I'd like to open the flag meeting and I hope you join me in the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. Thank you. Uh we are being video recorded and video streamed live TV. >> Wow. >> YouTube.
>> Okay. Uh first up is uh a pre-application consultation file number 26-01 [clears throat] PAC. Uh requested by Greg Nicholas of South Coast Engineering for Vanessa Carvalo to
discuss the stone wall in the layout for 38 CS farm lane map 51 lot 44 M. Good evening for director Doug Nicholas of South Coast Engineering behalf of
Vanessa Kvalo. Uh this property is owned by John and Julie McCarti and what they were trying to do what they are trying to do is create an additional lot here for the benefit of their grandson and his spouse.
As you can see here, the stone wall has been built 26 1/2 ft into the layout. A little background on the property itself. Um, Susan Fawn Lane was created
in 1980. Uh, developer was Dick Wartz and Ronald Dupalt. And the plan went uh through a few changes. One time there was actually a road provided to go up here against the curved property owners and that north
lot which is owned by the uh system farm trust was determined to be all wet. So that road was abandoned. The concept of that road was abandoned and what's curious about the whole plan is that the plans that are on file in
the planning vote office as well as it's in the registry of deeds only shows lot lines and street lines. There's no construction plans whatsoever to find. Um, having said that, I don't believe that the culdeac this area was ever
built. Um, aerial photography from going back to mid1 1990s, mid1 1980s I should say, just shows this gravel flare out over here where it meets either side of the driveway.
uh study of compliance was issued or stud completion I should say was issued in 1982. Mr. McCarti built this house in 1985. As far as the proposed lot goes, there's no restriction on the access to get to this lot. Going to clearly come around
here and get down to the building site which would be way up the back. Um there's no other potential development off this uh road as it exists. The amount of dimension to the north right here to the north is wet.
A lot here to the west is too small to be subdivided. And this piece here is APR land which is part of the wheel farm. And even at that uh this is a private way. So they wouldn't have any legal access to cross that line.
>> Um trying to think if there anything else here that I want to discuss. It's just that the presence of that wall in the front, I don't really know how that affects this as an ANR proposal. I didn't want to come in with an ANR plan.
21 days with the clock ticking. I thought it'd be best to get feedback from the board. There's nothing I could find in the ANR handbook that would closely match this. Uh ANR handbook of course hasn't been updated in about 20 years. So, I'm not familiar with every
court case that's out there. So that's what I have and I thank you for foring me. >> You want to mention the radius? >> The turning radius. >> Oh yeah, I'm sorry. Um turning radius over here. I did sketch in here a culdeac. Um that does not exist as it's shown.
However, it's based upon the information that DA was able to provide to me from the Westport Fire Department. The uh fire department recommends a minimum turning radius for the vehicles of 30 feet within the limits of that gravel
roadway. I can fit a radius that's 33 ft which exceeds the minimum requirement. I know that's a concern for emergency vehicles. So, I thought it's worthwhile mentioning. I I think I don't want to disturb your train of thought, but I thought that the fire department said
that they would like 35 ft, but the requirement in our bylaws was only 30. >> So, I confirmed with um Lieutenant News and I sent him the plans and he sent back the standard that they used asking for 30 feet. So, we got the approval from him.
Great. [clears throat] >> And I just want to note that the plan shown here is a slight revision uh showing the 33 foot radius. I believe that the printed out ones from your packet show a slightly smaller radius of 30 ft. >> Okay.
So, this little side road, that's the road to nowhere, right? Road to nowhere. And the land that's over here is APR, >> correct? It's five miles. >> And what is the owner of all the walls
proposing to do with the walls? >> He'd like to leave them there. They're not um they're very ornate walls. Uh they're not just, you know, fill stone walls. You have granite And here it is on the side, too. >> So, all the the fancy walls in the
middle are just like an island. I think that's a walkway in the middle. >> Guardian looking at the garden. >> It's a garden. Yeah. But the red in the middle is are not walls. >> It's a brick walkway. You correct? >> It's a walkway.
>> It's a nice It's a brick walkway through the whole garden. >> Yeah. [clears throat] >> With a wall around it like a horseshoe. >> Mhm. So planners, have you been able to find anything in the in the ANR handbook to
>> Yeah, sure. So ANR handbook, I reviewed this as an ANR. When it comes to um frontage, the logs on the plan, they front on CIS farm lane, which has been um recorded in the registry of deeds and delineated on plan
book 10430. Um, and then they also meet the minimum frontage requirements, the proposed lot 2 will have frontage of 150.96 and lot one remaining in compliance with over 150 ft of frontage. Um, when it comes to access to the buildable lot, so
this stone wall is erected in the private roads rightway and in addition um, the rightway is being used for vehicle and boat storage. The fire department has stated that they need a 30ft radius for turnaround and staff recommends that the boats and vehicles be removed from the road right away to remove potential obstructions to access
the lots. Um and then both the lots one and proposed lot to meet um the zoning bylaw intensity regulations. So there was nothing specific >> without taking down the stone walls. Is that what you're [clears throat] saying? >> Right. Right. >> So there was nothing specific. I went to the site um again recommend maybe moving
the vehicles and boats out of the right of way but um that ANR it does meet the ANR requirements. >> So uh the the plans this this is a ANR plan or proposed ANR plan. >> So the subdivision plan
doesn't show the culdeac. The subdivision plan does show the culde-sac >> in exactly the same spot or is or is Greg fit it so that it fits within the walls?
>> No. Um >> in this plan >> Greg it he's he's fit it with the walls. The walls. Yeah. >> Mr. Chair, could I jump in just for one second for a clarification point? My
name is Jonathan Sulerstein. I'm council for the applicant. So, just to clarify, the layout of the culde-sac and the road is shown on the subdivision plan. What's not shown is any sort of road construction detail. So, what you might
be used to seeing is the layout of the road, but obviously you don't pave the entire 40 foot layout, right? So, and it's not unusual for people to have gardens and fences and things within the portion of the layout that isn't
actually paved. And what's unusual here is that the original approved subdivision only had basically the the outlines of the layout and uh didn't designate how much
actual construction how wide the paved road would be and the portion of the culdeac right ofway that would be finished. So really, I think what we're proposing here is to correct that.
Um, make sure that there's actually on the ground adequate and safe turning radius for the fire department. And as is often the case, maybe here a little more Nate, people often will put things
within because it looks like your yard, right, when it's in front of your house. And I think that's really what happened here. So, um, just wanted to clarify the culde-sac was definitely shown on the subdivision. It just didn't say how much of it had to be constructed. >> Okay. So, is this is sis lane? I've
driven by it a million times, but I've never really paid attention to it. Is it a private way? >> Yes, it is. >> Is it paved or or gravel? >> Gravel. >> Yes, sir. >> And how many houses on it, do you know? >> Um, originally I did. Originally there
were like 22 23 proposed and it's been reduced because of reduction areas like this the wetland what have you there probably about 15 >> I mean >> but on this culdeac [clears throat] spur it's only I think a couple right >> oh on this particular culde-sac it's
just two >> and uh system lane has two sections or Just one. I mean, is it is there another spur offic? >> Um, you might be able to see it over here. Can you bring that
>> over here? Can we zoom around? >> Assistant farm lane comes up here for this assistant Brook Lane continues up this way and this way. Both these addresses are susp There's another address on here called Sis Hill Lane. I'm not sure exactly what that's all
about. [clears throat] >> Okay. So, the whole thing is gravel. >> Yes. >> Um I don't know what the law was in 1980 when it was approved, but it's uh today it would have to be a
paved road because it's more than five four or six houses on it. And um part of what we have to determine is uh is it is there safe access for
>> ANR because it's another it means there's how many houses are in system like that once you do One that's our first road. 1 2 3 4 7 8 9
10 11 is this access system farm lane over here which goes to a house at front road. So 11 12 13 14 Do you know if there's a homeowners association? >> I believe there is. Yes.
