Chairman: William Manter
Members Present: Richard Baker, Ralph Viscomi, Laurie Levy, Kim Ames (8pm arrival)
Members Absent: None
Recorder: Melanie Rich
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
Mr. Baker made a motion to approve the November 7, 2011 Meeting Minutes as amended; Mr. Viscomi seconded the motion. All in favor; none opposed; motion approved.
Public Hearing – Sprint Spectrum, LP (Special Permit Application) 326 Shrewsbury Street – Marty Cohen (consultant for Sprint) was present. Proposed modifications are minor and are part of Sprint’s “Network Vision” project. The footprint and visual impact will remain the same. There will be no material changes in the radio frequency emissions. Six CDMA antennas will be replaced by three multi-mode antennas and three LTE antennas; the GPS antenna will be replaced with a Sprint GPS antenna; two CDMA radio cabinets will be replaced with battery back-up cabinets; and the CDMA co-axial cables will be replaced with hybrid cables. A fee of $900 was submitted with the application. Mr. Cohen requests the board lower the fee since a tower is not
involved. Mr. Baker explained the background for the fee structure. Mr. Baker stated his opinion that the information provided in the application was sufficient for the necessary findings. Mr. Baker made a motion to close the Public Hearing; Mr. Viscomi seconded; all in favor; none opposed; hearing closed. Mr. Baker made a motion to accept as findings the facts submitted in the application and to approve the Special Permit; Ms. Levy seconded; all in favor (all four members voted affirmatively); none opposed; motion approved.
Mr. Baker asked the applicant if the board could file the decision at the next meeting. Mr. Cohen stated that he would be willing to provide a draft decision to expedite the process, to which the board agreed. Mr. Cohen will send the draft decision to Melanie, and she will forward it to Mr. Baker for his revisions. The decision will be filed when all members have signed.
Mr. Baker made a motion to reduce the application fee to $500; Mr. Viscomi seconded; all agreed; none opposed; motion approved.
Miscellaneous Items – Mr. Baker asked the Chairman about the status of the Longley Hill and Phoenix items from the last meeting. Mr. Manter said that regarding Longley Hill, information was received from Mike Andrade (Graves Engineering), but nothing to date from Don Parker; therefore, nothing has been sent to Mr. Ansari. Mr. Parker’s input is needed before the board can approve Mr. Ansari's request. Concerning Phoenix Communications, an invoice was received from Graves Engineering. Mr. Baker made a motion to return all remaining monies to Phoenix Communications after payment of the invoice; Mr. Viscomi seconded; all in favor; none opposed; motion approved.
Public Hearing (continued) – W. A. Masiello, LLC (Site Plan Approval Application) – A letter was received today from James Tetreault (Thompson-Liston Associates) withdrawing the application. It was determined that a Special Permit was not needed. Mr. Baker made a motion to close the Public Hearing and allow the applicant to withdraw the application without prejudice; Ms. Levy seconded; all in favor; none opposed; motion approved.
MA Center of Boston and Chicago – 245 Linden Street Preliminary Discussion – Bill Gasko (volunteer for the project) was present. He explained that there are two contiguous lots (233 & 245 Linden Street) that are currently under agreement. His nonprofit organization would like to purchase the property for use as a meditation center and meeting site. Approximately 10-12 people would live on site, with approximately 20-40 people visiting per week. Larger activities would be held at other locations (Cyprian’s, Royal Plaza, etc.). Mr. Gasko said there would be off street parking and minimal signage. He said they are working with Connorstone Engineering. They are also working with the building inspector and an architect. Some trees
will be removed to improve sight distance at the entrance drive. Mr. Baker said the board has authority to issue site plan approval for the off street parking. The plan would need to show how the parking requirements would be met. The board will ask the Chief of Police for input, and his recommendations could be included as conditions if the plan is approved. The plan would also have to be reviewed by the board’s consultant. Mr. Gasko stated that if they encountered too many impediments to permitting, they would look elsewhere.
ANR Plan Revision (Ron Aspero) – 199 Sewall Street – Mr. Aspero is making a change (property line) to the ANR plan that was approved at the last meeting. The following findings were suggested: The application refers to the “Plan of Land of 199 Sewall Street in Boylston MA”; lots 1, 2 and 3 as shown have 150’ of frontage and in excess of 30,000 square feet of area; the land is located in the Residential Zone. Mr. Baker made a motion to accept the findings, approve the plan and authorize the clerk to endorse. Mr. Viscomi seconded; all in favor; none opposed.
Mr. Baker made a motion to adjourn; Ms. Ames seconded; all in favor; none opposed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Meeting Materials:
1. Thompson-Liston Letter dated December 5, 2011 regarding Joseph Starkus Property (34 Main Street)
2. Richard Ricker Letter dated November 29, 2011 regarding 34 Main Street
3. ANR Plan for 199 Sewall Street (Shrewsbury Homes) on file
4. Sprint Special Permit Application for 326 Shrewsbury Street (on file)
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