Minutes of Meeting – May 6, 2014
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, Dirk Underwood, Rodney Frias, Tom Collins, David Daigneault, Jennifer Burke, Planning Director and Teresa Vickery, Clerk.
Proposed changes to Westridge site plan
Present was: David Eastridge, Thorndike Development
Mr. Eastridge is before the Board to discuss proposed changes to the previously approved site plan. He explained that a large portion of the units have been sold. The revision to the plan is regarding a modification to the type of building that will be constructed. Some of the attached homes will become detached. The new proposal is for eight fewer units than originally approved.
The roadway widths are not changing but the locations have changed slightly with all of them moving away from the property lines. The reason for the changes is to make this phase more economical for the developer.
Mr. D’Amelio asked about the erosion control on the site. Mr. Eastridge explained that there is an erosion control barrier all along the edge of the property. Mr. D’Amelio noted that he would like to have Ms. Burke to review the erosion control prior to construction commencing.
The parking will change due to the alleys along the side of the buildings. The driveways are 20 feet long and all but the eight interior units have a two car garage. These revisions to the plan have more parking than the originally approved plan.
Rodney Frias, seconded by Bob D’Amelio, moved to accept the changes to the WestRidge site plan as shown on the plan entitled “Westridge Phase 2 – Site Development Plan” as drawn by Highpoint Engineering, Inc. dated April 2, 2014 as minor modifications with no further action required by the Planning Board with the following conditions:
- A construction schedule be submitted to the ZBA as part of you request for modifications with a copy to the Planning Board.
- The Planning Director is notified when erosion control is in place so that she can review and approve it prior to construction.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous
Master Plan Update
Present were: Michelle Ciccolo, Community Development Director
Ralph Wilmer, VHB
Ms. Ciccolo informed the Board that the Master Plan is almost complete and will soon be released. She explained that one of the most important aspects of the Master Plan is the zoning recommendations and what comes of them. The Planning Board must adopt the Plan as it is “their” plan. The final draft of the Plan will be released to the Board for their final approval and adoption.
Ms. Ciccolo is hoping to have a public meeting to release the final draft at the end of June. After this there will be a final comment period before it is released to the Planning Board.
The subdivision regulations are to be updated as part of the Town’s contract with VHB. In order to get ready for this MAPC had Planners look at the Town’s current regulations and looked at bike and pedestrian components of the regulations to see if there were improvements that could be made. There are efforts to help with bike and pedestrian mobility in Towns that have a good trail system.
Ms. Ciccolo asked Board members if there were certain aspects of their regulations that Mr. Wilmer may need to focus on that they let her know. They briefly discussed developers desires to eliminate sidewalks, the length of cul-de-sacs as well as the use of the word may versus the word shall.
The Board has a list that they have compiled over time of issues that have come up in their regulations that they feel need to be revised.
Ms. Ciccolo explained that she has been working on the program called Active/Complete Streets. The legislature has put $50 million into the bond bill in order to help fund this program. This is an incentive program that cities and towns can participate in however they have to go through the process of doing some upfront planning regarding bike and pedestrian issues as well as modifying their procedures. Hudson is preparing to be eligible to apply for this program.
Minutes
Tom Collins, seconded by Dirk Underwood, made a motion to accept the minutes of March 18, 2014, as written.
Vote: 3-0-2, Rodney Frias and Bob D’Amelio not voting.
Dirk Underwood, seconded by Rodney Frias, made a motion to accept the minutes of April 1, 2014, as written.
Vote: 4-0-1, Tom Collins not voting.
Adjournment
Rodney Frias, seconded by Bob D’Amelio, moved to adjourn at 8:30 PM.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous
Document List May 6, 2014
Documents |
Location |
Memo from Michelle Ciccolo regarding Master Plan |
Planning Office |
Updated site plan for Westridge |
Planning Office |
Minutes of March 18, 2014 |
Planning Office |
Minutes of April 1, 2014 |
|
Cc: Town Clerk
Department of Public Works
Jeff Wood, Building Commissioner
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