Board sends draft contract-zoning language to hearing after staff presentation

Staff explained draft language to allow the town to consider contract zones on a case-by-case basis, describing the tool as useful for adaptive reuse of legacy structures such as old mills, schools or churches. The presenter said the draft is not technically large but would create an administrative process and definitions to enable negotiations between a property owner and the town.

The board discussed process questions, examples of use, and recommended that the draft be reviewed by the town attorney before a council vote. A committee member moved that the board schedule a public hearing at its next meeting to give the public a chance to review the proposed language; the motion was seconded and the hearing was scheduled.

The presenter emphasized the limited, enabling purpose of the change: "So, it is a tool that many communities use around the state, to deal with, either kind of legacy structures or older, buildings." The board directed staff to verify notice requirements and return with any attorney comments prior to the hearing.