[Massplanners] Planning Board Policy for Submission of Meeting Materials

[Richard McCarthy]

Bill,



I should have included that point.  You have to be aware of the timing.
Again, alerting applicants what path the Board might take.  We just had one
last month.  An applicant was up against the time to act from an extension
and the Board pretty much was done.  Either withdrawal without prejudice or
face a denial. It’s the applicant’s choice but I make it clear possible
outcomes.



Best,



Richard J. McCarthy, Jr.

Town Planner

1 Liberty Lane

Norfolk, MA 02056

508-440-2807

Office Hours- Monday through Thursday 9am to 6pm

Closed Fridays



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*From:* MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> *On Behalf Of *B
via MassPlanners
*Sent:* Thursday, January 25, 2024 9:21 AM
*To:* John Charbonneau <jcharbonneau at townofrutland.org>
*Cc:* massplanners at masscptc.org
*Subject:* Re: [Massplanners] Planning Board Policy for Submission of
Meeting Materials



Agreed if information is not submitted enough in advance, it should be
continued.



A question--what if the next meering will be past the constructive grant
period?  I was always told you should get a letter from the applicant
agreeing to extend the constructive grant period, and accept it at that
upcoming meeting.  If they aren't willing to do that, I guess them the
Board ought to deny it due to lack if information.



Violation of the Board's policy would be another reason to deny, but the
applicant may argue state law trumps a board's policy. Especially if it's
looking like the project has a low probability of being approved.



Our legal friends on this may have different advice.



Bill Fitzgerald

Retired public works/planning and community development/environmental
advocate



On Wed, Jan 24, 2024, 12:19 PM John Charbonneau via MassPlanners <
massplanners at masscptc.org> wrote:

Everyone,



The Planning Board in Rutland recently established a policy that any
materials or documents that are to be considered at an upcoming meeting are
required to be received a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the meeting in
question.  This allows adequate time for the Board, staff, abutters and
representatives on the other side of the project to review the materials
rather than receiving them the day before the meeting or at the meeting
itself, allowing for more productive discussions.  I’m sure most of you
have received emails in the hours prior to a meeting with the expectation
that they will be received and provided to the Board that evening.



What other town’s Planning Boards have adopted a similar policy?  Thank you
in advance for your assistance!



John



*John Charbonneau*




*Town Planner & Community Development CoordinatorTown of Rutland246 Main
StreetRutland, MA 01543(508) 886-4100 x3001*



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