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Planning commission recommends sale of several town‑owned lots for housing, asks for drainage easements
Summary
The commission voted to draft and send a letter to the Board of Selectmen recommending sale of several town‑owned parcels (including 32 Hubbard Street, 17 Birdsall Street, 132 Florence Avenue) with a recommendation that properties remain suitable for housing and that drainage easements be attached where needed.
The Winchester Plan Zoning Commission on March 3 reviewed multiple municipally owned properties the town plans to sell and voted to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that the parcels be marketed for housing and that any necessary drainage easements be attached.
Staff reviewed records and noted some lots contain drainage pipes and were made buildable by post‑demolition grading; public‑works staff recommended easements be included where pipes or drainage infrastructure exist. Commissioners discussed whether the town could require that lots remain buildable or require reconfiguration; staff said the commission can recommend that the selectmen encourage sales as buildable lots but cannot unilaterally force conditions beyond statutory sale procedures.
A motion to draft a letter to the Board of Selectmen recommending sale of municipal property at 32 Hubbard Street, 32 Harbor Street, 17 Birdsall Street and 132 Florence Street for housing and with drainage easements as needed was moved and seconded; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff will draft the letter and circulate it for commission review before sending to the selectmen.
