Articles of note: One warrant article would update zoning changes voters approved last year “as a tool for encouraging attainable housing by introducing new missing-middle building types and more flexible dimensional criteria,” according to the Town Report. The so-called ” ‘clean-up’ amendment” would update those zoning changes including adding clearer definitions and review criteria.
A petitioned warrant article would repeal some of the same zoning changes approved last year, including eliminating the option to build three and four-unit residences in certain parts of town. The article would also remove single-residence districts from a special overlay district with eased zoning restrictions including reduced lot sizes, frontages and setbacks that were introduced in order to increase density.
All zoning articles will be decided by ballot.
During the business meeting, voters will consider items including leasing town-owned land at 221 Lebanon Street to build a telecommunications tower and establishing social districts.
Two petitioned articles ask voters to “protect taxpayers” by calling on state legislators to require “the Education Freedom Account program to provide fiscal and educational performance reports comparable to those required of public schools, and by limiting eligibility to families with demonstrated financial need,” and “by ensuring adequate state revenues for essential services, and by avoiding policies that shift costs onto local property taxpayers.”
Contested races: There are no contested races this year.
Budgets and spending articles: The proposed budget is $34.51 million. Last year, voters approved a $32.8 million operating budget. Separate warrant articles ask whether voters support raising $3.92 million for capital reserve funds and a $2.4 million bond to purchase a fire engine tower truck.
When, where and how to vote: Voting on town officers and zoning articles will be by ballot Tuesday, May 12 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Hanover High School gymnasium, 41 Lebanon Street. The business meeting will start at 7 p.m. at the same location.
