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The possibility of creating a joint committee to handle both areas was reviewed during a board meeting on Monday, when officials said the seven-member panel would be charged with making recommendations about updating town zoning laws.
"What I tried to do is develop some initial responsibilities ... some tactical things that I thought should get done in the near term, and then charter them with some longer-term responsibilities for open space and affordable housing," Crane said.
The committee would include of representatives from the Town Board, the town Planning Board, the town Zoning Board of Appeals and the town Comprehensive Plan Committee.
Among priorities for the committee would be finding funding sources and recommending programs to administer money.
"Funding examples could include, but are not limited to, establishment and funding of community trust funds," Crane wrote. "Funding sources could include, but are not limited to, bond initiatives, real estate transfer tax, developer fees/contributions and funding from grants."
Committee members also would make recommendations for programs to help developers create affordable housing.
"Programs could include construction of ... housing beyond those units specified in the zoning law, investigation of use of town land for construction of affordable housing and identification of developers specializing in the construction of affordable housing," Crane wrote.
Other responsibilities would include determining a "density bonus" for units allowed for developers involved with "lower-income individuals" and development plans that emphasize the use of public trails.
Open space goals would include seeking donations of land, developing a scoring system for prioritizing land preservation opportunities and recommendations for monitoring conservation easements.
Officials said the town Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals will be asked to review Crane's proposal.
