Chairman: Richard Baker
Members Present: Bill Manter, Laurie Levy, Julia Hucknall
Members Absent: Kim Ames
Recorder: Melanie Rich
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
Mr. Manter made a motion to approve the February 7, 2011 Meeting Minutes as amended; Ms. Levy seconded the motion. All in favor; none opposed; motion approved.
Mr. Baker updated the Board on the following:
1. The Tri-Party Agreement regarding Longley Hill has been signed and recorded.
2. The deadline for finalized warrant articles is April 4, 2011. If Members feel that public hearing input would
be needed before the articles are finalized, a meeting date before the next regular Planning Board meeting
will be needed.
3. The expense account has approximately $1,400.00 remaining for the fiscal year. Mr. Baker suggested some of the funds be used to obtain an estimate from Graves Engineering for a 20-year preventive maintenance plan for the detention basins at Stiles Crossing. Should the residents organize, form the association, and the control from Mr. Venincasa be turned over, this estimate would be useful for both the Board and the homeowners. The town’s best interest needs be taken into consideration. Mr. Baker asked Nancy Colbert Puff to consult Town Counsel to see if the street could be accepted on the condition that an association is established a with predetermined funding reserve. She was not confident that such a mechanism was possible. Mr. Manter made
a motion to ask Graves Engineering to provide a 20-year preventive maintenance plan estimate for the two detention basins in the Stiles Crossing Subdivision; Ms. Levy seconded the motion. All in favor; none opposed; motion approved.
Tracy Cyr (Smallwood Circle) ANR Plan – Ms. Cyr was present to answer questions about her application for ANR endorsement. She explained that the plan for one lot. The owner is extending the lot by approximately 21’ to accommodate septic system access. The owner of record incorrectly lists "Philip B. Gothing, Trustee of the Gothing Family Trust". The correct owner of record is Beverly Hakenson-Oliver, and this correction was made on the plan by the Board. Mr. Manter suggested the following findings: the application refers to the “Plan of Property Surveyed for Philip B. Gothing, Trustee, 345 Sewall Street, Boylston, Massachusetts”, prepared by Jarvis Land Survey, Inc.; Lot 9 being revised and added to has sufficient frontage and area. Ms.
Levy motioned to accept the findings, approve the ANR plan, and authorize the Clerk to endorse; Ms. Hucknall seconded; all in favor; none opposed.
Discussion of Zoning Bylaw Changes:
1. Sign Bylaw – Mr. Manter & Ms. Levy worked together to create the regulations. While complicated, they could be incorporated into a chart that the Building Inspector could use when reviewing sign permit requests. This would also be attractive to business owners by providing a simplified process, avoiding the need to go to various boards for approval. Ms. Colbert Puff suggested a meeting with the business community before a public hearing is scheduled would be helpful. They will be invited to attend a meeting at a later date. After discussion, the Board agreed that it would be premature to advance the article at this year's Town Meeting.
2. Accessory Apartments – Ms. Colbert Puff and Mr. Baker worked together to create the proposed bylaw. Ms. Colbert Puff attended planning meetings held with West Boylston and Sterling representatives to discuss housing alternatives and to learn from their experiences. Uses for accessory apartments could be for the elderly living on fixed incomes to obtain rental income and/or wanting to have adult children live with them. It is not proposed to require the accessory apartments qualify for affordable housing credits. Ms. Colbert Puff stated that Boylston is unique in allowing two-family use in all residential zones. Ms. Levy asked if this would be restricted to the elderly and those needing family members to live with them. Mr. Manter
stated the biggest restriction would be with the septic. It would be the responsibility of the Board of Health to make the determination. Dennis Costello (Health Agent) was present and stated the added uses would have to meet current Title 5 regulations. The need for a special permit was discussed. Ms. Colbert Puff suggested the possibility of creating criteria and allowing the Building Inspector issue permits unless a variance is needed. Ms. Levy asked why residents opposed a previous accessory bylaw amendment. Ms. Hucknall said the previous bylaw was a requirement of a State grant program and included complex affordability deed restrictions. Mr. Manter suggested changes to parking. Ms. Levy asked the criteria for lot size and was told it has to meet existing zoning requirements. Ms. Hucknall was concerned with lot size and the number of people that could potentially live in an accessory apartment. Ms. Levy would like to see
the 1,200 square foot size reduced. Ms. Colbert Puff recommended the detached structure be close to the permanent structure and suggested 75’ from the right-of-way. She will edit and forward the final language to Mr. Baker.
3. Rte. 140 Zoning (Technical Corrections) – Ms. Colbert explained that the changes are straightforward and needed to correct errors and omissions in last year's Rt. 140 zoning changes. The Board of Selectmen will sponsor.
Mr. Manter made a motion to put forward the Accessory Apartment bylaw and the revisions to the Rt. 140 zoning bylaw; Ms. Levy seconded the motion. All in favor; none opposed. Public hearings were scheduled for March 29th at 7:00 p.m.
Ms. Hucknall made a motion to forward the Stiles Crossing street acceptance to the Board of Selectmen; Ms. Levy seconded the motion. All in favor; none opposed.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Meeting Materials:
1. ANR Application and Plan filed in Planning Board Office ("Smallwood Circle, Map 5 Lot 8-10").
2. Draft Accessory Apartment Regulations.
3. Draft Sign Regulations.
4. Draft Article to amend Zoning Bylaw.
| 
