Planning Commission — 2021-12-13

The Planning Commission met December 13, 2021; Darren Brown chaired, Council President Kline swore in new member Mitchell Delaney, and the Commission approved prior meeting minutes with recorded votes. The main agenda item was a concept major subdivision/Planned Unit Development (Carter Farm, 408 Chesterfield Ave.) presented by Town Planner Chris Jakubiak and developer Ernie Sota of Green Development, Inc. Discussion covered using a PUD overlay on the existing Traditional Neighborhood Development zone, a requested Growth Allocation to change the property from a Limited Development Area (LDA) to an Intensely Developed Area (IDA), and next steps requiring a Planning Commission public hearing, findings to the Town Council, and State (Critical Area Commission) approvals. The developer described a conservation-oriented, walkable community with perimeter and internal trails, varied housing types including a multifamily building, a small commercial area, restoration of the Carter Farm house, and WaterSense water-efficiency measures. Town staff and the Town Attorney raised concerns about private ownership/maintenance of water and sewer infrastructure (HOA responsibility), assurance of funding and default mechanisms (liens/ Town enforcement), street design (20-foot vs. proposed 12-foot woonerf rights-of-way), eligibility for Highway User Funds, and a Fire Marshal requirement that a 20-foot right-of-way remain free of trees.