Southampton Board Endorses Family Land Conveyance, Debates Solar Project
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Meeting Date:
05/01/2024
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Recording Published:
05/02/2024
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Duration:
41 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Hampshire County
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Towns:
Southampton
- Meeting Overview:
The Southampton Planning Board meeting on May 1st addressed significant local developments, including the endorsement of a family land conveyance on White Loaf Road and a debate over a proposed solar installation on Strong Road. The meeting concluded with discussions on bylaw compliance for a solar project, municipal land acquisition, intercity collaboration on sewer infrastructure, and the approval of a solar advertisement payment.
The board endorsed an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan for Timothy and Christine Blaze, involving property within a trust owned by Susan Cody. The conveyance, intended to remain within the family, prompted questions about Chapter 61 enrollment and legal compliance. Technical aspects of the plan, such as dimensions and layout of the donor parcel, were scrutinized, leading to the board’s request for additional documentation during the filing process.
A public hearing for a proposed solar installation by Denise Harman, represented by Sunrun, became a focal point of the meeting. The board delved into the potential merging of two lots and the subsequent division of improvement value, raising concerns about legal implications and the project’s alignment with existing town bylaws. The debate extended to the installation’s setbacks, screening, and potential lot dimensions’ impact on property conformity. Determining the best course of action, the board discussed lot merging, relocation of the installation, and requested further information. The hearing was kept open until the next meeting, with the applicant tasked to revise the plan’s scale and address screening for the ground-mounted solar panels.
During the meeting, the board also touched on the town’s bylaws concerning lot requirements for another solar panel proposal. They urged the applicant to align the plan with setback regulations and consider height restrictions. The board emphasized the need for a to-scale revision and proper screening before the next meeting.
Additionally, the board attended to municipal matters, such as preparations for the upcoming town meeting and the acquisition of 125 College Highway for public safety and other municipal uses. The potential for sewer capability expansion along the College Highway Corridor, in collaboration with the city of East Hampton, was also on the agenda. The meeting concluded with the approval of a payment for a solar advertisement, highlighting the town’s growing focus on renewable energy initiatives.
Scott Szczebak
Planning Board Officials:
Not Online
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Meeting Date:
05/01/2024
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Recording Published:
05/02/2024
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Duration:
41 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Hampshire County
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Towns:
Southampton
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