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Select board discusses six-month moratorium, consultant search and legal approach to curb subdivision growth
Summary
Board members discussed a proposed six-month moratorium to pause subdivision activity while revising ordinances and hiring a consultant focused on preserving town rights; participants emphasized finding legal and planning advisors who pursue town interests rather than only aligning ordinances to state law.
Board members discussed using a time-limited moratorium to give the town space to update subdivision and land-use ordinances and to identify lawful tools that can limit market-driven development while staying within state law.
One committee member (S4) summarized the board’s position, saying the select board “believes the application of existing land use ordinances is inadequate to prevent serious public harm from a residential development explosion.” Participants discussed two approaches: clarify what home-rule powers remain available and identify ordinance tools that limit the practical impacts of state-driven development. The board expressed a preference for a consultant who will prioritize town rights and options rather than a consultant whose work primarily aids developers.
Speakers also discussed legal strategy and the town’s attorney. A committee member said they had asked Amy Chow about litigation options and that she would “take whatever litigation that we wanted to do and fight for us,” i.e., advise on pros and cons. Several participants noted the moratorium timeline is six months, with one resident (S6) recalling that it could be renewed for another six months. The board agreed the next steps include obtaining consultant recommendations (including from Drummond Woodson), inviting legal counsel to a public meeting to explain preemption and risks, and scheduling a public hearing on the moratorium.
