HANSON PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
TOWN HALL, 542 LIBERTY STREET, HANSON, MA.
Members present: Donald Ellis, Chairman
Patricia Glenn, Vice-Chair
Stephen Regan, Clerk
Joseph Gamache, Member
Joseph Weeks, Member
Also present: Laurie Muncy, Town Planner
Virginia Costley, Administrative Assistant
Visitor: Josh S. Cutler, State Representative
There was an informal appearance by Rep. Cutler to get communication going between the Boards in the town. He spoke about updates on the medical marijuana law and presented the Board members with information. He did inform the Board that the number of prospective dispensaries allowed for Plymouth County will be five (five per County). Phase 1 of the process just ended today and now on to Phase 2. He praised the Board for voting on a moratorium so long as it doesn’t extend beyond December 2014. Mr. Cutler also gave the Board a Summary of Zoning Reform Bill which is being pushed to get through this year. Basically it will be used to overhaul some of the zoning and planning land use regulations that are currently in place in Massachusetts. He suggested each Board member
read it through and let him know what they like or dislike about it.
Mr. Cutler also spoke about the lack of commuter rail service on the weekends in Hanson. He is seeking to restore weekend train service to the town and would like some input from residents and Town Boards to drum up support to reinstate the line.
II. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Motion made to accept the minutes of August 12, 2013: Stephen Regan
Second: Joseph Gamache
Vote: 5-0
Motion made to accept the minutes of August 26, 2013: Patricia Glenn
Second: Stephen Regan
Vote: 5-0
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS- 7:15 PM
Public hearing for the review of proposed amendment to the Town of Hanson Land Use Regulations Zoning by-law, article submitted for Special Town Meeting – Temporary Moratorium on Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers – Town Planner gave the Board the changes Town Counsel made to the original draft that was proposed. A copy of the changes, strike-thru version, and then a clean copy, was given to the Board members to read over and approve. Basically what is being promoted is the moratorium thru the annual town meeting in May at which time an actual district will have to be presented. Over the coming months, discussions on a designated area will have to take place.
For the record no members of the public came to this hearing.
Motion made to accept the revisions suggested by Town Counsel: Patricia Glenn
Second: Stephen Regan
Vote: 5-0
Motion made to close the public hearing: Patricia Glenn
Second: Stephen Regan
Vote: 5-0
IV. APPOINTMENTS – 7:30 PM
Mark Ridder of Stonebridge Commons met with Town Planner Laurie Muncy earlier today to discuss and revise the Statutory Covenant for Stonebridge Commons and the recent consultant review prepared by Merrill Associates. Copies of the covenant were handed out to all Board members and three copies were signed. The major change, per Town Planner, is a requirement to finish construction of the recreation building by December 31, 2014. A requirement added states that should he fail to meet the obligation and not finish the building by that date no additional occupancy permits will be issued. Also add in no transfer of any more units - nor approve any new plans. Suggestion was made to check into this and make sure it is allowed under the State building code. This document has already
been reviewed by Town Counsel and some language has been changed. Ms. Muncy will not allow Mr. Ridder to have any more construction permits until he has the entire roadway infrastructure in place.
Ms. Muncy sent Merrill Associates out for a site inspection on Stonebridge Commons and a copy of their report was given to the Board members. Under the Site Inspection on the report, Member Gamache commented on #5 – sanitary sewer manholes, etc., and questioned if they were well constructed –should be opened up and looked at. Also on Page 3, under #1 –sidewalk - Gamache questioned 8” of gravel on the sidewalk- #2 – I” top course on the roadway – very rarely does a paver put in an inch of mix especially in cold weather.
The Board Members suggested setting up a meeting with both Merrill Associates and Mr. Ridder in attendance to discuss concerns on the project.
Edward Johnson – Pine Hill Estates
A cash surety agreement for Mr. Johnson for the subdivision called Pine Hill Estates - this subdivision is close to acceptance and the Board still has $18,000 of Mr. Johnson’s money. The Board never signed the paperwork to go with the money so the document before the Board will allow the Board to take the funds in case the developer fails to finish the project. It also allows the Board to refund the money if the Board is satisfied with the job. Mr. Johnson has already signed this document so the Board members need to complete with their signatures.
Chairman Ellis suggested drafting a policy that when a plan is approved to ask that the drainage easements be deeded to the Town. Ms. Muncy feels that a draft drainage easement should be approved prior to endorsement of a plan and sent to Town Counsel for review.
V. NEW BUSINESS
The Planning Board agreed to meet October 21, 2013 at 7:00 pm.
REORGANIZATION
Motion made to keep the Board Members in their current positions: Patricia Glenn
Second: Stephen Regan
Vote: 5-0
ZONING BY-LAW COMMITTEE
Meeting of September 4, 2013 was a continuation of discussion on signs - this meeting dealt with Sign Standards by Sign Type. Next meeting scheduled for October 7, 2013.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
Board member Joseph Gamache on the All American Assisted Living Project would like the members to take a look at the fire road. The road is recycled asphalt and not gravel.
On Stonebridge Commons Mr. Gamache would like the plans dug out to see what the binder course should be.
CPC meeting had a discussion to see if they could put through the property on Holmes Street.
The CPC will be getting a grant for this.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion made to adjourn the meeting: Stephen Regan
Second: Patricia Glenn
Vote: 5-0
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