Minutes of Meeting— June 19, 2007
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: Tom Collins, Robert D’Amelio, Rodney Frias, Dirk Underwood, Jim Vereault, Jennifer Burke, Town Planner and Teresa Vickery, Clerk.
Walgreen’s - 256 Washington Street - Decision
Present were: Paul Giannetti, Atty. at Law
Matt Smith, Bohler Engineering
Bob Michaud, MDM
John Stewart, Richmond Company
Atty. Giannetti began by reviewing the proposed site plan approval conditions drawn up by Ms. Burke for Walgreen’s. He began by addressing condition #13, regarding money for the construction of the sidewalk. Atty. Giannetti stated that his client would like to build a sidewalk in lieu of money. The Board agreed but cautioned that when the widening occurs it may have to be dug up.
Condition #14 states that prior to the issuance of any occupancy permit, a permanent 10-foot wide easement will be provided by the Town of Hudson without remuneration along the Technology Drive frontage for the purposes of sidewalk maintenance, repair and public access. Atty. Giannetti requested that the Board change some of the wording in this condition. He would like to change 10-foot wide easement to pedestrian access. Ms. Burke would like Town Counsel to review the language.
Mr. D’Amelio suggested a condition added requiring a pre-construction conference.
Mr. Collins referred to the matter of truck access. He wanted to know whether or not these plans reflected any change in the flow of the trucks exiting out onto Technology Drive. Mr. Smith explained that because the public hearing was closed at the last meeting that they did not submit any additional plans. He told Mr. Collins that they would try to modify the truck access to the site. The Board will add a condition to that effect.
Mr. D’Amelio asked Liz Somer whether or not she had any issues with the plan. She said she did not. He then explained that he is not convinced that this plan will work with the right out onto Washington Street. This is his only objection to the plan, he believes allowing customers to exit right onto Washington Street is only adding to a bad traffic situation. He stated that the plan may be more acceptable after the widening of Route 85.
Rodney Frias, seconded by Tom Collins, made a motion to approve the site plan entitled “Concept Plan“, as drawn up by Bohler Engineering, Inc. of Southborough, MA, dated May 11, 2007, with the following conditions, pending a review of condition # 14 by Town Counsel, and authorize the Agent to sign:
Site Plan Approval Conditions for Walgreen’s - 256 Washington Street
A pre-construction conference shall be held prior to the commencement of construction, to include, at a minimum, the developer, the Town Planner, the DPW, and a representative of the Conservation Commission.
A list of 24-hour emergency contact information must be provided to the Town Planner and the DPW prior to any work being done on site.
Hours of construction 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 and during construction and as otherwise provided herein, the Planning Board reserves the right to review the site and conditions every six months in consultation with the Developer.
Any change to the approved plans in conjunction with an Order of Conditions from the Hudson Conservation Commission or any Superseding Order as issued by the MA DEP will require a full review by the Planning Board or their designated agent.
The safety of the entrances and traffic flow will be reviewed by the Planning Board no earlier than one year after final occupancy is issued. At that time, the Developer agrees to make any reasonable changes to the entrances and/or traffic pattern as deemed reasonably necessary for public safety by the Planning Board.
There will be no additional driveway openings allowed on the lot as it exists or on parcels after any future subdivision.
Prior to the issuance of any occupancy permit the developer will construct a sidewalk along the Washington Street and Technology Drive frontage. Said sidewalk will be constructed in accordance with Town of Hudson standards.
Prior to the issuance of any occupancy permit, a permanent 10 foot wide easement will be provided to the Town of Hudson without remuneration along the Technology Drive frontage for the purposes of sidewalk maintenance, repair and public pedestrian access.
The Town Planner will be consulted in the field in regard to the placement of all on site directional signs.
Full cut-off type light fixtures will be used and site lighting will be reduced to 25’ mounting heights to minimize the impact of the lighting to the abutting properties. Prior to installation of any light fixtures, the Developer will provide catalog cuts of all proposed lights to the Planning Board for review and approval. The Planning Board reserves the right to require adjustments to the lighting on site up to one year after full occupancy.
A mechanical storm water quality unit or similar treatment will be included on the drainage system that flows to the wetland near Washington Street to achieve 80% TSS removal in accordance with DEP’s Storm water Management Policy. Said system will be reviewed and approved by the Planning Board prior to installation.
The applicant will perform the following traffic improvements:
· Construct an exclusive right turn lane into the site along the Technology Drive travel lane.
· Construct improvements to provide two 12’ straight through lanes for traffic traveling east on Technology Drive. The lanes are to extend 150 feet beyond the site driveway.
The curb on the westerly side of the entrance on Technology Drive will be modified to better accommodate truck-turning movements. The modification will be reviewed and approved by the Planning Board prior to construction.
Vote: 3-2-0, Bob D’Amelio and James Vereault opposed
Planner’s Report
Hammond Hill Estates
Present was: Tom Davis
The Board has received a request to modify the site plan for the Hammond Hill Estates subdivision. The homeowner is requesting that a fence be installed along the front of the retention basin. The plan was sent to the DPW for comments. Mr. Kamel had some issues with the plan and would like to see the fence lengthened to cover three of the four sides of the detention basin.
