The regularly scheduled meeting of the Millbury Planning Board was held on Monday, September 8, 2008 at 5:30 p.m., in the Municipal Office Building, 127 Elm Street, Millbury, MA. Chairman Richard Gosselin presided.
Present: Rusty Valery, Brian Stowell, Richard Gosselin, Anna Lewandowski, Jeff Markarian, Associate Member Peter Caruso, Jr.
5:30 p.m. Graves Engineering, Inc. Interview
Jeffrey Walsh and Jeffrey Howland addressed the Board and gave their presentation. The Planning Board took turns asking the six standard questions it will ask each firm being interviewed.
6:15 p.m. Fuss & O’Neill Interview
Eric Bernardin and Erik Mas addressed the Board and gave their presentation. . The Planning Board took turns asking the six standard questions it will ask each firm being interviewed.
7:00 p.m. Draft Bramanville Mixed Use Overlay Discussion
Adam Burney, CMRPC was present and reviewed the draft proposal with the Board. Rosemary Scrivens was introduced as being the new contact person for CMRPC and Mr. Burney no longer works there.
Five members of Clark University conducted the initial public meetings and gathered information. The Board reviewed the proposal, which is currently an overlay on the existing bylaw.
Some suggestions included creating a “greener” environment, a unique niche for smaller businesses or an artistic venue, bringing back original architecture and the use of open space.
Ms. Connors suggested a new zoning district be created as opposed to an overlay district. Vacant buildings are being targeted. She would envision bakeries, health clubs and bed & breakfast inns as uses in this district. Site Plan Review should be linked to this bylaw. Parking reductions should be considered, perhaps in the rear. Design features such as lighting, landscaping, planters and sidewalks should be included.
Mrs. Lewandowski would like to limit the number of curb cuts and acknowledged that area residents would like to be able to upgrade their property.
7:45 p.m. Lady Slipper Lane Definitive Plan Public Hearing
Clerk Valery read the public hearing notice. This is a proposed three lot subdivision off of Stowe Road on approximately 36 acres, which includes an existing house and barn.
Ralph Romano, Global Engineering was present, with Don Mahoney, the applicant. Two additional lots for family members are being requested.
Mr. Valery read into the record the August 11, 2008 letter from Brad Lange, Sewer Superintendent, indicating that no public sewer is available; Conservation Commission letter advising that this applicant may be required to appear before the Commission; Mark Auclair, Fire Department review letter requiring the project to comply with current fire codes and roadways which will support fire apparatus; Building Inspector letter addressing the frontage issue which does not allow for the inclusion of easement frontage.
Mrs. Lewandowski advised that the Earth Removal Board has not responded in writing as a topo map was not included.
Ms. Connors advised that she has a limited top map, which depicts the areas to be
disturbed, the cul-de-sac does not conform. There is a possibility that a multi-family special permit would be required.
Mr. Gosselin would like the wetland and contour lines depicted on the plan.
There was no public input at this time.
The Board then discussed its October meeting schedule. October 13, 2008 is a legal holiday. Motion by Brian Stowell, seconded by Anna Lewandowski, to cancel its October 13, 2008 meeting and October 27, 2008 meeting and schedule one meeting on Monday, October 20, 2008, motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Brian Stowell, seconded by Anna Lewandowski to continue the public hearing for Lady Slipper Definitive Plan to October 20, 2008 at 7:30 p.m., motion carried unanimously.
8:20 p.m. Grafton Street – Vassar Multi-Family Special Permit
Public Hearing, cont.
Clerk Valery read letter from Norman Hill, Land Planning requesting a continuance of the public hearing.
Motion by Brian Stowell, seconded by Rusty Valery to continue the public hearing to September 22, 2008 at 9:00 p.m., motion carried unanimously.
8:25 p.m. FIBA – Modification to Site Plan
Ms. Connors advised that the approved design had a large stormwater treatment unit being added to the main drain line that serves both the site and up-gradient area. There is runoff from the rear of the FIBA property, without the benefit of treatment.
The revised plan proposes to collect and treat runoff from the rear of the building rather than let if flow directly to the wetland. Curb and a new catch basin are proposed. The treatment unit is being moved from the main drain line to a new branch drain line that conveys runoff from the new catch basin.
The Conservation Commission has indicated that it would like this additional level of cleansing of stormwater flow.
Clerk Valery read letter from Heritage Design regarding the proposed revisions to drainage, and review letter from Graves Engineering.
Motion by Brian Stowell, seconded by Rusty Valery, to approve the revisions to the Site Plan dated August 27, 2008, motion carried unanimously.
Other Business:
Anna Lewandowski expressed concerns with the use of perchlorate, which was again found in the town’s water supply and its relationship with blasting from subdivisions. One example of concern would be the newly approved Patriot’s Place subdivision along Howe Avenue, in close proximity to an Aquarion water source.
8:30 p.m BETA Interview
Bill McGrath, Project Director and Jen Hub, Project Manager, gave the firm’s presentation. The Planning Board took turns asking the six standard questions it will ask each firm being interviewed.
Chairman Gosselin declared a five minute recess.
9:15 p.m Tighe & Bond Interview
Omer H. Dumais, Vice-President and Antonio J. da Cruz gave the firm’s presentation. The Planning Board took turns asking the six standard questions it will ask each firm being interviewed.
10:00 p.m. Discussion: Engineering Consultant Selection
The firms had previously been rated by the Board as follows:
Tighe & Bond 18
Fuss & O’Neill 16
BETA 16
Graves Engineering 16
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Brian Stowell, seconded by Rusty Valery to recommend the firm of Tighe & Bond as the engineering consultant to the Planning Board, motion carried unanimously.
The Board cited as the firm’s strengths, diversity, experience, size of firm and what it will have to offer the Board.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Anna Lewandowski, seconded by Brian Stowell, motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan M. Dean
ATTEST:
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