The Planning Board for the City of Marlborough met on Monday, July 28, 2003, in Memorial Hall, 3rd floor, City Hall, Marlborough, MA 01752. Members present: Chairperson Barbara L. Fenby, Clerk Colleen M. Hughes, Raymond R. Peters, Robert Hanson and Clyde L. Johnson. Also present: City Engineer Patrick M. Clancy.
MINUTES
Because the members had had insufficient time to review the minutes, it was decided to defer approval until the next meeting.
CHAIR’S BUSINESS
Update of Director of Planning Lima
Mr. Lima explained to the Board the recent changes to his job description. He will be dividing his time between the Planning Department and the Department of Community Development. Four days a week will be spent at Community Development with his remaining time spent in the planning office.
They will be holding the next Master plan Forum probably on October 25, although as the date is confirmed he will notify the Board. There is also a new economic development committee being formed to look at various properties in a manner that is in the city’s best interest.
He also advised that Community Development would be holding a lottery shortly for five (5) affordable units at the Pleasant Gardens location.
He provided further update on the Chestnut Ridge project and Dunkin’ Donuts.
Open Space and Recreation Plan 2003-2008
Chairperson Fenby will read the report and pass it along to the other members for their review.
SUBDIVISION PROGRESS REPORTS
Update by City Engineer
Mr. Clancy advised that not much has changed in the report at this time. He confirmed that the developers for the Fiddlehead Subdivision have not responded to the Board’s letter and he will try to contact them.
Forest Trail: request for bond reduction
On a motion by Ms. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Johnson, it was duly voted:
To accept and file the correspondence from Assistant City Engineer Thomas P. Temple, and to approve the reduction on the bond securing the subdivision from $1,019,045.00 to $320,000.00.
Forbes Avenue: request for bond reduction
Mr. Clancy advised that someone from the engineering department will be at the site during the next week to evaluate the site and report to the Board at the next meeting.
Crystal Ridge Estates: request for bond reduction
On a motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Hanson, it was duly voted:
To accept and file the correspondence from Assistant City Engineer Thomas P. Temple, and to approve the reduction on the bond securing the subdivision from $194,000.00 to $179,000.00.
Elm Farm Valley Estates: request for bond reduction
On a motion by Ms. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Johnson, it was duly voted:
To accept and file the correspondence from Assistant City Engineer Thomas P. Temple, and to approve the reduction on the bond securing the subdivision from $161,000.00 to $140,000.00.
Slocomb Lane: request for reconsideration of roadway
On a motion by Mr. Hanson, seconded by Mr. Peters, it was duly voted:
To accept and file the correspondence from Mr. Seaberg of Benchmark Engineering and to refer the matter to the City Engineer for his review and recommendation at the next meeting on Monday, September 8, 2003.
PENDING SUBDIVISION PLANS: Updates and Discussions
Definitive Shorter Street
After a brief discussion regarding the time frame for the review of this subdivision, the City Engineer and Mr. Parente of Central Mass. Engineering agreed to meet and iron out all of the issues that need to be included on the plan.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Hodge, it was duly voted:
To accept and file the correspondence from Mr. Parente and to approve the request for extension of the review period to the next meeting on Monday, September 8, 2003.
Definitive Old Orchard Heights
Mr. Clancy advised that the engineering department has submitted comments back to the developer for revision.
Definitive O’Leary’s Landing
Mr. Clancy advised that the engineering department has submitted comments back to the developer for revision.
Definitive Acre Bridge Estates
Mr. Clancy advised that they are completing their review and comments and they will be sent out shortly.
SIGNS
Borders Books
On a motion by Ms. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Johnson, it was duly voted:
To accept and file the correspondence asking to withdraw the request for a variance for additional signage at the newly constructed Borders Book store.
Charter One Bank
On a motion by Mr. Hanson, seconded by Mr. Peters, it was duly voted:
To approve the request for the variance and to allow the Charter One Bank sign, as designed. In approving the request, the Board cited Karnak Realty’s longstanding good relationship with the City, their willingness to continually maintain the site with landscaping, and also that the Price Chopper building is set so far back from the street, the sign would not appear at all obtrusive.
Sunoco Station Maple Street
Mrs. Wilderman explained that the current Sunoco State on Maple Street, owned by Peter Ferrecchia, is in the process of converting to a Gulf Station. A review by the Building Department of the sign replacement request showed that the existing sign was, in fact, not in compliance and should not have been approved without a Planning Board variance.
Mr. Ferrecchia explained that the proposed sign will actually be smaller than the current sign.
On a motion by Mr. Peters, seconded by Mr. Johnson, it was duly voted:
To approve the request for the variance and to allow the Gulf freestanding sign, as designed. In approving the request, the Board cited not only the reduction in square footage but also Mr. Ferrecchia’s recent landscaping efforts despite severe space constraints.
INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS
Hemenway Street
The Board asked the homeowner and his architect to meet with the City Engineer to draft a plan that they could review for informal comment.
COMMUNICATION/CORRESPONDENCE
On a motion by Ms. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Peters, it was duly voted:
To accept and file all items listed under communication and/or correspondence.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Peters, it was duly voted:
To adjourn at 8:30 p.m.
A TRUE COPY
ATTEST: ____________________________
Colleen M. Hughes, Clerk
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