Walpole Planning Board
Agenda for work session, 10-27-09
Topic: Future industrial development in Walpole
Purpose: 1. to consider options for industrial development in Walpole that are consistent with the town’s existing master plan
2. to consider potential recommendations to the planning board for review of relevant regulations
At the first meeting of the working group on industrial development, the idea of bringing additional light, clean industry to Walpole received wide endorsement. This meeting will explore ways in which the town could accommodate new industrial development.
1. Criteria for desirable / acceptable industries under current master plan. Criteria that have been suggested include:
A. low impact / low traffic
B. “green”
C. industries that provide higher-paying jobs
D. industries that support or complement industrial businesses already in Walpole (farms, Burdick’s, Bensonwood, Lentex, Hubbard Farms, Hicks Machine, Chamberlain Machine, etc.).
E. businesses willing to build designs to preserve small-town character and appearance
2. Assets needed for industrial development
A. three-phase power
B. town water
C. town sewer
D. highway access
E. access by public safety vehicles
F. broadband access
3. Current assets available for industrial development and where in town they are located: should we create a map?
4. Walpole’s industrial park: current state, future prospects
5. Additional industrial land in town
A. Suggestions that have been made:
1. rezoning all land between Route 12’s commercial strip and the Connecticut River to permit industrial development without having to resort to the special exception process
2. rezoning the land east of Route 12’s commercial strip from North Meadow Plaza to the Cold River and east of Route 12 as a new industrial area
3. rezoning the strip of Route 123 from the intersection with the Valley Road to the intersection with Old Drewsville Road to permit industrial
development
B. Other areas suitable for industrial development or zoning
C. Industrial development in the rural-agricultural zone
6. Industrial development that would support or complement Walpole’s existing industries and businesses: what do they need / what do they now lack?
A. Survey existing businesses to determine their needs and preferences?
7. Business recruitment
A. Is it possible for Walpole to recruit specific kinds of businesses?
B. Contact Charlestown’s economic development group?
C. Contact the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation
8. Board plans to manage the corollary effects of industrial development
A. Commercial development
B. Residential development
C. Increased traffic
9. Town regulations governing industrial development: is a review necessary?