Southtowns Record

PB 2026-05-13 Packet

Government
Town of Boston
Board
Planning Board
Meeting
May 13, 2026
Posted by publisher
Sep 25, 2026
Kind
Agenda packet
Topics
Zoning and land use, Water, sewer and drainage, Housing

Original document

Text · page 2 of 4

Planning Board
  May 13, 2026
  Meeting Minutes

Attendees: Chairman Paul Ziarnowski, Elizabeth Schutt, Gary Stisser, James Liegl,
Jessica Yuhas, David Stringfellow

Absent: Jay Jackson

Also in attendance were Sarah Desjardins, Town Planning Consultant, Planning
Board Liaison Robert Penders and Margaret Derk, Board Clerk.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.

Planning Board to discuss requested changes to the Boston Town Code
regarding minimum residential lot sizes

Chairman Ziarnowski reminded Board members that drainage was not something to be
discussed because it is a separate issue from what has been proposed and what the
Board has been asked to comment on.

Chairman Ziarnowski also reminded Board members that the use of cluster is not a
given, but rather an option particular to the individual site. He noted that when a cluster
subdivision is proposed, a conventional subdvision plan must also be submitted and the
number of proposed homes is the same in both scenarios. He stated that he does not
support eliminating the use of cluster in the Town of Boston because it is just an option
the Planning Board can consider.

Board members expressed their individual thoughts regarding the proposal to increase
the minimum lot size for residential subdivisions as follows:

• Mr. Liegl stated that Chapter 103 of the Boston Town Code addresses storm water
  and a protection plan. He stated that this chapter gives the Planning Board power
  regarding storm water and drainage concerns and he does not think that the Town has
  to increase residential lot sizes because of this power the Planning Board posesses.
  He noted that rather than changing the Town Code, the Planning Board should
  exercise the power it has been given by the Town Code. He stated that the Town
  Code indicates that the use of cluster does not have to be approved by the Planning
  Board. He stated that he does not feel that changing the Town Code to increase lot
  sizes is necessary and that the Town Code does give the Planning Board latitude
  when reviewing a proposed cluster subdivision. He noted that the Town Code
  indicates that the subdivision regulations may be altered or amended by the Planning
  Board in such a manner as the Planning Board may deem necessary for its
  consideration and approval of plats.