The September 6 meeting of the Marion Planning Board was dominated with discussion regarding the master plan draft from SRPEDD.
Board members in attendance were Chairman Robert Lane, Stephen Kokkins, Jennifer Francis, Eileen Marum, Will Saltonstall , and Michael Popitz. Also in attendance and leading the master plan discussion was Town Planner Ken Buckland.
The first section, and the one garnering the lion’s share of the hour-long evaluation, was that of Open Space and Recreation.
Buckland said there were three primary goals associated with this section of the draft document: 1) process and procedures; 2) development of open and recreational spaces; and 3) access to open and recreational spaces. Buckland said, “Overall, Steve Kokkins’ idea of the seaside nature of the area has substantial impact on the ‘theme’ that could be considered – coastal resources.”
Francis said, “Being a coastal community should be up front in the master plan, touching all aspects of the master plan.”
Buckland moved to another comment he had received, noting, “There is a difference of opinion on hiring a conservation agent…. Possibly [we could] have a shared position with other towns.” He also noted Kokkins questioning the need for a conservation agent.
Francis commented, “Probably premature. It’s going to cost money. We can wait to decide.”
Kokkins thought, “As other strategies are implemented, we can see and evaluate in the future.”
Chairman of the newly created Stewards Of Open Space, Margie Baldwin, the only person other than the Planning Board members attending the meeting said, “In Rochester, the conservation agent is the go-to person.” She continued, “Our idea came about for coordination and collaboration…. We have a great deal of open space, but how is it being managed?” Baldwin wondered aloud.
The Stewards Of Open Space (SOOS), Baldwin explained, is a sub-committee of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission. Their role during the development of the town’s master plan is to pull together voices from throughout the community in an effort to ensure all are being heard as the plan is written.
Francis said that the town’s Open Space Acquisition Commission was drafting open space and recreational planning and thought that the SOOS could handle the community collaboration piece for the commission.
Baldwin said, “I think MOSAC felt threatened that we were taking their role – this is a collaboration, vision.”
On another topic from the draft, Popitz said that other countries, whose waterside properties are at risk for flooding, have a policy for swapping the at-risk parcels with parcels on higher ground.
Saltonstall felt it was an interesting concept worth reviewing, but putting a value on properties would be difficult.
Buckland said, “It’s worth exploring.”
The Planning Board hopes to have all comments and edits back to SRPEDD by September 20 with a goal of presenting a fully fleshed-out Master Plan at Town Meeting in May.
The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for September 19 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.
By Marilou Newell