Planning Board
Town of Princeton, MA Planning Board
Meeting Minutes
January 18, 2023
Town Hall Annex and GoToMeeting
Board Members present in-person: Ian Catlow, John Mirick, Ann Neuburg and Alternate Lisa Drexhage
Board Members present, remote: Alternate Corey Burnham-Howard
Absent: Rud Mason, Tom Sullivan
Public Participation, in person: None
Public Participation, remote: None
Call to order: 7:30 PM
ANR Plan Reviews
There were no ANR plans to review.
Review and Approve Meeting Minutes of December 7, 2022
MOTION to approve minutes
Motion: Ann Neuburg; second: Corey Burnham-Howard
Vote: unanimous
High Density Residential Zoning
The Chair reported that Emily Glaubitz at Central Mass Regional Planning Commission (“CMRPC”) felt that the narrative explanation for the possible overlay zone drafted by the Chair, would be well-received by the Department of Housing and Community Development (“DHCD”). The Board reviewed and approved the narrative explanation and the maps prepared by Ian Catlow. The Chair will make final, non-substantive edits and give the explanation of the proposed overlay district language to the Town Administrator for submission to DHCD. Princeton has until December 2025 to adopt high density residential zoning.
Proposed Solar Energy By-law
The Board discussed using the phrase “appropriate screening” rather than a more objective standard for screening. This standard would relate back to the “Purpose” clause which includes minimizing “any negative impact on adjoining properties.” The Board concluded that this would provide sufficient guidance when reviewing site plans, and allow the Board to be flexible in deciding on screening for a specific site.
Public Hearing on Proposed By-Law Articles
The Board decided to hold the public hearing on the proposed Solar Energy By-Law and on the name change/gender neutral amendment on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 7:35 pm. This gives sufficient time for the statutory public notices for the hearing, and leave the Board with sufficient time to respond to any issues that may come up during the public hearing.
CMRPC Delegates
CMRPC had asked the Board to identify Princeton’s delegate and alternate delegate. Apparently CMRPC operates on a calendar year. Ann Neuburg is the delegate and Ian Catlow is the alternate delegate. The Chair will ask Kolette Carleton to respond accordingly.
Site Plan Review for Food Truck
Nothing has been received. This item will be dropped from future agendas unless there is a specific request from the applicant.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Board will be Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 7:30 in the Town Hall Annex.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
MOTION to adjourn passed unanimously
Respectfully submitted,
John Mirick
Documents reviewed: Narrative explanation of Proposal for High Density Zoning
Article for Solar Energy By-Law
Article for Name Change/Gender Neutral Amendment
CMRPC request to identify delegates