Jim Hawkins

The meeting included discussions on a tentative solar installation on South Deerfield Rd, the election of officers for FY 2020, a housing plan meeting, the summer meeting schedule, and meeting schedules/times with a new PB member. A letter from the Planning Board to the Select Board and Tom H was presented with revisions. Also discussed was a letter from Lucy Anderson regarding Moore marijuana plans, 5G technology, planning projects for FY 2019-2020, commercial signage, zoning use table revision, a review and update of the 2013 Master plan, a small scale solar bylaw, and South River Erosion Zoning.

The Conway Planning Board discussed several topics including a 61B Town right-of-first-refusal on a parcel off Shelburne Falls Road, private drives issue, Site Plan Review Application and Fee, and Nexamp Solar Site Plan Review. The board also discussed the annual report for 2018, protective zoning bylaws, planning projects for FY 2019, commercial signage, zoning use table revision, 2013 Master Plan Review & Update, small scale solar bylaw, South River Erosion Zoning, and a FEMA Discovery Meeting for the Deerfield Watershed.

The meeting addressed revisions to the Protective Bylaw, focusing on district and use regulations, prohibited uses, special permits, and site plan review. Key discussion points included clarifying the Official Zoning Map, updating regulations on inoperable motor vehicles and debris, streamlining the special permit filing process, and reviewing guidelines for large-scale ground-mounted solar facilities. The Planning Board expressed strong support for expanding solar facilities in the town and emphasized the importance of having clear guidelines for managing such projects. Suggestions from the public included involving the Energy Committee in permit notifications and improving communication about the proposed changes prior to the Town Meeting.

The Planning Board discussed several topics including Planning Board procedures, Fall Schedule of presentations, groundwater assessment, and a WiredWest presentation. The board members agreed on speaking procedures to avoid cross-talk and interruptions. They also discussed the master plan and the scope of responsibility. The board was informed about the possibility of a grant for upgrading the recreation field. The WiredWest presentation addressed the distinction between MBI and WiredWest, the number of new poles needed in Conway, and the process for getting permission from utilities for stringing cables.

The meeting addressed driveway provisions in the zoning bylaw, specifically concerning a property on Roaring Brook Road. There were concerns about the requirements for shared driveways serving three or more homes. The board also discussed potential revisions to wireless bylaws, considering updates to regulations for cell towers. The status of developing special overlay zoning controls for the South River corridor was reviewed as well.