March 16, 2005

Agenda: The Town of Stratham, Planning Board conducted a Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 16, 2005, at 7:00 p.m., at the Stratham Town Hall, 10 Bunker Hill Avenue, Stratham, NH to consider the following:

New Business: Application Acceptance & Public Hearing:

Map 2 Lot 48-2 – Application for Amended Subdivision Plan for Linwood & Nancy Wickett located at 2 Erik Way.

Map 18 Lot 45 – Application for condex conversion – for Bruce Delle Chiaie, located at 178 & 180 Winnicutt Road.

Other Business:

Presentation by the Rockingham Planning Commission on the Stratham 2004 Build-Out Analysis

Requested meeting with Mark Stevens

Acceptance of Approved Zoning Amendments

Members Present: Acting Chairman Tim Mason, Frank Catapano, Marty Wool, Janet Johnson, and Town Planner, Charles (Chuck) Grassie. Mary Jane Werner arrived late to the meeting.

Map 2 Lot 48-2 – Application for Amended Subdivision Plan for Linwood & Nancy Wickett located at 2 Erik Way:

Mr. Mason informed the audience that this applicant asked for a continuance to the May 18, 2005 meeting. Mr. Grassie indicated that he had received a phone call from the applicant’s attorney this afternoon. The applicant’s attorney had gotten a phone call from a new attorney for one of the abutter’s who had indicated that he would protest if a continuation was not granted so he could familiarize himself with this matter. The applicant’s attorney faxed a letter to Mr. Grassie requesting a continuance to May 18, 2005. Mr. Mason asked Mr. Federico and Mr. Catapano to act as voting members this evening. There was a question from the audience on what this application was about. Mr. Grassie explained that reason for this application. Mr. Catapano made a motion to continue the application for amended subdivision plan for Linwood and Nancy Wickett, Map 2, Lot 48-2 to May 18, 2005. Mr. Federico seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Other:

Mr. Mason informed the audience that Mark Stevens will not be present this evening. Mr. Stevens will contact Mr. Grassie to request another time to come in to meet with the Board.

Map 18 Lot 45 – Application for condex conversion – for Bruce Delle Chiaie, located at 178 & 180 Winnicutt Road:

Bruce Delle Chiaie was present to represent himself. He noted that the houses on this lot had been built as duplexes. In order to convert to a condex, he has submitted the necessary floor plans, and condominium documents. Mr. Grassie noted that under Stratham’s Zoning Ordinance condominium conversions are treated as subdivisions. He described what had been provided. After a brief discussion, Ms. Johnson made a motion to approve the condex conversion plan for Map 18 Lot 45, 178 and 180 Winnicutt Road for Bruce Delle Chiaie. Mr. Catapano seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Other - continued:

Presentation by the Rockingham Planning Commission on the Stratham 2004 Build-Out Analysis:

David Wickliffe from the Rockingham Planning Commission explained that “build-out” means the point at which, under current zoning requirement, no more house lots may be created in a municipality. Mr. Wickliffe indicated that clusters were not included in this build-out analysis. He went on to explain how the analysis was performed. There was a discussion regarding this presentation. Mr. Wool asked why clusters were not included. He was told that clusters use very site specific soils information that allow you to know where units are. The soils information they used for this mapping don’t do that. There was additional discussion regarding clusters. Glen Greenwood from the Rockingham Planning Commission gave an additional build-out analysis presentation. Mr. Mason would like to have some maps printed out to put up on the wall. Mr. Mason asked how closely the town conforms to its Master Plan. Mr. Greenwood said that the existing and future land use sections are very good. He said they could certainly use updating because it is approximately seven/eight years old, but it doesn’t need a massive overhaul.

Acceptance of Approved Zoning Amendments:

The Board members signed off on the zoning amendments that were approved on March 8, 2004.

Other:

Mr. Grassie passed out some surveys from the University of New Hampshire for the Board members to complete and mail back to the University. Town Administrator Paul Deschaine stated that he had received an e-mail just before he was leaving for home this evening. He indicated that the e-mail was time sensitive. He informed the Board that the Conservation Commission, and the Ad-Hoc Open Space Subcommittee have been in protracted negotiations with the Scammans relative to potential conservation protection of their farm. Mr. Deschaine said they are still negotiating, with the Town’s ability to afford the price being the main factor. He indicated that the Town is applying for a grant from the Farm/Ranch Land Protection Program, which can fund up to 50% of the sale price. Mr. Deschaine stated that the application needs to be submitted prior to the Planning Board’s next meeting, so the Commission and Committee are asking for the Board’s support for this application, at tonight’s meeting, by having them sign a letter of support. He suggested that the Board should make a motion to authorize Mr. Mason to sign the letter of support. Mr. Catapano made a motion to authorize Mr. Mason to sign the letter in support of applying for the grant for the Farm/Ranch Land Protection Program on behalf of the Planning Board. Ms. Johnson seconded the motion. Brad Jones from the audience asked about some wording on the letter. There was a brief discussion regarding the wording. The motion to authorize Mr. Mason to sign the letter passed unanimously. Mr. Mason signed the letter.

Mr. Federico made a motion to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Mr. Catapano seconded the motion, which carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda A. Beaudoin

Secretary Stratham Planning Board