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TOWN OF ROCHESTER Link to Town Board Meetings
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Link to Town Board Meetings |
September 28, 2005 LAND USE PLAN COMMITTEE 6:30 P.M.
Brian Wanasek (chairperson) called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with Bob Willard, Pat Hurley, Chris Johnson, Chuck Haubrich, Chris Denman, Dennis Crombie, Dean Stapleton and Mike Weinkauf present.
Betty Novy, secretary, was also present.
Chris Johnson moved, 2nd by Pat Hurley to approve minutes of August 18, 2005 meeting of the Land Use Plan Committee. Motion carried.
Continued discussion on revising density and green space requirements in the Rural Density classification: “A Land Use Plan for the Town and Village of Rochester: 2020”
Rural Density Development Options.
Through discussion, two rural density options were identified for development of those lands identified as such in the Land Use Plan:
1. Five-acre average density with a maximum lot depth to width requirement (2.5:1); or
2. Three-acre average density if:
· the proposed development meets the current definition of a cluster subdivision; or · the proposed development maintains 50 percent open space by the use of building envelopes, deed restrictions or outlots.
Open space definitions, objectives and requirements.
Several open space concepts were discussed by committee members. The open space definition presented by Bob Willard was read as follows:
Open space definition. Open space is defined as one or more out lots (separate tax parcels) in a subdivision, with undeveloped land that has been deed restricted or protected by conservation easement from development. A deed restricted or conservation easement protected outlot may be owned by one person or multiple people in common. The total number of open space out lots allowed is equal to or less than 10% of the total lots in the subdivision.
Open space is maintained for the preservation, restoration, and management of agricultural, environmental, or historic features.
Open space shall be substantially free of structures, but may contain historic structures and/ or recreation and/or agricultural facilities approved by the municipality.”
Further clarification of open space intent and requirements were made by other committee members as follows:
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Agricultural Lands
§ Environmental Corridor
§ Natural Features
§ Areas that support local wildlife
§ Outlots or building envelopes are to be configured in such a way as to enhance the appearance of open space.
§ Open space is to be contiguous and should not be achieved through attaching additional acreage to each individual parcel through the use of outlots, although to a certain percentage of created parcels this may be allowed.
Brian directed Committee members to come to the next meeting with their own Intent Statement and Definition of Open Space.
Period for Public Comment:
Buzz Hurley, 411 N. Browns Lake Road, questioned who will compensate the developer for 50% of the land that can’t be sold. Response was given that the 50% open space will be sold as part of a larger lot. Buzz still did not feel the developer will be compensated and commented that the Town is now getting into the businesses of placing houses on lots.
Howard Zabler, 222 N. Maple, stated he was glad to see a break in the circular motion of the committee. As a land owner, he sees any zoning as a restriction and the Land Use Plan is simply another set of rules we have to live by. He commented we are all subject to many rules. He feels the committee just needs to come to some conclusion.
Mike Weinkauf stated his concern as property rights. He doesn’t like to see government tell landowners where to build their house or what kind of car they can drive. He believes in the system we have because of the freedoms have. He does not feel government should take any value or rights away from large property owners.
Rhoda Runzheimer stated she did not understand how the Land Use Plan is taking property rights or value away. She feels that is not true and that we do need laws. She also feels people on the committee should be focused on the community instead of their own biases. She stated this is not new territory and there is no need to recreate the wheel. She felt someone should called in that has an unbiased overall approach, an expert. Response was such that experts in this field also have biases.
Pat Hurley stated the committee consists of all different types of land owners and that variety is needed in order to get everyone’s opinions. The committee is formed by a variety of people who care about this community.
Rhoda feels the committee should be of one mind, that is what is best for the community as a whole.
Dennis Crombie stated there are a variety of rights affected by the Land Use Plan and that the Committee has been working on big decisions because they care.
The next committee meeting was set for October 27th at 6:30 p.m.
Brian reiterated everyone’s assignment for the next meeting: to define open space and provide an open space intent statement that gives strong guidance.
Pat Hurley moved, 2nd by Dean Stapleton to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted:
Betty J. Novy, CMC Secretary
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