On Wednesday February 22

On May 23^rd, the citizens of Groton voted to adopt the Interim Growth Ordinance. This is in affect for 1 year allowing the town to develop a growth ordinance to help protect the rural character, peace and quiet of the town of Groton. There is still much more to do but the residents of Groton have sent a strong message by a 3 to 1 voting margin adopting the Interim Ordinance. Here is the list of events leading to the vote:
	On Tuesday, February 21, 2006, at the Groton Selectmen’s meeting more than 90 people in attendance voted 100% that they did not want North American Training Lodge in Groton, not one person voted in favor of this facility.
	On Wednesday, February 22, 2006 not one Groton citizen at the Planning Board meeting voted in favor of the North American Training Lodge coming into Groton. Over 90% of the 100 plus people in attendance at this meeting were from Groton.
	On Wednesday, February 22, 2006 the Groton Planning Board unanimously proposed Interim Land Use Regulations. These essentially protect all current land use activities, but require any newly proposed major commercial enterprises or developments to seek the Town of Groton’s official approval through a public hearing process.
	On Wednesday, March 29, 2006 approximately 140 people attended the Public Hearing of the Groton Planning board resulted in only one substantive change to the Interim Ordinance - the references to the word "neighborhood" is being changed to "Town". The Groton Town attorney has requested the Planning Board bring this change to a Public Hearing on April 14th. The Public Hearing will be held at the Town Hall at 7pm. The Public Hearing will be on this wording change only. The Interim Ordinance will be voted on at a Special Town Meeting - i.e. a ballot vote on May 23, 2006 at the Town Hall. Usual voting hours and rules will be in effect.
	One Tuesday, May 23, 2006, Groton residents exercised their right to be heard and voted resoundingly for the Interim Ordinance giving them a voice in the future growth of their town. In reference to having a military like weapons training facility in Groton, they have said loud and clear Not At This Location. The unconfirmed tally indicates that 193 people voted and passed the Ordinance by more than a 3 to 1 margin (148 yes and 45 no).

THE TOWN OF GROTON

PLANNING BOARD RESOLUTION

Whereas, RSA 674:23 permits the local legislative body to regulate and control the timing of development;

Whereas, RSA 674:23 permits towns to adopt ordinances imposing interim regulations upon development in unusual circumstances requiring prompt attention and for the developing a growth management process;

Whereas, the Planning Board has determined that the requirements of RSA 674:23-I exist;

Whereas, the Planning Board finds that:

1. The Town of Groton has no zoning or other growth management ordinance which would regulate the construction, placement, operation or removal of commercial development;

2. Improved access and communication to the Town now can encourage development of a kind and nature not previously anticipated in the Town;

3. There are unusual circumstances requiring prompt attention by the Town including the potential for large scale commercial development in the Town;

4. Unregulated large scale commercial development could adversely affect Town services, highways, public safety and resources;

5. The impacts of the installation, construction, operation and removal of a large scale commercial facility have neither been reviewed or assessed by any municipal body of the Town;

6. The Town has an interest in assuring that the public health and safety of its residents are not adversely affected by development within the Town;

7. The Master Plan sets includes provisions for the protection of the health, safety and well being of the community, as well as for the preservation of its rural and scenic character; and,

8. The opportunity for a limited duration for the town to consider the adoption of an ordinance governing the placement, erection, operation and removal of commercial development would be of benefit to the Town and result in minimal impact on any person wishing to undertake the construction of a commercial facility;

9. The Town desires to develop a growth management process as permitted by statute;

WHEREFORE, the Town of Groton Planning Board adopts the following resolution:

A. That the Planning Board present an interim regulation to the Town for the purpose of developing a growth management process;

B. That the proposed regulations be posted and that the appropriate public hearings be held as required by law;

C. That the Town vote on such proposed interim regulation.

D. That the form of an interim regulation be as follows:

Ordinance for the Regulation of Commercial Development

1. The Town of Groton shall be designated a Rural Residential Development District.

2. The purpose of this district shall be to provide rural and residential housing as well as agricultural and timber management.

3. All residential uses and all uses accessory to residential uses shall be permitted. Additionally, all uses associated with home use, such a home business, agriculture and the buildings and structures accessory to such uses shall be permitted.

4. All other uses, specifically commercial uses, industrial uses and primary uses of land which are primarily non-residential in nature shall require a special exception to be granted by the Town board of adjustment. In order to grant a special exception, the board must find that:

a. The use will not be detrimental to the character of the neighborhood;

b. The use will not be injurious, noxious or offensive to the neighborhood and no nuisance or unreasonable hazard will result;

c. The use will not be contrary to the public health, safety or welfare of the Town by reason of undue or adverse traffic impacts, undue risk to life or property, unsanitary, unhealthful, and will not create other adverse conditions;

d. The specific site is appropriate for the use and the location and size of the use and the nature and intensity of the operations involved will be in harmony with the orderly development of the neighborhood. There exists adequate water, sewer or septic service, access to the site and parking.

5. In granting a special exception, the board of adjustment may impose such conditions as are appropriate to assure compliance with these regulations.

6. These regulations shall not apply to any existing structure or use of land.

7. During the effective period of this Ordinance, no person shall undertake any commercial use or construct or cause to be constructed any structure, within the Town, except in compliance with this regulation.

8. A board of adjustment shall be appointed by the Selectmen or as otherwise required by law for the duration of the term of this ordinance.

9. This Ordinance shall be effective upon passage and shall remain in effect until one year days following passage or until 2007 town meeting if a growth management order is adopted.

Groton Planning Board

Original Signed by all five members of the Groton Planning Board

February 22, 2006