The April showers that bring May flowers are arriving in March as of late. Rivers and streams can overflow and poorly drained areas can collect water. To make sure that this does not occur with new developments, the Planning Board reviews drainage studies submitted with larger development proposals. For example, one important point is the amount of impermeable surface (such as a parking lot where the water is not absorbed) versus amount of soil on a site. When the Planning Board asks questions about
drainage for a site plan, it is not to burden an applicant with difficult questions, but out of a genuine concern that the project proposal may affect water flow and potentially impact abutters or the project itself. This is only one facet of the Planning Board review process. The mission of the Planning Board is to assist applicants who have commercial and residential development projects in meeting the zoning ordinances and land use regulations. Subcommittees of the Planning Board include Technical Review, Long Range Planning and Rules and Regulations. The Technical Review Subcommittee meets monthly and reviews all plans for completeness and compliance to regulations. The Long Range Planning Committee periodically updates the Master Plan while Rules and Regulations updates Rules of Procedure, Zoning Ordinances and other related regulations.
A good example of the type of work done by the Planning Board is the twenty-two unit Retirement Community Development (RCD) under construction on Airfield Drive, which is located off of Lafayette Road/Route 1. The town voted in favor of the RCD zoning ordinance and this clustered housing model was used to guide the development site plan. The groundbreaking for “White Birch at Rye”, an affordable retirement community was held on May 6th. Those Rye residents 62 or older who would like to remain in Rye in an affordable setting should contact the Housing Partnership in Portsmouth.
The Planning Board wishes to thank Don Cavallaro for his years of hard work at Chair. Everyone has appreciated his quiet leadership and thorough guidance.
We welcome Tom McCormick, who will be taking Mark Galvin’s position for the remainder of the year. Mr. Galvin recently resigned from the Planning Board and we will miss his experience and contributions.
The Planning Board has opportunities for five alternate members. The Planning Board meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month. The members are from diverse backgrounds and experience but we all share in our dedication to Rye. An alternate is an excellent start if you wish to contribute to Town activities.
Jaci Grote, Chair, Planning Board
| 
