Southwick Planning Board Grapples with Street Acceptance Issues Amidst Marina and Parking Concerns

The Southwick Planning Board meeting on October 29 addressed several topics, including enduring issues with street acceptance, challenges faced by a local marina, and parking regulations on Beach Road.

A central topic at the meeting was the prolonged issue of street acceptance for a road that has remained unaccepted for over three decades. Board members expressed frustration over unresolved infrastructure problems such as paving and drainage easements, which have persisted despite basic maintenance like snow removal and pothole patching provided by the town. There was a consensus on the need to secure funding to address these issues before proceeding with acceptance, as accepting the street would entail additional responsibilities for the town. The board emphasized the importance of a structured approach to tackle these long-standing problems, including considering third-party oversight to ensure that all necessary documentation is completed and filed correctly.

The meeting also featured a discussion on the operational dynamics of a local marina and its associated restaurant. The marina, operational for two years, has faced challenges due to incomplete transient dock installations, affecting the restaurant’s full functionality. This intertwined relationship prompted the board to consider reviewing both operations together to identify potential improvements. Parking issues along Beach Road were another focal point, with reports of confusion over parking regulations due to a lack of no-parking signs. Renters have been parking illegally, leading to discussions about implementing a sticker system for authorized vehicles. There was a suggestion to place informational signs at property exits to alert patrons of potential parking tickets if they park on Beach Road. Additionally, a proposal to reassign four rental slips to transient status at the marina was considered reasonable but would require a public hearing due to the contested nature of previous decisions regarding slip assignments.

The board addressed various procedural matters, including the approval of a sign application for a property on Granville Road and an ANR plan for the VFW property. These approvals were straightforward, with no objections raised. A discussion on a development proposal for a property previously owned by the Sarah family touched on past legal challenges and the hope for a more favorable reception for current plans.

A review of a special permit and site plan for a property on College Highway revealed a discrepancy in the listed property size, which was corrected during the meeting. The board debated the necessity of including specific conditions for sewage management approval from the Board of Health, ultimately deciding to clearly state this requirement due to the property’s unique circumstances. The importance of maintaining stormwater management systems was also highlighted, with members emphasizing the need for a long-term maintenance plan to prevent future issues. The board unanimously approved the special permit and site plan, recognizing the urgency due to impending state law changes.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Chief Administrative Officer:
Karl J Stinehart
Planning Board Officials:
Diane M Juzba, Jessica Ann Thornton, David Anthony Spina, Meghan Lightcap, Richard W Utzinger, Jon Goddard (Town Planner), Michael B Doherty, David H Sutton

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