Minutes of Meeting— March 7, 2006
The Hudson Planning Board met at the Town Hall, 78 Main Street, Hudson, Massachusetts.
At 7:00 p.m., Chairman Robert D’Amelio called the meeting to order.
Present: Sante Parente, Dirk Underwood, Tom Collins, Rodney Frias, Robert D’Amelio and Town Planner, Jennifer Burke
Highland Commons
Present was: Dan Bradanini, Sullivan Hayes Companies
Randy Hart, VHB
Mr. Bradanini presented an amended plan to the Planning Board. He pointed out that no changes have been made to the road patterns, retail parking fields, water tank, and detention pond. However, changes have been made to the home improvement center, food store and hotel located on the western piece of land which now includes a new parking lot.
Mr. Bradanini pointed out that the hotel is now replacing the retail that was shown on the previous site map along with a new parking lot. The hotel will consist of 220 rooms with a tower and public space located on the first level. He asked the board if the plan is what the town’s vision is and if it was within zoning guidelines before returning to the board with a new site plan.
The project will be going before the Internal Traffic Committee (ITC). Al Wells, SEA Consultants will look at the plans and building and parking lot changes.
Mr. D’Amelio asked if they foresee any further changes to the space provided for retail/businesses since it is unknown which tenants will occupy the space. Mr. D’Amelio inquired as to what the hotel square footage is. Mr. Bradanini stated that the gross square footage is 220,000 total with 46,000 sf on the first level. Mr. Parente inquired to what the height of the tower will be. Mr. Bradanini replied the height will be 6 stories. Mr. Collins asked about waste water changes. There are no changes from previous plan and the only change is the template of buildings with the same impervious surfaces as shown on previous plan.
Ms. Burke asked if the garden center would have outside access for customers and if there would be enough room for truck to get by. Mr. Bradanini replied that it would have outside access for customers and it would allow enough room for a truck to get by. Ms. Burke also questioned where snow storage would occur. Mr. Bradanini replied that is represented by an “arrow and dash” shown on the map.
Planner’s Report
River’s Edge Estates
Present was: Steve Poole, Consolidated Design Group
Mr. Poole presented the new drainage design to the Planning Board.
Mr. D’Amelio indicated that he would like Al Wells, Consultant from SEA to look at drainage calculations to determine if a public hearing is required. Mr. Wells asked Mr. Poole what changes have been made to the drainage design. Mr. Poole indicated that it was determined that drain tanks are costly and oversized and the new system is smaller and more cost efficient. Mr. Frias asked what type of tank it would be and Mr. Poole indicated that it is a half moon tank. Mr. Wells indicated that he would review drainage design and get back to Jennifer Burke.
Lauren Heights
Ms. Burke presented a request for waivers from the developer. He would like the granite curbing requirement waived. The Board is in receipt of a memo from the DPW. The DPW recommended that the waivers not be granted. The Board took no action on the waivers.
Quinn Estates – Definitive Subdivision Review cont.
Rodney Frias, seconded by Dirk Underwood, moved to continue the public hearing until April 4, 2006 at 8:15 pm.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous
35 School Street – Site Plan Review continued
Present was: Steve Poole, Consolidated Design Group
Mr. Poole presented the revised plan to the Board.
Mr. D’Amelio inquired about wall and was told by Mr. Poole that the wall is a step type wall which is indicated on plans and consists of 2 blocks up with a step back and will have a chain link fence on the top. Mr. Poole indicated that the wall still needs to be reviewed by the building inspector and also indicated that there is no geo grid and no tie backs. Mr. D’Amelio indicated that he wants the plans to show a chain link fence.
Rodney Frias, seconded by Sante Parente made a motion to close public hearing.
5-0-0, unanimous
Rodney Frias, seconded by Dirk Underwood made a motion to approve the site plan for 35 School Street entitled “Site Plan 35 School Street Hudson, Massachusetts” owned by Todd Marsh as drawn by Consolidated Design Group of Hudson, MA dated December 9, 2005 last revised March 8, 2006 with the following conditions:
A list of 24-hour emergency contact information must be provided to the Town Planner and the DPW prior to the issuance of any work.
Hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No work or operation of machinery may happen before 7:00 a.m., in accordance with the town’s noise by-law or after 5:00 p.m. Per the Massachusetts General Laws, work on Sundays and holidays need to be permitted on a case by case basis by the Chief of Police.
Prior to the commencement of authorized site activity, the Planning Board Office shall be given 48 hours written notice. If the activity at the Project Site ceases for longer than 30 days, 48 hour written notice shall be given to the Planning Board Office prior to restarting work.
A copy of the conditions and all final approved Plans shall be kept at the Project Site.
Members or agents of the Planning Board shall have the right to enter the Project Site and to gather all information, measurements, photographs or other materials needed to ensure compliance with this approval. Members or agents of the Planning Board entering onto the Project Site for these purposes shall comply with all safety rules, Regulations and directives of the Applicant and the Applicant’s contractors.
The Planning Board’s erosion control plan as attached shall be adhered to and govern. All erosion control shall be in place and approved by the Town Planner before construction begins. Weekly erosion control reports shall be submitted to the DPW and the Planning Department no later than noontime on Fridays.
A final occupancy permit shall not be issued until an as-built plan indicating lot grading and drainage system BMP’s has been confirmed to be consistent with the approved plans to the Town Planner’s reasonable satisfaction.
Prior to the issuance of any occupancy permit the developer will construct a sidewalk along the front of his property.
Any landscaping done by the developer in the Town’s right of way will be done at the owner’s risk.
