From: Signe Taylor Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2017 12:21 PM To: Jeff Lubell Cc: Phil Dechert Subject: Re: Norwich Town Plan Thanks Jeff! On Thu, Jul 13, 2017 at 12:20 PM, Jeff Lubell wrote: Hi, Signe, The zoning idea that was discussed in February is NOT included in the draft town plan now under consideration by the planning commission and the subject of the hearing tonight. Once we have addressed the town plan, the Planning Commission intends to have further public discussions to determine how best to develop an affordable housing strategy for Norwich. At this point, I think it is very unlikely that the zoning proposal as discussed in February will be recommended for adoption in the form then proposed. It's possible that the plan could be modified to meet town concerns -- for example, by limiting the amount of new development that can take place -- but that's a topic better left for later this year. We'll look forward to considering your views. Best, Jeff From: Phil Dechert To: Signe Taylor Cc: Jeff Lubell Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2017 12:04 PM Subject: RE: Norwich Town Plan Signe, The 35 acre parcel for sale on Route 5 South is owned by the Rose Dyke Trust. Rose passed away several years ago and the trust is controlled by her family, all of whom live out of town. The asking price appears to be much to high considering it may have limited septic capacity and large portions of the field are wetlands. The 2014-15 survey is not a basis for any planning decisions. There were many comments at the time that there was no choice of "no new development." I have copied Jeff Lubell, a member of the Planning Commission, who may want to elaborate on my response. Phil Phil Dechert Director of Planning & Zoning Town of Norwich PO Box 376 Norwich VT 05055 802 649-1419 Ext. 4 From: Signe Taylor [mailto:signe.taylor@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2017 9:04 AM To: Phil Dechert Subject: Norwich Town Plan Hello Town of Norwich Planning Team, First, thanks for your work and for your service. Your time and efforts are much appreciated! I'm writing because I'm concerned about the development of the Route 5 corridor. I believe that, as initially proposed, this plan allowed for far too much development and would threaten the character of our beautiful small town. I understand from reading this link http://norwich.vt.us/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Q-and-A-on-2017-Norwich-Town-Plan.pdf that the mega development plans for Route 5 have been put on hold? Would someone please be able to respond to me or to the list serve and confirm that this is the case? I believe that it would be a huge relief to many in the community to learn that no new development is planned for the Route 5 corridor. I also would like to call the results of the survey done in 2014-15 into question. I participated in that survey and was shocked that the survey did not allow for the choice of "no new development." The options were only for where the new development should take place. I did indicate that Route 5 was my top choice for development -- but only in the comments section could I say that I preferred no new town development. Or only very modest development. Given this, I believe the survey results are flawed and that another survey which allows for a full range of opinion in regard to development should be given. Under the old survey, proponents of development could claim that I supported the development of Route 5 corridor when, in fact, I do not. I am a documentary filmmaker and journalist and when in doubt about a story we are always told to follow the money. I noticed on Zillow that a 35 acre parcel of land along that Route 5 South corridor is now on the market for 1.5 million. This is an extraordinary amount for 35 acres -- when you can purchase 75 + acres for $350,000 elsewhere in Norwich. I am wondering whether the owner of this parcel, or anyone involved in the sale of or potential development of this parcel, is part of the new town planning commission? If so, I would posit that this is an enormous conflict of interest. Finally, I fully support affordable housing. If that's what's desired, let's simply focus on creating affordable housing. I would honored to help raise funds to purchase land and housing for this purpose. We do not need to create mega developments in order to build a few affordable units -- let's just build those units instead. I believe that there are many wealthy, philanthropic, progressive people in Norwich who would support the building of affordable housing with their time and treasure. Thanks so much soliciting input and, again, I very much appreciate your time and service. I can imagine it's no easy task! All the best, Signe Taylor 994 New Boston Road Norwich, VT 05055 802-649-2125