Planning Board Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2007
Memorial Town Hall
Members Present: R. Ricker, O. Lies, C. Prager, W. Ritter, D. Lindberg
Members Absent: C. Stanovich
Others Present: Pamela Harding, Senior Planner, Debra Sciascia, Recording Secretary
7:30 PM the Planning Board meeting was called to order by D. Lindberg
7:30 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING – Wingspan Estate Preliminary Subdivision: P. Harding read the Public Hearing notice into record. Wingspan Estates has submitted a preliminary subdivision plan for 11 lots on a cul de sac. Comments, a draft decision, and the preliminary plans had been distributed to the Board.
Presentation by Tom Michalak, Graves Engineering. Public water and sewer are available. The applicant will try to keep as much vegetation in place to the rear of the property.
Public Comments:
Steve Mita, 4 Quail Run: Interested in the distance from the rear of house to rear property line, and inquired about the size of the houses. It has not been determined yet, but approximately 30' x 40'. Discussed sidewalk issues.
Betty Hale, 60 Beechwood Rd: Inquired about the separation size on the plan, and the
Winterhill Subdivision.
Karl Makela, 60 Newell Rd: Concerned with the size of the detention pond because there is a lot of water.
Steve Mita, 4 Quail Run: Concerned with timetable for plans. R. Ricker said that typically they don’t see a definitive plan for about 6 months, so it would be about 1-3 years.
Board Comments:
W. Ritter: Stated that this is just a preliminary/conceptual plan, and would expect a definitive plan to include sidewalks between the project and Quail Run. Concerned with site distance, traffic study, and the traffic report to show site distances. Recommended that the detention pond not affect the abutters.
C. Prager: Agreed with comments regarding buffering and vegetation.
O. Lies: Agrees that there should be sidewalks, and the proposed 5% road grade should be 3%.
R. Ricker: The 4-5 pages for DPW is a boiler plate. He feels adamant on seeing a Vortec System, and P. Harding stated that it was harder to maintain.
W. Ritter: Wants to be sure the size of the cul de sac on the plans is the correct size.
D. Lindberg: Agrees with all issues addressed by the Board.
Public Comments:
Steve Mita, 4 Quail Run: Stated he maintains the detention pond on Quail Run, and takes offense at the Board comments. W. Ritter and R. Richer said not to take offense, it’s a size and depth issue. S. Mita said the Board should be specific on landscape material.
R. Ricker motioned to close the Public Hearing. W. Ritter seconded. All in favor. R. Ricker motioned to approve the preliminary plans with Preliminary comments on Wingspan Estates, read into record and attached W. Ritter seconded. Vote – 5-0, all in favor.
Village at Westminster Place / 90 Day Update Report: The status report was submitted for Board review. The weather has delayed the start of road construction, but the applicant feels they should still be able to meet construction deadlines. C. Prager feels it is very unsightly. R. Ricker said that historically there has been a problem but they are making progress. O. Lies disagrees, stating that it appears that the top of berms have been pushed down, and does not see any progress. He would like to hold the applicant to the April 30th deadline, stating that the Board should seriously consider rescinding the decision. The applicant has shown a lack of effort to meet the deadline & the schedule should be tightened up.
Karl Makala, 60 Newell Rd: Walks Newell Rd. everyday. The only thing done was the utility poles. R. Ricker informed him that everything has to go in order.
Westminster Place will be put on the May 8th agenda, which at that time they will be behind schedule and issues can be addressed at that time. The applicant will be informed.
DCR and Workshop: Nancy McGrath from DCR is looking for input from the Board regarding ideas for the workshops for low impact developments and stormwater management. The workshops will be in West Boylston on weeknights for a couple hours.
Winterberry Hollow Recommendations: At the last meeting the Planning Board agreed to review the letter written by P. Harding to the ZBA, and discuss any additional comments by the Board.
W. Ritter concerned with density and size of the project. The parking in front looks institutional.
R. Ricker said the ZBA hasn’t hired a consultant yet. The 246 units need to be cut down, the design does not support it. Some areas are tight to abutters.
C. Prager: Uncomfortable with how huge this development is. Also has a problem with the waivers, size, parking areas, and how much vegetation is lost, buffering , and lighting.
O. Lies: Feels the letter is very thorough, but it’s not up to Planning Board to enforce. It is up the ZBA to enforce. There should be environmental ways to address the parking issues with more buffering.
D. Lindberg: Holden should not be immune to a development of this size.
Other Business:
Holden Hills: The applicant has submitted their request for a variance. Site plan was submitted May 22. C. Prager commented on the lighting, to which P. Harding will check, also check on the height of the cupola with D. Lipka.
Meeting Minutes:
March 13, 2007: Tabled.
NEXT MEETINGS: May 8, 2007
R. Ricker motioned to adjourn. W. Ritter seconded. All in favor.
Adjourned at 8:50 PM.
April 24, 2007 meeting minutes approved: August 28, 2007
Debra A. Sciascia
Recording Secretary
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