Minutes of Meeting— August 21, 2007
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: Tom Collins, Robert D’Amelio, Dirk Underwood, Jennifer Burke, Town Planner and Teresa Vickery, Clerk.
Planner’s Report
256 Washington Street
Present was: Matt Smith, Bohler Engineering
The Board is in receipt of a letter and an updated site plan for 256 Washington Street based on the Conservation Commission approval of the site. Upon review of the changes the Board determined the changes to be minor in nature and would not require a full public hearing.
Dirk Underwood, seconded by Bob D’Amelio, made a motion that the changes to the plans for 256 Washington Street be considered minor in nature and no further action is required.
Vote: 3-0-0, Unanimous
190 Washington Street
Present was: Scott Hayes, Foresite Engineering
Mr. Hayes came before the Board with an amended Site Plan for 190 Washington Street. The new plan shows the addition of a raised island at the entrance of the property, not unlike the one further down Washington Street at Durand Chevrolet. This island will be 6’ X 10’ with the inclusion of granite curbing, mulch and low grade shrubs for esthetic purposes.
Mr. D’Amelio stated that the Board previously disallowed a left in or out of the property and that this plan would still allow for a left into the site. Mr. D’Amelio suggested that more curbing be added in order to prevent drivers from being able to enter left.
Dirk Underwood, seconded by Tom Collins, made a motion to accept the plan entitled “Site Plan for Basha’s Natural Marketplace, 190 Washington Street, Hudson, MA” as drawn by Foresite Engineering of Stow, MA dated April 16, 2007 and revised August 3, 2007, with modifications to the plan as well as
inclusion of the following conditions; and Authorize the Agent to Sign upon modification to the island.
Vote: 3-0-0, Unanimous
Hickory Lane
Present was: Mike O’Malley
It has been brought to the attention of the Board that the residents near Hickory Lane have been dealing with problems they equate with the blasting on Hickory Lane. Mr. O’Malley stated that he only knew the residents at 17 Hickory Lane have been having a problem.
Mr. D’Amelio stated that the Board does not know how to proceed in this case. He suggested that Ms. Burke, as well as an agent from the DPW, walk the site with Mr. O’Malley to see what is going on.
Sign Tri-Partite Agreement – Oak Ridge Estates
Tom Collins recused himself.
Ms. Burke requested that the Board sign a Tri-Partite Agreement for Oak Ridge Estates.
Tom Collins returned to the Board.
Discussion of Town Meeting Warrant Article
Ms. Burke informed the Board about an article for the November Town Meeting Warrant regarding Ch. 43D. She explained some of the benefits 43D and asked whether the Board as a whole would be willing to sponsor this article.
Tom Collins, seconded by Dirk Underwood, moved to sponsor the article for November Town Meeting.
Vote: 3-0-0, Unanimous
ANR’s
24 Old North Road
Present were: Tom DiPersio, Jr., Thomas Land Surveyors, Inc.
Tom DiPersio, Sr., Thomas Land Surveyors, Inc.
Mr. DiPersio, informed the Board that Jennifer Thompson has secured the property owned by Mr. Roger Wilkins. They are proposing shifting the property lines to create 1 more frontage lot.
Bob D’Amelio, seconded by Dirk Underwood, made a motion to accept the plan entitled “Old North Woods in Hudson, MA” as drawn by Thomas Land Surveyors & Engineering Consultants, Inc. of Hudson, MA dated May 18, 2007 and Authorize the Agent to Sign.
Vote: 3-0-0, Unanimous
256 Washington Street
Present was: Matt Smith, Bohler Engineering
Mr. Smith informed the Board that one internal lot line has been shifted slightly to accommodate the future development of Starbucks.
Dirk Underwood, seconded by Bob D’Amelio made a motion to accept the plan entitled “Concept Plan“, as drawn up by Bohler Engineering, Inc. of Southborough, MA, dated May 11, 2007 and Authorize the Agent to Sign.
Vote: 3-0-0, Unanimous
Old North Road – Definitive Subdivision cont.
