Information for Meeting of Planning Board
Tuesday April 10, 2012 7:00 PM EDT

Public Hearing Notice
Hardwick Planning Board
Zoning Bylaw Amendments

In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 40A, §5, the Hardwick Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the Selectman’s Room at the Myron E. Richardson Municipal Office Building, 307 Main Street, Gilbertville to consider adoption of a comprehensive Zoning Bylaw and Map revision. The Planning Board is proposing a number of amendments to the existing Zoning Bylaw and Map that are intended to implement many of the recommendations contained in the Master Plan. These amendments include, but are not limited to:

1.	An expanded Definitions section and new or revised regulations for nonconforming uses and structures, outdoor lighting, multiple family dwellings, flood plain protection, bed and breakfast inns, accessory apartments, home businesses, parking and loading, and solar energy facilities.
2.	An expanded Schedule of Use Regulations that explains how uses are permitted and prohibited in the various zoning districts.
3.	New provisions for site plan review and an expanded section for Administration of the Bylaw.
4.	New sections for Open Space Residential Development, Common Driveways, and Residential Compound that offer alternatives to conventional subdivision development.
5.	Provisions to regulate Adult Entertainment establishments.
6.	A new Mill Conversion Overlay District that identifies the sites of old mills and encourages their conversion into mixed use developments where residential, commercial, and institutional uses are allowed.
7.	Changes to the Zoning Map, including re-naming the R-20 district to Village Residential and Gilbertville Village districts.

The proposed Zoning Bylaw and Map are available for review at the office of the Town Clerk in the Municipal Office Building and on the Town’s web site, http://www.townofhardwick.com/. The Board invites all interested parties to attend and offer comments on the proposed revisions.