Meeting Minutes Approved as amended, 3/5/2014
Planning Board
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Newbury Town Hall
Members Present: Kathleen Pearson, Acting Chair; Linda McCamic; John O’Connell; David Powell
Members Absent: John Weis, Chair; George Morse (Associate Member)
Staff Present: Martha Taylor, Town Planner
Kathleen Pearson, Acting Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
Motion: A motion was made by J. O’Connell and seconded by D. Powell to approve the meeting minutes of January 22, 2014 as written. The motion passed with three in favor (Pearson, O’Connell, and Powell) and one abstention (McCamic, who was not present at the January 22 meeting).
- 101 Newburyport Turnpike:
J. O’Connell reported that Hancock Associates is no longer involved with the project and Fred Ford of Cammett Engineering has taken over as Mr. Ciardiello’s project engineer. A schedule for addressing issues on the site is still pending and Doug Packer has scheduled a meeting with Mr. Ciardiello and Mr. Ford.
- Revised Stormwater Rules and Regulations:
Both J. O’Connell and J. Weis have spoken with the Board’s consultant, Joe Serwatka, regarding his suggestion that the Planning Board remain the Stormwater Permit Granting Authority. All three are comfortable with passing the permitting responsibility to the Conservation Commission. J. O’Connell will incorporate Mr. Serwatka’s other comments into an updated draft of the regulations.
- Revised Subdivision Rules and Regulations:
The Board discussed suggested changes to the provisions regarding width and material of sidewalks. It was agreed that the minimum required width would be 48”, with an increase up to 60” wide every 200’, in accordance with accessibility requirements. J. O’Connell recommended against requiring permeable pavement for sidewalks. The Board agreed that the Rules and Regulations would encourage the use of permeable pavement, but not require it.
- Proposed Zoning Amendments:
- Revised Site Plan Review Regulations: The Board reviewed revisions to the draft update of the Site Plan Review regulations. M. Taylor will incorporate the comments made at the meeting.
- Medical Marijuana: M. Taylor reported that the first draft of the Medical Marijuana by-law is still being developed and requested that the Board schedule an extra meeting on February 26 to review. The Board agreed and will meet at 7:00 on that date.
M. Taylor passed a request on to the Board from Channing Howard, Chair of the Historical Commission, that the Board consider developing regulations for LED signs or else propose a moratorium on such signs until regulations can be developed. In making his request, Mr. Howard noted the current proliferation of LED signs at gas stations south of Newbury. The Board members discussed and determined that there is not enough time, due to the strict timeline for bringing zoning amendments to Town Meeting, to address LED lighting prior to the Spring Town meeting, but agreed to look at this issue for the Fall Town Meeting. D. Powell noted that he would like more information from C. Howard on what his concerns are and examples of local establishments with LED signs.
On a motion made by J. O’Connell and seconded by D. Powell, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Martha Taylor
Town Planner
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