Notes from the Planning Board (PB), July 18, Hybrid meeting

Present:

Minutes approved as written
Report on transferring Lake and Pond Overlay District Bylaw permit process from PB to ConCom
1. ConCom discussed but did not take vote
2. Carmichael said the process was for ConCom to vote to accept; then public meeting and then place on Town Meeting warrant
3. Fletcher said there is a special Town meeting that might take place this summer or fall and perhaps this transfer could be added to that warrant
Sign Bylaw review
1. Sign bylaw was rewritten by a prior consultant but not accepted by PB
2. Fletcher wanted to "clean up the language"
3. Pitney wanted to give original bylaw, and the consultants suggested rewrite, and give to the new consultant. Pitney felt it was not important to "clean up language" but to add definitions — "what is a directional sign?" for example
4. There was discussion about space created by historic architecture and the façade detail. Can a sign fill the space even if it would then exceed the size allowed in the bylaw?
5. Are flags covered under the sign bylaw?
6. What about sandwich boards? Sandwich boards are considered temporary signs and therefore regulated but by the SB not PB
7. Several members agreed Lost Lamb exceeds sign bylaw by both size and number of signs.
8. During public comment, O'Brient said the area around Lost Lamb has become too congested. So congested that it obstructs pedestrians — signs, flags, sandwich board, many tables, etc

Meeting adjourned

Photo: Patrick White