Marion’s Master Plan Implementation Committee met on February 20 to discuss recent developments in the town and to talk about increasing its own profile.
Present were committee members Jack Boesen, Norm Hills, Steve Kokkins, Chris Collings, Nancy McFadden, Cindy Callow, and Kristen Saint Don-Campbell, along with Town Planner Gil Hilario and, on conference call, Jennifer Francis. Selectman John Waterman also contributed from outside the table.
Hilario reported having discussed getting information about the committee onto the town’s website.
It was reported that Planning Board Chairman Will Saltonstall expects up to 35 businesses to be represented at a March 18 gathering. In April, a more formal meeting will be held. Saltonstall’s focus is on business, but he wants to expand to community groups.
Hills said a recent grant had been received and that the committee should take a look at bylaws that “don’t do anything for us” and “reduce them to something that will work for us.”
The committee discussed zoning and housing, alluding to the condominium project at 78 Wareham Road along the Wewantic River that was brought before the Planning Board last week.
The conversation turned toward sewer capacity, as an adjacent project was recently pitched by the same landowner, one at 96 units that would include rentals and the other at 48 units to be sold at market rates. The 96-unit project, when complete, said Hills, will put the town over its 10-percent requirement for affordable housing.
The town’s septic system is moving closer to its capacity, and Hills says the new developments constructing their own septic systems would defeat the purpose because of their close proximity to the river.
Jennifer Francis, the former Planning Board member who started the Master Plan Implementation Committee and participated via conference call, encouraged the committee to involve itself in housing decisions.
“We need to do everything we can possibly do,” she said. “Nobody else is looking at the other elements of the Master Plan, and it’s time for us to assert ourselves on housing developments.”
Hills said work has begun on upgrading the Wastewater Treatment plant.
Marion is working with the Sippican Historical Society, which will offer a $500,000 match of funds to renovate the Town House. The town is also trying to raise $1 million in private funds.
Hilario asked the members to start thinking about a chairperson because a chair needs to drive a committee.
It was decided after discussion that the committee would meet on the second Thursday of the month, putting the next meeting at March 12.
Marion Master Plan Implementation Committee
By Mick Colageo