Planning Board Meeting - November 2, 2026
0:01 Um, I want to open the the Dartmouth Planning Board meeting of November 2nd, 2026. This is a virtual meeting. The planning board voted on it and um the governor has given us uh the ability to do this through June 30th, 2027.0:18 Roll call.0:19 Nick here. He Helio is not here today. Margaret here.0:27 Kevin I'll have to I'm going to call Kevin and Lori. Um so we do have we do have the um the meeting. Okay. So we're going to skip number one and we're going to go to approval not required.0:43 7 Coolage Street assesses map 133 lot 142. Dan, good evening. Um, this is an application for an approval not required plan for 7 Kage Street, also known as assessors map 133, lots 141 and 142. This was filed on the portal under application PNR PNR26-11.1:09 Um, these these two lots um existing are in the Bliss Corner Mixed Zoning District. Um, one of the lots as currently constituted um doesn't have the required frontage. So this is an ANR to create two lots that have the required frontage. So this would satisfy 1.101.8 of the subdivision regulation stating every lot to be created as frontage of the distance required by the zoning bylaw on a public street or street the1:36 town clerk certifies is maintained and used as a public street. Um so at this time I can recommend endorsement of this plan and if the board so chooses we have the myar in the office ready to go.1:50 Does the anyone on the board have any questions?1:56 Did Kevin come in?1:58 He did. His mic still here.2:01 Okay.2:02 Um, so anybody have any questions on the approval not required of Seven Coolage Street?2:10 Madam Chair, here no questions. I need a motion to approve the ANR for Southern Cooler Street Assesses Map 133, lot 142.2:22 So moved.2:23 Second.2:25 The motion was made by Margaret and seconded by Nick Sycopatis.2:32 Kevin Estes, yes.2:34 Nick Psychopatis, yes.2:37 Margaret, yes.2:39 And Laurian Miller, yes. Motion carries.2:42 We can now go back to number one. I need a motion to go into a public hearing mode.2:49 Motion made.2:53 Second.2:55 Motion for to go into a public hearing for 813 State Road was made by Nick Psychopatis and Kev. Seconded by Margaret.3:06 Ke Kevin Estes.3:07 Yes.3:08 Nick Psychopatis.3:10 Yes. Margaret, yes.3:12 Laurianne Miller, yes.3:15 Dan, you have the floor. You want to read this letter? They're making they're asking for it.3:19 Seems it seems like we're getting close, but two things on this that we'll be looking for. Um, one, um, we got a continuence letter request from the applicants engineer requesting a continuence from tonight's meeting to the meeting on on December 7th. Um so we the board could uh make a motion to continue the meeting to December 7th and return to the regular meeting but also because we are extending to December3:46 7th. The current deadline for the board to act is November 30th. So we also have an agreement to extend statutory deadlines for this filing till January 31st 2027. So we can also you can also make that motion. So you can make a motion to approve the um agreement to extend statutory deadlines and then um Miss Miller would just have to come in and sign it and a motion to continue the hearing till4:18 December 7th and return to the regular meeting.4:21 We need two motions. Let's do which one does it make any difference? I I would I would do the motion to extend the statutory deadline and then that way you can make a motion to continue it to December 7th and return to the meeting at the same meeting.4:36 Um Madame Chair, could I just ask a question?4:39 You certainly may. for everybody out there watching this um could somebody maybe planner explain why we keep extending this and it's no fault of the board because we get blamed for a lot of stuff and this is not our fault. So is it still because of the sewer system? Yes, but they but the applicant and his engineer did receive a letter within the past few days from the DPW um with their findings. The the DPW5:12 board voted to send a will serve letter.5:15 So they are they are in they have that letter in hand. So, um the engineer just to work has to work through a few of those plan revisions and um they just have to make the call on um you know if they're willing to to go along with those timelines. Um the the crux of the issue is just updating some of the pump um the lift stations on Route 6. Um so they have5:44 money in place for one and then they just got grant money um for the second one. So hopefully it's sooner rather than later. Um but they won't be able to tie into the sewer. They meaning the applicant won't be able to tie into the sewer until those upgrades are made.5:59 Thank you, Jen.6:02 Okay. What date do we extending this to?6:05 December 7th. So it'll give him a month.6:08 So hopefully we'll be able to get something in the next couple weeks. And that's for the for the hearing. What are we Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Um the extension is till of the statutory um deadline agreement to extend is to January 31st, 2027.6:25 31st, 2027.6:27 Yep.6:27 I need a motion on I need first I need a motion to extend it to January 31st, 2027.6:35 Moved.6:39 Second.6:42 So, I have a motion on the floor that was made by Kevin Estes