Planning Board Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2008
Senior Center, 1130 Main Street
Members Present: D. Lindberg, R. Ricker, C. Prager, W. Ritter, Al Bonofiglio
Member Absent: C. Stanovich, O. Lies
Others Present: Pamela Harding, Senior Planner, Debra Sciascia, Recording Secretary
7:30 PM the Planning Board meeting was called to order.
PUBLIC HEARING – PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING, Site Plan/Special Permit, 1384 Main Street: D. Lindberg read the Public Hearing Notice into record. P. Harding informed the applicant that this is a 7 member Board, and 2 member are absent, the special permit will require a unanimous approval, if the hearing is continued the 2 absent members can participate under the Mullins Rule after reading the minutes.
The Town has been working closely with the architect and engineering firms. The only additional information that has been requested and not received is regarding the site distances at the project egresses on Main Street and details of the cross section for the sidewalk.
Kenneth D. Costello, Kaestle Boos Associates Inc., did a presentation for the Board.
Jeff Howland, Graves Engineering, explained the stormwater system. A DCR permit will be obtained for fuel storage. The permit is presently pending MEPA approval. Approval will also be needed from Mass Highway for curb-cuts and traffic lights.
C. Prager inquired about sidewalks on Main Street, and around the facility.
D. Lindberg: Asked if it was a one way entrance or a single entrance, and was told, single not one way.
R. Ricker: Has concerns with abutting property to the right, and asked if they could add more plantings to prevent intrusion of headlights into the home.
C. Prager: Asked for clarification on the retaining wall.
A. Bonofiglio: Asked if J. Zingarelli’s, DPW, concerns included in a letter have been addressed yet. P. Harding said ‘yes’ with the exception of the cross section.
C. Prager: Asked about the lighting on site. There will be down cast lighting, small ball lighting, entrance lights, flag pole light, and sign lighting.
R. Ricker: Asked to see the grading plan, having concerns with vehicles exiting from the rear, and lights shining onto the abutting property. Some sort of barrier will be needed.
Joseph D’Amico, 1355 Main Street: Has lived across from this site for 40 years, and there have been many accidents over the years. P. Harding has not received comments from the Transportation and Circulation Committee. K. Costello said there is approximately 160+ feet site distance to the bridge. The vegetation will be cleared for better site distance. J. D’Amico was also concerned with the drainage and brook. J. Howland addressed run off, wetlands, and the DCR process. There is no direct connection to this site and wetland, which is across from the railroad tracks.
R. Ricker motioned to close the Public Hearing. C. Prager seconded. All in favor.
R. Ricker moved to approve the site plan/special permit, reading the draft of conditions into record. C. Prager seconded. All in favor, approved. Vote 5-0.
W. Ritter excused himself from the Public Hearings at 8:05 pm.
PUBLIC HEARING – Definitive Subdivision Extension of Time Stanjoy Estates: D. Lindberg read the Public Hearing Notice into record. Stanjoy Estates LLC has requested an extension of time for the eleven lot cul-de-sac. The approval expires on August 23, 2008.
Robert Longdon, Attorney, for the applicant explained that the project did not get started in the 3 year time-frame due to endangered species habitat, specifically the four toed salamander, and the market down turn. The applicant is asking for a 3 year extension. Since the submission of the subdivision the four towed salamanders has been taken off the endangered species list. The Board usually grants a 2 year extension.
R. Ricker: Asked if the inspection fees have been received yet, and to make sure the Town gets this fee before the Board endorses the extension, which was a condition of the original approval.
C. Prager: Would like to see an update in 2 years, and has no problem with a 3 year extension.
R. Ricker motioned to close the Public Hearing. C. Prager seconded. All in favor.
R. Ricker motioned to approve the 3 year extension incorporating all conditions of the August 23, 2005 approval, requiring an update in two years. C. Prager seconded. All in favor, approved. Vote 4-0.
PUBLIC HEARING – Amendment Definitive Subdivision, Wingspan Estates: D. Lindberg read the Public Hearing Notice into record.
The applicant is requesting to amend waivers previously granted by the Planning Board. A presentation was given by Jeff Howland, Graves Engineering, regarding grade changes. When the road was staked there was a steep grade change between the proposed roadway and Quail Run, this grade change required a retaining wall greater then 13' in height. The discrepancy occurred because the design plans vs. the as-built plans for Quail Run were significantly different. The applicant is proposing to amend the subdivision profile (not layout) so it is closer to the grades of the abutting subdivision. There will be a 50’ right of way to an abutting property to the south. R. Ricker stated that this situation occurred because Quail Run was not completed as designed.
R. Ricker motioned to close the Public Hearing. C. Prager seconded. All in favor.
P. Harding stated that the applicant already has and read the draft of conditions. R. Ricker motioned to approve the draft of conditions. C. Prager seconded. All in favor, approved. Vote 4-0.
BOND RELEASE, Anthony Drive: All work has been completed within this subdivision. This street will not be accepted by the town. The bond can be released, the remaining balance is $12,109.06.
R. Ricker motioned to release the $12, 109.06. C. Prager seconded. All in favor, approved. Vote 4-0.
APPROVAL NOT REQUIRED
336 Shrewsbury Street: The applicant, Patrick Bullis, is proposing a back parcel of land be added to an existing single family house lot, located in the R-2 zoning district. No new lots were created and the plan conforms to zoning. The plan was endorsed due to the 21 day time limitation. R. Ricker motioned to approve as submitted. C. Prager seconded. All in favor, approved. Vote 4-0.
116 Highland Avenue: Richard & Marilyn Fleming, the applicants, are proposing to create a lot in the R-2 zoning district. The street is a right of way shown on a previous subdivision plan as a future proposed street. This plan is not entitled to endorsement. R. Ricker motioned to deny due to insufficient frontage of the second lot on an approved public way. C. Prager seconded. Denied. Vote 4-0.
MEETING MINUTES:
July 15, 2008: R. Ricker motioned to approve. C. Prager seconded. All in favor, approved.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Holden Street: C. Prager reported suspicions of an automobile business being conducted on a residential property.
Walgreens: The buildings were offered to anyone who wanted them for free. A portion of the Caswell-King building will be moved, and may require a site plan approval at a later date. A letter was received from the MA Historical Society asking for a few trees to be retained, and additional plantings.
Bonds: R. Ricker thought it might be a good idea for the Board to review the process of releasing Bonds, and reviewing as-built plans for subdivisions. The Board discussed the ‘as-built’ process, and considered having the Town complete the as-builts at the applicant’s expense. The Board would like more detail when as-built plans are being reviewed.
NEXT MEETING: September 9, 2008 7:30, Town Hall
D. Lindberg motioned to adjourn. C. Prager seconded. All in favor.
Adjourned 8:55 PM.
August 19, 2008 minutes approved: October 14, 2008
Debra A. Sciascia, Recording Secretary
| 