>> Yes. >> And they pay for the snow plowing and >> Yeah. paid for everything. We did a bunch of work to the uh dirt road last year ago. >> Yeah. >> So, okay. So,
any questions? [clears throat] Um just an observation that I guess this is part of the original or the Sison farm is you know the oldest property or farm in one of them in the town
>> possibly. >> Yeah I think part this was from here and down to the river was part of his when he migrated from >> yeah the original >> what was it little comp came across and >> you know wanted to
get away from all the activity in Little Compton. >> Was it kicked out of Little Compton? >> Probably. >> But uh so it has historic connotation. I mean, the the land is uh and I I hope there's no historic stone walls that
will be disturbed in the I mean, this is not part of the ANR, but just a comment that when they do go to build a house on that lot, it'll be in the woods, I guess, here. >> Correct. >> That there there are no historic walls. It be nice to respect pick up down over
here, Mark. >> What's that? The wall actually picks up down around here. Okay. And runs right across Drift Road and into my front yard. You can see it with the whole thing. >> But um >> but nothing inside that >> uh block two that you know of. >> Nope.
>> I do know your snowplow guy. Russ has worked for my family for years. Wonderful guy. Russ Alivera, right? I'm not in quite sure. This last snowstorm, we had a bunch of people. >> Yeah. Well, [laughter] he does blow it. I
>> had to come get out. >> But anyway, >> neither [clears throat] here nor there if if it complies here. Um, in terms of frontage, I think it's a good point about the adequacy of the road. >> We're also going to be taking all of the
stuff that's in the front with us if this gets approved into our property. All the boats, anything that's in the front is going to be brought with us onto our property. >> And your property is what? The one on the right. >> I live at CS Farm, the original house
right now. >> And I would, if we this gets approved, I'll be living on the right. >> Oh. And and so you you'd move the boats over to the right. >> Everything would be everything would be coming onto our property. Nothing would be on the road. >> Yeah.
So, so this arm, it's confusing uh with what's Sison Farm Lane and what's Sis Hill Lane and so on, but this arm that comes off of Sis Farm Lane just serves two houses or it will serve three houses.
>> Three houses. That's correct. and you can get the proper radius >> um without taking down that uh northern stone wall. >> I can get I can get a 33 ft radius in there.
>> Yeah. >> Well, it's not a historic stone wall, but it will be at some point. >> Yeah. It's uh we shipped in all the stone from Connecticut from some farm. >> Yeah, I know. It's a nice looking wall.
Nice looking wall. [clears throat] >> And uh the arm that comes towards you on the bottom, is that to give the the lot with the house enough area or is are
>> Yes. behavior. >> Yeah. To make that 50,000 lot. >> So, uh the two main lots there and then is there a third lot that's on the left and the on
the west and the south? >> This. >> No, that just two lots. >> Yeah. This is the lot that we're with the house on it. >> Gotcha. Okay. Just two lots. Yeah. Okay.
>> What? I don't see. >> And the this spur to the left. Who owns that? >> What >> of the the roadway layout? >> Yeah. >> That would just be owned by the
association. I mean, I I've seen this a million times. Yeah, >> back in the day, everyone thought it'd be a good idea to show that in case a subdivision goes in on the property next door. >> Probably before that was subject to an APR.
>> And so boards would make subdivision applicants put in those spurs to allow for connectivity >> someday if it ever came about. So no one ever obviously you don't want to see it constructed until and unless that happens, it's never going to happen. So
it's just a layout. >> Yeah. So if if if this was approved in 1980 uh and really wasn't constructed up to snuff um
or even required to be I don't know why. Um does the association really own the road? it it would I mean I I don't have the association documents but
either there's an association that owns the fee in the road or if none was ever set up that way then every property owner under the derelict fee statute would own to the center line along their frontage >> where their right to pass >> subject to everyone else's right to pass
and repass >> and they're just contributing to the association to to make sure And I'm just thinking that perhaps you got to do a minor modification to the subdivision and get rid of that thing
>> because >> So the only problem with that is we would have to have every property owner in the sub the original subdivision sign on which is >> I mean it'd be great because then that
land would devolve to our client, >> right? But it would be sort of a pretty big effort to really erase a line on paper that doesn't mean a whole lot. Um, >> but it's just woods now, right?
>> Yes. >> I mean, it's only on paper that that >> exactly >> exists. Otherwise, it's just part of the landscape. >> Exactly. The the only real significance is they don't get to count it as lot area, >> right? Um, but other than that, it
really doesn't change anything. >> It appears that some of these lots uh could be further subdivided though, especially the one just to the north, the number eight, Sison Farm Lane.
>> Are you talking right here? Uh, >> yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That's even though it only shows a small area, it's all wet. >> Oh, >> yeah. And that's why I believe it was I mean I've definitely seen a plan that showed a road coming through here
>> has the curves and it was abandoned because there's nothing >> any more comments for the planner? >> No. Well, we don't have any concerns with our proposal. Okay, I don't see any problem. So,
>> do you have any more questions for us? >> Thanks for coming to us in advance. >> Appreciate your time. >> I really appreciate it cuz if there were a problem, it would be a real problem. >> Yeah, I didn't want to come in with a clock chicken cuz that chicken becomes a bomb. >> No, thank you very much for coming in advance. Makes things a lot easier.
>> Okay. So, if that's set, then I'll just review the plan and present it as a form there. Yeah, we have a meeting next week on Tuesday, too. So, >> what's up? >> We have a meeting next week on Tuesday, too. So, get it to us by Friday. >> Okay.
>> Thank you all. Appreciate it. >> Okay. Next is the pre-application consultation file number 26-02 PAC request by Michael Donovan to discuss a proposed special permit for
flexible frontage in a common driveway at 96 Forge Road map 28 lot 2H. >> Yes. How are you? >> Good. Could you identify yourself and your address? Michael Dunovan 96 Ford.
[clears throat] So I recently purchased this this piece of property and I'm here very informally to see what my options are. I
my goal on this property being that it's two [clears throat] 200 ft of furnish. What I would like to do is put a driveway in somewhere over here and
would like to see if there would be a possibility that the town would allow for two lots back here >> behind the house. So, make it into three lots. >> Right. Right. I know it doesn't meet um
I spoke to Michael briefly about it. I know it doesn't meet the acreage. Um, it would be my son is going to live in this house once we finish rehabbing it and then the plan is to use this eventually as a
rental and he's going to build a house back here and his brother's going to build a house back here. That's that's our goal. Um, so I just before I invest any money or you know surveying engineering, I
figured best thing to do would be to come to the board and just get opinions. >> Well, it it looks like the neighboring lots either side of your lot are half acre, >> right?
