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Brian Vernaglia stepped into his new role as chair of the Planning Board following the town’s March 22 election, which saw an open seat filled by write-in candidate Jack LeMenager after Diab Jerius did not run for re-election.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to have been elected chair by my committee members and hope to live up to the high standards set by Keri and Diab Jerius before,” he said.
Vernaglia, who was the board’s clerk, replaces outgoing chair Keri Layton. John Cortizas is the body’s new vice chair while LeMenager is the new clerk.
Under a new board, two articles for Spring Town Meeting were up for discussion and review: language for a Floodplain Overlay District and changes for zoning at The Ledges Condominium complex.
Floodplain Overlay District
With new guidelines from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Winchester must comply by making changes in language to define its Floodplain Overlay District.
“A key component of this program is the issuance and periodic updating of Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which in Winchester define the boundaries of the Floodplain Overlay District (FOD),” reads a briefing from the Planning Board. “Updates help communities adapt to changing flood risks, update zoning and resource protection laws and enhance public safety by mitigating flood hazards.”
The Planning Board stated the changes come as a result of a Jan. 8 announcement by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that updated FIRMS, which will take effect July 8. To remain in good standing with the NFIP, Winchester must adopt the revised FIRMS and update the FPOD before July 8.
“Approval will ensure continued flood insurance eligibility for residents in the updated FPOD,” the board briefing concluded.
The new FPOD will widen the area in some sections of the town and narrow it in others.
“Mapping technology gets better every few years and the changes will take new technology and apply it to existing maps,” Town Planner Taylor Herman explained.
Most of the language of the article is housekeeping changes indicating new maps will be used. In one section, however, mining will be added to the definition of development in addition to dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials.
The Ledges
A more controversial article coming up at Town Meeting is a citizen’s petition being introduced by Richard Bartels “to see if the Town will vote to amend the Winchester Zoning Map by changing the zoning district of a portion of the property known as The Ledges Condominium located at 7 Wainwright Road, from the Planned Residential District (PRD) to a Residential District A (RDA-20).”
The change would rezone a 20,000-square foot piece of land owned by the 40-ish-year-old condominium complex on Wainwright Street so it can be developed as a single-family home.
A similar article was planned for the November 2024 Town Meeting, but was withdrawn. At the time Bartels said, “I estimate that to be able to sell this one piece of property will save [The Ledges] residents approximately $100 a month for 10 years.”
Attorney Mark Vaughan added the sale would benefit the town because it would generate tax revenue once the property was sold and result in a nice single-family home for someone. He said it would also assist residents at The Ledges because the money received would go toward addressing needs there.
Vernaglia and Select Board Chair Michelle Prior were skeptical last fall about the idea based on it not having any positive impact on affordable housing. Jerius said he was concerned about retaining trees in the area.
The Planning Board has taken no official position on the article. However, the matter will be a topic of conversation at its next meeting.
“The Planning Board opened public hearings last night for the Ledges citizen’s petition,” Vernaglia said. “We heard from the petitioners as well as several members of the public and we continued hearings to April 15. We would like to give town boards and committees as well as residents a chance to weigh in.”
Reporter Chris Stevens contributed to this report.
