Board schedules public hearing on new 'thoroughfares' chapter; residents ask for clearer maps and driveway rules

The Newcastle Select Board voted June 22 to send a proposed overhaul of the town's roads, driveways and entrances rules — recast as a "thoroughfares" chapter in the core zoning code — to a Planning Board public hearing scheduled for July 16.

Planner and Select Board members said the draft aims to provide clearer categories and flexible right‑of‑way widths so applications do not repeatedly stall over a one‑size‑fits‑all requirement. "Almost, if not every, application this past year butted heads with the current roads, driveways and entrances ordinance," Ben told the board, explaining the need for a refined approach.

Several attendees raised concerns about the draft inventory and map. One resident said the map is not readable and that E‑911 derived lists had placed named private driveways in the same inventory as town roads, which could trigger heavier standards for work on a property. Staff explained the inventory is the binding element and the map is for convenience; the inventory was generated from E‑911 names and the code includes thresholds (for example, number of units served) that differentiate a driveway from a road.

The draft also defines "substantial reconstruction" versus "general maintenance," a distinction residents asked be clarified so property owners understand when an activity will require upgrades to current code standards. Planning Board review was complete and the Select Board scheduled the public hearing; the board said it will continue to refine the documents in response to public feedback before placing any warrant article on the special meeting in August.

The motion to schedule a Planning Board public hearing was approved unanimously.