And authorize the agent to sign.
5-0-0, unanimous
Hammond Hill Estates – Definitive Plan Review cont.
Present was: Tom DiPersio, Thomas Land Surveyors
Tom Collins recused himself from the Board
Mr. DiPersio presented the revised plan to the Board. Mr. DiPersio said the plans show a low retaining wall with a 3:1 slope, lot grading, and drainage out to street. Mr. Parente asked what the slope of the road was and was told by Mr. DiPersio it has a 7.5% slope. Mr. D’Amelio asked what the height of the wall is, and Mr. DiPersio said it is indicated on the cross section plan. Mr. Underwood indicated that he would not like trees behind wall. Al Wells indicated that he would like to see the type of block that will be used for the base wall indicated on the plan.
Sante Parente, seconded by Rodney Frias, made a motion to close public hearing.
4-0-0, unanimous
Dirk Underwood, seconded by Rodney Frias made a motion to approve plans entitled “Hammond Hill Estates”, as drawn by Thomas Land Surveyors of Hudson, MA, dated September 19, 2005, last revised February 21, 2006 with the following conditions:
A pre-construction conference will be held between the developer, the Town Planner, the DPW and other interested parties. If construction begins without this conference construction will cease immediately until the conference is held and the appropriate people are in attendance.
A copy of the SWPPP must be provided to the Town Planner and the DPW at the pre-construction conference.
A list of 24-hour emergency contact information must be provided to the Town Planner and the DPW at the pre-construction conference.
Hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No work or operation of machinery may happen before 7:00 a.m., in accordance with the town’s noise by-law or after 5:00 p.m. Per the Massachusetts General Laws, work on Sundays and holidays need to be permitted on a case by case basis by the Chief of Police.
Prior to the commencement of authorized site activity, the Planning Board Office shall be given 48 hours written notice. If the activity at the Project Site ceases for longer than 30 days, 48 hour written notice shall be given to the Planning Board Office prior to restarting work.
A copy of this Decision and all final approved Plans shall be kept at the Project Site.
Members or agents of the Planning Board shall have the right to enter the Project Site and to gather all information, measurements, photographs or other materials needed to ensure compliance with this approval. Members or agents of the Planning Board entering onto the Project Site for these purposes shall comply with all safety rules, Regulations and directives of the Applicant and the Applicant’s contractors.
The Planning Board’s erosion control plan as attached shall be adhered to and govern. All erosion control shall be in place and approved by the Town Planner before construction begins. Weekly erosion control reports shall be submitted to the DPW and the Planning Department no later than noontime on Fridays.
If, during construction, a discrepancy is found between the approved plans and the existing regulations, the DPW and the Town Planner will be notified immediately. The DPW will make the final decision on how to proceed or if they are unable to make any decision the matter will be referred back to the Planning Board for review.
Inspections shall be in accordance with the Town of Hudson Rules and Regulations, which allows the Planning Board to use a full time inspector to be paid by the developer. At this time, the DPW will handle the inspections on their own schedule. The Board reserves the right to require full time inspections if in the opinion of the Board they become necessary.
Once the first house is occupied, the roadway will be swept every Friday afternoon until the road is accepted by town meeting, unless waived in writing by the DPW with a copy to the Planning Board.
The subdivision will be completed within two years of approval. Prior to expiration, a developer may ask for a one-year extension of time to complete the subdivision. If the Board determines that a one-year extension is warranted, it will also review the bond amount and adjust for inflation. Extension requests after expiration will not be looked upon favorably. If no extension is granted and the two years expires, then the subdivision will be in default and the approval will be withdrawn.
No building permits will be issued until a lot grading plan prepared by a qualified Professional Engineer familiar with the original subdivision design and showing that the lot is graded in accordance with the approved subdivision plan is reviewed and approved by the DPW and the Town Planner and no occupancy permits will be given until an as built plan of said lot grading and drainage system BMP’s has been accepted and approved by the Town Planner.
The municipal fire alarm system will be extended into the subdivision per the Fire Departments specifications.
No occupancy permit will be given until there is a hydrant flow minimum of 750 GPM with flow documentation from each hydrant forwarded to the Hudson Fire Department and the DPW. Dwellings closer than 100 feet apart must have a minimum water flow of 1000 GPM. If the minimum flow can not be reached, the Applicant will be required to install a booster pumping station with a backup power source.
The steamer cap on each hydrant will be color coded to indicate the expected fire flow per NFPA standards.
There will be an approved deep snow marker at each hydrant.
If during construction groundwater is discovered in the right of way, the DPW may require that subdrains be installed.
Prior to issuance of any occupancy permit, the developer will provide a gift of a hydrant diffuser to the Department of Public Works.
And granting the following waivers:
3.3.3.9 Environmental Impact Statement
No EIS is required.
5.6 Curbs, Berms and Guard Rails
Sloped granite curbing will be installed along the cul-de-sac.
5.4.2 Sidewalks
Sidewalks will be constructed only on one side of Hammond Circle as shown on the plans.
Contingent upon receipt of additional detail of wall, type of material for wall and removal of 4 trees behind the wall.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Tom Collins returned to the Board
Minutes
Tom Collins, seconded by Robert D’Amelio moved to approve the minutes of February 7, 2006 as amended.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous
Dirk Underwood, seconded by Thomas Collins moved to approve the minutes of February 21, 2006 as written.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous
Adjournment
Dirk Underwood, seconded by Tom Collins, moved to adjourn at 8:30pm.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous
Cc: Town Clerk
Department of Public Works
Jeff Wood, Building Commissioner
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