The Planning Commission will be taking up the matter of a change in zoning to the old ski hill at their next meeting. This change in zoning will precede site approval for a proposed 10,000 sq ft medical office building on the site.
Now is the time to express any concern you may have about the change in use of this recreation area. (If the zoning change is approved, there will also be 2 select board meetings for open public discussion)
The following is an excerpt of the minutes of the June 13th PC meeting. (Please note Leslie Matthews was present as a member of the Northfield Conservation Commission)
"Recreational Zoning: Leslie Matthews expressed concern about the potential for development of Paine Mountain. The Conservation Commission’s mission is to conserve natural resources. Paine Mountain is a key to Northfield's character and identity. Also, she states that the Town Plan opposes housing development on Paine Mountain.
Fitzhugh explained that the Recreation zone as it currently exists is spot zoning, and that the Town Plan indicates that development should be on existing infrastructure. Fitzhugh comments that the proposed Medical Center would be good for the community.
Existing zones and contemplation of changes is discussed, including only changing the base of the Norwich ski hill.
Ms. Matthews is bothered by the slippery slope of changing zoning districts to accommodate development.
Jeffrey moved to amend the zoning bylaw by rezoning that portion of the Norwich University parcel currently zoned Recreation by drawing a line from the eastern tip of Richard Olson’s property northeasterly to the southeast corner of the Urban Residential zone and assigning the area to the west of that line to the Urban Residential district consistent with the zoning district of the adjacent properties; Beal seconded the motion.
The motion passed 4-0-0.
The Commission directed the ZA {Zoning Administrator] to draft a new Report on this zoning change, and to include the information that this change might allow a potential location for a medical facility which would benefit the community. "
For further background information, minutes to the May and June Planning Commission meetings are available here http://www.northfield-vt.gov/text/Meeting%20Minutes/2013/pc_minutes.htm
I have been following this situation closely. The Planning Commission has been in the process of rezoning all areas of the town and village. The first suggestion made by the PC to accomodate Norwich, EF Wall, and CVMC in moving toward approval of the project was to put the old ski hill on a fast track for a zoning change.
According to Michelle Braun, zoning administrator, the PC decided to change all recreation area zoning districts to residential A, rather than just the Paine Mountain area. I understood her to say that to change the zoning to just that particular parcel concerned would be spot zoning.
In the June minutes, it can be seen that the decision was made to change the zoning for just that parcel. It remains to be seen why this is not considered spot zoning.
I would like to see this entire process go forward with transparency and thoughtfulness. I also feel that those that live in Northfield and those that use the recreation area have a right to be informed and to express their opinions on the matter.
Finally, there is no mention of this building on Norwich University's 10 year Master Plan presented to the town, just a proposed student lodge.
If you are inclined, please share this information. If you are unable to attend this meeting, there will be further opportunity for you to comment. or go to the town website for contact information for our town representatives and officials.
thank you.