Hinesburg’s Meadow Mist project includes sidewalk construction

by Margery Sharp

Alan Norris attended the Selectboard meeting on Monday, April 6 to discuss the Development Review Board’s (DRB) required building of a sidewalk to connect his planned Rte. 116 west housing project, Meadow Mist, to the sidewalk at Hinesburg Community School.

Norris offered to pay 20 percent of the sidewalk cost. A section of the sidewalk will run through his development but a public use easement has been granted.

A motion passed directing the town administrator to find a grant to fund the town’s share of the cost.

John E. Adams, Vermont Department of Housing/Community Development Coordinator, spoke to the selectmen to explain how the current Village and Residential 2 zoning areas might become Neighborhood Development Areas. The Norris project borders the Village Zone.

He said Hinesburg is one of Vermont’s largest village centers. A designated 1/4 mile of area encircling Hinesburg’s center could be reconfigured to become a Neighborhood Development Area. Adams said this change could benefit both community and future developers. No action was taken.

Water issues

Selectman Phil Pouech indicated that he was surprised the issue of amending the wastewater capacity allocation ordinance discussed March 30 was listed on the agenda for consideration as a motion.

Three enclosures describing the motion were: 1) moratorium on new wastewater allocations, 2) wastewater capacity allocation ordinance and 3) revised water/wastewater capacity and land use timeline. The board supported the motion which is effective 60 days from date of adoption (April 6, 2015) and is in place for one year. Member Tom Ayer noted the moratorium affects all applicants.

The board voted to warn a public hearing on proposed revisions to stormwater regulations discussed at the March 16 Selectboard meeting. The hearing is May 4, at 7pm in the Town Hall.

A motion was passed to ask Hinesburg’s Director of Planning/Zoning Alex Weinhagen to write a letter of commitment supporting the Lewis Creek Association’s intent to write a grant to explore funding to deal with issues connected with the LaPlatte Watershed. Organization members include Charlotte, Shelburne, Hinesburg, and Williston.

Other business

The board was asked to support the irrevocable offers of dedication of the Green Street Affordable Housing Project described in 1) the DRB’s decision, the irrevocable offers and association articles and 2) the Green Street site maps describing the conveyance of water and wastewater lines and a 25-foot wide walking path/VAST trail easement. The board supported the request.

The board appointed Mike Loner, a Creekside resident, as Hinesburg’s public representative to the Champlain Housing Trust Board. This is a dual role for Loner since he already is a board director. In an earlier email to the board, Loner wrote, “Housing is a critical issue in Hinesburg…and young families in our area are in need of high quality affordable housing.”

The board reappointed Ed Waite as Town Forest Fire Warden.

The summer board meetings will be held Thursdays at 7pm beginning May 7 and 21 and on June 4 and 18, July 2 and 16, Aug. 6 and 20.