and seconded by Nick. Did you second it?6:49 Correct.6:50 Nick.6:53 Kevin Estes.6:54 Yes.6:55 Nick.6:56 Yes.6:57 Margaret?6:58 Yes.6:59 Laurian? Yes. So, it's been extend extended, excuse me, to January 31st, 2027. Now, I'm going to need a motion on the floor to continue this this uh public hearing to December 7th, 2026, and we will return to our regular meeting.7:22 Motion made.7:24 Second.7:26 Motion was made by Nick, seconded by Margaret.7:30 Kevin, yes.7:32 Nick, yes.7:33 Margaret, yes. Laurianne. Yes.7:38 Okay, now we can go back. Oh, let me get back to my Okay, there we are. Um, in case everyone's wondering, when I call your names, I'm doing it alphabetically.7:47 It's much easier for me to do it that way.7:51 Um, number two, approval not reprs, assesses map 10, lot 9-3.8:02 Dan, you have the floor.8:05 So this is again another approval not required plan for 254E Patska road also known as assessor's map 10 lot 9-3 file in the portal under application PAR2612.8:19 Um basically this plan um they're just reconfiguring the the two lots as shown where they're taking a a a parcel shown as parcel C I believe it is. Yeah, parcel C. Um it's labeled as a non-buildable lot to be combined with the abuing property um flat map 10 lot nine. Um this qualifies under the ANR application um because the creation of parcels without the required frontage as long as the parcels created are labeled8:48 non-buildable and the reason the law is non-buildable is noted on the plan. U that's for section 1.103. Also 1.102 102 states, conveyance changing the size and shape of lots provided that every lot so changed or affected by such change has frontage as required by the zoning bylaw or main existing non-conforming frontage. So that second um caveat of the existing non-conforming frontage9:13 will will remain cuz both of these lots actually have zero frontage. This was originally approved and it's in your packet, the ANR, under um the section that allows two or more buildings standing prior to April 7th, 1953 when the subdivision control law was set into place into separate lots. So there's no new lots being created. So that doesn't take away from those lots created at that time. It's just a conveyance of9:38 parcel C from one lot to the other. So this would be eligible for the board to endorse this plan. And we also have this mileer in the office ready to go if the board chooses to vote tonight. It's ready for for signatures for as soon as you guys can get in.9:52 Any questions from any of the board members?9:58 Hearing none, I need a motion on the floor to approve the ANR for 254-ESMs Road. Assesses map 10 map 10, lot 9-3.10:10 Motion made.10:16 Second.10:18 Motion was made by Nick Sakipatus, seconded by Kevin Estes. Kevin, yes.10:26 Nick, yes.10:28 Margaret, yes.10:29 Laurianne, yes. Motion carries.10:32 I'm sorry. Can you Who made the second?10:34 Sorry, I missed who made the second.10:36 Nick, I made Yeah, I made the motion for two.10:40 Kevin seconded it. Kevin seconded it.10:42 Okay. [clears throat] Yes.10:44 Thank you.10:46 Thank you very much.10:48 Number three. I will hold Mark.10:53 Is Mark Roa here for something? Um Dan, do you know what was the name?10:59 Mark Roa.11:01 Mark Bush. He was he he was in survey for the last plan. Yes. So I believe he is he is all set.11:07 Okay. I will chair for number three chapter 91 waterway simplified water department water dependent lensure but I will not vote on this even though I have been told I have but I don't want to hear anything about a conflict um so the board will remember we get chapter 91 waterway license applications semifrequently right um and what usually comes with it is a notification of receipt that we get from11:40 the D um D. Um and then we have a pretty much a standard letter that we send in.11:46 This is something a little bit different. This is a simplified license application which this is the first I've I've seen of of these kind of applications. Um so we reached out to the DPW to see what the difference is. So this is as it says a simplified review. um the applicant actually and if you look at the plans, there's no engineer on there. There's no engineering stamp. Um so they can12:11 basically draw up their their plans to a certain dimension of of um access over a waterway and there's no formal notification to the planning board. So this is kind of just be a precedent setter if if the board would so choose like to um comment on these simplified reviews. I modified the letter that we normally send to address it just as an example. Um if if the board wants me to12:38 send it out, um we can there's you see on the notification there's an email address to send comments to. It's not required. It's not needed. It's just if the board chooses. So I guess this is just a precedent center for set center for these simplified reviews if if the board wants to um comment on these.12:59 So any questions from the board? Kevin.13:02 Yes, please. Uh, so Dan, um, when you say precedent setting, this is the first time we've got a simplif we're going through a simplified.13:12 It's the first I've seen it and I couldn't find one anywhere else. Um, I've never seen it.13:18 Yeah. So, um, like I said, we reached out to D office.13:24 