Like Wool Over the Eyes. Bylaw changes? What?
I wholeheartedly agree with Wayne Hayward’s article in last week’s Neighb News (4/25/24 issue). In short, “Planning process should involve lengthy study followed by vigorous PUBLIC debate.”
I visited the town hall last week to try and make heads or tails out of all the listed bylaw changes. I did not receive any further clarity. In fact I left with more unanswered questions on bylaw changes, especially in regards to ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units, aka in-law apartments), than when I got there.
The reason I went to the Town Hall in the first place, is because some of our Fairhaven residents, including some small business owners, were telling me that they really don’t understand what the bylaw changes are involving, or how they will affect the community in the future. There is no “clarity.” Without clarity how can any changes be made? No Clarity Equals no Transparency.
FYI: The Massachusetts open meeting laws are to ensure transparency in the deliberation on which the public is based. The definition of deliberation is Long and careful consideration.
I had inquired how these changes would affect other already in place Short Term Rental (STR) bylaws, which at the current time have not been adhered to over the last couple of years. It was reported over a year ago at a Select Board meeting, that we are over the STR cap amount in the town of Fairhaven.
Let’s take an honest look at what is happening here. We have STR bylaws not being adhered to, and we have bylaw changes being considered, that many Fairhaven residents don’t clearly understand. No in depth study has been done as to how these changes will affect our community and or natural resources in the future, and made clear to the public eye. No zoning/planner expert.
I have seen in the past how just one bylaw zoning change can make null and void other important zoning bylaws.
At the current time the town of Fairhaven is without a Town Planner, and with an interim Building Commissioner. But, we do have two new real estate agents/realtors who are part of the Board’s decision-making process, as per what was conveyed to me by one of the town hall employees. Might that be a conflict of interest?
FYI: The Conflict of Interest Law in Massachusetts Chapter 268A, was provided to prevent conflict of interest and public duties, foster integrity in public service, and promote the public’s trust and confidence in the service by placing restrictions on what municipalities may do on the job. Paid or unpaid, appointed or elected, full-time or part-time, from having a financial interest, directly or indirectly, in a contract made by an agency of the municipality in which he serves.
I’m not a planner/zoning expert, and God knows we need an expert. These bylaw changes appear wooly, is the most honest way I can describe it. And not just to me, but to other residents as well.
Michelle Costen, Fairhaven
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Click here to download the 05-02-24 issue: 05-02-24 JrTreeWardens
Click here to download Patrick Carr’s response letter: CarrResponseSeaspray
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