Town of Bennington
                     Planning Commission
                           MINUTES
                      February 14, 2002
                          10:00 a.m.
                     Town Office Building
         205 South Street, Bennington, Vermont 05201
                      Members Present:    Barry Horst - Chair, Bob Burgess - Clerk, 
                 Michael McDonough, Sharon Yorke, Michael Lochner
                 Also Present:  Dan Monks, Zoning Administrator                            
                 Bob Gates, Banner Reporter
                                Brian Shupe, Planning Consultant
  The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.
  Zoning Bylaw Revision Project
            Brian Shupe from Burnt Rock, Inc. was present to discuss the Zoning Bylaw        Revision Project. 
            The following issues, among others, were discussed. 
            Big Box Stores - The Planning Commission discussed, at length, whether or        not a size limit on Big Box Retail stores should be imposed.  The general        consensus was that, at least, an economic impact study should be required for        larger retail projects.  The Planning Commission also agreed, after significant        discussion, that site plan standards, building design, massing, etc. should be        developed for Northside Drive/North Bennington Road.  Particular concern        was expressed for the Bypass interchange with North Bennington Road.  Mike        McDonough and Brian Shupe will work together to develop some proposed        standards.  The Planning Commission also agreed to investigate the imposition        of a limit on the number pumps at gas stations.
            The Planning Commission also discussed the possibility of developing Bylaw        provisions that impose standards on development over 1000 ft. in order to        protect view sheds. 
            
  The meeting was adjourned.
  Respectfully submitted, 
  Daniel W. Monks
  Zoning Administrator
            
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