Um, they were very helpful with explaining the difference of this to us.13:28 Um, us meaning Ross and I. And it's basically up to the board's choosing if they want to if they want to submit. Like I said, I put an example letter in there, draft letter of, you know, that's similar to what we would do for a typical waterways license application where it is required that we say we receive notification and write our standard letter. Um, so I modified it slightly to to show what's shown on13:57 that draft um letter that you have in your packet. Um, so again, it's up to the board for if they want to send a letter, you don't have to. Um, it's up to you. Or if you want if you do want to send a letter and there's anything on that letter you want me to modify, you let me know and we can vote on approving the letter with whatever changes if if warranted that the board would14:19 like to see.14:20 So my my question is anytime I hear president I I I just want to make sure that we're we're I understand what's going on. Um so if I'm understanding this correctly, we're simply following a different process that's not necessarily setting a precedent. Is that right?14:43 Yeah. Right. You you could decide, all right, this one warrants us sending a letter. the next one you get, you might decide not or vice versa. So, just there's no past precedence for me to advise you on um what we've done in the past.14:57 So, there's there's no burden for us to send a letter or not send a letter.15:04 Correct. That's my interpretation.15:06 So in this process, the simplified license application process, um it's more of a notification to us that hey, this is what we're going to do.15:17 Correct.15:19 Okay. Uh so I I mean I I would uh I I I would expect that the applicant would would want something from us to say, "Yeah, we saw it. Um thank you very much." And so so we don't get an opportunity necessarily to to discuss it or not that we we often change these but we I I have sat on some of these applications where there has been some very minor suggestions made.15:56 Yep.15:58 Um but it sounds like we don't get a chance to even make minor suggestions.16:03 This is just notification.16:05 No, you can. It's It's public comment.16:07 So, it's it's it's a letter to the D.16:11 Okay.16:12 Commenting on the on the the file that was submitted.16:18 Okay.16:20 So, if you like if you had one that there the board sees whether this one or a future one that you had some concerns with, you can definitely provide that to the D.16:30 Okay.16:32 I I don't in this particular case. I just uh I just wanted to make sure that I understood what was going on with the new process. So I appreciate you uh schooling me.16:48 Nope. It's a learning experience for me as well.16:51 So who is the engineer on this?16:54 There is no engineer.16:55 You don't have to have an engineer.16:57 No engineer. Okay. No, [clears throat] but just just for a little I did a little background research on it and talked to the conser conservation department.17:06 Um there was through even though this was a simplified review that didn't need an engineer, the applicant still had to file with the conservation commission for their approval. And those plans were submitted by prime engineering. I forget how long ago. And these plans were just as as you've seen.17:27 So, I don't know if they just copied um it looks like they just copied Prime's plans and put them on on this new title block but they're very similar.17:37 This is just notification to us.17:40 No, it's if you look at the notification, it it's um hold on, I got to find the page page 14 in your packet.17:48 Um it it does it is it is recommended the public public comments be filed electronically. So, if you do have comments um Okay.17:58 Commenting on it.17:59 Yep. Yep. So, that's why that's why I kind of just put I drafted up that letter just as a sample letter and just tweaked it a little bit to follow in the language of the simplified license.18:12 But the the the the rules that govern building is building and implementing a structure like this are managed by the building department. conservation. Both I believe both.18:30 Okay. So there definitely conservation. I'm assuming Hey, this doesn't comply.18:37 I think the shellfish warden still gets a chance to comment on it. Um I'm not sure what else they sign. Like I said, this is the first simplified license I've seen. So, but commenting is different than than saying, "Okay, this is compliant and this is not compliant. You have to change this." It's kind of like, you know, yeah, it's really applic Yeah, it's not really in our purview.19:00 It's just we kind of just it's part of the process for for a typical waterways license. Um, so we always just kind of make the comment that it's it falls within the parameters of the master plan and you know, one of the things [clears throat] Yeah. promoting promoting vote access.19:18 Yep. So that's really that's really the only way that's really the only comments you know the planning board usually make. I haven't seen one where they didn't recommend or had issues with it.19:30 Like you said there might be some minor comments on it but that's from from what I've looked back and researched on that's usually