Resident urges zoning regs to cite Woodstock Village historic district

A resident participant said the Planning Commission should explicitly reference the Woodstock Village Historic District in village zoning documents, noting the National Register listing provides an objective basis staff used in recent findings. “Woodstock Village is… listed as a historic district,” the participant said, arguing that the zoning text is currently too vague to guide consistent decisions.

Commission staff and commissioners agreed the town can revise maps and that design review exists in the zoning packet, but they debated whether an external state/federal historic designation should be incorporated directly into the zoning. Harry (staff) said maps “can be revised through this process” but emphasized that the historic designation currently “exists outside of the zoning.” Chair Sarah acknowledged the point and asked staff to consider referencing the designation in the statement of purpose or related sections to improve public education.

Commissioners also discussed how clearer definitions (for example, whether a feature is “historic” or merely “original”) could reduce ambiguity when applying demolition or alteration standards. The commission agreed to consider modest language that acknowledges the registered district and to revisit map clarity ahead of the public hearing that will be scheduled for the draft.