Minutes June 23, 2003 PB

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TOWN OF CANTON
PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES OF MEETING
WILLIAMS ESTATE
PLEASANT STREET
JUNE 23, 2003

Members present: David Merrigan, Chairman, Peter Pineo, Vice Chairman, Jeremy Comeau, Clerk, Dean
Miller and George Jenkins.

7:00 P.M.

UPDATE WITH ROGER NICHOLAS AND FRANK KEEFE RE: INTERIM HOUSING
CERTIFICATION; ADD A-LANE RTE. 95/93/RTE. 128 UPDATE

Mr. Keefe is here tonight to convey to the Board what is happening with the Interim Housing Plan. At the last
meeting with the Master Plan Committee, it was voted upon unanimously. Mr. Comeau was also at that
meeting and spoke to the Board in that if the Planning Board approves this it will be sent to the State and can
be used against the 40-B applications before them. There were many residences at that meeting against the
40-B application and in favor of this plan. Mr. Merrigan feels this is a recent development, and if it helps us
that is good. It may be a too little, too late. The State has to act on this, and the 40-B applications may have to
be acted on by then. Mr. Keefe suggested that the land owned by the Town, could be a developed site is
Waldwell St. off Pleasant St. A decision would have to be made by the Board of Selectmen. If we certify a
housing plan by the State, we will be bound by their terms. That is something that we should be concerned
about. He feels that a Public Hearing should be made before a decision is made. Jill Hayes stated that we
can modify that when we make the Master Plan. If this is approved as written, and then the Master Plan is
done and we decide to modify that, then the Master Plan will become the certified housing plan. This plan
before you, will be the certified housing plan, until the Master Plan is finished. That would be in December.
We should also consider if the State Legislature reduces the affordable count. If by submitting this plan, are
we than obligated to be at 10% as a Town.

Mr. Comeau commented on the Hospital School in that they are out.
Mr. Miller feels that in terms of a housing strategy it is lacking. It only addresses the issue of 40-B and how we
handle that. There is nothing in the document that states when the document will no longer be interim, or
when it will go of date, or that it will be assumed under the Master Plan. Therefore, he is reluctant to do
anything with this document. He stills thinks it is not a housing strategy, but an attempt to fend off 40-B. The
State will see that. He would like more discussion in this on other issues on housing.

Mr. Keefe stated that the housing element of the Master Plan is going to address a lot of other elements not
expressed there.
Mr. Merrigan feels that it will help us more than hurt us and is in favor of it.
Upon a motion made by Mr. Comeau and seconded by Mr. Merrigan, the Board voted to send a
favorable of the Interim Housing Strategy Plan submitted by Mr. Keefe. Voted 4-1 in favor. Mr. Miller
opposed.

7:15 P.M.

DESIGN REVIEW GUIDELINE COMMENTS-HEIDI SAMOKAR, MAPC

Revised guidelines were passed out by Ms. Samokar based on the meeting two weeks ago. Input also from
the Design Review Board will be incorporated. The changes were explained to the Board and she requested
that the Board take the revised version home to look at. Any comments should be made to the chairman or
her. The cover is being worked on. At the next meeting she hopes the Board will approve the document.

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