Facilitating the creation of new housing and supporting Antrim businesses are the top priorities for the coming year, Antrim Planning Board members said Thursday night.

Addressing existing issues with the housing ordinance, the completion of a short-term rental policy and finalizing the town’s RV ordinance top of list.

Top concerns under housing policy include the definition of Class VI roads and reviewing the town’s subdivision policy. Planning Board member Lynn Rosansky pointed out that a loophole in the subdivision ordinance enables people to develop land on a Class VI road, even though it is prohibited by town ordinance, which has created problems for property owners and the town. 

“There is a big conflict in our subdivision laws. Right now, you can’t subdivide on a Class VI road, but if the property owner approaches the Select Board, they can decide to allow it; there is workaround. So we probably either need to  change the law, or change the road,” Rosansky said.

Chair Mark Murdough said Road Agent Tyler Tommila is working on the issue and created a map of all of Antrim’s Class VI roads. According to state law, the public has the right to use Class VI roads at their own risk. Towns are under no obligation to maintain Class VI roads and have no liability for the roads.  

“It could be an incentive for a developer to reclassify a Class VI into a Class V road, but the cost is prohibitive. Who is going to pay for that?” Rosansky asked. 

Short-term rental policy nearing completion

The board hopes to complete Antrim’s revised short-term rental policy, which aims to alleviate problems caused by off-site management of a few units in town, at its next scheduled meeting on May 15. 

The Planning Board decided to revise the policy after the Antrim Police Department reported that one or two short-term rentals in town were causing frequent visits by the police due to complaints about parking and noise. The new policy specifies that short-term rentals must have a resident or local manager who can respond to issues at the site in a timely manner. 

Board member John Anderson said managing short term rentals in town “is a balance.”

“We are trying to limit the number of housing units coming off the market, because things are becoming Airbnb faster than new housing can be built,” Anderson said. “We are trying to support tourism in Antrim and for people to have their own businesses, but we also want to be sure there is enough housing for the people who live here.” 

Board will explore options for renewable energy 

Also on the slate for this year are a signage ordinance, a possible shared renewable energy policy and a review of  stormwater management plans.

Select Board member John Roberston, who was filling in for regular Planning Board liaison Bob Edwards, said he had heard from residents “who wanted to know if they could share solar panels or a windmill.” 

Anderson said the state will permit neighbors to share renewable energy infrastructure as long as it does not become a commercial venture. 

Board to look at ‘pocket neighborhoods’

Carol Ogilvie, land-use consultant to the Planning Board, reported that she had spoken with a developer in New York State who was building a type of clustered housing called “pocket neighborhoods.” 

“He says he cannot build them fast enough. This could be a good concept for Antrim,” Ogilvie said. 

The board agreed to try to schedule a Zoom meeting with the developer to learn more.