Planning Board Meeting: September 3, 2025

Attendance

• Planning Board Members present in-person: John Mirick, Corey Burnham-Howard,
  Larry DeBlois, Scott Peoples and Alternate Members Ann
  O’Connor and Ryan O’Meara
• Planning Board Members present, remote: none
• Planning Board Members absent: Ian Catlow
• Other Participation, in person: none
• Other Participation, remote: none

Call to Order

7:30 PM

By-Law Amendments Approved at Annual Town Meeting

The Attorney General has reviewed and approved Article 24 (conversion of single-family
dwellings) adopted at the May Annual Town Meeting but has extended the review
period for 30 days for Article 25 (MBTA high density zoning overlay district) and
requested information concerning the Town’s zoning map.

Bomba Proposed ANR Subdivision for Westminster Road

John has heard nothing further from Attorney Silverstein or Mr. Votrubo concerning the
proposed ANR subdivision on Westminster Road.

Possible Revised Amendment for Common Driveway Criteria

John circulated a new draft (9/2/25) with the minor edits discussed on August 6. With
those edits, the revised amendment is ready for a public hearing in early 2026 in
preparation for the May 2026 Annual Town Meeting.

Public Comment

No one appeared.

Review and Approve Minutes for August 6, 2025 Meeting

MOTION to approve minutes
Motion: Larry DeBlois; second Corey Burnham-Howard
Vote: 4-0
Board Member Ian Catlow was absent

Discussion of Possible Topics for Coming Year

The Board discussed possible topics, including both actions which the Board could take
on its own initiative as well as possible amendments to the zoning by-laws which would
require Town Meeting action. John observed that the Town in 2025 is very different
from the Town in 1957 when the zoning by-laws were adopted, Possible topics
discussed included:

Home Businesses

Additional types of business could be allowed by special permit with safeguards to preserve rural residential neighborhoods.

Site Plan Review

Some criteria could be more specific.

Earth Removal

More specificity could be considered, such as the type of revegetation.

Battery Storage

There has been lots of media coverage about potential for fires and contamination. Our zoning by-laws require only site plan approval, with nothing specifically addressing fires or contamination.

East Princeton Village Overlay District

The East Princeton residents resisted village overlay districting in 2015. With the closure of the Town Line Garage and the uncertain future of Mechanics Hall, it might be time to explore the concept again.

Scenic Roads

In 2008, the Town established Rural Preservation Overlay Districts. This could be expanded/revised to designate scenic roads and require site plan approval for new construction.

Outdoor Lighting

This is addressed only when site plan approval is required, and then only to require downward and inward directed lighting. Outdoor lighting affects neighbors and neighborhoods. A zoning by-law could establish general standards as well as specificity in site plan approval.

Kennels

It is not clear if a commercial kennel is allowed in a residential/agricultural zone. There has been lots of media coverage about prevalence of pets, which in turn will require veterinarian services and kennels. This could be allowed by special permit on a sufficiently large parcel.

Business Zoning

The Town might explore designating additional areas zoned for business.

Board and Public Input

In deciding on projects to pursue, the Board needs input from other Town boards and committees, and from residents

Updating Guidelines and FAQs on Website

Particularly for residents who are acting on their own, or simply exploring possibilities, we could provide more information on our website.

Community Preservation Act

This has had lukewarm receptions when previously raised. It could be tied to specific uses, such as recreational fields. This is not a zoning by-law but Board could support a proposal rather than sponsor a proposal.

The Board will consider at future meeting(s) which topics to pursue. There is a meeting
of all Board and Committee Chairs scheduled for October 1 at which John and Corey
will raise the concept of public meetings to solicit input on possible topics.

Next Meeting

September 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm. Initially, this will be a joint public hearing with the
Zoning Board of Appeals on a side yard setback variance (ZBA) and earth removal
special permit (PB) for the public safety building. A regular public meeting will follow the
public hearing.

Meeting adjourned

approximately 8:15 PM

Documents Reviewed

• 9/2/25 Draft of possible substitute language for common driveway design criteria applied to pre-existing common driveways
• Draft minutes for 8/6/25 Meeting