Selectboard schedules June 18 public hearing on comprehensive plan; committee highlights housing map changes

The Selectboard voted to call a public hearing on the town’s comprehensive plan for 6 p.m. on June 18 at the school; Sam moved the motion, Ethan seconded, and the motion passed.

Donna, a representative of the comprehensive-planning committee, summarized map changes the committee recommended to increase housing opportunity. The plan proposal shifts certain parcels in the village to allow higher-density residential development where public sewer and water are available — areas along Loon Lake Road, parts of Cottage Road and a small Midtown commercial area were specifically cited.

The committee said the goal is to remove zoning barriers that prevent small-scale, incremental housing development in the village so owners of modest-sized lots can add units without enabling large rural subdivisions. Donna described the effort as a “bold move for housing” intended to make it easier for property owners to create modest additional units and for the town to accommodate demand.

Why it matters: committee members said housing was the most common theme raised during public outreach; the changes are intended to permit development compatible with sewer/water infrastructure and neighborhood character.

Ending: The Selectboard agreed to attend the June 18 hearing; the committee said it would deliver a first full draft by May 15 and finalize materials for the public hearing.