The regularly scheduled meeting of the Millbury Planning Board was held on Monday, October 24, 2011, at 7:15 p.m. in the Municipal Office Building, 127 Elm Street, Millbury, MA. Chairman Richard Gosselin presided.
Present: Gary Schold, Jeffrey Markarian, Richard Gosselin, Anna Lewandowski, Paul Piktelis
7:15 p.m. Ladyslipper Lane Performance Guarantee
Town Planner Connors advised that town counsel has reviewed the performance guarantee and has approved its form. Mr. Mahoney was present and requested the release of covenant.
Motion by Gary Schold, seconded by Jeffrey Markarian to accept the Tri-Party Agreement, between the Planning Board, Applicants and Hometown Bank, as performance secured by lender’s agreement dated October 24, 2011, motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Gary Schold, seconded by Jeff Markarian to release Covenant dated June 15, 2009, recorded in the Worcester District Registry of Deeds Book 46693, Page 292, releasing lots 1 – 3, motion carried unanimously.
Minutes
Motion by Gary Schold, seconded by Paul Piktelis to approve the minutes of September 26, 2011, motion carried unanimously.
7:30 p.m. 32 Grafton Street Performance Guarantee Reduction
Ms. Connors went on two site visits, October 13, 2011 and October 24, 2011. She recommended the release of $43,150, with $87,230 to be retained for incomplete items including finish course of pavement, railroad ties and landscape buffer.
Chris Windle submitted photographs of the stop sign to show that it was installed, and also of the area buffered by trees. Ms. Connors recommended additional trees for the corner and retaining wall. There are two abutting neighbors.
Mr. Windle requested release of the 20% contingency but the Board would not consider this. He also wants to install an 18’sign, internally lit, within a fieldstone planting bed. Ms. Connors advise that this was not in conformance with the sign which was approved during the site plan review process. Mr. Windle will comply with the approved sign and will illuminate it from the outside.
Motion by Gary Schold, seconded by Jeff Markarian, to reduce the performance guarantee for 32 Grafton Street, by the amount of $43,150, leaving a balance of $87,230. Motion carried unanimously.
7:45 p.m. Cordis Mills Dumpster Area Expansion – cancelled for this evening
65 Canal Street – Discussion of replacement fence, modification to wireless communications facility
Clerk Schold read letter dated October 24, 2011 from Robert Blackman, Building Inspector, allowing the height of ten feet as it would not increase the non-conformance.
Motion by Gary Schold, seconded by Jeff Markarian, to approve applicant’s request to replace the existing fence surrounding the equipment compound with a 10’ white vinyl fence as depicted on site plan entitled “AT&T Site Number: MA3412, Site Name: Millbury-Canal St., prepared by Vertical Resources GRP, 489 Washington Street, Auburn, MA, dated July 5, 2011, as the existing fence depicted on the original special permit already exceeded the height restriction, motion carried unanimously.
8:00 p.m. Clearview Estates Pre-Application Discussion
Neil Loomis, owner, Alice West, landscape architect, and Attorney Rob Knapik were present to address the Board. This is a conceptual hearing, applicant wants to replace the conventional subdivision which was already approved for 60 lots, with an open space community, adding 24 lots. 78 acres would be donate to the town. The average lot has 100 feet of frontage and 15000 sf.
Attorney Knapik advised that the applicant is taking advantage of the approved road system . A yield plan for a conventional plan shows 91 lots could potentially be created there. Regarding the open space plan, taking advantage of the density bonus, there could be 100 lots here. They are only applying for 84.
Ms. West reviewed the conservation areas, wetland areas, steep slope areas, mature woodlands, three developable areas, and the two open space parcels. The larger of the two open space parcels will have a public trail system, the smaller one at the end of the cul-de-sac will be privately held with a homeowner’s association. There will be two parking lots.
Ms. Connors advised that she cannot find one reason why this proposal is better than the one that was already approved. A 100’ buffer is required and not shown on the proposal. The vegetative buffer cannot be on abutting property. Applicant will have to apply for a major modification to the existing 60 lot subdivision.
Mr. Gosselin advised the detention ponds must be on separate lots. He questioned the applicant’s right to use the land within the National Grid easement. Mr. Loomis advised that he has an easement giving him the right to cross the property. He would like additional information on grades and contours for the individual lots and agrees that there is a problem with the plan as far as the 100’ buffer goes. He suggested removing lots 7, 47, 84, 73, and 72 which would leave a buffer zone.
Mrs. Lewandowski questioned whether Park Hill Avenue could accommodate the additional traffic.
Chairman Gosselin declared a five minute recess.
9:05 p.m. Shoppes at Blackstone Valley – Sephora Minor Modification
Marie Chow, architect from Callison, was present and reviewed the façade modification with the Board. Sephora will move into the space presently occupied by Store “344”. Store letters will be white and will be lit.
Motion by Gary Schold, seconded by Paul Piktelis, to approve the storefront modifications for Sephora located at Space 509, The Shoppes At Blackstone Valley, as depicted on plan entitled “The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley, 70 Worcester-Providence Turnpike, Space #509, Millbury, MA 01527” prepared by Callison of Dallas, Texas, dated October 11, 2011. Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Chow then notified the Board that a door in the rear will be added and the sign will be relocated over the new rear door.
Motion to rescind the previous vote by Gary Schold, seconded by Jeff Markarian, motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Gary Schold, seconded by Paul Piktelis, to approve the storefront modifications for Sephora located at Space 509, The Shoppes At Blackstone Valley, as depicted on plan entitled “The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley, 70 Worcester-Providence Turnpike, Space #509, Millbury, MA 01527” prepared by Callison of Dallas, Texas, dated October 11, 2011 as further modified on Sheet 6.0A showing the doorway and sign location change to the rear elevation plan. Motion carried unanimously.
Other Business
Cronin Brook Streetlight: Mrs. .Lewandowski questioned why the street acceptance warrant article for Cronin Brook was given to the Board of Selectmen when the streetlight there is still not working. Ms. Connors will contact the developer.
Accessory Dwelling Bylaw: The Board will discuss revisions to this bylaw at its November 14, 2011 meeting, at 8:15 p.m. Those individuals who expressed interest in being on a committee for this purpose will be invited to attend this meeting.
Meeting Cancellation: Motion by Gary Schold, seconded by Paul Piktelis, to cancel the meeting of December 26, 2011, motion carried unanimously.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Gary Schold, seconded by Paul Piktelis, motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan M. Dean
ATTEST:
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