And I have I can't do the calculation in my mind, but if if you did a half acre there, uh that would that would leave probably two building lots.
If we could figure out how to do that, you'd need you'd need relief from the zoning board of appeals, >> right? But um to me and you know we we don't have the
ability to grant this to you but if you made the front lot like the other lots >> exactly >> so they fit in the neighborhood >> there are >> and [clears throat] have a driveway to the south. >> Mhm.
>> That could access the two lots in the back. >> Right. Um, but as they've told you, our current bylaw doesn't allow you to do that. [laughter] So, >> right. >> So, the the concept I mean, it's I I don't
think any of us are opposed to the concept. I mean, it fits in with the character of the area, but I think the key with the zoning board of appeals is to show that there's some sort of hardship that's not the bylaw itself. And I think by dividing the lots up, what they're going to say is, well,
you've created this hardship. You're the one who created an undevelopable lot. I think that's probably how they'd weigh in on it. So, we've said you could do another single family house with two and each could have an accessory dwelling unit. Um, you could do a duplex and each
could have an accessory drawing unit, but just the way the bylaw works, the three single family home lots, just >> Yeah. And I'm just thinking about the the new housing law in Massachusetts is trying to
create more housing opportunities. And this is one >> um I think we should have and this isn't going to help you immediately but I think we should have some form based
zoning that if it fits in the neighborhood. Well, that that was somewhat what my thoughts too that you know because of the area of Westport that it's in and
all the surrounding lots are so small and this actually has some very nice granite stone walls, many in this small area. I roughly figured it if we left
all the stone walls and pretty [clears throat] much took the wall that's back here and used it as a bound, you know, a boundary. >> Y >> it would leave the original house. I believe it was 3/4 about 3/4 of an
acre. >> And that's what your plan shows. But >> yeah, >> that doesn't give you enough room for the two ones in the back to meet zoning. >> Right. Not under the acre [clears throat] and a half each. >> Right. Right.
>> And you don't have enough area to do flexible frontage. >> Right. >> Because that requires five acres. >> So you've got >> Okay. Three >> three something >> 3.5. Uh, so you
we're trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. It just >> doesn't fit. But John, >> I two uh comments. One, I I did a lot of uh variance applications when I was
working in New Bedford and >> Mhm. >> if someone opposes a variance, it's hard to get because of what Michael said. There are four things you've got to prove. One of them is a hardship, >> right? >> And you're creating your own hardship.
>> No, it's not a hardship by any means. >> If someone opposes you, then you're not going to get the variance. It the way you get variances is nobody opposes you and everyone's for it. And then a zoning board can say, "Well,
everyone's for this. We'll grant it." even though it might not be technically legal. Now, I don't know whether that works in practicality. The other thing I I think is important and I totally agree with what our chairman said about
formbbased zoning. I I was shocked that the New Bedford City Council passed uh a modification to their zoning to allow uh just what you're talking about, form based zoning, which is you can grant
something that's uh less than than uh the acreage or the square footage >> if it fits in with an neighborhood. And that's the key that it fits in with the neighborhood. And as the chairman said, well, this is all a bunch of
halfacre lots. >> So creating something that is not [clears throat] uh dilitterious to the neighborhood. It fits in with the neighborhood. And so I think that [snorts] uh what we might you might do one thing,
which is to make sure that all your neighbors think this is a great idea so that they're standing with you. That was a question when you said about about people >> objecting to a variant. So basically it would be the neighbors. >> Yeah. >> That would have to
>> Yeah. So have them, you know, explain it [clears throat] to them, >> right? >> You're in a neighborhood. That means you have neighbors and neighbors are people who care for each other, >> right? >> You do the brothers get along. Are they going to want to live sometimes? Yeah. >> You know how that goes. And uh and then
I think uh we might say uh to uh the staff that it would be good to draft such a a zoning modification. Um and we know that's going to take a
long time because you got to draft it, you got to work with the zoning board, then you got to go to town meeting and all that. But I think if the zoning board knew that this is a direction in which we want to move this formbbased
zoning, then I think that might help them say, well, we're not there yet, but this is consistent with the direction we want to go in. It's another reason to grant the the varian. So you know >> we are we are talking about this with the route six project
>> and this area is within the project study area. >> Of course you're always having >> always. >> So and formbbased actually I just said on our call we had we had a project update call yesterday and I was like oh it sounds like we might need some
formbbased code based on the feedback we're getting from the surveying and community engagement. >> Um >> like [clears throat] you said that takes a town meeting vote. So the earliest something like that would come about would be May 2027. Um and that would require a twothirds
vote. >> So it's a pretty [clears throat] >> right >> all zoning changes are pretty tough, >> right? >> But that's so you know if you wanted to try your hand with the ZBA um you could also carry in your back pocket that maybe there's some reasonzoning articles
that would come forth later next year. >> So the how how big is the house this year? How many bedrooms? >> Three. >> Three. >> Yep. It um when I purchased it, it needed a septic. I already have the plans designed to prove. So that's
>> Just make sure you put the septic. >> Yep. >> So it doesn't >> in a place that isn't going to screw. Yeah. >> So it doesn't interrupt. Yep. Exactly. [laughter] No, I appreciate that. >> So because with three bedrooms, you need
30,000 square ft of area of the lot, >> right? If we're going to create a new lot that is compliant with D's code, >> okay, >> it's got to be 30,000 square feet. >> Okay. >> Uh it's not our [clears throat] regulation. It's just
>> the amount of square footage you need per bedroom is 10,000 square ft. >> Yep. >> So, and if you can fit it on something that would be more akin to the half acre than the 83 acres, >> um >> Right.
>> I think [snorts] That's about 30,000 square feet, isn't it? >> No, the the uh >> 8.6. >> Yeah, I mean that was just a very rough >> if you use a an IIA, an innovative
alternative system, you can get below that 10,000 square foot threshold. I would talk to the board of health before doing anything like that because I you know I don't know what the [snorts] the you know uh I'm not an expert in the title five regulations but I've talked
to board of health about this and that is a possibility. So it's something to consider as well. >> So it it's it's fine if you have an existing lot to create a new lot that isn't compliant somehow with that kind of regulation,
>> right? is is something that you might do. You might fix up the house and then go to try to get an occupancy permit and they say, "You don't have enough space." >> Right. >> Right. Right. Right. [clears throat]
>> All right. So So it sounds like my next step if I did want to pursue this would be to go to zoning >> with all the neighbors >> with Well, I bring them all. >> Yeah. Bring them all. Get a van. >> There you go.
>> All right. >> That would require an application in a variance. >> So one 60,000 square ft I think is 1.38 acres. So you're very close on the top lot to
being a compliant lot. >> On the bottom one, the road is probably taking up the extra space. Um, >> but if I could decrease the size of the front lot a little bit, >> it' be
>> Well, you said you wanted that bound to be the stone wall though, right? >> I just think it would be a nice idea. I mean, the house is it's >> I think the house is around 1870. Old house. Nice. You know, these are these are pretty neat little old barns and the way the walls are.
>> Yeah. >> Just for that wall to stay. No, I would keep it there with >> this. >> Move it up from the south or whatever. This is south the bottom. >> Mhm. >> Um, a little bit. >> Yep.
