Erie Planning Commission Meeting – September 16, 2020

The Erie Planning Commission met on September 16, 2020, at 6:31 PM via virtual meeting. The commission reviewed two major items: a resolution recommending approval of Erie Village Planned Development Amendment No. 6 (replacing a 183-unit senior facility with 76 homes and commercial space) and received a presentation on proposed updates to the Oil & Gas chapter of the Unified Development Code (Chapter 12). The meeting included public testimony, detailed discussion, and unanimous votes on the agenda, minutes, and the Erie Village resolution.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Witt, seconded by Commissioner Luthi, carried 7-0.
• Approval of Minutes (September 2, 2020): Motion by Commissioner Sawusch, seconded by Commissioner Witt, carried 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• J. Reeves (1152 Village Circle): Expressed concern about increased traffic, crime, and loss of quality of life; stated she was unaware of the proposed development when purchasing her home; questioned parking and the path easement.
• Jeanie Kemp (1111 Village Circle Drive): Voiced concerns over crime, vulnerability, and traffic; asked how many new residents would be added; felt the town prioritizes tax revenue over resident quality of life.
• Victoria Dillon (1369 Padfield Place): Expressed strong support for the development, praising the architectural quality and the addition of commercial and walkable amenities; noted she is treasurer of the Erie Village HOA.
• Ronda Grassi (1894 Grenfell Court): Supported the project, citing the need for more affordable housing options (townhomes) for younger residents; asked about trail connectivity from Outlot 2 to Lost Creek Farm.

Discussion Items

• Erie Village Planned Development Amendment No. 6 (Resolution P20-17): Senior Planner Chris LaRue and applicant Jack Bestall (Bestall Collaborative Limited) presented the proposal to remove the existing age-restricted senior assisted living facility (183 dwelling units) and replace it with a mixed-use plan: 76 single-family detached and townhome units on 6.24 acres plus 2.113 acres of commercial space. The density is 5.5 units per acre (down from 12.35). The development would add approximately 201 new residents. The design maintains Victorian architectural style consistent with Erie Village. Commissioners discussed parking, lot sizes, setbacks, traffic, and requested minor clarifications (e.g., changing “should be enhanced” to “shall be enhanced” for street-facing elevations). The commission noted the reduction in density and traffic compared to the original 2008 approval. A motion to approve the resolution carried 7-0.
• UDC Amendment – Chapter 12 Oil & Gas (No action): Deputy Town Administrator Farrell Buller and Special Counsel Barb Green presented updated oil and gas regulations. Key provisions include: a 2,000-foot setback from residential lots, parks, and occupied structures; prohibition of injection wells and seismic testing; a ban on certain chemical additives; requirement for an air quality management plan; a neighborhood meeting; and a mandatory rezoning to heavy industrial for new operations. The commission asked about staff capacity, enforceability, the 2,000-foot setback rationale, and the distinction between new and existing operations. No vote was taken; the item will return on October 7, 2020 for a final draft.
• Commissioner Reports and Discussion Items: Commissioner Sawusch proposed requiring signs on vacant lots to notify residents of proposed developments, citing repeated complaints from neighbors. Planning Manager Deborah Bachelder noted the existing Development Activity Map online and suggested a UDC code change could address the issue.

Key Outcomes

• Erie Village PD Amendment No. 6: The commission voted 7-0 to adopt Resolution P20-17 recommending approval to the Board of Trustees. Minor changes to the PD document (clarifying “shall” language for architectural standards and excluding sidewalks from setback measurements) will be incorporated.
• Oil & Gas UDC Amendment: No decision made. The commission will receive a final draft on October 7, 2020 and is scheduled to vote on October 21, 2020. Public written comments are due by September 24, 2020.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 9:13 PM.