MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE
DRAFT MINUTES
April 27, 2015

Attendees: Ralph O’Dell – Chair, Ted Mitchell –
Secretary, Roland Carter, Jim Pritchard and
Helen Schoppmeyer

1. Call to Order: 7:02 pm

2. Approval of Minutes: April 13, 2015
– Change Next Meeting Date “April 28th” to April 27th

3. Discussion on Draft Letter to ZBA:
– After changes, vote was taken to have chair sign and send
letter to Planning Board for approval and forwarding to
ZBA. Vote was unanimous.

4. Discussion on Downtown Development:
– Establish professional business on 1st floor of buildings on
south side of Main Street
– Commercial/Retail on north side of Main Street
— Positives:
* Increases business activity
* Increases diversity of businesses
* Increases employment opportunities
* Increases opportunities for businesses to expand
* Tax benefit available for renovations
* Reduced need for overnight parking
* Historic district enhances appeal of a business setting
— Challenges:
* Signage
* Mixed Use building zoning definition needs to be
clarified
* Getting businesses to locate/relocate to Pittsfield
* Building renovations must keep historic character
* Need services of water, sewer and high speed internet
* Need sidewalk upgrade and increased beautification

5. Discussed focus of future meetings:
– Need Transportation Chapter and Demographic Chapters
finalized. Ralph is on top of it.
– During summer months – 1 meeting each month? Will
decide later

7. Next Meeting: May 11, 2015

9. Adjournment: 8:18 pm

Prepared by: Ted Mitchell, Secretary

Submitted: Ralph O’Dell, Chairman, Master Plan
Committee