PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
July 26, 2010
7:00 PM
The Planning Board for the City of Marlborough met on Monday, July 26, 2010 in Memorial Hall, 3rd floor, City Hall, Marlborough, MA 01752. Members present: Barbara Fenby, Clyde Johnson, Edward Coveney and Sean Fay. Also present: Assistant City Engineer Richard Baldelli.
CLERK
Mr. Johnson nominated Mr. Fay to act as clerk pro term.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Coveney it was duly voted:
To have Mr. Fay act as clerk pro term.
MINUTES
Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010
On a motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Coveney, it was duly voted:
To accept and file the minutes of June 28, 2010.
CHAIRS BUSINESS
Steven Kerrigan
Resignation
Mr. Steven Kerrigan sent a letter to Mayor Stevens informing her that he is resigning from the Planning Board as of July 16, 2010. The remaining members agreed that this is a huge loss to the Board.
On a motion by Mr. Fay, seconded by Mr. Coveney it was duly voted:
To accept with regret the resignation of Mr. Kerrigan and to send correspondence thanking him for his time with the Planning Board.
Dental Associates of Marlborough
Sign Variance Completion Letter
Dr. Sanjiv Nehra sent correspondence to thank the Planning Board for granting his sign variance. He stated the variance gives him the opportunity to establish his business here in Marlborough and thanked the Planning Board for their tome and efforts.
On a motion by Mr. Fay, seconded by Mr. Coveney it was duly voted:
To accept and file correspondence.
APPROVAL NOT REQUIRED PLAN
299 Maple Street
JEMS of New England
Resigning
The City Engineer, Thomas Cullen, has reviewed the ANR plan and finds this plan consistent to the original plan with a new signature block. He has provided a favorable recommendation to sign the plan.
On a motion by Mr. Fay, seconded by Mr. Coveney it was duly voted:
To accept and file correspondence.
On a motion by Mr. Fay, seconded by Mr. Johnson it was duly voted:
To endorse plan of land believed to be Approval Not Required of JEMS of New England, Inc. of 1 Dix Street, Worcester, MA 01609. Name of Engineer: Engineering Design Consultants, Inc., 32 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772. Deed of property recorded in South Middlesex Registry of Deeds book 615, page 84. Location and description of property: located at 299 Maple Street property shown on Assessors map 93, parcels 36 and 37.
Bolton Street
Resigning of Plan
Mr. Baldelli presented to the Board the ANR for Bolton Street that was approved in late 2009 by the Planning Board. The City’s Legal Team noticed that there were two issues wrong with the ANR plan:
· Under Parcel A on the plan are the words “See plan 46794/356” in parentheses, that is not the plan, but the deed
· Deed 46794/356 references a 1977 deed to Robert Rittenhouse from Roy. G Graveson, which his deed references the 1940’s recorded plan for a subdivision on the same parcel, The City Needs a plan reference not a deed reference.
The City Engineer recommended for the Planning Board to endorse the plan.
On a motion by Mr. Fay, seconded by Mr. Johnson it was duly voted:
To endorse the ANR Plan known as Bolton Street.
PUBLIC HEARING
SUBDIVISION PROGRESS REPORTS
Update from City Engineer
Mr. Baldelli stated that the developers were working at the Westridge Subdivision by paving the sidewalks, repairing and paving West Hill Road. Mr. Baldelli also stated that work is continuing on Mauro Farm including the detention basins are nearly complete and the clearing has commenced.
Berlin Farms
Subdivision Extension Request
Mr. Charles Freeman of Freeman Builders, Inc. is requesting an extension to his subdivision for one year. He stated he is almost completed and a few minor things need to be finished.
On a motion by Mr. Fay, seconded by Mr. Coveney it was duly voted:
To accept and file correspondence.
Bond Reduction
Mr. Freeman is requesting a bond reduction for his subdivision.
On a motion by Mr. Fay, seconded by Mr. Coveney it was duly voted:
To accept and file correspondence.
