Ms. Killam called the meeting to order at 7:40 P.M.

Correspondence

Incoming

Outgoing

Donald & Judith Delorie dated 9/20/04 re: Lot Line Adjustment Plan approval.

Rockingham Registry of Deeds dated 9/22/04 re: Carriage Chase Estates Subdivision Plan note amendment.

Zoning Board Legal Notice for meeting of 10/13/04.

Planning Board Legal Notice for meeting of 10/20/04.

Tabled - not enough members present.

The Workshop Discussion was opened at 8:01 P.M.

Harold Morse did not sit on the Board for the Discussion.

Mr. Peter Lewis, Attorney Levine and Chris Frye were present.

A draft of Section 620: Golf and Sports Complex/Residential Sub-District ("SCR Sub-District)" was submitted for discussion purposes only.

The Board reviewed the document and deletions, corrections and additions were made to Section 620:5.

Mr. Lewis will provide pictures of other buildings for the Board to see. Discussion continued on the height of the buildings, the differences in the districts as it relates to the elderly or over 55 residents, and the proposed 400' setbacks. In regard to the density issue and setback issue, Mr. DiMaggio noted that we should take some time to discuss what the difference is in the districts, referring to Settler's Ridge and their proposed elderly unit and this project. He added that the differences should be made clear. It was suggested that setbacks should be increased if density is increased. Mr. Earley felt that this could not be duplicated in other districts. Ms. Killam reminded the Board that they are discussing a very specific district. It has metes and bounds and the regulation would be only for this district. Mr. DiMaggio was concerned that this piece of zoning would be a precedent for a change to another zone or another subdivision that has equivalent acreage.

The question was raised on how our Master Plan would be affected by this project. Mr. Earley stated that this project has existed for some time and the amount of units was approved originally. All that is left now is dotting I's and crossing T's. He reminded the Board that they knew at that time this was coming. Ms. Killam agreed with this but felt that the Board needed to do some planning in regard to how the town can absorb and react to this kind of development. The difference between what is in the books and what is proposed is that, what is proposed, can happen faster. The impact on services and infrastructure can be much more sudden on the Town.

Mr. Guishard referred to Section 674:22. It states that the Planning Board may not apply the Master Plan itself to limit development. A growth rate of 3% is felt to be a normal growth rate. Mr. DiMaggio sited page GOP 3 Goal & Objectives & Policies, Recreational Opportunities. Atkinson should make every effort to expand recreational opportunities in the town and to provide the continued opportunity to enjoy physical activities. Page NR 4 Natural Resources was read and Mr. DiMaggio noted that by grouping 32 units together we are creating more open space. ELU 7 Existing Land Use was also read. Mr. Lewis stated that we have missed the boat in the Commercial Zone and that this project will get a good tax base while remaining residential at no impact to the schools.

Discussion continued on the response units such as fire, police and highway. It was noted that these departments need to consider this project and, if they feel they can't meet the demand, the voters will have to choose. Attorney Levine felt that the Board was mixing up the planning process of the development with the zoning amendment. Discussion followed on Impact Fees and how they relate to the elderly. Impact Fees are for schools only. In order to apply other impact fees the need would have to be supported by the current Master Plan and the CIP or the Master Plan and CIP would have to be updated. Ms. Killam advised that this step should be taken first so that if we feel that impact fees should be attached it could be done. Ms. Killam noted that Mr. Lewis wants this on the ballot in March and that if the Board doesn't put it there the developer will. This does not allow much time to update a Master Plan and CIP and be able to enact impact fees. This would be a two-year process. Ms. Killam did not feel this project is a bad idea but admitted feeling rushed pushing it forward. She felt that Section 674:21 should be looked at and understood. A Master Plan and CIP should be done before it goes to the voters, then the Board can work on zoning. Mr. Lewis asked if a study should be done to see if these impact fees would even be needed. Mr. DiMaggio agreed a study would be a good idea. He observed that, by putting in those 32 units, the town is keeping about 15 students from impacting the public schools while creating more of an impact in other areas. Mr. Earley stated that the Fire Department has a committee that is conducting a study on full time firemen and is sure that this will happen eventually.

Mr. DiMaggio referred to the Master Plan page HE 12. This suggests that elderly housing should be considered in earnest and he felt that this is what this development is doing. Page 3, Item #20 Long Term Planning was read.

Section 674:21a and 600.7 was read and discussed briefly. Ms. Killam asked if the word 'cluster' was included in the project name and it was.

A sub-committee will be formed to question the heads of the Fire Department, Police Department and Highway Department on how this project could, hypothetically, effect the town. Chuck Earley, John Miller, Peter Lewis & Chris Frye agreed to meet with the Department Heads and report back to the Planning Board.

The hearing was continued to the next Workshop Meeting, November 3, 2004 at 7:30 P.M.

Mr. Earley made a motion to adjourn. Mr. DiMaggio seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 P.M.

Next scheduled Planning Board meeting October 20, 2004

APPROVED______________________Respectfully submitted,

Carol Kater