Present was: Tom DiPersio, Thomas Land Surveyors
Mr. DiPersio explained that there have been some major revisions to the storm water design as well as the drainage lines. The drainage was moved into the road per the recommendations of the DPW. Mr. D’Amelio stated that he has not yet seen any comments from the DPW. The storm water will be collected underground into Old North Road and some will flow through a detention basin. All of the water will be collected in a pipe and into the brook at the northerly end of Old North Road (attempting to eliminate the drainage problem on Richardson Road).
Mr. DiPersio also stated that the Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) would not allow easement rights for the drainage. The Board needs to see a follow up letter from SVT.
He then proceeded to explain the current drainage conditions on Old North Road. Once the subdivision is complete Mr. DiPersio does not foresee any increase in the amount of flow after completion of the subdivision.
Mr. D’Amelio then began addressing the comments from SEA. He first turned his attention to comment #9 which addresses the concern about the leveling area. The plans show a leveling area of 45 ft at 3%, the vertical curve ends up 2 inches lower than at 75 ft than the 3%. Mr. D’Amelio stated that this needs to be discussed with the DPW, citing that there must be a reason for this rule. He goes on to say that the only way he will waive this condition is if Tony Marques convinces him that it is ok.
Comment #7 notes that a Schedule E Environmental Impact Statement was not found in the submitted package. Mr. D’Amelio stated that due to the number of concerned residents a schedule E should be submitted.
Comment #10 addresses the concern about the length of the cul-de-sac. The plan proposes a length that exceeds the regulations by almost 280 feet. Mr. DiPersio states that a 500-ft cul-de-sac would decrease the number of lots by 3.
Comment # 14 states that all mature growth trees should be shown on the plan and incorporated into the subdivision. Mr. D’Amelio suggests the Board plan a site walk in order to determine which trees should be saved. Ms. Burke scheduled a walk for Thursday, August 30th at 5:00 PM.
Comment #42 addresses the issue of drainage basins. Mr. D’Amelio wants to see them constructed entirely of impervious material. He also stated that he wants full time inspection during the drainage installation.
Mr. D’Amelio then asked whether or not the street has been shifted. Mr. DiPersio said that it has not been shifted due to conservation rules and regulations.
Dan Entholdt, 17 Old North Rd. asked how far would the cul-de-sac need to be moved for the center of the road to be on the property line. Mr. DiPersio said about 18 feet.
Mike Fitzsimmons, 29 Richardson Rd, asked whether excess drainage into his property would be created by the approval of the 3 new lots. Mr. DiPersio stated that if the proposed improvements are not accepted then yes it would create additional drainage. He did however state that they are proposing that no drainage be directed toward that property.
Barbara Rose, 38 Old North Rd. stated her concern for the residence of the new development having water in their basements.
Mr. Entholdt mentioned that there is a large pipe behind his property. This pipe is dry, however it is uncovered and he believes poses a safety hazard. He also expressed his concern for saving as many trees as possible on the site.
Dirk Underwood, seconded by Bob D’Amelio, made a motion to continue the public hearing for Old North Woods until September 18, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Vote: 3-0-0, Unanimous
Rezoning Washington Street
Present were: Tom DiPersio, Jr., Thomas Land Surveyors
Tom DiPersio, Sr., Thomas Land Surveyors
The DiPersio’s approached the Board to continue the discussion regarding their desire to have portions of Washington Street rezoned. They are proposing that a C-13 Commercial district be established, allowing the use of professional offices without requiring a special permit. They are suggesting that the new buildings be in harmony with the existing style and that parking be directed to the rear of the buildings.
Mr. D’Amelio expressed his sympathy for the abutters, especially those who reside on Vernon Drive.
The DiPersio’s will continue to look into this and come back before the Board when they have additional information.
Minutes
Bob D’Amelio, seconded by Tom Collins, moved to approve the minutes of June 19, 2007, as corrected.
Vote: 3-0-0, Unanimous
Adjournment
Tom Collins, seconded by Dirk Underwood, moved to adjourn at 9:15 PM.
Vote: 3-0-0, Unanimous
Cc: Town Clerk
Department of Public Works
Jeff Wood, Building Commissioner
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