the standard standard response.19:41 Okay.19:43 Um, so because there's no engineer on this, um, Jan, uh, did you talk to conservation about this?19:52 Yes, they verified it was the same layout as the other one. Okay. Um, they actually had it. There was one that we got a couple months ago and it was different than the one approved by conservation. So, conservation um [clears throat] um coordinator, that's not her title, but the the the environmental affairs coordinator, I believe, is her title. Um reached out to whoever and said this, this doesn't20:17 match with what was approved by conservation, and we just got this one in revised to to make sure it was like the approved plan.20:27 Okay. Thank you, Dan.20:28 Yep.20:30 I'd like to of the board.20:33 Sorry.20:33 Go ahead, Nick.20:34 I over spoke. I'm sorry. Thank you. Um, I just want to share that I am aware of this property, but like many other properties throughout our shoreline that I can understand why somebody might frown upon seeing such a planned plan or hearing of such structure. But I just want to share my position that um property owners that have a grade that leads to brackish or saltwater or freshwater21:08 um to some degree that's accessible by foot although not desirable.21:13 that building a structure that manages the grade, the mean high water, the mean low water mark, and giving them access not only prevents man-made destruction to the soils in transition from mean high to mean low and some of the marine growth, but these structures themselves begin to house a variety of marine growth. Those that are in and around it, those that are attached to the wood,21:39 some of them that bore the wood. So, I I just want to ask the public to maybe do a little bit of homework when you hear about smaller docks that are not going 300 ft out into the ocean, crossing over some wet or marsh, or getting into two or three feet of water so someone can launch a dinghy on the north side of the island to make their way to the bridge21:59 or the mooring field. the net net over a larger period of time that structure might be more contributo to marine life than the destructive thought of putting it in. And aside from the simplified licensing process or not, I just want to share that I am a proponent of structured access because in the long run I believe we're promoting a better marine environment. Thank you.22:28 Uh, Madam Chair, just to follow up. So, the correct title is director of environmental affairs. So, I just want to make sure um I have the right the right title.22:37 Thank you. Okay. Any other discussion?22:41 Uh, yeah. I I I I have I have a just kind of a a question here that I'm sure somebody else is going to flesh out for us, but um I'm I'm looking here at the map and I'm looking at 710 Elm Street, which is right on Elm Street, uh facing we'll call it northeast. It's more northnortheast.23:06 Um, but there's a couple plots behind it and I don't have Mass Mapper up, but how is this listed under 710 when it looks to me like 710 may not have access to where this is going to go in?23:23 There's that little sliver that runs kind of northeast to southwest that looks like it gives them the access from 7 from the house at 710 to Okay, that's what it looks like by these plans.23:38 Page 15.23:41 Okay. Yep, I see the dwelling there. And Okay, I got it. Yep. I was looking at uh uh just a a map, not not a parcel map.23:55 Okay.23:58 Any other discussion?24:01 Is there any type of motion that the board wants to make?24:06 Uh, I would make a motion that we would offer a a letter in support of uh this application.24:18 Second.24:21 Would that be for the standard letter as the example shown?24:26 Yes.24:28 My second still stands.24:31 The motion was made by Kevin, seconded by Nick.24:35 Kevin, yes.24:37 Mar uh Nick, yes.24:40 Margaret, yes.24:42 So, it's three three in favor, one obstension, and one absentee.24:51 So, the motion carries.24:54 Oh, I lost my computer again.24:57 Um, okay. Ongoing discussions Dartmouth future zoning. Uh we don't have much we can do until the state decides what it's doing. Take away our power.25:08 See what happens tomorrow.25:10 Yes, exactly. And m just to add [clears throat] um some of the other things that we've talked about overlay districts, site plan review, you know, what other zoning. We are still waiting um for the final reconciliation bill. um they have until the end of the year to to to get that to us and then, you know, wait till regulations come out from um whoever is going to issue them. So,25:35 a lot of these a lot of these things that we we've talked about were still kind of on hold waiting for the state to decide what their final bill is going to be.25:46 When do they recess? Do you know?25:48 Oh, it's already It recessed July 31st.25:51 They made the motion to approve them.25:53 subject to the reconciliation. Each each of the the House and the Senate appointed three people to to hash out the the the discrepancies and reconcile the bill. That's what they're doing.26:06 They have to have that done by the end of the year. If that doesn't happen, my understanding is you kind of start all over again. So hopefully they're just waiting till after the election to see how everything, you