Minutes of Meeting— March 1, 2005
The Hudson Planning Board met at the Town Hall, 78 Main Street, Hudson, Massachusetts.
At 7:30 p.m., Vice Chairman Rodney Frias called the meeting to order.
Present: Rodney Frias, Peter de Bakker, Dirk Underwood, and Tom Collins
Jennifer Burke, Town Planner
Watershed Protection District – Proposed Zoning Amendment
Present: Tony Marques, DPW
Mr. Marques presented the proposed zoning amendment to the Board. The new area was identified by mapping for the Zone II for the Cranberry Well. It is a requirement of the state that all Zone II be protected. He noted that previously there was a question about how this will affect the business community in the area. He stated that only one new commercial building (the Anver Building) would be impacted. All other buildings in the area already touch the district.
There was no input from the public.
Peter de Bakker, seconded by Dirk Underwood, moved to close the public hearing.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
River’s Edge Estates – Preliminary Plan
Present: Steve Poole, Consolidated Design Group
Mr. Poole presented the proposed subdivision to the Board. The applicant is proposing seven houses on the site of the River’s Edge Driving Range. There are also three frontage lots previously done with an ANR plan.
All grading and house locations will be outside the 100-year flood plain. The house will have walk out basements above the flood plain. The homes will be served by Town water, individual septic systems and oil heat.
The drainage is being revisited but will be finalized for the definitive plans. Also, the applicant will hire a traffic consultant to review the vehicle count and site distances to determine the safety of the proposed access.
Mr. Poole noted that he had received comment from Earth Tech as well as the Town Departments. He feels that all items can be addressed adequately with exception of the various requests for the sidewalk extended down Brigham Street. The request is for an extensive length
and there are many wetland issues. The Board indicated they would like to see a sidewalk on one side of the subdivision and down Brigham Street. The applicant should assess the possibility and report to the Board at the definitive stage.
Hugo Guidotti, 292 Brigham Street, spoke about the possibility of extending the sidewalk in the other direction up to the entrance to the JPI project. Asked if school buses can turn around in the street. He was told yes. He noted the condition of Brigham Street and suggested that the Town consider repairs.
Walter Holbert, 275 Brigham Street, asked about what protection there would be for the frontage lots from the sharp corner. Mr. Poole indicated there will be some landscaping and boulders.
William Glynn, developer, said that he would do sidewalks in the subdivision, but is not sure a sidewalk up Brigham Street is possible. He would rather assign a monetary value to do remediation in the roadway. He also stated that he would like to be involved as to where the transformers are located.
Ms. Burke noted for the Board that a waiver of the maximum cul-de-sac length was requested. She indicated that in the regulations a waiver is allowed if the water is looped or if the topography dictates a longer road. She recommended that the Board ask for justification for the waiver and that wanting an extra lot is not enough justification.
Peter de Bakker, seconded by Tom Collins, moved to close the public hearing for River’s Edge Estates.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Peter de Bakker, seconded by Dirk Underwood, moved to approve the preliminary plan for River’s Edge Estates entitled “Rivers Edge Estates Brigham Street Preliminary Subdivision Plan” owned by Paul L. & Frances J. Davis of Hudson, MA and George A. & Judith A. Davis of Hudson, MA as drawn by Consolidated Design Group of Hudson, MA and dated January 5, 2005 incorporating the comments noted here including:
Further investigation of the sidewalk/traffic issues
Drainage redesign
Additional discussion of the waiver request for the length of the cul-de-sac
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Oak Ridge Estates - Definitive Plan cont.
Ms. Burke noted that the applicant has sent a letter asking for continuation at her behest. The only outstanding item is the final review of the drainage calculations. Everything should be cleared up by March 15th and the Board should be able to make a decision.
Peter de Bakker, seconded by Rodney Frias, moved to continue the public hearing for Oak Ridge Estates until March 15, 2005 at 8:15 p.m.
Vote: 3-0-1, Tom Collins abstained
Sauta Farms – Site Plan Review cont.
The applicant has asked for a continuation to finish engineering review.
Peter de Bakker, seconded by Rodney Frias, moved to continue the public hearing for Sauta Farms until March 15, 2005 at 7:45 pm.
Vote: 3-0-1, Dirk Underwood abstaining
ANR
Present: Dave Zanca, Zanca Land Surveyors
Main Street
Mr. Zanca presented the plan to the Board. Parcels A & B are being broken off for the Town. These pieces are required to widen the Assabet River Rail Trail to the appropriate length.
Peter de Bakker, seconded by Tom Collins, moved to accept the plan entitled “Plan of Land in Hudson, MA.” Owned by David N. Durand & Judith A. Durand as drawn by Zanca Land Surveying of Stow, MA dated February 24, 2005 and authorize the Agent to sign.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Planner’s Report
Ms. Burke presented a request from Farooq Ansari to consider Falls Brook and Rifles Lane for street acceptance. She noted that the deadline for May has already passed. She would recommend tabling the request until the weather improves and DPW can inspect the subdivision. If they have no issue the streets can be considered for November Town Meeting. The Board agreed with that course of action.
Ms. Burke noted the letter from Chief Dusseault regarding the street name Gerry Drive. The Board indicated that at this time they would not investigate changing the name. They noted that in the future they would consider comments from the Fire Chief.
Minutes
Peter de Bakker, seconded by Rodney Frias, moved to approve the minutes of February 1, 2005 as written.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Dirk Underwood, seconded by Tom Collins, moved to approve the minutes of February 15, 2005 as corrected.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Cc: Town Clerk
Department of Public Works
Jeff Wood, Building Commissioner
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