HARDWICK – Nineteen people attended a Hardwick Planning Commission (HPC) public forum

courtesy Town of Hardwick
about a proposed zoning district change for East Hardwick to combine several separate areas under the same village center designation as the Hardwick Village Center.
The Tuesday, Dec. 10, forum, held in-person and on Zoom, was joined by Hardwick Zoning and Floodplain Administrator Kristen Leahy and HPC members from East Hardwick, Larry Fliegelman and Chair Dave Gross
The forum came about as the result of a process in which the HPC concluded East Hardwick Village was more aligned with a new single Village Center (VC) zoning district. The proposed VC District has a purpose: “To support a central mixed use area in East Hardwick. The Village Center District is intended to provide a place of civic pride and a focal point for development in the community. The Village Center District enables a variety of housing opportunities with a mix of small-scale commercial in a pedestrian-friendly setting,” said the letter, adding, “Please note that this proposed zoning district change would not require you to make any changes to your
property as it currently exists.”
Gross identified the description of the new Village Center zoning district and the proposed boundaries to the area designated in East Hardwick as a starting point to hear comments from those in attendance to help inform the planning process.
A wide ranging discussion was held, with some comments in direct conflict with each other.
Cheryl Michaels began with gratitude for the proposal, saying she appreciates the idea of a single zoning district for East Hardwick as it has the potential to be unique and look ahead for the future of the village. Michaels recommended not viewing what is there now but rather what the town would like to see in the future.
Jon Hall inquired about the status of pre-existing nonconformities and whether they could rebuild after a fire or other event. He received the answer, yes, if the work is started within two years.
There were a considerable number of comments about the character of the village and whether additional housing should be encouraged, or not.
Meredith Holch responded to Dave Gross’ description of East Hardwick as a residential area, reminding the audience East Hardwick has traditionally had a business component. Gross clarified his earlier remarks, saying the upper portion of East Hardwick, adjacent to the Route 16 corridor has traditionally been a residential area.
Hall said he is not interested in having new people move into East Hardwick Village.
Holch responded that she would like to see more houses and more housing units become available in East Hardwick.
Susanne Gann said she is not in favor of new housing as there would be an increased need for services, which are currently non-existent.
Hall agreed East Hardwick cannot handle more families because there is no police oversight and no judicial system in place. While there may be some elements of riff raff it is a “good place to live,” he said. The village does not have the same problems as Hardwick at this time. and does not want more children or more families.
Warren Hill Jr. spoke from his experience on the rescue squad, believing it would be overwhelmed by new community members.
Hall said he hoped drug users or low-income people would not move to East Hardwick.
Emily Willems spoke to say housing is needed for the area. People offered jobs at local schools cannot accept positions because there is no adequate housing to be found, which is safe and affordable.
Erik Gann said that more infrastructure would be needed before more people could be housed in the village. The fire hydrants need to be improved.
Gross referred the audience to the upcoming work of the East Hardwick Fire District, which is pursuing more upgrades to the current infrastructure.
It was also noted the Town of Hardwick is reviewing the possibility of installing a community wastewater system. Gann expressed concern about the cost of a community wastewater system.
Hill, asking if HPC had researched the economic feasibility of the conditional uses proposed in the Village Center zoning district, was told no.
He recommended the select board look at a speed limit reduction on Route 16. The trees at the intersection of Main Street and Route 16 are currently blocking the line of sight at that turn. Tracy Martin reminded the audience that the board would need to request a speed limit reduction on Route 16 from the state as it is a state road.
Dave O’Brien spoke in favor of asking EHNO to visit the select board now and ask about improving the safety of the intersection at Main Street and Route 16.
Quite a few technical questions were raised that included setbacks; building height restrictions, which are standard throughout Hardwick according to Leahy; the status of multi-unit dwellings; and the possibility of creating a new “stand-alone” zoning district for East Hardwick so issues could be addressed without impacting other areas in Hardwick.
Gross said the HPC will review the public’s comments and draft a new version which will be reviewed in a public hearing. The HPC will then either vote to send the changes to the select board or return to the review stage. He said the select board would need to hold another public hearing prior to adopting any zoning changes.
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.