Village of Forest Hills Planning Board

Date: January 27, 2026

Time: 7:04 PM – 8:40 PM

Location: Meeting Link VFH Assembly Hall

1. Call to Order and Oaths

• The meeting was called to order at 7:18 PM.
• Oaths of office were administered to new and returning members, including Charlie Bell and Clark Corwin (as Planning Board Chair).

2. Administrative Updates

• The mayor provided an update on development in the valley, specifically a potential application from Brown Haven, expected by the end of the month.
• Discussion included possible age restrictions for new developments, density concerns, and the importance of aligning with the Village’s long-term vision.
• Updates on county plans for the Greenway and sidewalk extensions were shared.

3. Agenda and Secretary Election

• The agenda was reviewed and approved unanimously.
• Donna Harris was nominated and unanimously elected as Board Secretary.

4. Orientation and Discussion

• The Chair emphasized the importance of understanding key planning and zoning terms: land use plan, text ordinance, and zoning ordinance.
• Members discussed the differences between these terms and the implications for future development.
• The need for clear communication to the community and adherence to state regulations was stressed.

5. Long-Term Planning and Vision

• The Board discussed the need for a community vision, referencing the Mountain Landscapes Initiative and the importance of balancing social, economic, and environmental factors.
• The Chair outlined a 12-month roadmap, including the potential for a professionally facilitated charrette (workshop) to engage the community.

6. Brown Haven Development Application Process

• Members discussed how to review and process the anticipated Brown Haven application.
• The importance of professional planning support was highlighted, and the potential for legal challenges was acknowledged.

7. Board Procedures and Ethics

• The Board reviewed rules of procedure, including meeting scheduling, agenda preparation, and public notice requirements.
• Ethical standards were discussed, particularly regarding conflicts of interest and voting requirements.

8. Scheduling

• The Board debated moving regular meetings from the last Tuesday to the third Tuesday of each month for better alignment with council schedules.
• The next Planning Board meeting was tentatively set for February 17, 2026.

9. Adjournment

• The meeting adjourned at 8:46 PM.

Key Action Items:

• Chair to update rules of procedure based on county planner recommendations.
• Secretary (Donna Harris) to coordinate with Stephanie for email and agenda management.
• Members to review planning documents and provide feedback on the 12-month vision.
• Chair to continue outreach to planning professionals for future facilitation.

For further details, refer to the full  meeting transcript[1].