Chairman: Richard Baker
Members Present: Bill Manter, Laurie Levy
Members Absent: Julia Hucknall, Kim Ames
Recorder: Melanie Rich
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m.
It was agreed that the date of the next Planning Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 7th.
The authorized agent signing sheet for plan approval was signed and will be forwarded to the Registry of Deeds.
Ms. Levy made a motion to approve the July 8, 2010 Meeting Minutes and the July 8, 2010 Stiles Crossing Public Hearing Minutes; Mr. Manter seconded the motion. All in favor; none opposed; motion approved.
Mike Juliano (475 Cross Street) attended seeking information about the mechanism for dividing his lot and constructing a common driveway. Mr. Juliano stated that he owns a 4-acre parcel he would like to divide and access with a common driveway. Mr. Baker informed him that the Planning Board administers subdivision control. It was explained to Mr. Juliano that if a person has property on a public street and has sufficient frontage as required by zoning, they can divide. If not, they would have to build a subdivision which would mean constructing a street. The purpose is to provide the necessary frontage for lots. He was told that the required 200’ lot width has to be measured at the back line of the house. Lot configuration would be a zoning issue, and he should speak with
the Building Inspector who is the town’s Zoning Enforcement Officer. Mr. Manter suggested a possible land swap with the neighbor. He was referred to the Building Inspector to obtain more information and to possibly contact an engineer.
Stiles Crossing Follow-Up – The public hearing was held on July 8th. LeeAnn Marien (resident) contacted the Town Administrator on July 30th saying that the “neighborhood” had met and asked if the Board could swap out some items in the scope of work, specifically the sidewalks, in exchange for fencing. She said fencing is required to obtain liability insurance for the Homeowner’s Association. Nancy Colbert Puff informed her that the agreement had been negotiated, finalized and recorded. There was no appeal. Further changes would require another hearing and, as of this date, the Board has not received a formal request. Sidewalks are a public matter and fencing is a private matter. Mr. Baker noted that not having sidewalks could be an ADA
issue, which would not be in the best interest of the town. The Board has to act in the best interest of the town. Mr. Baker was contacted by Tina Bilzarian (resident and real estate agent) asking, for property value purposes, what side of the street the sidewalk would be on. Graves Engineering recommended the sidewalk be on the opposite side of the utilities, in the event the utilities needed to be excavated. That side is also away from the retaining wall. The agreement calls for the work to be completed by October 31st. The retaining wall is not included. The bond company has issued a check to the town in the amount of $3,000 to be held for inspections (not including the wall). Mr. Baker discussed writing a letter to the developer. He asked the members to forward to him any items they would like to see included. Some items mentioned were informing the developer that they are responsible for plowing the streets
in the winter and certifying and repairing, if necessary, the retaining wall. He will draft a letter and review it with Colbert Puff and Town Counsel.
In other business, Mr. Manter suggested some items to consider in the fall: (1) forming a subcommittee to update signage bylaws; (2) revising the highway business zone. Mr. Baker noted that the process of updating the subdivision rules had stalled and should be restarted. Mr. Baker said that task started a few years ago, and he needs to redraft the document.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Meeting Materials: Nancy Colbert Email regarding LeeAnn Marien dated July 30, 2010
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