2023 Manchester Town Meeting

Manchester-by-the-Sea is holding its Annual Town Meeting on Monday, April 3rd at 6:30 PM at the Memorial Elementary School. Beyond articles related to budget and administrative matters, please see a summary of the warrant articles 15-17

• Article 15: Provide the Select Board with the authority to pursue the aggregation of the electricity load for residents and businesses. If approved, Manchester would be able to negotiate with National Grid to save on electricity costs.
• Article 16: Provide the option for future betterments for property owners to upgrade private water lines. Note: No betterment proposals are currently being proposed.
• Article 17: Restrict potential locations for adult entertainment stores to the Limited Commercial District (north of Route 128).

Article 18 is related to Accessory Dwelling Units. Please see a summary of the proposed changes below:

• Except in District E, the lot size must meet the minimum lot size requirement established in the zoning district. Under the current ordinance, the lot size must be at least two times larger than the minimum lot size requirement.
• To be eligible to build an ADU, the single-family dwelling must have existed for at least five years. Under the current ordinance the dwelling must have existed before March 1, 1984.
• Adds a minimum 12-month lease requirement

Article 19 would allow for the creation of deed restricted, with a 55+ age requirement, senior living facilities in the Limited Commercial District.

The Planning Department recommends to residents to take no action on articles 18 and 19, with the plan to revisit the ordinances at a future town meeting. Updates will be posted on the NSR blog.