know, plays out and we'll see some answers soon.26:20 This the sad part about this is towns and cities are in limbo. I mean, you know, we had we had a whole article to give to town meeting and we weren't able to because everything's in limbo, right?26:34 Okay. If question seven passes and goes through successfully through its enactment, then that that also changes just about everything that we contemplate.26:50 Correct.26:50 We'll have to rewrite any section that has a residential component in it. And again, when that actually there's nothing that says an effective date, so there's going to be some back and forth that I'll keep the board updated as best I can. Um, but that might, you know, that might go to the House and Senate for review. So, um, we're kind of up in the air like like everyone has said.27:17 Well, Wednesday morning, we'll know.27:20 We have a better idea.27:23 We will know one way or the other. But if Well, if it's if it if it fails, that's it. But if it passes, we're still sort of in limbo until we figure out where, what, and why, right? When when when they decide, you know, when this when this goes into effect, you know, what regulations we have to hold.27:42 I'm assuming if it I mean that if if it passes, I'm assuming that we'd then have to, like I said, wait for wait for the um regulations to come down. Um because they're going there, there was a thing in there about the EOHLC. So like a lot like we saw with the um the ADUs, you know, we have to make sure the regulations are in compliance with that. So it it28:09 could be a little while before we actually see any houses being built on under those stipulations cuz right now like say you're in single residence B, you got a 50 by 100 lot.28:21 Well, single residence B has a 60ft front yard set back and 20 foot side and rear. So I it basically leaves you with nothing to build a house. Now if it get if it gets approved EOHLC determines that those are unreasonable regulations then we got to we got to adjust. So there's a lot of moving parts going on.28:39 There'll be a lot of a lot of following along on my part and I will do my best to keep the board informed as as I learn.28:48 And meanwhile everybody is in limbo.28:52 Okay. minutes of September 14th, 2026.28:56 Any questions? Any corrections?29:03 Hearing nothing. Do I have a motion on the floor?29:08 I make that motion.29:09 Sorry, Margaret. Nick second.29:13 I have a motion on the floor to approve the minutes of September 14th, 2026.29:18 Kevin, yes.29:21 Oh, I didn't say who's who did it.29:22 Margaret. Margaret made the motion and Nick seconded it. Kevin, yes.29:29 Nick, yes.29:31 Margaret, yes.29:32 Laurianne, yes. Motion carries. I need a motion on the floor to approve and file correspondence from the city of Fall River, town of Freetown, and letter to DPW director.29:48 Motion made.29:55 second.29:57 I Any questions or any comments before we continue?30:03 Hearing none. Um Nick made the motion.30:06 Kevin seconded it. Kevin, yes.30:10 Nick, yes.30:12 Margaret, yes.30:14 Laurian, yes. Motion carries.30:17 Approved.30:19 Okay. Incoming zoning board of applications legal ad ads Dan. Nothing excuse me. Nothing new.30:30 Yeah. Zoning board of appeals discussions.30:33 Nothing new.30:34 Nothing new. Subcommittee reports.30:38 Madam, if I may, the soils board has sent out an email that they're trying to meet on November 17th at 6 PM to approve minutes from the January 20125 meeting and to issue soil board permits. Um, unfortunately, I I am scheduled to be traveling that evening.30:58 Um, I don't think I'm I don't exactly know my flight time. I don't think I'll make the meeting, but I'll share any updates.31:09 Anything else?31:14 Planners report. Dan, do you want to talk about what we discussed today? You want me to do it?31:21 Um, either way. Um, just one thing. I've been working on as many as those um potential um bylaw changes that were on hold for.31:33 There are a few that um we're going to be looking to get in for the spring. So, I want to start on those soon. One being we talked about it a little bit in a few meetings. Um the um the tape the use table that there's a few discrepancies. One one being that we saw today when you were in the office. Um [snorts] Madam Chair. Um so that's one that'll definitely come31:57 through and a few others. So, um, in the coming weeks, I'll I can, you know, prep the board on what what bylaws we've we've talked about, where the status is, and, um, get the board's feeling on which which bylaws we want to look towards towards the for the spring town meeting, and then which ones to put on the table for hopefully being able to be ready for fall town meeting once we32:25 get some more information on some of these items we've talked Well, okay. Master plan. It's We're in hold on that, too, until the state decides what it's doing.32:36 Yep.32:37 Um, planning department updates.32:40 Nothing new on that. No.32:42 Okay. Under chairman's report, I have two things.32:46 The first one, Dan, for for the fall town meeting, and it would be very easy to do. Should we correct that problem in the Bliss Corner area and add residential to that area? That's kind of iffy.32:59 Well, simple question.33:01 I think I think it