ORlEANS ANNUAl TOwN REPORt FOR YEAR ... - Town Of Orleans

PLANNING DEPARTMENTIn 2007, the Planning Department continued its support of various short andlong-range programs to guide the Town’s growth and development, as well ascoordinating the work of many committees and administering its regulatoryfunctions. Foremost among the efforts was the work associated with thedevelopment of a town-wide comprehensive wastewater management plan,which accelerated progress towards an anticipated 2008 completion.Other highlights of 2007 include the following:• Participated in the Pleasant Bay Alliance, notably in efforts of theWatershed Working Group to foster a regional approach to the protectionof the bay’s resources.• Supported the Planning Board’s efforts to plan for appropriate growth inthe Village Center, including development of successful zoningamendments to allow 3 rd floor apartments.• Maintained the Town’s GIS, and implemented a web-based GIS viewerthat may be accessed by Town staff and the public on the Town’s website.• Expedited Cape Cod Commission certification of the OrleansComprehensive Plan, and continued to implement the plan in conjunctionwith the Planning Board.• Submitted a successful application to the state under the CommonwealthCapital Program, which improves Orleans ability to compete forcompetitive state grants. This submittal led to a successful Self-Help grantof $500,000 for the purchase of open space abutting Arey’s Pond.• Acted as the Selectmen’s representative to the Regional Transit Authority.• Served as Town liaison to the Cape Cod Commission for severalDevelopments of Regional Impact, including Daniels Recycling,Community of Jesus (belltower), and a large land clearing within thecontributing area to public wells.• Completed planning under a PWED grant for the relocation of Lots HollowRoad, due to be constructed in early 2008.• Provided staff support to the Joint Committee on Affordable Housing andthe Route 6A Affordable Housing Committee.• Completed planning, permitting, and funding for the replacement of theculvert below Skaket Beach Road, funded substantially by non-localsources. The project was constructed in fall 2007.• Completed the 5-year perambulation of the town’s boundaries as requiredby state law.The Planning Department is pleased to work with the many volunteers thatsupport their community by giving of their time to protect and preserve the finequalities of Orleans and the lower Cape.Respectfully submitted,George Meservey, Director of Planning & Community Development151