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Rockport resident urges board to restore high-elevation performance standards, protect habitat
Summary
A Rockport resident, Linda Clancy, asked the planning board to revisit high-elevation performance standards from prior comp plans and to consider habitat and scenic protections as ordinance amendments are drafted for November.
Linda Clancy, who identified herself as a Rockport resident, addressed the board during public comment to urge that high-elevation performance standards and habitat protections be part of the upcoming ordinance amendments. She traced the concern to the town’s 2004 comprehensive-plan language and said those standards — including recommendations about building colors, materials and siting below ridgelines — should be reconsidered as the town updates land-use rules.
Clancy cited specific landscape features (Pleasant Mountain, Spruce Mountain, Ragged Mountain and Dodge's Ridge) and argued that without clear standards the town’s hills remain at risk of development. She asked the planning board to evaluate habitat mapping and to consider adding or restoring performance standards that reduce visibility and protect ecological values. Board members encouraged Clancy’s involvement, suggested staff will circulate comp-plan work products and noted the practical constraints of drafting ordinance language for formal adoption.
The board recorded no immediate vote on policy changes; instead staff said the comp-plan work plan will continue and that any ordinance language would be workshopped and routed through the usual review and DEP process if shoreland or overlay protections are involved. Clancy requested that the board consider habitat and scenic values alongside housing and growth objectives as they prepare November amendments.
