Planning Commission reopens Town Plan hearing, reviews written public comments

The Weathersfield Planning Commission reopened the public hearing on its Town Plan readoption at approximately 6:34 p.m. on May 4 and entered a deliberative session to review comments submitted before the April 20 cutoff. Planning Commission member Brian Bosenberg said public comment intake had ended and the commission proceeded to address written and verbal feedback.

Commissioners reviewed a range of written submissions and verbal remarks from residents. The commission noted that the Town Plan is an advisory document and not regulatory, and said it would add clearer definitions and disclaimer language to reduce confusion. Land Use Administrator Ryan Gumbart confirmed he would post comments that had not made the packet online and that documentation of mailed notices and receipts to neighboring towns are on file as exhibits. Commissioner Howard Beach told the group that "conservation does not necessarily mean you cannot farm the land," reflecting efforts to balance conservation goals with agricultural viability. The commission also agreed to bring the draft forward to the Selectboard as part of the next steps in the readoption process.