Planning Board takes no action on cottage‑community and open‑space parcel articles for now

The board considered two related warrant items: a zoning bylaw amendment intended to create a cottage‑community provision and an article to place recently acquired open‑space parcels into a low‑density zoning district. Staff recommended the board take no action on both items at this time.

For the open‑space parcels, staff reported that the Land Bank may wish to retain flexibility to use some units for employee housing, which could make a low‑density placement nonconforming. The board agreed to take no action so staff can coordinate further with the Land Bank and bring a revised plan to a future meeting.

The cottage‑community bylaw discussion overlapped with ongoing work: the master plan, final build‑out analysis and uncertainty about state guidance on seasonal communities and accessory dwelling units were cited as reasons to pause. The board closed the public hearing and voted to take no action pending additional public input and related planning work; members asked staff to include a comment summarizing the board’s reasons for publication with the warrant.

Both motions to take no action passed by roll call.