HomeWorldResidents speak out against two proposed Dublin Planning Board articles

Residents speak out against two proposed Dublin Planning Board articles

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The Dublin Planning Board heard concers from residents Thursday against two of its current initiatives regarding lot space and short term rentals in town. 

In December, the board drafted a warrant article amending a zoning provision for non-resident owner-operators of short term rentals and another reducing minimum lot size and setback dimensions in the town village. 

Zoning Board of Adjustment Chair John Morris said the board should not be holding the meeting, due to improper notice. Morris cited a state law that requires any proposed change of boundaries in a zoning district that would affect 100 or fewer properties to be communicated to all owners of affected properties by first-class mail. According to board member Caleb Niemela, Dublin’s village contains fewer than 100 properties. 

“If the notice was improper, there should be no discussion,” said resident Jay Schechter. 

The board noted this point, adding that a second meeting on the proposals had already been scheduled, and that the board planned to provide the required notices moving forward. Residents proceeded to take issue with the content of the proposed articles.

Addressing the article that would reduce minimum lot size in the village, Schechter asked whether it was clear how this would impact town services. Without an answer, he added, “If we don’t know its impact on schools and services, how can we proceed?”

Resident Joan Griffin suggested that smaller lot sizes would lead to more development in town. 

“More housing, more cars – I don’t think that’s what Dublin wants,” Griffin said.

“Many people here are interested in staying in Dublin,” responded board member Katy Wardlaw. “This could create more affordable housing.”

The board agreed to continue the discussion at its next meeting and turned attention to the proposed change to short-term rental requirements. The proposed changes include removing the current requirement for a conditional use permit for transient housing and replacing it with a per mit for short-term rental  and amending definitions accordingly. 

The changes also include removing from the ordinance language that seeks to minimize “nuisances” such as noise and light trespassing and language that seeks to preserve the “aesthetic quality of the streetscape or neighborhood.” They would include having the Planning Board establish procedures for short-term rental applications and issuing permits. 

“I absolutely oppose getting rid of these requirements,” said Griffin. 

Referring to the creation of more affordable housing in Dublin, she added, “This contradicts what the other warrant article supposedly aims for.” 

In a Dec. 31 letter to the planning board, Griffin stated, “The new proposal requires minimal information and nothing with respect to the scale, operation or suitability of the property for the business or potential adverse effects on neighboring properties.” 

Griffin said a three-bedroom house near her was advertised as sleeping 12 for short-term rentals. 

“And 12 came. All with cars. They had big parties. It was a nightmare,” she said.

Griffin expressed concern over Dublin becoming an attractive town for property owners to create non-owner-occupied housing.

“If we don’t have a strong ordinance and other towns do, we’ll become a target,” she said.

“It isn’t the kind of housing that we should be promoting, ” said Morris. “It doesn’t make the town better.”

The board decided to meet Jan.9 at 6 p.m. to address points raised at the meeting. On Friday, Morris said he will raise the prospect of submitting a protest petition to the Select Board if the concerns that some residents expressed were not addressed by the Planning Board. 

The state law providing for protest petitions requires that the submission of one must be announced at the start of Town Meeting.

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