Planning Board
Town of Princeton, MA Planning Board
Meeting Minutes
May 3, 2023
Town Hall Annex and GoToMeeting
Board Members present in-person: Ian Catlow and John Mirick, and Alternate Members Corey Burnham-Howard and Lisa Drexhage
Board Members present, remote: Ann Neuburg
Absent: Rud Mason and Tom Sullivan
Public Participation, in person: Larry DeBlois, John Jorjorian
Public Participation, remote: none
Call to order: 7:35 PM
ANR Plan for Dowd Lane
The Board reviewed a proposed ANR plan for 29 Dowd Lave for property owned by Susan Connell. The plan divides an approximately 25 acre parcel into one parcel of approximately 4.6 acres with the existing house, well, and septic system, and a second parcel with the barn and remaining land. The plan shows that both parcels have adequate frontage and area, and that the existing buildings meet setback requirements.
MOTION to give ANR endorsement to the plan
Motion: Ian Catlow; second: Ann Neuburg
Vote: unanimous
Public Hearing on Backlot Development at 175 Brooks Station Drive
After the agenda had been posted, Lar Greene advised the Chair that the Applicant’s attorney needed more time to draft the proposed deed restriction and other documents, and requested that the public hearing be continued to May 17, 2023. The Chair continued the public hearing as requested.
Discussion of Referendum on Marijuana Restrictions
The ballot on May 8 has three referendum questions on the marijuana restrictions in the zoning by-law passed by Town Meeting in May 2022. Mass. G.L. Ch. 94G requires that restrictions voted at a town meeting also be adopted in a referendum. This agenda item was posted so that interested town residents could discuss the issues with the Board. John Jorjorian and Larry DeBlois participated in the discussion. Mr. Jorjorian felt that anyone licensed to raise, process, or sell marijuana should lose their license if they made marijuana available to juveniles. He supports the restrictions contained in the zoning by-law amendments voted in May 2022. The type of sanction proposed by Mr. Jorjorian is probably a matter for the Cannabis Control Commission or the Legislature. The only proposals to locate marijuana retail operations or commercial grow operations in Princeton have been withdrawn. If a new proposal is submitted, the Selectboard might address sanctions in a host agreement.
Recommendation on Mountainside Café Expanded Liquor License
The Chair distributed copies of the recommendation to the Selectboard after the presentation by Katherine Huck at the April 19 meeting. There was no discussion.
Proposed Solar Energy Systems By-Law
The Board reviewed the draft explanation and FAQ sheet drafted by Corey Burnham-Howard for the proposed solar energy systems by-law. There was consensus that Corey had done a great job of summarizing and presenting the issues. She will receive any suggested edits, and then submit the materials to the Town Clerk for distribution as a town email to residents, after the May election and referendum.
ANR Requirements
The Chair reported that Kolette plans to add the current ANR requirements as an attachment to the form for ANR approval, and plans to include an affirmation by the surveyor submitting the plan that it meets the requirements. When Tom Sullivan is back, this will be scheduled for discussion.
Review and Approve meeting minutes of April 19, 2023
MOTION to approve minutes as corrected
Motion: Ian Catlow; second: Ann Neuburg
Vote: unanimous
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
MOTION to adjourn passed unanimously
Respectfully submitted,
John Mirick
Documents reviewed: ANR Application and Plan for Dowd Lane property
Recommendation on Mountainside Café Application for Alteration of Licensed Premises
Warrant for 5/8/23 town election and referendum questions
Explanation and FAQ sheet for solar energy systems by-law
Rules and Regulations concerning ANR endorsements
Draft Minutes for April 19, 2023 meeting