Contact me
|
I’m Peter Nottonson, a candidate for Natick Planning Board. Although, as an architect, I have an extensive planning background, my desire to continue on the Board is driven by my dedication and enthusiasm for seeing that Natick continues to develop in a way that will not only enhance the lives of our residents and merchants, but will keep Natick a vital and important community in the Metro West area. The election of 2010 resulted in the election of the Associate Member being voted to the full member position. This vacated the position of Associate Member. I was appointed to that position by a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board. As Associate Member I participate in discussions of all issues and almost all decisions before the Board. The position is both challenging and fulfilling. In the 2011 election I was voted to the Associate Member position. I have continued to participate fully in the responsibilities of the position. I participate in sub-committees whenever my architectural and planning expertise would be helpful. In the fall of 2011 a full member of the Board resigned. I was once again interviewed and selected by a joint committee of the Board of Selectmen and the Planning board to fill the full position. Now I am required by law to run for election to the remainder of the term of the full position. My papers have been submitted for the election and I will be on the ballot in March, 2012. Throughout this experience I have learned a great deal, provided positive input whenever appropriate, and developed an understanding of the position that encourages me to continue. I hold the belief that the regulations presently in place for agencies such as planning and zoning should be viewed as well conceived guidelines. As guidelines they should be flexible and modified as needed to relate to the ever changing objectives of Natick. If elected it is my intention to keep learning and working towards the goal of making Natick even better than it is already. On a personal note I bought my first home in Natick in 1962 and all my children were born here. One of my earlier activities was to be the first “Den Father” with the cub scouts. Another activity was to design and assist in the construction of a playground for the Ben-Hem school. My children were in Natick schools until 1977, at which time I relocated for professional reasons. My wife and I have moved back and plan to retire here. Our youngest son lives here, and his four children are in Natick schools. Before returning to Natick, we spent many years in Boston where I was a member of the Licensing and Building Use Committee of a large neighborhood association. The committee focused on which projects and licenses would be best for our neighborhood and how our choices would affect surrounding neighbors. Consideration was also given to the mix and location of residential and commercial properties. The meetings with applicants included studying all aspects of planning from general functions to how trash would be removed. I would be addressing similar issues as a Planning Board member. From a professional perspective I am a licensed architect and have had my own firm since 1981. We specialize in short- and long-range hospital planning projects. Although still active, I have scaled back, leaving me the time to dedicate to the Planning Board. Many of my hospital projects have involved planning beyond the boundaries of the project site. I have worked closely with abutters, residents and merchants, community groups, fire and police, and zoning and building departments. I also have had to familiarize myself with many zoning, building, and other regulations, which are different for each of the jurisdictions I've worked in. All of these skills help me as a member of the Board. My objectives as a Planning Board member are straightforward. I would like to complement the existing board with architectural expertise that currently does not exist. In my role on the Planning Board I address the specifics of the projects being presented. I use my expertise to ensure that each proposal is thoroughly evaluated as to its appropriateness and local, state and federal regulation compliance. Some of the issues that I personally supported are the new high school, the community/senior center and open space including walking and bike trails. One of my prime objectives is to further develop the downtown in order for it to become a stronger supporter of the town economy as well as an inviting and safe place for people to spend both their days and evenings. Yes, it will take money. But the money alone won’t do all of it if we don’t have a vision and a plan as to how to spend it. We don’t have to begin by throwing tax dollars at the plan. The monies can come in part from private businesses that can profit in conjunction with our success. The plan can be designed and phased for implementation in a logical and affordable sequence. A thoughtfully conceived design plan that enhances the towns appearance can be a beginning. We have a clean downtown but have we maximized the aesthetics? This can mean more green space, cohesive signage, functional, attractive lighting and better traffic flow. Sidewalk seating and even trees can by furnished through private donations in honor or memory of a special person. In addition, scheduled, specific, evening shop openings that include a wide variety of “browsable” retail shops. A crucial issue will be parking. Private development of parking will have maximum incentive for the developer and maximum benefit for the town. We should provide creative incentives for the development of the above street level spaces in beautiful, but presently underutilized, buildings. This may be considered for condos or apartments. Also, we should evaluate and permit zoning changes for new and appropriate functions to be built in prime downtown areas. Another important facet of the downtown development will be to attract a variety of new restaurants for day and evening use. One essential incentive has been distribution of liquor or beer and wine licenses. Population is an existing criterion for the distribution. We can mandate additional criteria that will help maintain and control these spots. For example: time of operation, trash control, food with liquor. Some existing parameters will need to be reevaluated and possibly revised. Your vote is important to me. If elected, I will continue support comprehensive planning, including issues being addressed by other town boards such as school, finance and zoning. I will also support comprehensive planning for Natick as it relates to our neighbors in surrounding Metro West communities. I will use my experience in planning as well as my love for Natick, to promote smart and responsible growth for our town. I would be very happy to chat with anyone having any questions for me. For now I’m asking for your vote to the Planning Board seat.
|
|---|
