Bath Master Plan Chapter IX
General Recommendations
Introduction:
The success of a master plan in shaping future growth patterns and in influencing public policy decisions is dependent upon the degree to which the plan is actually carried out by those responsible for the implementation. To assist in carrying out the many recommendations contained in this Master Plan, the following implementation strategy has been developed. Implementation actions are suggested for all major plan recommendations. These recommendations, and those presented in the preceding chapters, are developed based on the responses to the Master Plan questionnaire.
The
minimum lot size, particularly in the rural/agricultural district, should be
increased to at least three acres.
The
town should assess impact fees on new development that heavily impacts the
infrastructure of the town.
A
site review process to approve or disapprove site plans for the development of
tracts for non-residential uses and for multi-family dwelling units (other than
one and two-family dwellings) should be implemented.
The
town should develop a capital improvement plan. A capital improvement plan is
necessary to assess impact fees and to implement a site plan review process.
The
town through its respective boards and commissions – specifically Planning
Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment and Conservation Commission, must continue to
update their regulations and ordinances to reflect state RSAs and the
administration and implementation of the 2007 Master Plan goals and objectives.
Funds should be appropriated on an annual basis for the
purpose acquiring either fee ownership or the development rights to property for
the preservation of open agricultural lands, the preservation of forests that
contain marketable timber, and the preservation or enhancement of water supplies
for use by the Town.
A 501(c)(3) Friends of the Library should be established.
This civic-minded group would work in conjunction with the trustees and director
to improve and expand library services in
Zoning regulations should be developed and implemented to discourage and regulate new, large retail businesses.
Establish growth boundaries directing business development
to areas that already have infrastructures in place, thereby discouraging
commercial development in
Conservation easements can be facilitated to exclude certain activities on private land, such as commercial development or residential subdivisions.
The
Grafton County Economic Development Council can be utilized to encourage
professional businesses that harmonize with
Identify and nominate specific properties and locations for listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places
Develop proactive measures including conservation easements and a favorable tax structure to preserve the historic agricultural and forest land in the town
Avoid the loss of historic road characteristics resulting from the cumulative effects of development
Require developers to identify and record historic resources, such as stone walls and cellar holes, on property being developed