Correspondence from City Engineer
Mr. Baldelli has reviewed the subdivision file and made the following observations:
· Roadway and infrastructure has been completed and appears to be in good condition;
· Curbing and sidewalk has been completed and appears to be in good condition;
· Detention basin entrance requires remedial work so that it complies with the proposed subdivision plans.
Mr. Baldelli noted the following still needs to be completed:
· Install fencing around detention basin as showed on approved subdivision plans
· Plant roadside trees per Planning Board requirements
· Submit As-built plans, Acceptance Plans and Legal descriptions
Mr. Baldelli also stated that according to the amended covenant indicated that the subdivision will be completed by September 6, 2009. The Developer needs to provide the Planning Board with an updated construction schedule.
On a motion by Mr. Fay, seconded by Mr. Coveney it was duly voted:
To accept and file correspondence.
Mr. Fay and Ms. Fenby noticed that the correspondence from the developer was not dated. Also, they would like to invite Mr. Freeman to the next scheduled meeting to discuss the current state of his subdivision.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Fay it was duly voted:
To invite Mr. Freeman of Freeman Builders Inc, to the next regular scheduled meeting.
Blackhorse Farms, Cider Mill Estates and West Ridge Estates (Fafard Development)
Carisbrook II/Blackhorse Farms
Mr. Cullen provided a report to the Planning Board that outlines his recommendations for this subdivision. The Chair has asked the members to review the information to discuss at the next meeting.
PENDING SUBDIVISION PLANS: Updates and Discussion
PRELIMINARY/ OPEN SPACE SUBDIVISION SUBMITTALS
DEFINITIVE SUBDIVISION SUBMISSIONS
SCENIC ROADS
SIGNS
Insert Life Here Temporary Signs
Alina Saez
Insert Life Here Studios is asking for a variance to place an “A” frame sign at 127 Lakeside Ave for their student run play. They received written approval from Ernie Houde of Weichart Realty. They are asking to place the sign from July 27, 2010 and to be removed after the event on August 8, 2010.
On a motion by Mr. Fay, second by Mr. Coveney it was duly voted:
To accept and file correspondence.
Ernie Houde
Ernie Houde of Weichert Reality located at 127 Lakeside Ave had given his permission to allow the temporary sign to be placed for the time period as requested by the Insert Life Here Studios.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Coveney it was duly voted:
To accept and file correspondence.
Mrs. Lizotte stated that Ms. Saez had spoken to the Building Commissioner and he stated that a variance from the Planning Board could possibly help out the group in their advertising efforts. Ms. Fenby stated that she was concerned about the public safety aspect of the “A” frame sign blowing over into the street. Ms. Saez stated that they will be bolting down the sign to prevent it from falling over.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Coveney it was duly voted:
To allow the sign to be placed from July 27, 2010; removed on August 8, 2010 and to alert Ms. Wilderman about the sign.
The Planning Board felt that this variance to allow the sign by helping the small organization with their play.
INFORMAL DISCUSSION
Marlborough Community Preservation Act
Ms. Barbara Earley and Ms. Karen Paquin came before the Planning Board to speak about the grassroots effort to start a Community Preservation Act. This Act, which already exists in 142 communities in Massachusetts, would allow the City to protect some of the cultural and natural heritage of Marlborough. The CPA is funded through a surcharge of up to 3% on local property taxes which is derived through transactions at the Registry of Deeds. The State would then match the range from 5% to 100% annually.
The CPA is trying to get the word out and petition the City Council to allow this on the next ballot.
Mr. Johnson stated that he sees this as a positive outlook and would suggest to the other members of the Planning Board to get “behind this one”.
Members
The Planning Board members discussed sending a letter to the Mayor suggesting new Planning Board members.
COMMUNICATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE
On a motion by Mr. Fay, seconded by Mr. Johnson, it was duly voted:
To accept all of the items listed under communications and/or correspondence.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Coveney, it was duly voted:
To adjourn at 8:15 p.m.
A TRUE COPY
ATTEST: _____________________________
Sean N. Fay, Acting Clerk
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