Planning Board Meeting Minutes
November 18, 2008
1196 Main Street, Town Hall
Members Present: C. Stanovich, D. Lindberg, R. Ricker, C. Prager, W. Ritter, Al Bonofiglio
Members Absent: O. Lies
Others Present: Pamela Harding, Senior Planner, Debra Sciascia, Recording Secretary
7:30 PM the Planning Board meeting was called to order.
Deer Run Subdivision - Review of Status: P. Harding received two complaints on November 13, 2008, that work started prior to 7:00 AM. She spoke with the owner, and was told that the paving company arrived at the site prior to 7:00 AM expected time frame. Paving was completed on November 13. She also received a noise and vibration complaint from the same abutter. She visited the site with the Town Engineer and found no unusual activitiy occurring, it was suspected the stump grinder located on site may have been making the noise.
• Elizabeth Helder, 33 Steppingstone Drive: Read her letter of November 18 into record.
• Patty Leahy, 41 Steppingtone Drive: Asked her letter be distributed to Brian Bullock, Town Manager, and the Planning Board, dated November 15, 2008, with pictures for review.
• Richard Lakus, 31 Sandy Glen: Described what he has had to endure with Bergeron moving dirt around.
• Staci Robichaud, 40 Steppingstone Dr: Told a story where Bergeron used a neighbor's driveway. She also wanted to know what limits there on for piles of dirt.
P. Harding stated that there isn't a bond on the project, but a covenant. W. Ritter said that a covenant is a promise to do the work. P. Harding explained that this is standard procedure. A covenant restricts the sale of the property until a form of surety is in place.
• Larry Greenleaf, 19 Steppingstone Dr: Stated that things should get finished in a certain length of time. Said the Board should shut Bergeron down until he can do it right.
• James Ciullo, 27 Quail Run: Said the compactor vibrates, and someone from the town should talk to Bergeron.
• Richard Lakus, 31 Sandy Glen: Said that most times it's just Jerry Bergeron working.
• Elizabeth Helder, 33 Steppingstone Dr.: Said Bergeron has not made a good faith effort to get the work done.
• Patty Leahy, 41 Steppingstone Dr.: Asked if the Board member have walked the property.
C. Stanovich read Bergeron's letter dated November 18, 2008 into record. He also explained the process of the Boards approval of subdivisions.
• Larry Greenleaf, 19 Steppingstone Dr.: Said someone from the Planning Board should oversee the project. P. Harding said that the crushed rock and screened laom is for use on the project.
• Gail Greenleaf, 19 Steppingstone Dr.: Said she can hear the noise. She also stated that she has been to a doctor.
R. Ricker stated that he has visited the site and walked around. There are some problems, but this is a construction site. There are hills of dirt that are not stabilized. He is allowed to crush stone, and he understands the resident's frustration over the time factor.
• Richard Lakus, 31 Sandy Glen: Understands that this is a construction site, but excessive crushing is going on. There is also a drop off of the road on both sides of the road that abuts Rte. 122.
C. Prager: The issues of the dirt piles, has been a topic of conversation. The Board has talked about it, so why isn't this being taken care of by Bergeron?
W. Ritter: Said that typically the Board grants a 2 year extension. Only a one (1) year extension was granted last time. He also recommends sending a letter to Bergeron inviting him to a meeting. The letter should address abutters and the Boards issues.
R. Ricker stated that this is not a public hearing.
W. Ritter stated that historically there would be a phone to call on weekends for complaints, and he would be willing to go out to the site when he's in town. Bergeron will be invited in to address issued. The spokesperson for the abutters is Patti Leahy.
P. Harding said the next meeting is December 16th, and the town engineer will also be asked to attend and answer questions.
• Staci Robichaud, 40 Steppingstone Dr.: Asked P. Harding about the black chain link fences around the detention ponds. P. Harding said there are only the back two (2), with depths greater than 4 feet, fencing was installed.
Approval Not Required, 116 Highland Avenue: The Applicant's attorney had submitted two court cases for review. It appears both court cases relate to decisions of the ZBA and are not relevant to the Approval Not Required statute. W. Ritter recommended sending a letter to the applicant to submit a subdivision plan.
Release of Bond, Newell Road Improvements, Village of Westminster Place: A. Bonofiglio recused himself from the discussion and vote. The Town Engineer has recommended the remaining bond of $21,532.74 held for Newell Road, be released to the Developer. The Town is retaining the bond for interior site work. R. Ricker motioned to release the bond in the amount of $21,532.74. W. Ritter seconded. Vote 5-0, all in favor.
Wachusett Woods, Lottery: Under the Affordable Housing By-Law, six single-family homes are designated as affordable. Three homes are currently under construction. An information meeting on the lottery will be conducted on December 9, 2008, with an application deadline of January 5, 2009, and a lottery date of January 20, 2009. The DHCD would not approve local preference so all six units are open to Mass. residents.
MEETING MINUTES:
• October 14, 2008: W. Ritter motioned to approve. C. Prager seconded. Vote 5-0, approved. C. Stanovich abstained from the vote.
OTHER BUSINESS:
• C. Prager: Discussion of the Verizon Building.
• Deer Run: W. Ritter recommended that P. Harding set up an informal meeting with Bergeron. P. Harding said that Bergeron has been cooperative with her and DPW Engineer. There has been a lot of noise from putting in the road and the vibrator shaking the ground. C. Prager and R. Ricker said that these were all good issues to bring up. The hours for crushing should also be addressed.
NEXT MEETING: December 16, 2008 at 7:30 PM at the Town Hall.
W. Ritter motioned to adjourn. R. Ricker seconded. All in favor.
Adjourned 9:00 PM.
November 18, 2008 minutes approved.
Debra A. Sciascia, Recording Secretary
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