Hamilton Planning Board Clears Bond Substitution, Advances Flexible Zoning Talks

HAMILTON — August 4, 2020 — Hamilton Planning Board unanimously approves four-part bond substitution for Cannabrook Senior Housing and advances flexible zoning bylaw discussions. The board voted to accept a $63,020 cash bond in place of an existing performance bond at 354 Highland Street, reducing the total surety from $141,360 following completion of more than half the remaining subdivision work, according to attorney Jill Mann of Canterbury Capital. The board also approved a tripartite escrow agreement and executed a discharge of the prior performance mortgage, clearing the way for a unit sale expected by the end of August. In a separate working session, members debated draft language for a flexible residential zoning bylaw modeled partly on Wenham's ordinance, wrestling over base density calculations, whether developers should be allowed to donate land in lieu of cash contributions to an open-space acquisition fund, and long-term maintenance obligations for preserved open space — reaching no formal vote and targeting a future spring town meeting for any submission.