Multi-family housing, student housing proposals withdrawn from Town Meeting

May 9, 2017

After originally supporting a Town Meeting item that would introduce multi-family housing to Dartmouth's general business districts along State Road and Bliss Corner, the Select Board has decided to withdraw its proposal.

The decision is part of a greater effort to present a united plan with the town's Planning Board and Finance Committee. The Planning Board recently voted against supporting the rezoning article.

"They felt it was too large, too cumbersome," said Finance Committee Chair David Tatelbaum, recalling a conversation with Town Planner John Hansen.

Tatelbaum said the Planning Board is interested in taking on the project, but in smaller chunks. He said they will work over the summer to present an item at the October Town Meeting.

"We should let the Planning Board do its job and bring it back in the fall," said Selectman Stan Mickelson. "Let's let the boards work together."

The housing proposal will still be on the June Town Meeting warrant to serve as an informational item, agreed Select Board members. However, Town Meeting members will not be voting on the item.

The Select Board voted to do the same with a proposal that would allow student housing developments within two miles of college campuses.

Pennsylvania-based Vision Properties had presented a citizen petition to get the student housing proposal on the June Town Meeting agenda, but then withdrew the petition when faced with strong town opposition. It will also be on the agenda for informational purposes, although voters will not make a decision on it.