>> Somehow. >> But what about Marissa Lane? Is that a traveled way? Could you >> It's access from that side. >> I don't From what I've been told, I
guess it can be used. The measurement can be used as frontage. >> Yeah. >> But from what I can tell, it's basically a driveway. It's a paved driveway for >> this house back here. >> I see. >> Yeah. It's a it's a private road. Yeah.
[clears throat] But and I don't know if they would have rights to access through there, but the way frontage is defined in our bylaw, you can pick up frontage on such a situation like that where you may it's just that it has to be a way in
accordance with the subdivision control law or a way that existed before >> the subdivision control law. And so it's a way that exists. They can pick up frontage there even though they may not be able to use it. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And have you checked to make sure that there's no
>> wetlands or issues like that? >> Yep. >> Those two lots that you're trying to create would not be impacted. >> No, it's actually very flat, very simple, straightforward. It's just field, no trees, no nothing. It's it's a
pretty, you know, >> dry dry basic lot. You know, >> I agree with what Mr. the bullet said about if you're going to go for a variance, you have to get the neighbors uh to agree and ideally have them write
letters to submit to the plan to the zoning board of appeal. >> So in writing they have a stack of letters in support >> because if they can't find that it's a hardship >> but they can find that it's not a detriment to the neighborhood
>> then you're very likely to get approval. I mean, that's one of the the yard sticks they use. So, >> Right. Right. Right. >> It'll help you. I just the only per I've spoken to this >> this person over here and >> but I've never I haven't spoken to any
of these people but we we were just small talking and because this is commercial >> all this is commercial property you know I told him what my thoughts were and he said well I'd rather see two houses in either corner than a big steel building or somebody's construction company or
there's >> whereabouts on Forge Road is Well, if you um >> where where's the dam? >> The other side. The other side of 177. >> This is um the north side. So, Route Six
is right. >> Yeah. >> Up there. Yeah. >> Up over here. >> Okay. >> So, >> so you're you're >> Yeah. It's pretty much I mean it's all commercial but it's >> there's one newer big steel building >> right >> down over here
>> but pretty and then there's a body shop but that's way back you can't see it. So >> and the big car lot is up to the right. >> Yeah up here. So neighborwise, I guess if they were
proposed two little houses or a big ugly steel building, maybe they would side with the two houses. >> I don't know what your timeline is, but if you're going to be before you use the house, you're going to be fixing it up. >> Yeah, we're in the process now. Maybe you just do that
and keep in touch with us at the planning board and see how if we're making any progress towards bringing this to town meeting next year, >> right? >> And then you don't have to go to the zoning board.
>> Mhm. Well, you may you you may want to go to the zoning board anyway because if you do get it through there, you can go a little quicker. >> Right. Right. Right. Right. I mean, worst [clears throat] case, if it
doesn't fly, you know, worst case is we'll probably end up putting one, you know, make it, you know, split the whole place up into two lots. But um >> well, if it doesn't fly, that's one option. The other option is
we're going to move in the direction, >> right, >> of trying to make this allowable >> and it would be waiting until it is allowable, >> right? >> And then you could do what your plan is, >> right? >> So you'd have two options. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. So if you if you do submit
something to the ZBA, you can reach out to our office and we can give you some materials to give to the ZBA showing that that's this is the direction we're headed for town meeting next year. >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> So not a huge hurry, but it may be worth
trying to get the ball rolling instead of waiting until May 2027 and then get it rolling. Maybe it'll be worth approaching the zoning board. >> Mr. Mr. Chair, what I'm thinking about um as staff is already doing this uh to
be helpful in this situation is to make a motion [clears throat] uh asking the staff to work with the zoning board uh to u for the purpose of um creating
places for uh increased housing without detracting from the neighborhood. neighborhood asking the staff to work with the zoning board uh in the direction of formbbased zoning. And that way uh if if you'd accept a
motion like that and it passes, then you can also say to the zoning board there's an official motion to to do this, right? >> Yeah. >> What do you think? >> I would I would love a motion. >> All right. So my my motion is in the
interest of trying to create more buildable lots to meet the housing shortage but in doing it in a way that uh enhances the neighborhood and doesn't detract from the neighborhood. I would
move that we ask the staff to work with the zoning board of appeals to prepare um a bylaw change that would allow for formbbased uh zoning in uh uh
I don't know if we want it in selected neighborhoods or just in Westport. >> Westport. >> Yeah, Westport. >> Yes. >> So that's a motion. >> Second. >> Any more discussion? Don't see any. All those in favor? I
>> I appreciate that. Maybe that's a little a little step forward. >> Save that. >> Yeah. >> And $8 will get you a cup of coffee. [laughter] >> All right. I do have a question for the board, just kind of a general discussion item. Um, as to whether or not you feel
that he would need to create the lots in order to have standing to bring a variance to the ZBA because without the lots existing, >> well, they're not a decision. >> There's no variance to grant
on those lots. You you follow. Maybe you could work with them to kind of scope out maybe maybe this one or something similar >> what you think would be compatible with what we're thinking about form based
zoning. >> Well, I'm not I'm not saying for the form based zoning. I'm saying to bring a variance case to the ZBA. >> No, I understand. But he's got to have some direction on what what >> he could do with zone. maybe he could do with the zoning board
what he's doing with us which is I want to come and talk to you guys before I make final decisions. And so if he goes to the zoning board saying if I were to create this lot line, you know, what do you think uh would be the odds of
getting the variance [clears throat] and I've got all the neighbors with me, you know, and they brought coffee and donuts and everything and they're all for it. >> It wouldn't hurt to ask the last time that would suggest or someone has reached out to them was the um
>> 40B up off of Sanford Road. Yeah. Behind um Portoas, the Portuguese restaurant. >> Yeah. >> And uh you remember when um it was David Olivera brought that to the board to the planning board. Um anyway, they he approached them first and they said, "No, we won't
>> won't do it unless you do actually." >> So you have to you have to they and then they referred it to the planning board because we do have the pre-application process. So, um I'm >> okay. >> You can ask, but I'm not sure they'll >> I think you could say that you've been [clears throat] to the pre-application
process and uh the planning board has indicated under current law you need a zoning relief. >> Mhm. >> But that they are supportive of doing what you want to do because we're going
down the path formbased zoning >> and we don't want to waste your time. Can we just come in and talk? >> Right. >> I mean, >> right. >> I can't speak for them, but >> but to hire a hire a surveyor and
>> get it all split up. >> Right. Right. >> For them to say, "Not a chance." >> That's what I was trying That's what I was trying to avoid. And that's why I I figured this would be a good first step just to >> Yeah. get a feel for, >> you know, maybe there's a shot or no
way. And >> tell them to bring donuts. >> Yes. And the neighbors. [laughter] >> Donuts and neighbors. >> All right. Well, I appreciate you taking the time and um I think it's worth pursuing. So, I'll uh >> All right. Stay in touch.
>> Try to make the next steps. All right. Thank you very much. Yeah. >> Could take him to breakfast at Lexi Lu's. It's >> right down the street. >> Right down the street. [laughter] >> All right. Thanks again. >> Thank you. >> Take care.
>> The next thing is Francis Estates file number 24-037C- SPA-LID return consultant review fees to Ron Alivea. Y so for Francis Estates um the
ownership changed a new person named Matthew Batello is um is taking over the ownership from Ron Olivera. So Matt Patel's already deposited his consultant review fees. So now we're just returning Ron's back to him.
