2019-05-16 PlBd minutes

Meeting date: 
Thursday, May 16, 2019

 

Town of Princeton, Mass.     --     Town Hall Annex

PLANNING BOARD   Meeting Minutes--–May 16, 2019,  7:30 PM

Present were:  Chair John Mirick, Ann Neuburg (clerk), and Rud Mason. Ian Catlow and Tom Sullivan were absent.

7:30 PM  Opened meeting in Town Hall Annex

Dave Dearborn came in with a request concerning renting his home at 358 Mountain Road, possibly weekly or short-term. He explained that he is in the video surveillance/security industry and felt that was an advantage for a landlord.

John M. noted the difference between short-term lodging (hotel etc.) and seasonal or long-term house rental. He distributed a print-out from a realtors association titled “Details on the new Mass. Short-term Rental Law” which is slated to be implemented this summer. The new law mainly outlines insurance requirements and taxes on the state and local levels, including a registry of properties.

Mr. Dearborn said he’s still considering his options.

Charlie & Deb Cary of 16 Merriam Road came in to discuss B&B business opportunities, mentioning possible longer-term services such as housing visiting fellows from the region’s institutions. They also took a copy of the state’s new short-term rental law. John M. told them that if they apply for a Special Permit for B&B or accessory apartment, they should first check with the Board of Health and the building inspector, etc.—issues such as Title V and fire/structural safety would need to be addressed as requirements of a permit. The Carys were looking for the steps to take to start the process and agreed to see the building inspector first, when they’ve clarified their plans.

8:05 PM   The board voted all in favor to approve minutes for the meeting of May 2. They decided to wait for a full board in attendance to name officers for the coming year.

John M. suggested several goals for the next fiscal year as well, including short-term rentals and zoning issues involved with non-conforming lots.

8:15 PM   Meeting adjourned

Respectfully Submitted:   Marie Auger, admin. Assistant

Referenced Documents:     “Details on the new Mass. Short-term Rental Law”