The PC discussed home occupations and business uses in the villages. Eileen Haupt felt that it was beneficial to the town to have people living above their businesses. C. Lacy said he agreed that it was good to have more residents in the village areas but that it was an economic risk for the business owner. This risk made it difficult to get people to invest in buildings like the former Flower Mill on VT Rte 15. He mentioned the sign regulations as an impediment to the success of small-scale agriculture and farm stands.
Signs are very important for attracting drive-by traffic to farm stands.
The PC and guests debated whether it was worth it to have large, unattractive signs if they promote agriculture and the open space associated with it. E. Haupt made a motion to approve the minutes from May 16, 2000. Pat O Brien, a developer who works locally, will be talking to the PC on June 20, 2000. The PC talked about the interview process for new members. Stuart Alexander suggested that a standard list of question to ask each applicant be drawn up.