Report of the Planning Board
The Planning Board consists of five volunteer members, who are elected to a five-year term. They are responsible for long range planning and studies to ensure optimal land use and zoning within the Town and to ensure that the residents live in a safe and healthy environment. Administratively, they do this through the review of plans for the division of land and both residential and commercial developments. Additionally, they grant Special Permits for land uses including estate lots, business and industrial uses, flexible residential developments, projects located over the Wellhead Protection District and wireless communication facilities. The Planning Board also reviews site plans for large additions to existing businesses and new signs.
In 2010, Robert Johnson was re-elected to a full 5 year term on the Board. Doug Moglin was re-elected as the Board’s Chairperson, and Roz Terry was Re-elected as Vice Chairperson. Saviero “Sam” Santaniello and Cal Chunglo constitute the remaining elected members. Richard Utzinger was re-appointed as our Associate Member. Marcus Phelps is the Town Planner, and is a valuable resource for the Board and the public in Town Hall. Ruth Preston continues to serve as the Planning Board Secretary.
In the past year, the Board held 16 public hearings. We heard applications for a large condominium complex on Depot Street and Southwick Hill, the proposed reconstruction of Nicholson Hill Road, as well as modifications to a couple of previously-approved subdivisions. It was apparent that the economy has dramatically slowed new construction in both residential and commercial sectors.
The Planning Board is continuing its comprehensive review of Southwick’s zoning, by dedicating the first meeting of each month to focus on issues that require zoning bylaw or regulation changes.
Marcus Phelps, our Town Planner, serves as an Alternate Commissioner on the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and is a member of the Valley Development Council. He is also a member of the Town’s Green Energy Committee. He provides technical support to the Planning Board in processing land use applications, zone changes and bylaw revisions and drafts Special Permit and Definitive Subdivision Plan decisions.
The Planning Board continues to close out previously approved subdivisions, to ensure that all bonded improvements have been completed, and to move the projects along to road acceptance. Road acceptance is the final step in the subdivision approval process, and allows for the road mileage to be counted in the towns Chapter 90 allocations.
The Planning Board’s Sign Sub-Committee continues to work on the Town’s sign bylaw. A public informational meeting was held in November of 2010, and valuable feedback was garnered to help modernize the bylaw and support our local businesses, while still preserving Southwick’s rural character. The Sub-Committee is comprised of members of the Planning Board, Board of Appeals, Economic Development Commission, and members of the business community.
The Planning Board meets Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, in the Land Use Hearing Room on the second floor. Public attendance and input at Planning Board meetings are always welcome. The meeting schedule and office hours can be obtained by calling 569-6056. Minutes and agendas are posted to the Town website.
Respectfully submitted,
Doug Moglin, Chairperson
Roz Terry, Vice Chairperson
Cal Chunglo
Sam Santaniello
Robert Johnson
Marcus Phelps, Town Planner
Ruth Preston, Secretary