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Facing Almost Sure Defeat, Planing Board Withdraws Article 17

Facing majority opposition from Selectmen and almost sure defeat at Town Meeting, the Planning Board voted unanimously to postpone article 17 on the Oct. 21 Fall Town Meeting warrant, and to bring it forward at Spring Town Meeting with possible modifications as part of an overall amendment to the Planning Board's Schedule of Uses.

Article 17 sought to make changes to the zoning bylaw, altering the 'by right' construction or additions from the currently allowable space of just under 10,000 sq. ft. to 2500 sq. ft. for retail stores, professional offices and restaurants in a business district.

Under this article, an applicant would now be required to secure a Special Permit from the Planning Board in addition to the board's Site Plan Review. At last week's Selectman Meeting, Selectman Jack Petroloulos was quoted as saying, "Groton has a reputation as a tough place to do business, whether earned or not", pointing out that Article 17 makes existing business, "jump through an additional hoop."

According to the article summary, printed in the town warrant, the Planning Board has concerns that "the concept plan process may be in question in light of court decisions." The concept plan is the other discretionary review other than Site Plan Review which is done by voters by acting on Concept Plans at Town Meetings. Many questions remain about the implications of recent challenge to a similar Concept Plan bylaw in the town of Bellingham, despite some assertions to the contrary.

Previously, Selectmen had voted not to recommend this article to voters at town meeting. Selectmen Anna Eliot, Josh Degen, Stuart Schulman and Jack Petropoulos were opposed to the article with Selectmen Chairman Peter Cunningham the only Board member in support.

Groton Herald

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 610, Groton, Massachusetts 01450
 

Office
145 Main Street, Groton, Massachusetts 014510
[Prescott Community Center]
 

Telephone: 978-448-6061
 

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