Conservation Commission
February 18, 2010
Minutes
Town Hall
Members present:
Chair Neal Carpenter, NC; Joe Strauch, JS; Tim Flanagan, TF; Vince Ammendola, VA; David Lane, DL; Dick Ferren, DF
Absent with notification: Rose Fitzgerald Casey, RFC
Notice of Intent, David Ward, LD Associates, Inc., 55 Pittsfield Rd, Map 17 Parcel 40. Construction of townhouses and associated driveways, parking and infrastructure. File # 198-0255 (Previous file number which is still open: # 198-217) Bob Fournier of SK Design, Inc., requested a continuance.
VA made a motion to continue to March 11, 2010 at 7:30 pm and DL seconded the motion. The Commission voted to agree 6-0.
Notice of Intent, MEC Lenox Associates Limited, 489 Pittsfield-Lenox Road, Map 33 Parcel 4. Redevelopment of an existing shopping center, including construction of new retail space. Continued from February 4, 2010. File # 198-0254.
Tim Williams of Allen and Major Associates and Jeffrey Curley, Project Manager with MEC Lenox Associates Limited Partnership were present.
Mr. Williams told the Commission that he has received comments from DEP and Peer Review Consultant Steve Mack of Foresight Land Services. He has taken into account the Commissioner’s comments from the previous meeting, and has made modification to the plan to create a 25 foot resource setback where possible. In one location that setback is only 22 to 23 feet because of the need for clearance necessary for large delivery trucks.
Also he has been able to reduce the wetland disturbance from 2,588 square feet to less than 2,000 square feet.
Originally the plans were to place the proposed infiltration units to the south of the new retail structure, but the Commission requested that the developers place the proposed units to the north of the new retail structure to replenish the wetlands. Mr. Williams stated that this proposed location was not feasible because of the tremendous amount of utilities that are required by the proposed tenant. After some discussion it was suggested that the only possible alternative location for the proposed infiltration units would be to the west of the new retail structure. Mr. Williams stated that he would look into this.
In regards to Mr. Mack’s comments, Mr. Williams has asked that Mr. Mack wait until the final plans are complete and all other information is available before his concerns are addressed.
In attendance were representatives of Yankee Candle Company, Inc., immediate abutters to the south of the Center, Bill Swasey and Judith Kundl. They wished to go on record that they have concerns regarding drainage and continued visibility of their business. The company purchased this property in 1986 and at that time the cellar of their structure was dry and usable, but it is not now. They wish to be assured that their property will not be negatively impacted by this project or that their wet basement problems will not be exacerbated. Additionally Mr. Swasey is concerned that a wall that is proposed between the two properties will result in a reduction in the visibility of their store. Mr. Williams stated that he will continue discussions with the engineer who represents Yankee Candle who
had listed concerns in a letter presented at the last meeting.
TF advised Mr. Swasey that some of their issues are related to zoning, and that he suggested that he attend those hearings.
VA made a motion to continue to 7:30 pm on March 18, 2010 and DL seconded the motion. The Commission voted to agree 6-0.
Minutes of February 4, 2010: DL made a motion to approve the minutes with minor edits and JS seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 6-0.
VA made a motion to adjourn at 8:40 pm and DF seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 6-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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