Tuftonboro Planning Board

Minutes- October 16, 2007- Approved

Special meeting on the Master Plan, held at Melvin Village Church at 6pm.

Board members present: Rick Friend, Wilson Stewart, Jack Parsons, Sue Weeks; also present were Jeff Taylor and Steve Whitman of Jeffrey Taylor & Associates.

Friend gave a brief explanation to the audience, about forty individuals, of the goals and visions of the Master Plan, the necessity of rewriting the zoning regulations and the role of Taylor & Associates in this process. He introduced Steve Whitman, who discussed the concept of “village inventory”.

Whitman gave a background of the work done since spring, creation of the Audit document, and the rationale behind revamping the zoning regulations. He emphasized that changes in ordinances are needed in order to preserve the essential quality of the four Tuftonboro “villages”.

Taylor talked about involving the village residents in the decision-making process. Asking for a show of hands, he found that 1/3 of those present had been involved in the Master Plan process up to that point. He encouraged all to continue to participate, and to help the planners learn about the unique characteristics of their respective villages.

Members of the audience emphasized the need to publicize these Master Plan meetings, through newspaper, website, radio, and posters in locations such as the Town Offices, Library, and Post Office.

It was evident that the overwhelming majority of the public in attendance felt strongly about preserving their individual villages and restricting change. Taylor explained that reworking the ordinances would help keep new growth consistent with the current local character. For example, by gathering information about current buildings, lots and setbacks, it would ensure that future additions to the town conformed to those specifications. He reassured the audience that no governmental changes were planned, and there would be no effect on taxes as a result of the project.

Volunteers from the audience were requested, to aid in information collection; however, no-one stepped forward. Some felt uncomfortable about intruding on the property of others, and the mechanics of measuring those lots, buildings and setbacks. There were strong feelings expressed during this meeting. The Board and Taylor & Associates intend to actively disseminate information to the public in order to correct misunderstanding and encourage interest and contribution from all those concerned.

The public meeting ended at 7:35 pm.

Vicki Kinnaman

Planning Board, Secretary