Notes ZRC Meetings - Nov. 4th, 2009 -

[began by Danielle]:
Public Comment: none

Subcommittee Reports

Ag Committee: Nothing new to report

Cluster: Met with various civic groups to get feedback on cluster regulations. Heard a lot of concern for / desire for neighborhood input on design.
Next steps - Draft ordinance or more public input? Discussion about process. Committee has had success with structured questions (and not having a preconceived agenda) vs. completely open unstructured format. Discussion about design charettes in the neighborhoods.


7:10pm [Adin start notes]

...Review for Cluster sub committee outreach with Baystate; A potential model for future outreach efforts.
- open ended questions are better received than bringing an agenda.
- reach out to communities - model for larger community outreach.
- in general, they were hesitant and skeptical
- input was full of concerns...many people present had agendas

Energy... sub committee review:
-Adjust or eliminate current Density requirements in residential zones to encourage higher population in city core
-Reduce Lot size requirements in Residential A, B, and C to encourage higher density -Recommend a Performance Standard relating to optimization of solar orientation during sub division site plan review process -Recommend the adoption of ‘as of right’ siting for renewable energy generation to be in compliance with Green Communities requirements. -Stretch Code (BBRS code): No specific recommendation.
-PACE (property assessment) Financing: Unclear what specific recommendation is suitable

Discuss what our finished product is to present.
- Brainstorm ideas:
- Dillon- Issue a brief to planning board. Take issues and present solutions, and specify recommendations. (then how do we get to it) Process is major- have recommendation been vetted by the public.
- Brief, no recommendations, Brief, with recommendations, Brief, with written ordinances. All: 1 issue at a time, or full package.
- if possible, ordnance (amendments to existing)- many are very complex, like ‘cluster’ and ‘density’ (zoning is so connected that simple changes can affect other sections.)
- Jim: Include a model for involving public into process as one of recommendations. Organizational model- who was involved.
- Steve: Sequentially or one big package?
- steps, we can learn in the process- learn best practices.
- order- whichever issue is ready first

Final product: An analysis, recommendations, and (when practical) ordinance amendments (specific language).

Final process: Pick issues, as they are ready to hand forward.
Case by case, or package- how do we present the final product, in what order,?
- up to Sub-committee to decide what to move forward.

Not a ‘brief’- (“brief” reminds Tom of underwear)

What is Process for Outreach:
- So far sub-committees have had different approaches to outreach, process, how to move forward
- how to bring people into public process that is balanced and exciting?
- change language: Traditional Neighborhoods, instead of Density or Infill.
- first meeting should be central to biggest mission.
- Dillon ‘spaced out’
- process in meeting: 1. set the stage, show graphically what would be allowed under existing meeting. 2. small groups - charette where a variety of issues are addressed, break it up by neighborhood.
- Jim: small workshops that are interactive-
- Dani: a series of workshops: Infill should have its own.
- Steve: how to address non-resident for business community, chamber of commerce. Joel: What is effective way to engage Smith College?
- -Dano at Smith has interest in Energy issues- adin to contact. Public meeting feb 4th.?
- ‘Public representative’ committee members will organize

What geographical areas to focus on demonstrating? How to balance.
- Benefits of Conz/Pleasant- little abutter issues, PBoard showing interest
- King, opportunities for infill are great- developers open.

Picking specific neighborhoods/ streets is difficult....

**King St. - Whats wrong with King St. zoning?.
-design, economics.
- request Wayne to present on 18th

What is purpose of visiting specific areas?
- Joel: select issue of importance; developers are interested, zoning is flawed
- or.. choose different neighborhoods to represent variety of issues.

Why King, how to balance important areas?
- for next agenda, what is potential for King St., and should it be included.