In accordance with MGL c. 40A, § 11, notice of public hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town once a week, for two consecutive weeks. The first publication shall not be less than 14 days before the day of the hearing. In addition, a copy of the notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the Easton Town Hall at least 14 days before the hearing. A copy of the advertised notice shall also be sent to all "parties of interest." Parties of interest shall include the applicant or petitioner, abutters, owners of land directly opposite on any public or private street or way, the owners of land within 300 feet of the property line.
The public hearing notice shall contain the name of the petitioner or applicant, a description of the area or premises, street address if any, or other adequate identification of the location of the area that is the subject of the application, the date, time and place of the hearing, the subject matter of the hearing, and the nature of action or relief requested, if any.
A.
The PAA shall hold a public hearing for which notice has been given as provided in MGL c. 40A, § 11. The decision of the PAA shall be made, and a written notice of the decision filed with the Town Clerk, within 120 days of the receipt of the application by the Town Clerk. The required time limits for such action may be extended by written agreement between the applicant and the PAA, with a copy of such agreement being filed in the office of the Town Clerk. Failure of the PAA to take action within said 120 days or extended time, if applicable, shall be deemed an approval of the application and site plan.
B.
An applicant may appear in his own behalf, or be represented by an agent or attorney. In the absence of any appearance without due cause on behalf of an applicant, the PAA may decide on the matter using the information it has otherwise received, or continue the hearing.
C.
The Chair shall open the hearing at the advertised time in the specified meeting place, and proceed in the following order:
(1)
The Chair will read the notice of hearing as published
(2)
The applicant or his representative shall present his case to the PAA
(3)
Questions and comments from the PAA
(4)
Questions and comments from representatives of other Town boards and officials
(5)
Questions and comments from abutters to the property
(6)
Questions and comments from other interested parties
(7)
Responses from the applicant
(8)
The Chair shall close the public hearing
(9)
The PAA shall deliberate
D.
The PAA shall not consider any additional materials once the public hearing has been closed, as this material would not be subject to public review and comment.