>> So does he actually own it? >> The um official like trans Yeah supposed to happen in March. >> Yeah. What is the amount of those fees roughly, you know? >> Probably.
>> Yeah, I think around,000 bucks. Yeah. >> It's not like a year. >> Yeah. >> Like how much? >> About,000. >> Around $1,000. >> So, I entertain a motion to return. >> Mr. Chair, I move to return the unused consult fees
for Francis Estates uh to Ron Alivera. Second. All those in favor? >> I I >> Thank you. >> Now we're coming into a very short planner.
>> Stacy, >> there's one more on the >> Yes. >> agenda. Do we need to do that before the planners report? >> Where is Stacy? >> I don't see it. I see it on the agenda. I don't see it on on the staff report now.
>> Are we doing Stacy Lane? >> Yes. So, um the shy for Stafacy Lane, just a reminder, was released November 2025. This is part of the roadway acceptance process before it goes to the select board. We just need to sign and date the roadway layout, which I've laid out here, and then I'll bring it to the
select board. The next steps would be um submitting to the selection's office and then they'll file the layout with the town clerk 7 days before annual town meeting. Um and then if the majority vote at ATM accepts the roadway, then the town clerk and select board will sign as well. >> All right. So you don't need a motion on
that. We just need to sign it before we leave. >> Yes, please. Thank you. >> So we don't need to have a a vote to support it. >> Okay. All right. planners reports.
>> There's a lot on there. I'll be quick. Um, we h I haven't done a planner report since January 13th, actually. It's our last meeting >> was the public hearing and we've had three canceled meetings. So, there's a lot to to go over.
Um in I think it was in February I submitted a mass trails application for continuing the engineering of the WAP Wata connector um shared use trail. So this is the shared use trail that'll extend the
Cricut River Rail Trail. And this is a $18,000 request to Mass Trails to complete the engineering design to 25%. It's a one-year grant request. We're going to um reapply to this next year
after we get or no not next year, the following year after we get um annual town meeting 2027 CPC funds aligned for match and then we'll take that to a 100% design and that'll get us advanced a lot
further through the tip than uh just waiting for the the TIP engineering process to to move forward. So, um, and then in the meantime, the Cross Westport project that Mass Trail has funded that will connect this project all the way to
New Bedford, that RFP is going out um sometime this month or beginning of April and that's all being done through Serpent and the South Coast bikeway lines. So, >> okay. Looking forward to >> So, the what type of connector can you describe where it go comes from? goes
too. >> Yeah, it's a,000 It's about a,200 foot long shared use trail that goes from the um Fall River line uh right off of Route Six. Um there's an abandoned rail right
ofway that is >> right on the lake. >> Yeah, right right on the pond. And then that goes behind the commercial building >> um there and kind of connects over to Old Bedford Road. And as a part of the
design, there will be a pedestrian island in the center of Route Six, which Mass DOT's approved of conceptually. Um, along with a signalized pedestrian crossing, so an ondemand light that would do make a red light for safer
crossing >> at that that point. And then that's where that part of the project stops where the South Coast Bikeway Alliance will pick it up is designing the section that'll go around Old Bedford Road to
Sanford Road. And then they're going to have a segment that will extend from Sanford Road down to Route Six as well. >> Okay. So, it's going to go around the hotels.
>> Yes. to the north >> to the north up to >> on Bedford whatever that is. >> And uh it'll cross Route Six right in front of Whites. >> Yes.
>> On the Fall River side of Whites. >> On the Fall River side of Whites. No, it's it's it's old Bedford Road in in Westport. So it's the No Crossing Route Six. Yeah.
>> On which side of whites? The west side or the east side of whites? >> It's the Let me p the river. >> I think there is the west side, but
there's a road on the east side. >> Okay. So it's it's east of Whites. >> East of Whites. >> Yeah. >> Where there's a road, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Right. >> No, it doesn't go down the covered up railroad track in between
the two hotels. >> It does does not I mean that that is something that might get explored through the Serpent and South Coast Bikeway Alliance project. I think that would be the ideal
path. >> Yeah. >> But the property owner um does not want the last time I've heard um about it, they don't want the liability and they don't like the
aesthetic of having the >> go >> shared use path going in between the properties. >> They don't own it. >> They they lease it. >> They lease it. >> Yeah. Right. >> That's how they're able to cover it up. >> Right.
>> So, this 108,000 is just for this 1,200 foot long section. >> Yes. >> And it's for you only said it covers only doesn't get 100% design. It gets what' you say 50. >> It's a 25%. >> 25%.
>> Yeah. So part of the reason for the cost is that through the um encouragement of the prior town administrator as well as in the public engagement process, folks wanted to see
the boardwalk option represented. So it was an opportunity to for the town to build on a public access point to the south with Tuppa Pond um on off of that boardwalk sometime in the future.
Yeah, it still means we're going to spend they're going to spend over nearly half a million dollars 400,000 to do this 1,200 design just design it not build it. >> It's it's it's a spot that's I think
challenging because of its rate on the banks of the Wata pond. Um, we're trying to fund this almost completely through grant funds as well as the transportation improvement program. So,
the the town hasn't contributed much um aside from grant match. >> Yeah. No, I wasn't worried too much about what the town's contribution is. I'm just thinking of the overall and does that impact your chances of getting a getting the grant because somebody might look at this and say that's a lot
of money for them. >> It's a fair point. It is the only point of access to the Fall River Quicoan River Rail Trail which is a part of the South Coast Greenway. It's the only
point of access east to west of the planned South Coast Greenway. So this is where it has to go. >> Yeah. >> So the state knows that this is a high priority connection despite the expense. Um otherwise you'd have to route a bike
path all the way around um the bio reserve in Fall River and North Puba Pond in order to link back up somewhere else in Fall River. So, >> you know, I think it's a good a good
thing to do and I appreciate you continuing to follow this. Um, that location where the boardwalk would go on the other side of the industrial buildings right on the shore used to be
public access >> in boats. You could you could take the trolley from Fall River and go row on a boat >> in the pond. You know, if you think of this bike path from
wherever it begins to the Cape Cod Canal as a chain, uh if you're missing a link, you don't have a chain. And so this has been over the years a case of adding
links, adding links, adding links. But until you get the last link, you don't have a chain. And and so as you get closer, your point is Yeah. Well, th this is close closer to the last link cuz it's really uh complicated.
>> Right. Right. Yeah. The the network is supposed to continue into Rhode Island, actually continue out towards the East Bay bike path. >> Yeah. >> Um and then on the other side go all the way to Province Town,
>> which would be the end of it. But So some of this is shared use and some of it is just bicycling. >> So shared use is um biking, walking, not exclusive, but there it's completely
removed from the road. A friend was showing me who's visiting Egypt, the highways in Cairo with cars going 50 m an hour and bicycles in the same lane as the cars going 50
miles an hour. I guess that's a good way to shrink your bicycle population, but separating seems to be a good idea. >> Yeah. Yeah. We're the the goal for the um South Coast Bikeway Serpent bike path
that'll go from Westport to New Bedford is to keep it off road to the greatest extent possible just because that's naturally where most people are going to feel comfortable. Um there's some you know probably I think
it's something like 25 30% of folks are okay riding on the road and then there's some people who are you know kind of your biking warrior types who will bike down Route Six. We have a colleague we're working with Serpent who's he's like yeah I'll bike down Route Six which
I think to me is would be very intimidating and for basically 99% people. >> But you bike down Route Six and get in >> Yeah. Exactly. Exactly. So, yeah, we're trying to keep it off road to the greatest extent possible.