it can be explained by revising that table and revi in that same section is also the that's article five. That's where the definitions are too. So, we can maybe maybe tweak that definition to make it a little clearer.33:17 Um, so that's something we can we can definitely talk about that I think doing those two things will um will correct it. Um, okay. Can you can you tell the board why why this came up with the building inspector, etc. that So, so there was there's been a few things we noticed right off the bat. So, this this table was done before um the current zoning enforcement officer or myself was involved in our department.33:45 Um, took a little while to get in the book. We saw it um maybe in the springtime and as soon as we both got it, we we started seeing a lot of um a lot of things in the chart that weren't accurate to the bylaw. So, we tried to go through it. It's kind of an overwhelming process to try to edit it just because we have so many zoning34:08 districts in town. You see a lot of a lot of towns that have the charts. It's it's supposed to be so somebody can quickly without reading through the whole bylaw say, "Okay, yes, this is what I want to do. Here's a nice easy chart to tell me." The problem is we have something like 14 different zoning districts plus overlays. Um, one zoning district will define something differently than another zoning34:28 district. So, they tried making this chart a few years back. Um, so one of one of the ones that came in, and I don't want to specifically speak on what on what the the topic was, but there was one that allowed the use in the chart, but not in the bylaw. So, it's just raising some questions and we have, um, a concept review meeting on it tomorrow to talk about it. So, um,34:52 things we definitely need to clear up cuz like I said, for especially somebody that's doesn't typically work in town or a property owner or a homeowner, it's easy for them to just look at the chart and, you know, if there's a P that says permitting, they're like, "All right, I can do this." Like I said, unfortunately, there's a lot of discrepancies between the chart and the bylaw and just some real vague stuff.35:12 Um, a lot a lot of things with just how, like I said, how they define it. um you know what's a bed and breakfast, what's a boarding house, what's allowed in this in this district that's not allowed in this district. Um in the Bliss corner mixeduse district, they specifically call out hardware stores. Well, that doesn't mean you can't have a hardware store on Route 6. It's under retail. So,35:34 it says the line for a hardware store across says not permitted in general business, which obviously that's not the intent. it's just not specifically defined that that uniquely in the general in the general business district. So, a lot of things like that that just need um cleaning up. We tried to do a few different versions. We tried a we tried an AI version that still didn't work. So, basically for us spent36:00 a good amount of time in each zoning district just listing everything letter by letter in each zoning district to try to make a chart. And then we we're going to have a handful of questions that'll have to um well, obviously it'll bring it to the board first for their review, but then it'll have to go to town council for their review as well on how to handle a few things. But um we had talked about just36:23 completely pulling it out, but I think that's that's a bad look for for the town, too. It's like, well, you just instituted this three years ago, and now you're telling us you want to just pull the whole thing. So, I think it's worth, you know, trying to trying to correct the discrepancies. And um we talked to town council, you know, maybe a there's a few like little notes at the bottom36:44 explaining things if there if there if there are those discrepancies just to try to clear it up. So in the vast majority of cases, somebody like I said just quickly want to get a gauge on whether you know they can build a two family or you know they can put a um a retail store in something quick and easy that they can look at that first and then you know like I said maybe a note37:07 at the bottom says for more detail you know refer to the section of the bylaw or something to that effect. So um I think that's something we definitely need to get on for springtown meeting.37:17 Um, and as we get a little in into the weeds, I can explain in a little more detail some of the issues. Um, we'll go through it. We'll have a, you know, an item for discussion. Eventually, we'll have to have a public hearing. We'll have it reviewed by town council, reviewed by other other departments, and um, hopefully get a get something that's a little easier to for the public to use.37:43 Okay. So, hopefully we'll get there. um to alleviate some of the some of the confusion. The second thing is and I made a decision the board can go along with it or they cannot. The mall is going to be coming before us and they want to come before us at the next meeting on November 16th. They submitted plans and there were a lot of questions from DPW and a lot of questions from our38:10 staff and so the plans have been sent back and they're going to revise them and