Minutes of Meeting – November 3, 2009
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, Charles Freeman, Jennifer Burke, Planning Director and Teresa Vickery, Clerk.
Planner’s Report
Highland Commons
Present was: William Hoffman, DeLucca-Hoffman
Mike DePriest, Benderson Development
Mr. Hoffman explained to the Board that there are three more substantial changes to the plans for Highland Commons. Two of the changes pertain to the Hudson part of the project, where the other change is in Berlin.
The first change is to the west side of the Hudson section. The developer is proposing to level off the landscape in this area.
The second change is regarding the grade of the land. The plans show that a grocery store will be built adjacent to the Lowe’s, which is scheduled to open this winter. Grocery stores traditionally prefer a 2% grade so that the carts do not roll. This area currently has a 3% grade.
Mr. Hoffman briefly explained the status of the project. Blasting has been performed over the past three months. The gravel that results has been used for rip rap. He also informed the Board that Benderson Development will be adding water features at the entrance to the site. Mr. Hoffman provided an illustration showing the east entrance and how it will look when complete.
Mr. D’Amelio referenced a booklet of responses from DeLucca-Hoffman regarding comments from Al Wells at SEA. Mr. Wells explained some of the issues to the Board. He noted that all of the issues or concerns had been verified and addressed. Mr. Wells did state that he would like the wetlands shown of the plans as well as additional detail on the retaining walls. Mr. Hoffman agreed.
Mr. Wells informed that Board that he would finalize his letter and submit it to the Board within a week.
Mr. D’Amelio asked if these changes would hold up the construction. Bryan Ruoff of SEA said he did not see any reason that this would happen.
It was noted that Paul Seidenberg, the project manager, has been replaced by Mike DePriest.
Mr. Wells had asked for more information regarding the retaining walls. Mr. DiPriest stated that the applicant would be applying for permits within the next week. Mr. D’Amelio asked that the walls be a priority so that SEA could review them first and expedite the process.
Lauren Height – Final Update before Town Meeting
Present were: Christopher Yates, Atty. at Law
Mark Rhodes
Atty. Yates informed the Board that the Board of Health had signed off on the septic earlier in the day and that all of the septic issues have been resolved.
Last week the second coat was put on Shelly Lane. They will be doing a core check in the coming days.
Jim Kennedy from Light & Power noted that the common septic encroaches on a 50 foot easement; however there is a plan in place to address this. He also noted that the towers are buried by approximately six feet of dirt (Atty. Yates stated that he believes it is only three feet). Mr. Kennedy sees this as a safety issue and states that the earth must be removed. He also stated that Hudson Light & Power will argue against street acceptance at the Town Meeting.
Mr. Rhodes understands that he needs to return the site to its proper grading for Light & Power.
Mr. D’Amelio asked if there is proper access to the leach field. Mr. Rhodes stated that when the issues with Light & Power are taken care of that there will be appropriate access.
Indian Farm Estates
Present was: Jennifer Thompson
The Board is in receipt of a letter dated October 6, 2009 from Ms. Thompson requesting an extension to complete the Indian Farm Estates subdivision.
After listening to Ms. Thompson, the Board took no action.
Minutes
Dirk Underwood, seconded by Tom Collins, made a motion to accept the minutes of August 18, 2009, as corrected.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Adjournment
Charles Freeman, seconded by Dirk Underwood, moved to adjourn at 8:20 PM.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Cc: Town Clerk
Department of Public Works
Jeff Wood, Building Commissioner
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