The Land Use Research Committee has begun to meet in Temple after voters approved it at Town Meeting in March. Its purpose is to research town land, determine its suitability for various uses, and to work with townspeople to recommend how that land should be managed. Residents also voted to appropriate $3,000 for expenses related to soil testing, surveying, and other costs necessary for the committee’s purpose.
“It’s to update the townspeople on what we have available,” Chair Timothy Fiske said, and what could be done with the properties. The process is expected to take a year, so the committee can deliver their findings at the next Town Meeting, he said, although he expects to have something to share in advance of the meeting.
The committee is comprised of 10 members, and met via Zoom for the first time on April 29. Committee members discussed some of the 20 parcels comprising the 227 acres owned by the town, and how changing the management of some properties could resolve parking and housing issues in town, according to draft meeting minutes.
“For years, the town’s been discussing moving the Highway Department out of the center of town,” Fiske said, and that municipal vehicles have been blocked in the past when there’s no other space for cars at board and committee meetings, or events like the Harvest Festival or the Jan. 1 fun run, he said. The shortage of downtown parking was a major reason why the committee formed, Fiske said.
Fiske served as the town’s Road Agent for more than 35 years, and was involved with all the town properties in the process, he said.
The group at large will familiarize themselves with the 16.6 acre parcel known as the former Sklandany Land on the General Miller Highway and the 2.4 acre parcel known as the former Holt Property on Route 45 by walking them the first week of June, pending state recommendations regarding COVID-19, Vice Chair Christine Robidoux said.
— By ABBE HAMILTON