The Hudson Planning Board met at the Town Hall, 78 Main Street, Hudson, Massachusetts.
At 7:30 p.m., Chairman Robert D’Amelio called the meeting to order.
Present: Robert D’Amelio, Peter de Bakker, Richard Gelpke, Rodney Frias and Joan Melillo
7:30 Site Plan Review: 469 River Road
Present: David Rykbost, Dave’s Landscaping
Mr. Gelpke recused himself due to a conflict of interest.
Ms. Simpson confirmed that immediate abutters had been re-notified, in order to provide them a further opportunity to comment on the site plan. No abutters were present. The Board is in receipt of a Legal Opinion from Town Counsel approving the Letter of Credit to be issued by Middlesex Savings Bank.
Peter de Bakker, seconded by Rodney Frias, moved to approve the changes to the site plan for 469 River Road, specifically an increase in the number of parking spaces from four to eighteen, on a plan titled “Proposed Commercial Building, 469 River Road in Hudson, Mass.,” drawn by Steve Poole of Consolidated Design Group, dated July 10, 2002, with revisions on July 31, 2002, October 7, 2002, October 9, 2003, November 17, 2003, December 4 and 28, 2003.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous.
Upon receipt of a signed Letter of Credit, issued by Middlesex Savings Bank, as approved by Town Counsel, Ms. Simpson will notify the Building Commission that the Board approves the issuance of a temporary occupancy permit.
7:30 Discussion: 60 Laurel Drive
Present: Robin Siccone, Owner; Karen Royle, Owner; Jim Gaffney, 59 Laurel Drive; Lisa Perry,
62 Laurel Drive; Daniel Cail, 58 Laurel Drive; Glen Sherman, 64 Laurel Drive
Ms. Siccone submitted a dated February 2, 2004, along with a packet which the Board will send to Aldo for a legal opinion. The Board is in receipt of a letter received the Friday prior, undated, after a phone call from Ms. Siccone to Ms. Simpson.
Ms. Siccone stated that she believes that certain work remains to be done and would like to know who is responsible to make sure said work is performed. The Board will ask Town Counsel to review this issue.
Ms. Royle stated that she hopes to see the developer held accountable, especially with regard to future developments in the Town that involved this developer.
Mr. Gelpke stated that the issues involving the Laurel Drive subdivision are longstanding ones, and that once the houses were sold the Town did not have the power to do much without trespassing.
Mr. DeBakker stated that to the extent that it is legally possible, the Board will support the residents’ cause.
Mr. Cail inquired as to what responsibility he might have for boulders that have fallen down the hill in his yard, and may impede the fire hydrant.
The Board will inform the residents when Town Counsel’s opinion has been received. Said opinion must be reviewed in open session, after which copies will be sent to the residents.
7:45 Discussion: Sauta Property Information
Present: Jack Sargent and Art Peters, Midland Development
A portion of the Sauta Farm will be developed as an over-55 project. Said portion must be rezoned as a retirement overlay zone. The Sautas have prepared a zoning article for the May 2004 Town Meeting. Mr. Sargent introduced himself. Inquired as to whether site plan approval process could be started before parcel rezoned, assuming it would be approved.
The Board informed Mr. Sargent that the Board will have to decide whether to recommend the article. It is probably that the Mr. D’Amelio will speak against the article at Town Meeting, as it paints the Board in a corner when rezoning is done for a particular project.
The item will be placed on the April 6, 2004 at 7:30 p.m., for a discussion to last no more than thirty minutes.
7:45 Definitive Subdivision: Chestnut Hill Estates
Present: Jonathan Markey, Foresite Engineering
Paul Malloy, Developer
The Board reviewed the conditions for the Chestnut Hill Estates subdivision approval certificate point by point. They noted several necessary changes to the certificate. The certificate will be signed at the February 17, 2004 meeting.
At the January 20, 2004 meeting, Mr. De Bakker’s motion to approve the subdivision was withdrawn when it was learned that the mylar plans were not yet available for signing. Mr. Markey presented the mylars to the Board tonight. The motion was reentered.
Peter de Bakker, seconded by Richard Gelpke, moved to approve the Chestnut Hill Estates definitive plan, with conditions as drawn by Jonathan Markey of Foresite Engineering, titled “Chestnut Hill Estates, Definitive Subdivision,” dated August 25, 2003, revised December 5, 2003 and January 8, 2004, and consisting of ten sheets.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous.
Administration
Affordable Interiors Bond approval
Cutler Associates resubmitted its request for bond approval for Affordable Interiors. The surety bond submitted will be sent to Town Counsel for a legal opinion.
Chestnut Farms Bond Reduction/Street Acceptance Request
The Board will request a balance from the Treasurer prior to acting on the bond release request. The applicant did not submit a legal description or acceptance plans prior to the Town Meeting warrant deadline for the May Town Meeting; therefore, the street acceptance request can not be granted at this time.
Green Meadow Estates Bond Reduction Request
The Board is in receipt of a memo from Robert LaBossiere of the DPW, indicating that a bond of $16, 082.50 should be sufficient for completion of the Green Meadow Estates subdivision.
Richard Gelpke, seconded by Peter de Bakker, moved to reduce the bond for Green Meadow Estates, and to continue to hold a total amount of $16,082.50
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous.
The Form J will be signed and notarized at the February 17, 2004 meeting.
Falls Brook Bond Reduction Request
The Board will not reduce the bond while action is pending through the State Building Inspector’s office relative to approval of plans for retaining walls at the Falls Brook subdivision.
Pheasant Trail Bond Reduction Request
This request was received the day of the meeting. The Board will send a memo to the DPW requesting their review of the project with regard to reducing the bond.
Minutes
The Board requested some minor changes to the minutes of December 18, 2003 and January 20, 2004.
Richard Gelpke, seconded by Joan Melillo, moved to approve the minutes of December 18, 2003 and January 20, 2004, as amended.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous.
Adjournment 9:15 p.m.
Robert D’Amelio, seconded by Peter de Bakker, moved to adjourn.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous.
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