>> Okay. >> All right. Just wanted to go over our ECO onetop grant applications that we're submitting next week. Um, we're submitting one for the master plan. It'll be a $54,800
grant proposal. probably sounds a little low and that's because it's only for the sections of the plan that relate to natural resources. Um the more environmental oriented sections of the plan. So the
remaining plan portions we're intending to fund through the community onetop for growth program. That'll probably be closer to about a $100,000 grant request to um round out the entire funding process for a two-year planning process
on the master plan. >> When would we solicit? Uh I assume we'd be going for one consultant to help us through the whole process. >> Yeah, I would like to work with Serpent.
Um that's kind of the assumption right now is that we will work with them just because they've been so involved in many of our other planning processes that >> it kind of seems to make sense that there's some synergy there because they won't have to do all of the background
research. So there would be some cost savings. >> So they'd be the consultant. >> That's the intent right now. >> I mean Wow. Okay. Cool. >> All right. We're submitting one an application for the a continuation of
the barrier beach projects. This will be specifically for Atlantic Avenue and Beach Avenue. And what we're looking at doing is proposing um an adaptive management framework for Beach Avenue and Atlantic Avenue. And
we'll have two different priorities represented in that. Um, one is the better management vehicle circulation and parking um with improved signage and wayfinding because we have issues with people backing into dunes,
driving on the dunes. We've heard moving stones around um that are meant to keep people from driving on the dunes in the first place. So, um that's one component of it. And then the second is to develop a managed retreat strategy to identify the
circumstances or events that would trigger the need for managed retreat um and legal procedures for going through the roadway discontinuence process and then looking at how we can reinvision that public space so we're not just you
know giving up the public space. We still want to have that public access. Um, but if there's, you know, a major 100-year storm, what is, you know, what's our plan if something like that happens? >> How much are you apply asking for
>> that one? We haven't finished the budget yet. >> Um, >> is it the same focus for both Atlantic and Beach Avenue or? >> Yes, >> this is Okay. >> Yeah. I mean, the parking issues are a Beach
Avenue thing versus Atlantic Avenue, but the um kind of municipal drawback process, that's the same concept for both of them. >> Um, next is a >> and so just as a information, how about
East Beach? We're not doing anything here. East Beach has a different set of stakeholders and and uses that I don't think is um is the right approach for that area right now. Um in our public proceedings, some of the
feedback we've received about Atlantic Avenue and Beach Avenue is, hey, why is the town continuing to maintain these places um when these dunes, which have accreted significantly over the years, want to roll over the road? basically.
And you just don't have the same sort of land forms at East Beach, >> right? >> Um, and you also have a lot of more >> consistent recreational use in those areas. Um, with folks having their trailers there in the summer, you don't have that same sort of stakeholder
group. Um, it's mostly people just doing passive recreation in those areas. So, a little bit different set of circumstances. Um, we are proposing a grant to continue engineering at the Angeline Brook and Cornell Road culvert. So, this is
something I've been talking about with you all for probably like two years now. Um, but this will continue um the engineering work at the Angeline Brook and Cornell Road culvert to bring it to 100% engineering. Um, as you all
know, it's at this culvert's at risk of failing and it doesn't allow for adequate passage of sea run brook trout in addition to other different species of um migratory uh fish. So, um we're looking to
probably develop a bottomless culvert here, I think, is the direction that that we're headed. Um then there's another culvert replacement at the River Road Cockis Pond Herring Run Culver and this would just be a
study and the study we're proposing is to look at replacing that culvert because it's undersized and doesn't allow for passage of herring in Naki's pond. It also doesn't allow for adequate tidal flushing of the pond. the the pond
um accumulates a lot of nitrogen which can cause algel blooms. And so um the thought is is if there's better tidal flushing of the pond, it can help restore some of the natural state of the pond by getting some of that nitrogen
out of the pond. So for this Oh, and then we're going to do a a hydraological analysis um of the the herring run itself in order to start looking at a a culvert design. It'll just be a conceptual
culvert design. It won't be, you know, won't advance anything towards any won't move things towards any more advanced engineering. Um this is anticipated to cost about $158,000. >> Okay. So, I I bumped into Brad Chase, as
I told you. >> Mhm. >> Who is the Southeastern guy for marine fisheries. >> Yeah. He's he's the head of their diadermis fish program, >> right? >> Yeah. and we're talking about he was
very much in favor of replacing the existing culbert with a bottomless >> culvert. >> But he said uh don't let uh the highway talk you into doing a stream crossing
bottomless culvert >> because it's too big. >> Mhm. It needs to be modest in size so that there's enough water going through and not spread out too far. >> Highway meaning DOT or >> DOT. >> Okay. Okay.
>> Because they're the ones who >> Well, if we're going to look to them for money, they're going to say we got to put a bridge in. >> So, just just beware. um he would be supportive of helping to convince those
other people that it's not what they need. >> Right. Well, and if you have a culvert versus a bridge, that's going to keep cost down, too. >> Yeah. >> And lastly is a hydraological study of the head of Westport. This is something I applied for last year and we we took
the scope and um we were going to advance some engineering design and I think where we're at now especially with the roll back of federal grant funds this is going to be really competitive this year and so we wanted to just narrow the focus down to doing a MVP
type of study. So going to do a a hydraological analysis of the surrounding area um around the head of Westport for the storm water and title contributions to the flood risks of this area and then just have a conceptual
alternatives analysis. Um that's something that Wood's whole group is is working with us on. And >> that's a be a snap grant. >> This would be MVP. >> MVP. Yep. So that's those are the five
applications we've been working on. None of these require any sort of town cash match because we're considered a rural community in the review process. So we're contributing
I don't know where the remaining cash match um it's just going to be a small five grand cash match that will probably contribute to one of these projects. I haven't decided which one it'll go into just yet, but we are contributing some
substantial inkind services particularly for the master planning one. Um, but Dia and I are always uh involved in all the public engagement processes and project meetings. So that that helps you know uh drive up some of that in kind
contribution which looks better in terms of community buyin and support for the for the grant. Um but that is to say that you know there's there's not a lot of town financial contribution or direct town financial contribution going into
these projects because we are a small town. So that's how we were able to get so many applications in this year. All right. So I'll move on to the route six neighborhood plan. Um, I talked about this a little bit earlier with the the pre-application meeting, but the
surveying and community engagement, um, it's giving us an indication that people kind of like the look of a New England style rural village or a coastal architectural approach, design approach to new construction. and then having the
kind of classic village of buildings oriented towards the street, a little bit closer to the street with sidewalks, street trees, things of that nature. And and and people were really responsive towards um senior housing and having cottage cluster developments. Those are
all things that I think we've been especially cottage clusters talking about um introducing some zoning articles for that. So, um, we'll be moving forward with some public engagement later to to come up with, uh,
to try to refined the refine the v vision of the Route 6 neighborhood plan. Um, present that to people to see if we've got, you know, if it's on the mark or not. Um, for our village center plan, we kicked this off with Serpent last month.