bring them to us.38:18 This is a big project and I don't think any of us have a screen big enough to look at this whole project. You're going to look at one corner here, one corner there.38:28 I've asked that we have an in-house meeting for this. This is a big project and I think we need to have their plans in front of us so we can take a look at the whole picture and not just a section here and a section there because this involves uh five buildings Dan um five buildings a couple of them have multi-use right it involves five build the five build five pad sites38:56 five pad sites it's five pad sites in different areas of the mall. And what we need to do is in my opinion is we need to look at the whole picture to look at traffic um traffic mode and um you know a footprint. How are we going to walk from one area to the other? We need um Dan is tire I'm tired. We need to pedestrian access.39:25 Pedestrian access. Thank you. You know where's the traffic going? Where's the where are the people walking? Because there are now going to be five pads. Um that's a big project. Um it's a big project. It's not something that I think we can do on Zoom. That is my personal opinion. Um we can do a we can do a a hybrid where we can have two people on Zoom and three people in the39:54 office or in in the meeting room. It's my opinion um having been on this board for a very long time and having gone through these types of um site plan reviews. Um I'm not sure anyone else on the board has gone through a site plan review this big. Um I'm not saying that's good or bad, just I'm not sure you have. So, I know how much this can take. And I know how much40:21 we can now sit there with a with a little pointer and say, "Excuse me, this over here. Where is your Where is your foot pedestrian access? How are they going to get from this area to this area?" Because we know they're going to do this.40:37 That's not something we can do with a laptop or a computer sitting in front of us. So I asked Dan when he spoke to them today if they would come in house and they were very amenable because that's what they are now used to doing in house.40:55 So how does the board feel ask a question?41:00 Sorry.41:00 Go ahead.41:02 Are are these plans available to us or not yet?41:08 I was going to say I I I'm going to bolster Nick's statement. If if they have submitted even a tenative application or or drawings, I would love to see them in advance. Even if it's really difficult to get the the larger perspective, at least give me something to look at in the meantime.41:35 Yeah, we'll have they'll be in if if they if we get the revised plans, they'll be in the packet, you know, the Thursday [clears throat] before the meeting.41:43 They're they're public records. So, I mean, we you know, anybody can come in and look at what's what's been submitted so far. There was just a lot um that needed to be discussed and and tweaked before it was something that was ready to come before the board for this meeting tonight.42:02 Madam Chair, may I share something else as well? Go right ahead.42:06 It's twofold. It's three-fold. If the plans are available um prior to that meeting, I was hopeful to lay eyes on them as Kevin mentioned. That's one.42:14 Two, I am not going to be in town and if there's opportunity to be remote for that meeting, I will gladly be one of the remote members. That's two. And three, I just I I want to caution the phrase pedestrian access in comparison to and the potential expense of not nurturing such development. The reality is when I'm at the post office over by Kohl's, I don't necessarily look for a42:50 safe way to walk to Pearl Vision. or when I'm at Pearl Vision or I get my ice cream next door, I don't look for a safe way to walk to Lowe's.43:01 I just I understand the board's going to do their best.43:06 We're we're looking for commercial opportunity and interest and mixeduse creativity.43:13 And the American model is not to park your car 400 yards away and do all of your business by foot. So, I just I just caution how detrimental our words could be if we are a bit overbearing on trying to tie this complex together like Disney World when there's no Mickey Mouse present. That's all. I'm just I'm just sharing my perspective prematurely, but just planting a seed.43:41 Madam Chair, if I could That's Well, Matt, that's exactly what I said. I said we want this to be a project that we can approve. There is no fans and butts about it. We need it. I I have no problems with what I saw except there were a few big problems that require a variance. We can't do that.44:04 Dan, am I correct in saying we just can't say, "Oh, we're just going to say you don't have to do this." Our zoning bylaw says yes.44:11 If if I can just I don't think we should be talking about the project itself because it's not on the agenda. This was more just a discussion about um whether to do the meeting live.44:22 That that that's you know this wasn't an item on the agenda. So I don't think we should talk talk specifically about this project. Um it's just the the the item for discussion for the for the chairperson's report. It's just about Yes.44:39 Yeah. Having a hybrid meeting. Yes.44:41 Yep. There'll be plenty there'll be plenty