MONSON PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES JUNE 16, 2015
MEMBERS PRESENT: Craig Sweitzer, Paul Hatch, Tara Hengeveld and Karen King.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kevin Haley
ALSO PRESENT: Dan Laroche, Town Planner
7:00 The Planning Board endorsed an ANR plan for the Monson Conservation Commission for property located on Silver Street.
Paul Hatch recused himself to avoid the appearance of a conflict.
Atty. Michael Fenton stated he was representing Bell Atlantic Mobile of Massachusetts Corporation, LTD d/b/a Verizon Wireless with a request for a waiver from the requirements of Site Plan Approval under Section 6.14.1.2 of the Monson Zoning Bylaws. He stated Verizon Wireless plans to co-locate its antenna panels within the steeple of First Church, 5 High Street, Monson. The antenna panels would be installed below another carrier’s antennas previously installed in the steeple behind a transparent window screen. The proposed installation also includes an emergency generator and condensers on a concrete pad located on the property in compliance with the required setbacks.
Craig Sweitzer questioned the maintenance of the generator?
Atty. Fenton stated it was maintained on a monthly basis.
Craig Sweitzer questioned if the generator self-tested once a week?
Atty. Fenton stated he was not familiar with the maintenance procedures. He showed the Board visual simulations for the site.
Craig Sweitzer questioned if the fence around the generator was vinyl?
Paul Hatch confirmed that it was a vinyl fence.
Craig Sweitzer questioned the grading on the site?
Atty. Fenton stated the grading would only be to the extent required, the fence follows the grade.
Craig Sweitzer stated there are no visible changes with regard to the antennas. The concrete pad and fence meet the required setbacks there appears to be substantial reasons to request a waiver from Site Plan Approval.
Dan Laroche stated the Monson Zoning Bylaw Section 6.14.1.2 gives the Planning Board the authority to waive site plan requirements and this particular request is a good application of the waiver process.
Craig Sweitzer stated he would agree, even though there is an increase in the number of panels, there is no viewable difference because everything is within the existing steeple.
Karen King moved to approve the request from Bell Atlantic Mobile of Massachusetts Corporation, LTD d/b/a Verizon Wireless for a waiver from the requirements of Site Plan Approval to co-locate its antennas within the existing steeple of First Church, 5 High Street, Monson.
Craig Sweitzer seconded the motion.
It was so voted.
Voting Aye: Craig Sweitzer, Tara Hengeveld and Karen King.
Paul Hatch returned.
Tara Hengeveld stated the developer of the solar facility on Macomber Road was supposed to come back to the Planning Board in April of this year to address the plantings that were required for screening.
Dan Laroche stated he would contact Craig Haldeman, Protech and/or Jake Rudisill, SunEdison to discuss the plantings.
7:40 Public Hearing to review a petition for Site Plan Approval from Maeldun LLC for property located on Palmer Road, Assessors Ma0p 110, Parcel 002 to construct a storage building. The property is zoned Industrial.
Linda Hull stated she made an error in the legal notice that was placed in the Republican Newspaper with regard to the size of the proposed storage building.
Dan Laroche stated the information that must by law be included in the legal notice was correct, date, time, where the public hearing was to be held and purpose of the hearing.
Paul Hatch stated the applicant is not present at the hearing and he would prefer to continue the hearing to the next meeting of the Board, which is Tuesday July 21, 2015 and re-advertise the hearing.
Paul Hatch moved to continue the hearing to the July meeting.
Tara Hengeveld seconded the motion.
It was so voted, unanimous.
Dan Laroche stated the Monson Developmental Center Reuse Committee is looking at a new approach to zoning for the property. The Town must designate a zone for the property and the Committee is looking at form based codes rather than the typical approach that separates the allowed uses in different areas of Town. Form based codes do not segregate by use but looks at the building design as a way of regulating land use. It looks at how buildings are laid out rather than the use of the building and allows more flexibility. MDC has a campus look and any additional buildings could still have that look.
Dan Laroche handed out information on the concept.
Paul Hatch stated there is a lot of information on you tube.
Dan Laroche stated goals are developed for the community, walking communities, parking, open space and so on, once the goals are developed regulations are developed to meet those goals.
Craig Sweitzer questioned if this was for the Town in general?
Paul Hatch stated it was for a specific area similar to MDC. A developer has more flexibility with this approach.
8:00 Karen King moved to adjourn.
Tara Hengeveld seconded the motion.
It was so voted, unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda
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