Planning Board Meeting Minutes
May 11, 2010
Memorial Town Hall
Members Present: D. Lindberg, W. Ritter, A. Bonofiglio, O. Lies, M. Wronski, 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.
CONTINUATION / PUBLIC HEARING - Definitive Subdivision Extension of Time, Hill Woods Estates, High Ridge Road, LAM Builders: The taxes are up to date. Two applications were distributed during the public information session for the affordable unit. The only condition is the time extension. The lottery is June 15th.
A. Bonofiglio motioned to close the Public Hearing. W. Ritter seconded. All in favor.
W. Ritter motioned to approve the extension of time. A. Bonofiglio seconded. Vote 6-0, all in favor.
PUBLIC HEARING / Amendment to Zoning By-law, Broad/Main Street, Map 97/Parcels 4, 5, 37, Map 99, Parcels 22, 23 24: D. Lindberg read the Public Hearing notice into record.
Richard Lovely, owner of Busy Bee nursery has petitioned to change the zoning of six parcels from R-1 and R-40 (map attached) to Commercial zoning. Three of the properties are single-family residential uses and will become non-conforming. The Board has a copy of the petition, as well as a zoning map of the area. Sewer runs along Main Street but does not service the Broad Street parcels. There is a small parcel of land, Map 99/Parcel 30, which is located in the middle of the six parcels, and has not been incorporated into the zone change.
Mark Donohue, representing the applicants, explained the map of the properties. He said that there was a neighborhood meeting at the Senior Center.
P. Harding said that Map 99/Parcel 30, owned by Sundin, is not included on the map. She did not know why it wasn’t included. M. Donohue said that Mr. Lovely didn’t have a chance to talk to Sundin.
The signature for 1858 Main Street is not on the list of petitioners. P. Harding stated that Sundin did sign the petition, but is not included on the list for zone change.
Public Comments:
- Rob Owens, 1913 Main St: Concerned about the change in use to commercial, and lessening the value of homes in the area. He also had concerns regarding the intersection of Main St. and Route 68, not being safe.
- Mary Ann David, 1960 Main St: Stated that with so much commercial space in Holden, this is not needed.
- John Richinick, 7 Miles Ave: Asked if it was changed to commercial, would they be able to bring in more dump trucks, and would a fence be needed? P. Harding stated that it was zoned agricultural, and trucks are allowed to service his business. Busy Bee has been in business since 1977.
Mark Donahue addressed the Board saying that it would be a smaller use. They could not fit a large business because a smaller parcel separates the property.
Mr. Lovely is proposing to construct office space in the barn. Busy Bee would stay the same. P. Harding said that anything within 100’ of the wetland would have to go before Con Com, and there are a lot of wetlands on the property.
O. Lies said that the public has voiced their concerns. He asked what the Planning Boards purpose was. The Planning Board is not presenting this at Town Meeting, the petitioners would present it, but the Board must provide a recommendation at Town Meeting.
W. Ritter was concerned that the owner of one of the parcels, being rezoned, was not included on the petition. Mark Donahue said that they were notified, and will be notified of the Town Meeting. W. Ritter stated that a notice does not go to abutters, but is posted in the newspaper. P. Harding stated a public hearing notice was sent to the property owner of 1858 Main Street.
A. Bonofiglio motioned to close the Public Hearing. O. Lies seconded. All in favor.
M. Wronski motioned to support the petitioner. J. Head seconded.
M. Wronski spoke in favor of the change.
O. Lies does not see any reason to change the use.
J. Head would like to see proof of support by the 1858 Main Street owners.
D. Lindberg agreed with O. Lies, that there is no reason to change the use at this time. Sundin’s property is not included on the map, and the impact on the neighborhood is not supported.
W. Ritter also would be inclined not to recommend a zone change.
Vote 2 – 4, motion failed to pass. O. Lies, A. Bonofiglio, D. Lindberg & W. Ritter voted against support of the Zone Change.
APPROVAL NOT REQUIRED / PAXTON ROAD, COGSWELL, R-40: The applicant is creating three parcels in the R-40 Zoning District at 180 Paxton Road. All lots have the required area and frontage.
W. Ritter motioned that the plan was entitled to endorsement, J. Head seconded. Vote 6-0, all in favor.
STREET ACCEPTANCE – Town Meeting:
- Sheffield Way Extension: The Board has a copy of the punch list. The applicant has been working diligently to address all items. It is possible the items may be complete by Town Meeting.
- Surrey Lane Extension: The only outstanding item is painting of the fire hydrants.
- Alden Woods: The only outstanding item is clearing of brush in the easement surrounding the detention ponds. It may be possible to complete these items by Town Meeting.
The Board needs to make a recommendation for Town Meeting, which is Monday, May 17th. The Board will meet at the High School at 6:45 PM in the cafeteria, before the meeting. W. Ritter said that he might not be able to attend.
Street Acceptance tabled to May 17, 2010.
ZBA RECOMMENDATIONS / 1401 Main Street, Wachusett Regional High School, Meteorological Tower: The applicant is applying to the ZBA for a Special Permit to install a 200’ meteorological tower. The tower must collect wind data at the site for one year to determine if a windmill is feasible. The applicant will also need to go before the Conservation Commission.
W. Ritter motioned for no recommendation due to the fact that this may come before the Planning Board at another time. A. Bonofiglio seconded. All in favor.
Next Meeting:
W. Ritter motioned to adjourn. O. Lies seconded. All in favor.
Adjourned 8:30 PM.
May 11, 2010 Minutes approved: October 12, 2010
Debra A. Sciascia, Recording Secretary
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