Upon completion of the draft environmental impact
statement, the Planning Board shall determine whether or not to conduct
a public hearing concerning the proposed action. In determining whether
or not to hold a hearing, the Planning Board shall consider the degree
of interest shown by other persons in the action and the extent to
which a public hearing can aid in the decisionmaking process of the
Planning Board by providing a forum for or an efficient mechanism
for the collection of public comment.
If a public hearing is to be held, notice thereof may be contained in the notice of completion or, if not so contained, shall be given in the same manner in which the notice of completion is sent, filed and circulated pursuant to § 119-18B of this chapter. In either case, the notice of hearing shall also be published, at least 10 calendar days in advance of the public hearing, in a newspaper of general circulation in the area of the potential impacts and effects of the action and shall contain a statement that comments pertaining to the draft environmental impact statement will be received and considered by the Planning Board for not less than 10 calendar days following the public hearing.
The hearing shall commence no less than 15 calendar days nor more than 60 calendar days after the filing of the draft environmental impact statement pursuant to § 119-18C of this chapter, except as the Planning Board may otherwise provide where it determines that additional time is necessary for public or other agency review of the draft environmental impact statement, or where a different hearing date is required as appropriate under applicable law. When an environmental hearing is to be held, it shall be incorporated into existing hearing procedures of the Town.