I don't have really any substantive updates just because right now they're doing the initial literature zoning review and parcel analysis for this, but we're going to be looking at having more context specific zoning in the town's
village historic village centers. So, um something a lot of people have been talking about and our couple planning um board candidates are also talking about that. So I think we'll get some traction going when we uh start doing the public
engagement for that project. Ju >> just to go back to Route Six for a second. >> Sure. >> How did people feel about what could be done with Route Six itself in terms of you know does it do they want to see
um you bring up traffic calming here for head of Westport. I think devices like that narrower uh you know separation of bike road bike lanes from travel lanes vehicles >> um more stop lights or or no no stop
lights, >> you know, how do how do people feel about that whole corridor in terms of the traffic flow? >> Yeah, I mean we we were more oriented towards bike and pedestrian um use of the Route 6 corridor which people would
like to do. Um, and that would if you're investing in that sort of infrastructure in that corridor, that would warrant changes in the way the traffic flows. And so there was a um that kind of confirmed some of the work that Serpent
has done in this space. They had a um did some public engagement for Route 6 alternative analysis a couple of years ago looking at um not just Westport but Dartmouth section of Route Six. And from
that public engagement they were looking the the preferences that they heard from the community was to narrow the travel have slower speeds. I guess not necessarily narrow the travel lanes, but that's one of the ways you can achieve that is having um people would like to
see slower speeds through there because it's kind of an aggressive traffic flow. Um having and having kind of more buffer from the road for bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
>> Yeah. Of course, it's complicated by the fact it's a state road, right? >> Right. Right. Yeah, >> through that state. >> I don't last time I talked to someone from DOT, they uh didn't really have an indication of what direction they were
planning on going with that project. So, um the region's done its due diligence and giving a recommendation and it, you know, we'll wait to see what they come up with. I think a lot of the success of creating any kind of uh you know neighborhoods off of that art main
artery depends on how that >> oh yeah >> is handled how it's redesigned. >> Absolutely. Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, even the the zoning piece that we're we're talking about, if you want people to actually take advantage
of the way the buildings are masked and and oriented towards the street and you have that infrastructure, but if you have people going by at 60 miles an hour, who's going to want to get out and walk in that sort of environment? So, I think I think if the zoning goes
in in place, that'll give DOT even more urgency to make their own changes um to the way that the road network works. So, speaking of traffic calming, um we were selected for a mass DOT local early
and actionable planning um technical assistance award for the head of Westport. So, we're working with DOT and TEC Engineering to develop traffic calming recommendations um for the head of Westport. And we're
doing two things with the analysis. We want to have some lowcost, easily deployable solutions that we can implement now that can prevent potential loss of life be or injury in a in a
crash um before we go and search for funds for a more permanent solution. Um, I think also having a implementing it as a pilot um is good so we can say to the community, hey, we're testing this. This
isn't, you know, we're not moving forward with a particular design, but we want to see what works um in this area because when we go out and measure how fast some people are going through there, almost everyone's going above the speed limit.
And we have people going 50 60 miles an hour through the corridor on a on a regular basis. And with businesses and parks and the school, well, I guess the schools are uphill, it's really the issue is at the bottom of the hill, but with the business and the parks and um you know, there's the post office there.
It's just that's a a dangerous situation for people to get out of their cars and walk around, >> especially the store because a lot of people park on the street and walk to the store, open their car doors. into the traffic.
>> Um, and the only way to to do it is to put in some comm. >> Well, if the hydraology study shows that the road's going to flood right there, that'll calm the traffic quite a bit.
>> Well, we could stop fixing the pothole soon. >> It'll be good for that kayak rental. All these things are kind of pieces of a larger puzzle of of making um of kind of creating more of a a destination out of
that had a H had a Westport. So leaning into the small business community that relies on tourism. So we're looking at potentially um storm water improvements that could be used as public space or public education. We're looking at the resoning piece that um will support the
small business community. and then slowing down the traffic. Again, to Mark's point, people are speeding through a place that's supposed to be walkable. You're not really going to want to hang out there. So, it's all kind of one pieces of a different, you know, different pieces of things that, I
think, make a more vibrant neighborhood. And >> there's a bunch of BRBOs right in that. So, it's an attractive >> place. Yeah. Yeah. >> All right. So, a report out on a meeting
Jim had with myself and the highway department at in Little Compton. We met with their interim town administrator and some of their council members to talk about our resoning initiative in Adamsville, which they're very supportive of that. Um, but then they
wanted to talk to us in turn about um traffic calming through Adamsville because it's similar sort of situation. Um, as the head of Westport you have traffic coming down the hill into Adamsville and there's speeding issues
um because of that and also Little Compton is saying to us they would like for easier pedestrian access between the two village kind of village areas. You know, you have the the offices and some smaller retail on the Westport side and
then you have um the businesses that'll hopefully have new life here in the near future. um on the little Compton side. And so they'd like to see some pedestrian connectivity between both sides of Adamsville um that's separated
from the road. And the the pinch point there is really the bridge. Um there's really there's no real shoulder there. Um it's a tight squeeze for a pedestrian. Um let alone someone who may be in a wheelchair. I don't think anyone
would even try to do that because it's just probably not really that safe of a situation to do that. So, they were just kind of spitballing some ideas of can we maybe have a pedestrian, you know, kind of like a shared use path between the
two villages? Can we get a sidewalk on? Um, so that's something that I think we'll explore once my my, you know, I get a little bit more time after these grants get get submitted. We're We don't I don't believe we I'm going to
look into whether or not we need to do some traffic calming. I think the last time there or excuse me um some traffic counting in the area. I think the last time it was done by Mass DOT was I think it was 2022 or 2023. So it's relatively
recent. Um problem with it being a corridor that splits a state line. you have to coordinate with the Rhode Island statewide division of planning to try to figure out what they can do on their side. So there's kind of multiple it's
not even just >> different municipalities having to coordinate different states. So we'll try to get something. >> They say if there was a plan for reopening the barn >> they would love for that to be reopened but I don't think >> there's no >> prospect
>> in in Simmons. Um, but I I think it was a good meeting. I think it was the first time that Westport and Little Compton had ever gotten together [laughter] to talk about anything. Um, so you know, I think it's a
possibility and I do know people flying down the hill from Rob's garage around the corner are flying. And in Little Compton in Adamsville,
I've been stopped by the police three times already. my wife twice. >> Jeez. >> Because the the the the speed goes from 40 and coming the other way. 40 and 10.
>> Oh, yeah. >> And then all of a sudden you turn around the corner, it's 25. >> Right. Right. >> And also coming down the hill from Old Stone Church, it's the same way. You're flying down the hill and all of a sudden there's 25 and it seems like they're
creeping >> Mhm. down through there. Uh but they do a pretty good job of policing policing it. >> Well, you think of the village centers at four corners in Little Compton and in
Westport, the town center as really nice energy generators. And if you thought about how are those two places connected, >> it goes right through uh that area, >> right? uh at graves etc.
>> And so that whole corridor is kind of interesting to think about. Uh is there much travel back and forth between four corners and Westport Center? >> There is. I mean most people shop at le. >> Yeah. >> Right.
