Planning Commission

2/11/2021 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mike O’Brien, Chair; Amy Houghton, Vice-Chair; Abby Bleything; Joe Perron; Sarah van Ryckevorsel; Tommie Murray City Staff Present: Heather Carrington, Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Kristine Lott, Mayor; Britta Tonn, VHB; Jeff Rush Call to Order by: Mike O’Brien Meeting Start Time: 6:37 PM Minutes Recorded by: Eric Vorwald II. Changes to the Agenda None. III. Public Comment None. IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: 5 – 0 Motion by: Abby Second: Amy V. Presentation on the Status of the Historic Preservation Inventory Heather provided an introduction to the Planning Commission and recapped the history of the project indicating that this work focused on the gateways in the City and did not include the entire municipality. This included information on the funding through a Municipal Planning Grant, and how the project timeline changed due to the COVID pandemic. She also discussed the public outreach efforts that were beginning including the information being shared with the Planning Commission. Following Heather’s introduction, Britta provided an overview of the project including the methodology for reviewing and evaluating properties and structures. She indicated that 228 properties were identified through the windshield survey with 70% of the buildings in the gateways being over 70 years old. Next, Britta indicated that of the properties identified through the windshield survey, 111 were evaluated further through the intensive survey process. Through this effort, approximately 90% of these buildings were found to have some historic and/or architectural significance. Next, Britta discussed the data analysis that was conducted including a review of the state register listed properties. It was noted at this time that the state documentation was conducted in the late 70’s therefore many structures were not included that are now eligible for listing. Britta also included information related to the assessment for historic and/or architectural significance and how that may be used to identify potential districts. The Planning Commission discussed the fact that many of the buildings in Winooski may not  Next, Britta discussed the data analysis that was conducted including a review of the state register listed properties. It was noted at this time that the state documentation was conducted in the late 70’s therefore many structures were not included that are now eligible for listing. Britta also included information related to the assessment for historic and/or architectural significance and how that may be used to identify potential districts. The Planning Commission discussed the fact that many of the buildings in Winooski may not have significant architectural significance, but are significant to the City. This is based on their use, style, or context within the City. This discussion included the potential for taking a more liberal review of structures and not look strictly at the level of historic or architectural value for a building or structure. Finally, Britta discussed the existing historic districts and identified areas that may be considered for future districts. At the conclusion of the presentation, Britta asked the Planning Commission several questions about there thoughts on preservation and importance to the City. The discussion included information on design review boards, specific buildings, options for preservation, adaptive reuse, and similar topics. At the conclusion of the presentation, it was noted that targeted follow-up interviews would occur with several members of the Planning Commission and that a presentation on this information would occur at the City Council meeting on February 16th. VI. Begin Review of Article III – Downtown Core Zoning District Regulations With limited time left in the meeting, Eric provided a general overview of the existing regulations for the Downtown Core Zoning District and the construction of Appendix C. He noted the referential pages that were included with Appendix C and stated that the language in Article III was primarily the same as what is included with Appendix C, however some changes are proposed. He requested the Planning Commission review this information in advance of the February 25th meeting for discussion. VII. City Updates Mayor Lott indicated that the City Council would be reviewing a proposal for a hotel on Lot 9 in Downtown Winooski. The Planning Commission briefly discussed this project in context with the previous submission for this project. Questions about how this will impact downtown were raised, as well as the impacts of having multiple hotels proposed in and around the downtown core. VIII. Other Business Eric provided an overview of the letter that was received and forwarded to the Planning Commission regarding the request to permit multi-family structures in the R-B and R-C district when a Planned Unit Development is proposed. Eric also provided an update on several changes that were incorporated into the report for the proposed land use amendments that would be reviewed during the public hearing at the meeting on the 25th. IX. Adjourn Motion by: Abby Second: Joe Meeting End Time: 8:31 PM