Agenda - 06-30-1994 - C-2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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22 -��` � � _•' •Vii.. � i t ,6 Most older small-town roads in New England are 18 feet wide and have worked well. tectural w,les. Typicalh. such regula- est. at the time owners sell their cluster ordinances typically prohibit tions set an upper limit on the number house. Unpaid dues cloud the title and further subdivision of the parcel. of dwellings per building (four. for effectively pre%ent resales. some ordinances provide for an added example) and provide standards relat- if the open space is agricultural. safeguard by requiring a local. region- ing to features such as roof pitch.sid- other options apply. The open space al.or statewide land trust or conserva- ing material.roofline breaks.and win- can be sold "in fee"to the homeown- tion commission to be a cosigner and dow proportions.thus giving develop- ers' association. which. in turn. can enforcer of any conservation ease- ers an incentive to hire architects %%ho lease the land to local farmers. Alter- ment that permanently restricts devel- are sensiti%e to the building forms that natively. the original farmers can opment in the open space. blend a tth the town*s character. retain ownership of the land and sell Buffering Farm Operations Open Space Maintenance only their "development rights." The latter option affords farmers the To reduce potential conflicts Another issue of concern is main- opportunity. upon retirement. of sell- between new residents and existing tenance of the open space created by ing their field-, to younger farmers at agricultural practices.a few tow ns are clustering. if the open space is recre- an affordable price that reflects the beginning to require cluster lots to be ational (playing fields.joeging trails. land's agricultural value (rather than separated from the protected farmland tennis courts. etc.). a hotneoW ners its potential building value). thus by a buffer strip that is typically 75 to association—to which all residents strengthening the local farming econ- 100 feet wide. Where the de%elop- are contractually obligated to con- omy. This is essentially a private sec- ment can be so designed. existing tribute w hen they purchase their for version of a"purchase-of-develop- woodland should be used as the home—typically handles the upkeep. ment-rights'program. buffer. Otherwise. tow ns can require At Echo Hill in Amherst. !alas- ..Locking 1n"the Open Space new buffer areas to be thickly planted sachusetcs.home buffers sign a legally with a variety of rapidly grow ing binding agreement that authorizes the Another commonly expressed fear native trees and shrubs Ouch as white homeow ners' association to collect is the possibility of future develop- pine. birch, poplar. American yibur- any unpaid dues. with accrued inter- ment in the open space. Even though num.honeysuckle.wild rose). Land Development.Fall 1991 29