Minutes of Meeting – July 15, 2008
The Hudson Planning Board met at the Town Hall, 78 Main Street, Hudson, Massachusetts.
At 7:00 p.m., Robert D’Amelio called the meeting to order.
Present: Robert D’Amelio, Tom Collins, Dirk Underwood, Rodney Frias, Jennifer Burke, Town Planner and Teresa Vickery Clerk.
256 Washington Street – Site Plan Review
Present was: Matt Smith, Bohler Engineering
Dan Mills, MDM Consulting
Lisa Davis, Stop & Shop
Paul Giannetti, Atty. at Law
Mr. D’Amelio convened the public hearing.
Mr. Smith informed the Board that applicant is proposing the construction of a Stop & Shop Gas Station at 256 Washington Street. This is the third parcel of the Spinney land on Technology Drive. Mr. Smith stated that he has met with Ms. Burke and Ms. Ciccolo on several occasions and changes have been made to the plans due to their input.
The gas station will consist of 8 dispensers with 16 fueling positions and 2 underground storage tanks with a 40,000-gallon capacity. The applicant will need to seek a license for the storage tank from the Board of Selectmen. The fueling stations will be housed underneath two 60-foot canopies with a kiosk in the middle for an attendant. A restroom will be built on the southerly side of the facility and will have a private septic system installed, which will require a review from the Board of Health. The site will utilize municipal water and electric.
Driveways are as previously approved under the Walgreen’s plan and have not changed. The traffic pattern to enter the site will be one-way circulation and the only egress is at the end of the parcel. Once on the site the circulation will be two-way. The plans propose 3 parking spaces to the westerly side of the site as well as a retaining wall to line the site. The wall will vary in height from 4-feet to 10-feet.
The drainage will all be on site with an underground storage system capable of infiltrating the 100-year storm. Mr. Smith also explained the lighting plan. He stated that the lights on this site will be bright with a 30-foot candle under the canopies as opposed to the 5-foot average at the Walgreen’s parcel. The lighting will, however, drop off significantly outside of the canopy and the candle average will be approximately 6-foot candles.
Landscaping details were also addressed. The curb along the existing Stop & Shop Store will be widened in order to allow for easier traffic flow. Mr. D’Amelio mentioned the proposed sidewalk and he asked if there is a grading plan for it. Mr. Smith said that the applicant will draw one up.
Marty Libby, 1 Lower Road asked whether the site met the required frontage. Mr. Smith informed him that there is a 150 feet of frontage at the site. Mr. Libby then asked if the property was part of the Watershed Protection District. Ms. Burke said that it was not.
Tom Walsh, 17 Brentonwoods Drive stated that only the property owner can acquire the proper licensing for the gas station. Mr. Smith informed him that the purchase and sale of the land is pending approval. Ms. Davis explained that the applicant has authorization form the current owners to submit all applications and proceed with the process. Ms. Burke furnished this letter. Stop & Shop is leasing the space from the Richmond Companies. Mr. Smith stated that cross easements for access would be necessary. Mr. D’Amelio explained that the Board would not approve the site without the proper easements intact. Ms. Davis said that they would get a letter from the Richmond Companies authorizing the approval for the easements.
Mr. Smith noted that the plans may change to reflect some concerns from the field inspectors regarding the utilities.
Mr. Libby asked if the gas station would be selling motor oil and if so, they would need to have hazardous waste removal in place. Ms. Davis said that they would prefer to, however she did not know for sure. Mr. D’Amelio stated that this would be a question for Chief Blood.
Mr. Walsh expressed his concern for the neighboring businesses and believes that the effects of the gas station should be taken into account. Mr. D’Amelio noted that the applicant has the right to submit the site plan.
Paul Feldman, Attorney for a business owner on Cabot Drive explained that his client is concerned with the impact this will have to the traffic on Technology Drive. He asked whether a traffic study had been conducted. Mr. D’Amelio told him that a traffic study had been completed about a year and a half ago. Atty. Feldman wanted to know if a 16-pump gas station was considered when the traffic study was performed. Atty. Giannetti informed him that the traffic study took entire site into account.
Mr. Mills explained that 3 traffic studies had been performed. It was estimated that the gas station would generate approximately 100-200 hourly trips into the site, which would be a 3 – 5% increase in traffic.
Atty. Feldman asked if the Board could inquire whether it is appropriate for them to consider traffic studies that are 2 years old.
Mr. Underwood asked whether the traffic studies include the traffic from WestRidge. Mr. Mills said that they did. He also noted that in the past year there has been a significant reduction in the amount of traffic along Technology Drive.
Judy Sabourin, 14 Michigan Drive, asked if the applicant had yet sought approval from the Conservation Commission. Mr. Smith explained that the response time from ConCom is quicker than that of the Planning Board and the applicant will most likely seek approval simultaneously.
Mr. Underwood asked if the gas station will offer diesel fuel. Ms. Davis said no.
Mr. D’Amelio suggested that the plans be submitted to SEA for a full review.
Rodney Frias, seconded by Dirk Underwood, made a motion to continue the public hearing for 256 Washington Street until August 19, 2008 at 7:45 PM.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Planner’s Report
-Bond Reduction – Riverside Farms
Ms. Burke informed the Board that the subdivision will be complete by mid-August. Street acceptance will be added to the warrant for the November Town Meeting. The Board reduced the bond for Riverside Farms to $109, 840 per recommendations for the DPW.
Bob D’Amelio, seconded by Tom Collins, made a motion to reduce the bond for Riverside Farms to $109,840.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Lauren Heights Discussion
Present was: Mike O’Malley
Michael Norris, Atty. at Law
Mr. D’Amelio explained that this subdivision has been granted 5 or 6 extensions since it was first approved back in 2002. Because the bond was set in 2002 and the cost of construction materials has risen significantly the Board is considering increasing the bond. The DPW has recommended a bond amount of $265,000.
Atty. Norris requested that the Board break up the subdivision into two separate parts. He noted that Judith Road is 80% complete and if given 90-day extension it could be finished. In order to complete Shelly Lane Mr. O’Malley would need to sell 3 or 4 houses, citing the need for additional money. The Board did not agree to this.
The Board decided to meet again on August 5, 2008 at 7:30 PM and have Town Counsel present to assist in addressing some legal concerns.
Minutes
Bob D’Amelio, seconded by Dirk Underwood, moved to approve the minutes of June 17, 2008, as written.
Vote: 3-0-1, Mr. Frias not voting.
Adjournment
Bob D’Amelio, seconded by Dirk Underwood, moved to adjourn at 8:45 PM.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Cc: Town Clerk
Department of Public Works
Jeff Wood, Building Commissioner
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