Minutes of Meeting – July 21, 2009
The Hudson Planning Board met at the Town Hall, 78 Main Street, Hudson, Massachusetts.
At 7:30 p.m., Rodney Frias called the meeting to order.
Present: Rodney Frias, Dirk Underwood, Tom Collins, Charles Freeman, Jennifer Burke, Planning Director and Teresa Vickery, Clerk.
Planner’s Report
OSRD Pre-Application Conference – 481 Main Street
Present were: Tom DiPersio, Thomas Land Surveyors
Ian Masmanian
Irene Gerwick
Mr. DiPersio informed the Board that the proposed property is 1,200 feet east of the intersection of Main Street and Forest Ave. The frontage of the parcel is on Main Street and heads west toward Old North Road. Mr. Masmanian owns a farm house on the property, formerly known as Wilkins Farm. There will be a 50 foot roadway through Mr. Masmanian’s property into Old North Road and will loop back onto itself.
The applicant is proposing the construction of 17 lots. Mr. Masmanian’s property is currently a pre-existing non-conforming structure. In order to bring it into conformance a parcel will be added to the property. A previously accepted ANR had changed lot lines as well.
The wetlands have been flagged. The OSRD wetlands requirement is 11.2%; this parcel has 11.9% of the open space classified as wetlands. The total open space amounts to 18 acres.
Mr. DiPersio informed the Board that the applicant is planning on implementing a low impact drainage method.
Mr. Frias asked what the change in the grading of the road is. Mr. DiPersio stated that at its steepest the grading is 7.5% and going out toward the road it is reduced to 4%.
There is a Tennessee Gas easement that runs south to north along the property. Ms. Burke asked if any of the structures would fall on the easement. Mr. DiPersio stated that none of the permanent structures would.
Mr. Masmanian informed the Board that the homes would be approximately 2,000 square feet and would be built to scale in order to fit the property. All of the homes would have energy efficient utilities. Mr. DiPersio noted that sewer, water, gas and electricity would all be underground.
Mr. Frias asked what the width of the road is. Mr. DiPersio explained that the road is proposed at a 50 foot width however the applicant will ask the DPW to allow the width to be reduced down to 40 feet. This would reduce the amount of hardscape on the property.
Andy Massa, 15 Michigan Drive asked if the water and sewage lines would be placed above or below the gas lines. Mr. DiPersio stated that they would be placed below the gas line.
Judy Sabourin, 14 Michigan Drive asked where the Sudbury Valley Trustees property was relative to the plan. Mr. DiPersio said he would have to check on that but he did think that Mr. Masmanian is an abutter to the SVT property.
Mr. Collins asked if there would be any effort to keep mature trees. Mr. DiPersio said that one of their objectives is to minimize tree cutting.
Ms. Burke noted that density credit would be given for preserving additional open space. However, she asked Mr. Masmanian if he was seeking extra credit for historic preservation as well as a credit for affordable housing. Mr. Masmanian stated that he has not yet decided on these items.
Ms. Burke did note that Board’s preference would be that the open space is to be held in a homeowners association and not given to the Town.
Mr. Underwood asked about the street lighting. Mr. DiPersio stated that the lighting will follow the Town’s requirements.
It was noted that the area around Old North Road has issues with water run-ff as well as drainage. Mr. DiPersio said that the intention is to detain the run-off and certainly not increase it. The utilities will come from Old North Road, not Main Street.
Mr. Frias asked what the timeframe for the beginning of construction is. Mr. DiPersio stated that the applicant hopes to begin construction within the next 8 -12 months.
The Board agreed that the applicant is heading in the right direction and certainly working within the guidelines and the objectives of the OSRD. They unanimously agree to let the applicant move forward with his application.
Saratoga Drive – Wireless Communications Facility
Present was: Christopher King, BCI Communications, Inc.
Ms. Burke began by explaining to those present that there has been a great deal of miscommunication and much confusion regarding the decisions reached at the Board’s last meeting with Mr. King. Therefore, she felt it would be in everyone’s best interest if all parties got together to resolve the issues.
Mr. King stated that surveyors had been called to the site and were specifically asked that they disturb only the most minimal amount of vegetation possible. The compound is 32 feet by 45 feet and is no longer the same shape. The objective was to nestle the compound within the existing tree lines. All of the trees fall outside of the work impact area. Mr. King noted that it looks like only two trees will be impacted due to the easement necessary for the utilities. Mr. Frias asked what the old dimension were. Mr. King stated that they were 40 feet by 40 feet.
Ms. Burke asked if the pole location has changed. Mr. King stated that it is in the exact previously approved location.
Mr. Massa asked what the distance is between the base of the tower to the closest abutter’s property. Ms. Burke stated that the distance is 108 feet. Mr. Massa wanted it stated for the record that if the tower is not 108 feet from the abutter’s property line that the tower will be taken down. Ms. Burke agreed that this would be the case.
Ms. Sabourin thanked Mr. King for his sensitivity while addressing the concerns of the abutters.
Rodney Frias, seconded by Tom Collins, made a motion to accept the plan entitled “Saratoga Water Tank” as drawn by AEG Advanced Engineering Group, P.C. of Attleboro, MA dated March 12, 2009 and last revised July 20, 2009 with the original approved conditions still in effect.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Minutes
Charles Freeman, seconded by Dirk Underwood, made a motion to accept the minutes of June 16, 2009, as written.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Charles Freeman, seconded by Tom Collins, made a motion to accept the minutes of June 29, 2009, as corrected.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Dirk Underwood, seconded by Tom Collins, made a motion to accept the Executive Session minutes for June 29, 2009, as corrected.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Adjournment
Charles Freeman, seconded by Dirk Underwood, moved to adjourn at 8:30 PM.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Cc: Town Clerk
Department of Public Works
Jeff Wood, Building Commissioner
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