Planning Board Meeting Minutes
June 22, 2010
Memorial Town Hall
Members Present: D. Lindberg, W. Ritter, A. Bonofiglio, O. Lies, M. Wronski (7:20 PM)
Members Absent: Jeffrey Head
Others Present: P. Harding, Town Planner, D. Sciascia, Recording Secretary
7:00 PM the Planning Board meeting was called to order by D. Lindberg.
PUBLIC HEARING - Definitive Subdivision Extension of Time, Alden Woods, C.B. Blair Development: A. Bonofiglio read the Public Hearing Notice into record.
Alden Woods is applying for an extension of time. P. Harding recommended May 23, 2011. The roadways are expected to be on the warrant for acceptance at a special town meeting in the fall. DPW has suggested the subdivision be accepted to the intersection of Alden Hill Road and Blair Drive. The area is depicted on the map. The subdivision approval must remain in effect for the remainder of the roadways within Alden Woods I.
Public Comments:
- Donald Hein, 135 Blair Dr: Inquired about the street lighting for Alden Woods II. P. Harding informed him that the lighting was the last thing installed.
- William Forsman, 336 Wachusett St: Complaint about how water accumulates after the land was raised. He has run 3 sump pumps, and it still doesn’t work. P. Harding informed the Board that she hasn’t heard from the property owner for a year and a half. A condition from a previous extension of time for Alden Woods I required the DPW Engineer meeting with Mr. Forsman and Blair to remediate the situation, this meeting was conducted but Forsman stated the situation has not been resolved. Blair had told W. Forsman the problem was because of the way the addition was built. O. Lies recommended that Engineering take a look at the problems.
M. Wronski arrived at 7:20 PM.
W. Ritter recommended incorporating the original condition #36, and imposing the requirement to revisit the problem with the new civil Engineer, and DPW.
W. Ritter motioned to close the Public Hearing. A. Bonofiglio seconded. All in favor.
W. Ritter motioned to approve the extension of time, reading the conditions into record, adding ‘and the applicant shall report back to the Board’. O. Lies seconded. Vote 4-0, all in favor.
Alden Woods Bond Release: Continued to the next meeting. Need recommendation from DPW.
Windmill Bylaw Review: The Board has a draft of the windmill by-law.
Jim Robinson, General Manager of the Light Department addressed the Board. Mr. Robinson has agreed to hire a consultant, VT Resource Associates, from Vermont, to provide technical expertise to the Board. They have reviewed Holden’s model by-law, and will assist in any way the Board needs.
There are three homes in Holden that have solar systems; Whitney St., Highland Ave., and South Rd.
W. Ritter stated that there are four types of applications; Wind Farms, small pole lights, industrial, and large individual units like the high school.
M. Wronski said the people of Holden own the Light Department. The Light Department. has the ability to limit what is bought back for electricity. M. Wronski does not believe windmills should be allowed in residential zones.
O. Lies asked P. Harding to get a copy of the Town of Douglas’s by-law, and to also give the Board members a copy of the State By-law.
J. Robinson said there is also the issue of abandoned windmills. P. Harding said the By-law would require a bond for abandonment. Jim said he’s available if needed by the Board.
Public Comments:
- John Kingdon, 77 Jennifer Dr: stated he’s an abutter to the High School, and concerned because he’s only 1,200’ from where the high school windmill is proposed to be located.
- Dolores Kingdon, 77 Jennifer Dr: Gave windmill information to P. Harding, who will distribute copies to the Board.
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN COMMITTEE: CMRPC has completed updates to the Town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan. The Department of Conservation Services (DCS) suggests an Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee endorse the plan. DCS suggests a member of the Planning Board reside on this Committee. Because the Plan has been updated by CMRPC, and public meetings were previously conducted, the Committee is charged with completing the Plan by September 2010. After the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee reviews the document it must be reviewed and endorsed by the Planning Board, and Board of Selectmen. Craig Stanovich was the former Planning Board designee so a new volunteer is needed.
W. Ritter motioned to appoint J. Head to the Committee. A. Bonofiglio seconded. All in favor.
OTHER BUSINESS:
- W. Ritter inquired about the result of the Town Meeting for the rezoning Main Street. O. Lies and P. Harding explained that residents weren’t necessarily against what the petitioners were proposing but were against what the Commercial Zoning District would permit in the area.
- Master Plan Implementation Committee: Update by M. Wronski. The Committee would like to meet with the Planning Board.
- Rocky’s Ace Hardware: Opening July 23, 2010.
Next Meeting(s): July 27, 2010, 7:00 PM, and August 24, 2010 at the Senior Center.
W. Ritter motioned to adjourn. A. Bonofiglio seconded. All in favor.
Adjourned 8:35 PM.
June 22, 2010 Minutes approved: October 12, 2010
Debra A. Sciascia, Recording Secretary
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