>> And you know all the construction that there is every year I think maybe some year it'll stop but it never does. comes through there. It goes right right around the pond in Adamsville. >> All the big heavy trucks. >> Yeah.
>> And so one of the council people suggested putting a canal levered walkway along the pond to get get people out of the roadway because that roadway is on the dam.
That's what holds the water back to the ponds. So >> yeah, >> maybe we could apply for a joint grant. >> Have to be a federal grant, but
>> yeah, I mean it's something something to look at. I mean, I'm it sounds like I mean Mass Trails is a potential um potential lead on the Massachusetts side. It's just the there's the challenge of trying to coordinate the different state agencies and grant
programs and do the timings align and but we'll work on it. It was a good first conversation. Okay. An update on our budget. The finance committee reviewed our budget
with a slight um increase of $3,000 to accommodate GIS licenses for GIS Pro, which is the new platform for uh mapping software because Arc Map,
which is what we currently use, is no longer supported by the parent company. So, it will stop working eventually. Um, so we're basically forced to upgrade and they were supportive of the amendment and they didn't express any other concerns about our budget. So, um, I
believe that's what's going to be recommended to town meeting. >> All right. and our I went to the select board a couple I think it was last month to apply to the housing choice designation program which they did
approve the request to apply to it. Um, and what this program is, it's essentially an a rewards program for communities that have achieved both a certain percentage of housing growth um, within the town and then they have a
certain number of prohousing policies in place. And so I went through our housing data and the various policies that they list out and we were eligible. So I submitted an application to it. It will give us exclusive access to the housing
choice grant program. So, we're not competing against all the communities in the Commonwealth. It's just the communities that have been accepted to the program. And it's a very flexible program, too. Um, it's not just housing. It's been used for infrastructure. So,
um, I think that's a great opportunity. It also if we're accepted we'll be allowed to ask up for a million dollars from the Seapport Economic Council grant and that's with no grant match. So normally it's that's a 20% grant match I
believe. Um so that's really awesome for looking at upgrading the town landings and then we get bonus points from other grant programs just for having the designation. So I mean figure may as well take advantage of it. It's something that we can get accepted to.
So if we do, it's good for five years. And then just wanted to note a couple of upcoming public engagement events are we're tableabling for the barrier beach plan at the Eyes on Owls event on March 21st. So that's this Saturday. There are
two different events or two different sessions of it. It's from 10, one's at 10 a.m., one's at 1 pm. And if you do want to go, tickets are required. Um but we'll be there with Woods Hole Group and um we meaning myself and Dia as well as
Woods Hole Group um just being available to answer questions about the barrier beach management plans. Then on March 28th, we're going to have a community workshop for the Route 6 plan. This will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It'll be
in the Westport Library. Um, and this is a Saturday >> from 10:00 a.m. to 2 pm. It'll be openhouse style like the last community event. So, um, as I said earlier, the main point of the event is to to ask
attendees if we translated the results from the community engagement, um, into the correct concepts for the the Route Six plan and future zoning recommendations. So, will there be more graphics like you had before? But
>> Yep. Yeah. >> Now, >> we'll be taking some of the the concepts from the community engagement processes and doing some like mockup renderings of what that could look like in the in the
corridor. >> Good. >> And then lastly is an outreach event for um some some work we're doing with the SNEP network on salt marshes. So this is
on April 27th which is a Monday at 6 pm in the library and ma mass autobon is going to be facilitating anformational session um as sponsored or they'll be mass and sponsored by the watershed
alliance are going to facilitate anformational session on um the town's salt marshes. You have anything you want to add to that? It'll be a technical presentation and discussion um a after um massabon has applied their salt mars
restoration framework to westport to to identify high priority areas to um restore. So yeah the they are going to carry out that analysis. We're meeting with them in the next couple weeks. So I said I think they said by the end of March that framework should be ready. So in the next two months they'll be
working on that and be presenting it at this April 27th. So hope to see you all there. >> Good. That's exciting. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, which office of Mass Island are you working with? >> Sarah Grady, but I'm forgetting which um
>> Yeah, I can't remember. >> Yeah, she uh I'll look it up right now. >> Not in Dartmouth. >> I'm not sure. While Dia is looking that up, um, the original impetus, her email
signature just says mass auto. So, I don't know. >> She's like the she's their senior coastal ecologist. So, I I think she might be a little more across the state. >> Yeah. >> I think we're primarily looking at the Salt Marsh Islands. So, I think the one
that we would look at with the >> that has the most um >> potential >> the most potential for any uh habitat restoration is Big Graham Island. >> Um but what they're also going to look at some of the fringe marshes as well.
>> Yeah, Big Graham Island is the one that right above Horsene Neck. It's like a big kind of circle and then like Taber Point is right here on the east. >> Yep. And the let is here. So, it's like right at the mouth where the mouth hits the water.
>> That's that. I'm done. >> Yes, I am as well. >> No assistant planners report. >> He took everything. >> He took everything. >> You've done a lot, Michael. Really? Both of you have. I mean, >> this guy, >> he's it's a lot of a lot of work putting
these grants together, grant proposals. to keep them all straight. >> Let let me add though uh DIA is working with Jeff Kent on the climate resilience report and on we met what last week.
>> Yeah. On the 12th >> and I think that report is getting towards 50% written or so. >> It's working. It's on its way. I maybe we're on the 40. So the between Jeff and Dia, you know, progress gets made all
the time and uh I haven't had a chance to read it, but you just sent out something to the >> subcommittee chairs uh so that they can get to work on some rankings. >> Y >> and uh we've also got
>> uh good submission from UMass Dart. So uh good progress. So D is selling herself. Sure. She's got stuff and her report is there. >> Well, and >> it's true. Actually, >> one thing that um since she's been here
for a year now, we I've been having her start to work on more long range planning stuff. So, she's been managing the the work that we've been coordinating with, well, I shouldn't say we really that she's been coordinating with Mass Autobond for this salt marsh
study. >> So, she's getting her feet wet with the project management. He's been here longer than a year. >> Yeah. Year and some change now. >> Yeah. >> Year. >> Can't use that excuse anymore. [laughter] >> I'm here to say. >> So,
uh I I think with the three of you working, uh it's just amazing. >> Yeah. >> What we're doing. >> Um so, >> thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh correspondence. >> Any correspondence.
>> No. >> Do you want a motion on the minutes? >> Please. Uh I went through the uh minutes which was the uh extended meeting on all of the proposals on zoning
>> and um so there's a lot in there and it's a great record in terms of when it gets presented to town meeting of a concise summary of each of the recommendations and what we thought about it and all the unanimous votes. So
I think that uh um in including the uh withdrawal of scenic roads or tableabling of it. So I I think the minutes are excellent reflect what happened. I would move approval of the minutes
>> of uh February 10th, right? >> February 10th. >> Yeah. I second that and and want to comment too that I thought the uh particularly the handling of the the recording of the minutes of our
discussion on the scenic road bylaw was particularly adept and diplomatic [laughter] but accurate. So good job. I I listened to someone describe someone as a diplomat
and they said a diplomat is someone who tells you to go to hell and you're looking forward to the trip. [laughter] >> That's good. >> That's That's really good. All right. If there's nothing else, I entertain a motion to we have other
business done. >> And what's this adjournment? We're jour. >> All in favor?