SUMMER RESIDENTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
CHATHAM,MA.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
549 MAIN STREET
CHATHAM,MA. 02633
August 28, 2006
Re: Zoning By-Law Rewrite
The Summer Residents Advisory Committee has reviewed the By-Law rewrite draft and based on our review we have some recommendations which have been given to the Chairman of the Planning Board.
!] There are inconsistencies, omissions and errors in the draft which helps to undermine confidence in the entire process.
2] It is not clear why the consultant decided to change the format.There is over 50 years of experience with the existing format, including judicial precedents and well understood interpretations.We believe that the change in format is unwise.What people do not understand, they tend not to support.The proposed changes should be expressed as amendments to the current By-Law, with the changes red-lined, so that readers will understand exactly what is being changed.
3]The proposed revisions to the By-Law is supposed to reflect the Land Use section of the Comprehensive Plan, passed by the voters unanimously at the May 2003 Town Meeting, principally to give effect to the " neighborhood concept ". It appears that the level of commercial activity permitted in the centers exceeds that contemplated by the Comprehensive Plan. Accompanying the rewrite draft should be material which spells out which changes respond to the Comprehensive Plan, and which derive from other sources and the reasons for the changes.
4] The responsibilities of the Planning Board should not be changed. The ZBA has conscientiously and effectively performed its responsibilities.
5] The Planning Board should take as much time as necessary to complete the rewrite.The public should be given the opportunity to participate and express their comments. Where the Planning Board believe the public comments and recommendations are inconsistent with the best interests of Chatham, they should make the effort to inform the public as to the reasons they believe such to be the case.We agree with the view of some that consideration should be given to terminating the services of the Consultant.The Board of Selectmen should decide if this is the best course to follow.
Summary Statement:
The Zoning By-Law rewrite is too important not to take the time and spend whatever is necessary to assure that the completed work is professionally competent, well understood, implements the Comprehensive Plan, and is in the best long term interests of Chatham
Sincerely,
Roy Sheldon, Chairman
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