Minutes of Meeting – August 16, 2011
The Hudson Planning Board met at the Town Hall, 78 Main Street, Hudson, Massachusetts.
At 7:00 p.m., Bob D’Amelio called the meeting to order.
Present: Bob D’Amelio, Tom Collins, Dirk Underwood, David Daigneault, Jennifer Burke, Planning Director and Teresa Vickery, Clerk.
Planner’s Report – Gerwick Property Discussion
Present was: Susan Crane, Sudbury Valley Trustees Land Protection Specialist
Ms. Crane explained that the property owner, Ms. Gerwick, would like to place a conservation restriction on 24 acres of her 29 acre parcel of land to be held by the Town. This is wooded dry land in the Gospel Hill area of Town. This would forever restrict any kind of development on this property as the restriction would be held in perpetuity.
Sudbury Valley Trustees is in favor of this project and has been working with Ms. Gerwick to facilitate the transaction.
The applicant will be submitting an application for Community Preservation Funds in December and subject to CPC approval the hope is to have an article on the May 2012 Town Meeting warrant.
Ms. Gerwick is asking for $487,950 for the purchase of the land. This price is subject to an appraisal. It is understood that if the appraisal is higher than the asking price Ms. Gerwick would honor her original asking price. If the appraisal comes in less than the asking price Ms. Gerwick is willing to negotiate a middle ground with the Town.
Mr. Collins asked who would determine the uses of the open space. Ms. Crane stated that this would be up to the Town.
Mr. D’Amelio asked what the taxes paid on this would be. Ms. Crane explained that Ms. Gerwick would pay the taxes on the conservation land at a restricted rate.
Ms. Crane informed the Board that after CPA funds have been approved as well as approval at Town Meeting the SVT would help the Town with a land grant to the state. Hudson is eligible for a 64% match from the state.
Mr. D’Amelio asked if this could be approved at Town Meeting with the stipulation that the funds would be pending the land grant approval. Ms. Burke stated that it would be possible to do so.
The Board stated they would support this idea, however, Mr. D’Amelio noted that his support would be subject to approval of the grant by the state.
The Board took no action.
7:15 PM Bush Road – Definitive Subdivison
Present was: Tom DiPersio, Sr., Thomas Land Surveyors
Andy Bendetsen, Century Mill Limited Partnership
Mr. DiPersio informed the Board that the requested water tests had been performed on August 12, 2011. The original test on June 9th showed 650 gpm; subsequently the new test came in at 903 gpm which is well above the required rate of flow. The pressure test showed a psi of 47 - 51 which is well in excess of the requirement of 32. He noted that the original tests did not wait for the booster pump to kick in therefore the pressure was inadequate.
Mr. D’Amelio informed the applicant that he would not make any decisions without hearing from both Chief Blood and Tony Marques.
There was a discussion regarding the current state of the water pressure on Bush Road and Mr. DiPersio stated that in his opinion the problem lies in the sensitivity gap on the booster pump. He suggested that the residents contact the DPW or the Selectmen to have this looked at.
The Board asked Ms. Burke to extend an invitation to Chief Blood and Tony Marques to provide reports on adequate water pressure and flow. Depending on the report the Board may ask them to attend the next meeting.
Dirk Underwood, seconded by David Daigneault made a motion to continue the public hearing for Bush Road until September 6, 2011 at 6:30 PM.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Minutes
Tom Collins, seconded by Bob D’Amelio, made a motion to accept the minutes of August 2, 2011, as written.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Adjournment
Bob D’Amelio, seconded by Tom Collins, moved to adjourn at 8:00 PM.
Vote: 4-0-0, Unanimous
Document List August 16, 2011
Document |
Location |
Proposal by Sudbury Valley Trustees re: Gerwick Property |
Planning Office |
Minutes of August 2, 2011 |
Planning Office |
Cc: Town Clerk
Department of Public Works
Jeff Wood, Building Commissioner
| 
