[Massplanners] Public Hearing Continuance process

[Darlene Wynne]

   - We almost always open the public hearing at the date it was noticed
   and then continue it as an open hearing.
   - We do not have a maximum number of continuances.
   - No. There would have to be a significant and defensible reason to not
   entertain a request for further continuance.


In particular, our Conservation Commission has had a few applications
recently that have run for many months. However, I would not categorize
these as the situation you described. It was more that the Commission was
seeking additional information that required more time to prepare; but the
applicants have as a result had requested continuances for multiple months
with no new testimony.


Darlene Wynne, AICP

*City of Beverly*

*Director of Planning & Development*

*978-605-2341*

*dwynne at beverlyma.gov <dwynne at beverlyma.gov>*



*--*


*When responding, please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of State
has determined that most email is public record and therefore cannot be
kept confidential. *



On Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 11:39 AM Benson, Rachel via MassPlanners <
massplanners at masscptc.org> wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> Looking to get some process information on how your Boards handle public
> hearing continuances.
>
>    - Do you allow them to continue the opening of the public hearing?
>    - Do you have a max. number of continuances allowed before
>    re-advertisement?
>    - Has your Board ever not approved an applicant’s continuance request?
>    What was the result?
>
>
>
> Our Conservation Commission allows up to three continuances in a row
> without testimony before they require the Applicant to re-advertise but
> there is nothing in the Planning Board’s Rules/Regs. We’ve seen recently
> that Applicants are rushing to get their applications in and then
> requesting multiple continuances without providing new information. I
> understand that the Applicant is requesting these continuances, and the
> Board can decide not to approve their request, but the Board hasn’t taken
> that step yet.
>
>
>
> Any insight into your process would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Happy Halloween!!
>
>
>
> Thank you, and have a great day!
>
>
>
> *Rachel Benson*
>
> Director of Planning & Economic Development
>
> Town of Wrentham
>
> 79 South Street
>
> Wrentham, MA 02093
>
> 508-384-5400 x5441
>
> www.wrentham.gov
>
> *Please note that Wrentham Town Hall is closed on Fridays.*
>
>
>
> *Please be advised that the Massachusetts Secretary of State considers
> e-mail to be a public record and, therefore, subject to the Massachusetts
> Public Records Law, M.G.L. c. 66 § 10.*
>
>
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