Town of Arlington
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Location: Arlington Town Hall
Members Present: Garret Siegel, Jon Murray, Jenna Tait, Michael Murno, Mary Anne Holmes, Sebastian Massey
Other Attendees: Joan Nash (Land Use Administrator)
Public Attendees: David Naaktgeboren, Peter Hildick-Smith, Alexandra Ernst, Christine Jenne, Mary Ann Carlson
Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Chairman Garret Siegel.
Approval of Minutes
A motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting was made by Michael Murno and seconded by Sebastian Massey. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Comments Unrelated to the Agenda
There were no public comments.
Warned Business
Site Plan Review – 3117 VT Route 7A
The applicants submitted a request for site plan review for a garage addition. The Commission discussed the nature of the setbacks and whether any alternative arrangements were feasible given the topography of the lot. It was noted that neighbors had no objections to the proposed structure.
Motion:
To approve the site plan with the condition that a 15’ rear setback be indicated on the site plan. Moved: Sebastian Massey Seconded: Jon Murray Motion passed unanimously.
Note: The request form should be updated to clearly state that this is a request to modify setbacks.
New Business
Red Mountain Parcel – Town Forest Proposal
David Naaktgeboren and Peter Hildick-Smith provided an overview of a community effort to acquire the ~400-acre Bly Hollow/Red Mountain parcel for use as a town forest. The proposal aims to support the town’s carbon neutrality goals and expand public recreation access, with no up-front cost to the town due to planned grant funding. The presenters summarized key benefits, addressed resident concerns, and outlined their next steps. The Planning Commission agreed that the project appears consistent with the Town Plan and raised no objections.
Motion:
To draft a letter to the Select Board acknowledging that the proposed acquisition aligns with the Town Plan and supports the goal of carbon neutrality by 2027. Moved: Jon Murray Seconded: Sebastian Massey Motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment: A member of the public suggested renaming the project to “Town of Arlington to acquire the Arlington Forest / Red Mountain property.”
Executive Session
Motion to enter executive session for further discussion of the Red Mountain property. Moved: Garret Siegel Seconded: Jenna Tait Entered at: 8:50 p.m. Exited at: 9:15 p.m.
Motion:
To create a subcommittee to finalize a draft of the open letter to the Select Board. The subcommittee will consist of Garret Siegel, Sebastian Massey, and Jenna Tait. Seconded: Mary Ann Holmes Motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment
Next meeting scheduled for: August 28, 2024
Motion to adjourn: Sebastian Massey Seconded: Michael Murno Meeting adjourned.