HANSON PLANNING BOARD
Minutes of the Hemlock Hills Estates - Phase 2 Subdivision
Public Hearing of
March 16, 2005
I. CALL TO ORDER - 8:00 p.m.
Members Present: Philip Lindquist, Chairman
Gerard LeBlanc, Vice Chairman
David Nagle, Clerk
Joan DiLillo, Member
Gordon Coyle, Member
Others Present: Town Planner Noreen O’Toole
Administrative Assistant Barbara Ferguson
Chairman Philip Lindquist advised all present that the meeting was being tape recorded and reviewed the agenda for the public hearing. He asked if all abutters had been properly notified and was advised by Administrative Assistant Barbara Ferguson that certified mail receipts for all abutters had been received by the Planning Board office. Vice Chairman Gerard LeBlanc read the following public hearing notice published in The Hanson Express on February 24 & March 3, 2005.
TOWN OF HANSON
PLANNING BOARD
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The Hanson Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. in the Hanson Town Hall, 542 Liberty Street, Hanson, MA on a definitive subdivision plan showing a 5-lot residential subdivision Off Cross Street. The plan is further identified as Lots 4, 12-1 and 12-2 on Assessors Map 88. Deed to said property is recorded in Plymouth District Registry of Deeds, Book 29086, Page 158 and Book, 27047, Page 212. The subdivision, entitled Hemlock Hills Estates - Phase 2, is located in Hanson, MA and dated September 1, 2004 by Curley & Hansen Surveyors, 160 Pond Street, Avon, MA 02322. The plan was submitted by Southeastern Development Corp., P.O. Box 719, Hingham, MA 02043. A copy of the subdivision plan is available in the Hanson Town
Clerk’s Office and in the Planning Board office for review.
HANSON PLANNING BOARD
Philip R. Lindquist Chairman
David Nagle, Clerk
II. Presentation of plans from applicant/engineer
William Self of Curley & Hansen Surveyors of Avon made the presentation for the applicant, Southeastern Development Corp. of Hingham. Also in attendance was Robert Brady of Southeastern Development. Mr. Self told the Board that the cul-de-sac on the plans for the first phase of Hemlock Hills has been eliminated and two lots reconfigured resulting in three additional lots on Azalea Way. All drainage flow and grades, Mr. Self, said now toward the new land and into a drainage easement between Lots 7 and 8. He said that he had only recently received the report from the Board’s engineer, Merrill Associates, Inc. of Hanover and saw nothing that could not be addressed. He said that the plans call for the retention of as many trees as
possible. The road has been raised just enough to get the drainage structures installedand still have area for storage and recharge, Mr. Self said. Board members expressed concern that, if the drainage system does not work as designed it will contribute to existing problems on Cross Street. Mr. Self said that the positioning of the new roadway will actually create a barrier that will divert the present flow into the recharge areas for the subdivision and improve the existing drainage problems in the area.
III. Questions from abutters
As there were only two abutters present, the Board decided to waive the reading of the abutters’ list.
Motion to waive the reading of the abutters’ list: Gerard LeBlanc
Second: Gordon Coyle
Vote: 5-0
The abutters present were Gerard and Dawn Kearns of 270A Cross Street whose property abuts Lot 9 at the end of subdivision cul-de sac. Mr. Kearns said that he was concerned because the lots on Cross Street in front of the subdivision are under water already. He said that his driveway is at a low point. He said that the water comes down the entrance road to the first phase of the subdivision and heads down Cross Street towards Brook Street. He said that he is also concerned with the lack of lighting at the end of Hemlock Drive at Cross Street. He asked about the elevation levels for the new portion in relation to his property and was told that his level is 110 to 100 and the level for the roadway is 100 or just below his property. No water from the
subdivision will be going towards his property, Mr. Self said. He noted that there is no drainage on Cross Street, and Mr. Brady has met with the Highway Department to discuss the water problem that this creates. A catch basin in the subdivision has been adjusted to prevent water coming down Hemlock Drive onto Cross Street, he said.
IV. Questions from public
There were no questions from the public.
V. Questions/Comments from other Town Boards/Departments
A. Police Department
The Board received no response to its February 17, 2005 request for comments.
B. Water Department
Mr. Nagle read a March 15, 2005 memorandum from Water Superintendent Glen Doherty stating that he would like to see the water services to the property lines for future connections. During all installations of water main or line work, he said, it shall be under the inspection of a person designated by the Water Department and paid at his regular rate by the contractor. All rules and regulations on file at the Water Department must be followed, Doherty said.
C. Fire Department
Mr. Nagle read a March 9, 2005 memorandum from Fire Chief Allen Hoyt stating that hydrants need to be no more than 300 feet apart. He said that he would need to see the spacing on the entire development, not just Phase 2. Mr. Self said that he would discuss the hydrant locations with the Chief.
D. Board of Health
The Board received no response to its February 17, 2005 request for comments.
E. Building Inspector
The Board received no response to its February 17, 2005 request for comments.
G. Conservation Commission
The Board received no response to its February 17, 2005 request for comments.
H. Highway Surveyor
The Board received no response to its February 17, 2005 request for comments.
VI. Questions from Planning Board Members
Chairman Lindquist asked about lighting and was told that there are a total of four lamp post style lights spaced approximately every 200 feet.
Gerard LeBlanc said that he would like to see a planted island with sloping granite at the cul de sac. He said that he would like to see the first phase completed before work commences on phase 2 including the drainage. Mr. Brady said that he planned to do the entire roadway at once. Mr. Self asked if a 20 foot island would be okay and was told that it would. Mr. Self said that he would look at the lighting situation at the intersection of Hemlock Drive and Cross Street.
VII. Comments from Board’s Engineer
Peter Palmieri of Merrill Associates of Hanover, the board’s engineer on the project, said that the majority of the comments contained in his March 15, 2005 definitive subdivision review of the development were technical. He noted that an operation of maintenance plan is required for the stormwater retention area. The applicant should also submit a revised tributary area plan, he said, showing what is going on now and what the revised conditions will be. A detailed listing of Mr. Palmieri’s observations and recommendations are contained in his March 15, 2005 letter which is on file in the Planning Board office.
VIII. Findings
Motion to continue the public hearing for Hemlock Hills Estates - Phase 2 to April 6, 2005 at 8:15 p.m.: Gerard LeBlanc
Second: Joan DiLillo
Vote: 5-0
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