of time. What I'm doing is explaining why we need a hybrid meeting is because I personally having been on the board for a very long time know how important it is when any big project comes before us that we really need them before us and we really need to be able to look at their plans on an easel and say, "Okay, I that's, you know, I mean, I can still45:07 look at it on my my laptop, but I'm going to have to look at it in se little small sections in order to blow it up to look at it. That's why I'm asking that we have a in-house meeting. We I'm should say we have a hybrid meeting.45:23 Yes, I I the room was available. We booked the room. The hybrid part um either Ross or I if if the board chooses to to to go this way. Um we'd have to get in touch with DCTV to set that up for a hybrid. Um, so that's something we don't, you know, need to necessarily confirm um what the meeting will be. Like on the bottom of of of each of our agenda, it45:47 says, "Please check state and town websites for the latest information regarding planning board meetings." So we could just make that statement, you know, for the next meeting. And, you know, it might be hybrid in person. you know, please [clears throat] check the website for, you know, if it's in person or or there.46:04 Um, because like I said, we just have to confirm with DCTV. We can get the equipment set up to do a hybrid if that's and I'll let the I'll let the board know ASAP once we get that information.46:24 Do I have any more comments? We need to make a decision this evening whether we're going to have a hybrid meeting or I'm fine with it. I already said that, Madam Chair.46:35 I I will go in on the What did you say?46:37 The 16th.46:39 That's the next meeting. That's um that's when we're hoping to see it.46:44 Right. So, there's not 100% guarantee they'll get it in. I don't have the plans. So, you know, I hate to say they're definitely coming in on that meeting, but that's that's the hope.46:56 That was their that's their projection, but yeah, you never know.47:02 Okay.47:05 So, I I I'm going to ask for a motion because Dan needs to know which way to go.47:11 I Yes, exactly. I just need to reach out to DCTV and then I can I can let the board I will confirm to the board that we can that we can do it sounds like we would have to at least do the hybrid to make it work. So I would have to confirm that we can get that connection set up and I'm not 100% sure how that works. So I know the board of selectment for a47:33 long time had a hybrid meetings.47:35 Yes, they did.47:36 Yeah, I know. I know you can. I just it's not something that Ross and I and or I could set up. You have to get TCTV involved and then their scheduling and their availability to you know do it that way. So this just came about today.47:51 So obviously um you have time to to check into all that.47:58 I'd like to make a motion that uh the next meeting of the Dartmouth Planning Board on November 16th at 700 p.m. uh be held in a uh via a hybrid platform.48:14 Second.48:17 Motion was made by Kevin Estes to have a hybrid meeting for the meeting on November 16th, 2026 if needed.48:27 and seconded by Nick Psychopatis. Kevin, yes.48:32 Nick, yes.48:34 Margaret, yes.48:35 Laurianne, yes. Now, the next thing I need to do is if you can't if you want to attend a hybrid, then you have to let Dan know ahead of time because only two of you can do that.48:47 Uh, I'll attend in person.48:50 Great.48:52 I would attend in person, too, Lori.48:54 Yeah.48:56 Yeah. So, that'll cover us even if even if Mr. Rosa has to to do a remote, but I can, like I said, I'll get the information about um what would be involved in that um to those in the public. Like I said, just you know, prior to the meeting, it'll be posted, the agenda will be posted on the on the Thursday before and it'll give the information, you know, whether it's49:16 hybrid, whether there's a Zoom link or if it's in person, what room and what time. So, um, I will obviously let the board know as soon as I get information, but to the general public, that's that's what I would recommend to them.49:32 Okay, I think I've accreated enough problems tonight on the chairman's report. Anything else? If not, um, the next planning board meeting is scheduled for November 16th, 2026.49:44 Please check state and town websites for the latest information regarding this planning board meeting. It may or may not be virtually dash hybrid or in person in the town hall.49:57 Oh, and in person in the town hall um so that they can check what room it's in, etc. Um and hybrid means that the public can go on Zoom or they can come in person to um attend the meeting.50:15 Anything else to come before this board?50:16 If not, I need a motion to um adjourn.50:25 Everybody wants to stay here.50:28 I think second. Second.50:31 Kevin moved the motion and Margaret seconded the motion. Kevin, yes.50:37 Nick, yes.50:38 Margaret, yes.50:40 And Laurianne, yes.50:42 Madam Chair, everyone have a good night.50:44 I'm high on that motion count. that motion you asked for at the end. That's why I was holding back a little bit.50:52 We reached your quarter for the day.50:53 Yeah.50:55 Good night, everyone.
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