an informal trail network and changing them to Class A makes them a formal network. She also said that she knows of only one town in the CNHRPC Region (Boscawen) that has done this.
Joe Burns asked what the advantage of a Class A trail is. The response was that Boscawen used it to pass through and connect two pieces of conservation land to better link an established trail network.
Don Davis stated that a Class A trail allows some types of maintenance. The Town for instance could rebuild bridges and repair washouts.
Richard DeFelice asked for clarification of whether or not existing land owners still had access but would not be allowed to develop.
Iain Gilmore said that he worked with the SRK which is a 75 mile network of trails around ten area towns. He said that landowners have allowed trail rights and SRK uses Class VI Roads. He expressed concern regarding the affect of changing a Class VI road to a Class A trail might have on property owners. Ken Uzdanovich expounded on this by saying the property owners might not want to give up their right to develop.
Joanna Murphy expressed concern about Class VI Roads being upgraded to Class V Roads.
A lengthy discussion on right-of-ways, Class VI Roads, Class A trails and road upgrading ensued.
Patrick O’Rourke asked whether Class VI Roads were upgraded at Town Meeting. Darrel Palmer clarified that if a Road Agent works on a Class VI road it automatically gets upgraded to Class V. However, a property owner can perform upgrades with the Town’s permission.
Laura Scott noted that the Town cannot impose a trail upon someone. There has to be an easement between the Town and a landowner that both parties agree upon.
The following four chapters are in the early stages of development.
Historic and Cultural Resources
Laura Scott noted that work had begun on the Historic and Cultural Resources Chapter. At this time, an outline for the Chapter has been drafted. The outline was distributed to interested members of the public. Laura noted that there was no subcommittee for this. She was meeting with the historical society at 9 a.m. on the first Tuesday of the Month (see meeting dates) at the North Sutton Baptist Church to collect input and information for the Chapter. Currently, they are identifying historic structures as follows: National and State Registers of Historic Places, Local Historic Markers, Town-owned Historic Structures, One-Room Schoolhouses, Churches, Cemeteries, railroads. The focus for this Chapter is to look for funds, opportunities and programs to preserve existing historic places. A draft
chapter should be available by the end of August. Peggy Forand asked whether villages were considered. Laura Scott provided examples of different types of cultural resources.
Laura Scott introduced John Sullivan, Chair for the Natural Resources (Features) Committee. Draft Chapters were distributed to interested members of the public.
Natural Resources Chapter
John Sullivan noted that there have been several meetings of the Natural Resources Committee. The committee’s purpose is to identify and quantify major elements of the natural environment. He listed the elements as follows: slopes, watersheds, wildlife, scenic views, water, water quality, aquifers, wetlands, and wildlife transition areas. The committee’s goal was to try to map these and link areas through conservation. The next meeting for the Natural Features Committee will be August 17 at 7 p.m.
Tom Paul noted there was a question in the Chapter as to whether there was a snowmobile club in Sutton. He advised the forum that there was and that they are the ‘Sutton Ridgerunners.’
Patrick O’Rourke asked whether there had been studies done regarding the aquifers and the available water supply for development.
CNHRPC staff said there was no study at this time. However, it is important to look at aquifer location, i.e. it may not be the best idea to allow a gas station to be built over an aquifir.
Ken Uzdanovich asked what soil based lot sizing is. Laura explained that instead of having a set size you base it on the type of soil. In theory it is good, but it is hard to implement.
Laura Scott noted that there are some revisions to the Chapter and that there will be a section on Recreation included in this Chapter.
Steve Paquette asked whether the Town had a Forest Management Plan for Town owned forests.
Betsy Forsham said yes.
Pete Blakeman asked whether it was prepared by a licensed forester.
Anita Blakeman said it was not prepared by a licensed forester.
Betsy Forsham said that she had read through the chapters and asked what people should do if they had comments or saw typos. Laura Scott said to leave them at the Town Hall or email her or give them to her at the subcommittee meetings. She welcomed all comments.
Laura Scott introduced the Communities Facilities Chapter which she is compiling. The Community Facilities draft outline was distributed to interested members of the public.
Community Facilities
Laura said that the Community Facilities Chapter looks at municipal facilities – where your tax money is going. It meets every other Monday in August at 9:00 a.m. at the Pillsbury Memorial Hall. Laura will be at the Town Hall gathering information from different department heads. These morning meetings were arranged to accommodate town staff. The Community Facilities Chapter is used as the basis for the Capital Improvement Plan, which is different from the Master Plan.
Emilio Cancio-Bello clarified the capacity of the Sutton Central School.
Laura Scott said that the chapter was used for long range planning and impacts existing facilities. It takes growth into consideration and issues concerning existing facilities.
Patrick O’Rourke asked if the school is taken into consideration before development.
Sue Morel asked about impact fees, what they are and what does the town need to do to impose them. Laura Scott gave a brief summary of the four steps you need to take prior to assessing impact fees and noted that it was a very complicated process.
Don Davis recommended that Sutton needs recreational facilities that there are none. He suggested a playground, ball field, soccer field.
Barbara MacDonald recommended a Community Center. Indoor facilities with a kitchen are needed for dances, meetings, and community events.
The parking problem at the Pillsbury Memorial Hall was discussed.
Darrell Palmer reminded everyone that all this had been looked at before and the Town hasn’t gone for it. There was a CIP that wasn’t being used.
Laura acknowledged that previous efforts were greatly appreciated and even if these weren’t new ideas, the timing might be right.
Emilio Cancio-Bello noted that there was a possibility of the Middle School being located and the School would like to have an open relationship with the town and work cooperatively.
A question was asked as to who was the Chair of the Committee. Laura responded that she is working with Department Heads and the Planning Board opted not to have a Chair for this Chapter.
Laura Scott discussed the Future Land Use Chapter.
Future Land Use
This chapter incorporates the concerns from the other chapters and makes recommendations in one place. Factors that are considered are commercial development (if any), lot size, regional impact concerns, among other things.
Don Brazier asked if the plan has a growth control recommendation to limit the amount of growth.
There was a general discussion regarding growth management, lot sizes and lot density. Methodologies to slow growth were discussed including conservation easements. These easements buy the development rights from a property owner. Ms. Scott cautioned that growth management has to be supportable by a finding of fact and that you can’t just pick a number out of a hat. Lawsuits result when arbitrary limits are set.
Peter Blakeman cautioned that the Town should be careful about the time period it uses to support the 2% growth figure.
Bob Wright suggested that people should write their concerns or suggestions so that they can be integrated into the whole.
Robert Reinlein asked if there was a chapter which addressed environmental issues.
Jack Taar noted that you don’t just pick a number. The Master Plan is a basis for a GMO.
Joanna White expressed concern regarding large developers coming to town and asked if there was a way to prevent this. Laura Scott replied that there was no legal way to discriminate between local and out-of-state developers.
Jim Ward reminded everybody that Northland did a large development on King Ridge and that it was very beneficial to the Town. Large development doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
Sue McNamara discussed the benefits of Current Use and having open space buffers for developments.
Laura Scott reminded everyone to fill out and submit their surveys and get them to the Town Hall by Friday. The Maps will also be available through Friday.
A summary of the comments captured by CNHRPC staff are vailable at the Town Hall in the Master Plan binder.
The meeting was adjourned shortly after 9 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elly Phillips
Recording Secretary
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