Mr. Frias asked whether or not this would be a chain-link fence, citing that if a car is taking a left out onto Brigham Street the driver would be unable to see with vines and grass growing out of the fence. Tom Davis stated that the homeowner’s main concern was the liability risk they would have if someone wandered onto their property. He also stated that the proposed site of the fence is well away from the tree line.
Mr. D’Amelio stated that he will take a look at the property and report his findings to the Town Planner.
Old North Woods – Definitive Subdivision Plan
Rodney Frias recused himself.
Present were: Rick Marston, Evergreen Homes
Arthur Bergeron, Atty. at Law
Jennifer Thompson, Evergreen Homes
Tom DiPersio, Sr., Thomas Land Surveyors & Engineering Consultants
Tom DiPersio, Jr., Thomas Land Surveyors & Engineering Consultants
Tom DiPersio, Jr. presented the plan for Old North Woods. He explained that this is an all wooded 14-acre site located off of Old North Road. They are proposing the construction of 7 homes on a 750-foot cul-de-sac. The homes would be serviced by Town water and sewer.
Mr. DiPersio acknowledged that this is a site with poor drainage. The site has a high water table flagged with wetlands. The water leaks out of the hillsides, it also bleeds onto the surface and out onto Old North Road. The drainage system that is currently in place is inadequate. There is a drainage line along the sidewalk on the western side that discharges into the ground and subsequently into the backyard of 29 Richardson Road. Mr. DiPersio is proposing a closed drainage system, which will treat the water and pipe it down into the wetlands near Forest Avenue.
The residents of Old North Road are mainly concerned about the drainage issues. Mr. DiPersio expressed his desire to improve the existing drainage conditions before construction of the subdivision commences.
They are proposing adding a detention basin at the northern corner of the property in order for the water to drain down the hill. Liz Somer, SEA expressed her concern that the amount of run off would be increased due to the development. Mr. DiPersio informed the Board the Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) are not opposed to his proposed drainage plan. However, the Board is in receipt of a letter from SVT indicating their opposition to the drainage proposal.
Edmond Barton, 37 Old North Road inquired about tapping into the water mains on Blueberry Lane due to the low domestic water pressure. Mr. D’Amelio told him that he would ask Tony Marques about it.
Dan Entholt, 17 Old North Road informed that Board that recently two oak trees were removed, however the roots are still leaking water onto the surface. He believes that water pressure will be a problem when the subdivision is completed. Mr. Entholt asked that the road into Old North woods be moved a couple of feet. The exit it quite close to his property line and he hopes that by moving it, the glare from the lights of vehicles exiting would be diminished.
Mr. D’Amelio asked Mr. DiPersio which water main they are proposing to tap into. Mr. DiPersio told him that it comes from the north side of Old North Road. He went on to say that they will be testing the water hydrants to see if there will be a problem with the pressure or the flow. If so, they will look into tapping into the other side of the road.
Mike Fitzsimmons, 29 Richardson Road expressed his concern about adding to an already inadequate system without making the problem worse.
Robert Deflumeri, 9 Old North Road asked for a guarantee that this not cause an increase in the amount of flooding on his property.
Barbara Deflumeri, 9 Old North Road stated that with all of the trees that are being cut down more water seems to be getting in and adding to the amount of water in the wetlands. She expressed concern that the wetlands will overflow into her property.
Mr. Entholt believes that the more trees there are on the property the more water they would absorb from the ground, therefore, lessening the amount of flooding.
Mr. DiPersio said that they may not be able to completely alleviate the water problems, they just hope to make them better.
Mr. D’Amelio asked if they were to decrease the length of the cul-de-sac to 500 feet how many homes would they be able to build. Mr. DiPersio will provide a plan with a 500-foot cul-de-sac.
Tom Collins, seconded by Bob D’Amelio, made a motion continue the public hearing to August 21, 2007 at 7:45.
Vote: 4-0-0
Rodney Frias returned to the Board
Coolidge Street – Site Plan Review
Present were: Steve Poole, Consolidated Design Group
Todd Marsh
Steve Poole presented the Board with a modified site plan for 2 Coolidge Street. They are seeking approval to build a connector road from the parking area to the day care center. The Conservation Commission has given them an order of condition to the modifications.
Mr. D’Amelio asked how wide the proposed road is. Mr. Marsh answered that it is 18 feet wide.
Mr. Frias noted that a sign should be erected at the entrance prohibiting any large trucks entering the site.
The ITC recommended that the traffic flow be reviewed after a year of full occupancy. Chief Braga was concerned that traffic may backup on Coolidge Street.
Tom Micciche, 69 Florence Street noted that as an abutter he is very happy with the proposed plan.
Rodney Frias, seconded by Dirk Underwood, moved to approve the site plan entitled “ Site Plan Modification 2 Coolidge Street, Hudson, Mass.“ as drawn up by Consolidated Design Group, Inc. of Hudson, MA, date June 26, 2005 last revised May 22, 2007, with all original conditions remaining in effect and the following new condition;
1. The traffic pattern will be reviewed no sooner than 1 year after permanent full occupancy. The Planning Board reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary for public safety.
And authorize the Agent to sign.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous
Minutes
Rodney Frias, seconded by Tom Collins, moved to approve the minutes of June 5, 2007, as written
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous
Adjournment
Bob D’Amelio, seconded by Dirk Underwood, moved to adjourn at 9:00 PM.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous
Cc: Town Clerk
Department of Public Works
Jeff Wood, Building Commissioner
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