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South Berwick identifies growth-area amendment and open-space map as top planning priorities after state housing law change
Summary
After a presentation on recent state housing legislation (LD 1829), the council voted to prioritize a possible growth-area amendment and completion of an open-space plan map so the town can respond to new density rules where public water and sewer exist.
South Berwick council on Dec. 9 directed planning staff to prioritize a potential amendment to the town’s growth area and completion of an open-space plan map in response to state legislation passed in July that raises allowable residential density where public water and sewer are available.
Planner Carlo (first presented during the meeting) explained the July law changes that can allow up to 32 units per acre in growth areas with public water and sewer lines. He said the town’s GIS now shows growth-area boundaries and service lines but that changing the growth area will require a comprehensive-plan amendment and mapping work. Carlo noted an initial estimate for producing an open-space plan map from the regional planner (SMPC) of about $46,000 and said the town must prioritize work because the statutory window for a limited amendment is time-limited.
Council members agreed the growth-area amendment and an open-space map should be the first priorities to evaluate how LD 1829 would affect neighborhoods and service capacity. Council moved and passed a motion to ask staff to develop options and a workshop so members can review possible shrinkage of the growth area and the mapping implications before any formal amendment is submitted.
