Planning Board Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2007
Memorial Town Hall
Members Present: C. Stanovich, R. Ricker, O. Lies, C. Prager, D. Lindberg
Members Absent: W. Ritter
Others Present: Pamela Harding, Senior Planner, Debra Sciascia, Recording Secretary
7:30 PM the Planning Board meeting was called to order.
Discussion of Holden Hills Retirement Community The owner of Holden Hills has expressed concern regarding sales of the project. The applicant has expressed an interest in seeking a change from the over 55 age restriction. This could set a precedent for other projects of this type. The applicant has offered placing a conservation restriction on the golf course.
Board Comments:
C. Prager: Stated that the Board warned the applicant about another over 55 project.
R. Ricker: Given the condition of the economy, the Board should deal with it, otherwise the
property will go into dire straits and the town will loose all control.
O. Lies: Said it was a good idea to protect the golf course, but the Board needs to be careful setting a precedent.
D. Lindberg: Agrees, but stated that it’s a little early, the project is still under construction. P. Harding is concerned with the price of the units. There should be a third party assessment, lift the over 55 restriction, and the applicant should provide data on the impact of the school system.
C. Stanovich: Stated that there is a discrepancy in what the applicant told the Board
regarding the price of the units.
R. Ricker: Greenspace should be negotiated. P. Harding said the special permit needs to be rescinded, and the applicant would need to go through the ZBA again, which would take about 3 months. She also informed the Board that the 5 affordable units would remain affordable.
C. Stanovich: Stated that the Board should meet with the applicant at the first meeting in April.
D. Lindberg: Wanted to know if the cupola was reviewed yet. P. Harding informed him
that it had not.
APPROVALS NOT REQUIRED:
130 Mixter Road - The applicant is carving out one additional building lot in an R-40 Zoning District. Both lots conform to zoning. R. Ricker motioned to approve as submitted. D. Lindberg seconded. Vote 5-0, all in favor.
22 Ottoson Way: David Cataldo/applicant. R-2 zoning district. Lots 10 & 11 are separate lots. They are adding lots A & B to create the required 30,000 SF. R. Ricker motioned to approve as submitted. C. Prager seconded. Vote 5-0, all in favor.
Update on Greenwood Estates: The Board has a copy of the letter from DPW Director, Lawrence Galkowski concerning Greenwood Estates for review. Mr. Galkowski has been working with C.B. Blair Builders to rectify reasons for denial. The Director will be attending the March 27th meeting to discuss this letter in greater detail.
Board Comments:
C. Prager: Grading still seems to be an issue.
R. Ricker: This was under the regulations at the time is was denied. Has concerns with the lots listed on page 4 of the letter. P. Harding has asked L. Galkowski to come before the Board prior to the Public Hearing, which will probably start in April. C. Prager: State that 25% for estimated amount for offsite improvements at Wachusett St. and Union St. was too low.
Howatt Property: LAM Builders is no longer interested in purchasing the parcel. The parcel will be listed on the real estate market again.
Update on Master Plan: A town wide committee and board meeting has been tentatively scheduled for Thursday, April 12, 2007. The Board will be notified once this date is confirmed.
Mullins Rule: The Board has the summary of the Mullins Rule and proposed wording for a warrant article for review. Placements for warrant articles is due on March 14th. R. Ricker motioned to present it to the Board of Selectmen for placement for the Town Meeting. C. Prager seconded. Vote 5-0, all in favor.
Winterberry Hollow Review: The first hearing will be conducted March 15, 2007. Due to the limited time requirements for opening of the public hearing, minimum feedback has been received. It is likely the hearing will be continued to allow a greater amount of time for a comment period.
Judith Barrett, consultant, has agreed to conduct a third party review. R. Ricker recommended that P. Harding get in touch with a Mr. Barrow in Hudson to get the name of the consultant that worked on the Simorow Gardens project in Hudson.
The applicant can be asked for preliminary drainage calcs. R. Ricker recommended a 5 phase project. The Board will send comments along to the ZBA. P. Harding didn’t think it was too early to submit comments and concerns, which she will draft and distributed to the Board for review. The ZBA has to go through each and every waiver individually.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Jefferson Mills: The applicant contacted P. Harding and will be submitting detailed phasing
plans.
Subdivision Progress Reports: O. Lies recommended 2 year progress reports. R. Ricker
said the Board should make a boiler plate for a one (1) year review.
Newell Road: Has started the pole relocation and will be done by the end of the week.
Offsite Improvements: D. Lindberg asked if there was any way to tie offsite improvements
to the first 3 years of development. This would also ease abutters concerns.
CMRCP: O. Lies informed the Board about a letter referring to technical assistance. Money is available in grants to set up streamlining permitting. P. Harding said this was for economic development only, and will bring the information to the next meeting.
Walgreens Letter: C. Stanovich received a letter from ‘concerned residents’ of Holden
regarding Walgreens.
Public Safety Building: Chris Lucas will be meeting with the Planning Board regarding
possible locations for the building. The Salisbury Street area will have the most growth in the
future.
MEETING MINUTES:
February 27, 2007: C. Prager motioned to approve. R. Ricker seconded. All in favor.
NEXT MEETINGS: March 27, 2007, at 7:30 PM. at the Memorial Town Hall.
R. Ricker motioned to close Planning Board meeting. C. Prager seconded. All in favor.
Adjourned at 9:05 PM.
March 13, 2007 meeting minutes approved: May 8, 2007
Debra A. Sciascia
Recording Secretary
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