Meeting Minutes
Planning Board
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Newbury Town Hall
Members Present: Kathleen Pearson, Chair; Linda McCamic; John O’Connell; David Powell; John Weis
Members Absent: Arthur Costonis (Associate Member)
Staff Present: Martha Taylor, Town Planner
Chairman Pearson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
A. Meeting Minutes:
Motion: A motion was made by J. O’Connell and seconded by J. Weis to approve the meeting minutes of February 1, 2012, as written. The motion passed unanimously.
B. ANR -- 57 Southern Boulevard, 59 Southern Boulevard, and 8 Harvard Way:
Everett Chandler of Design Consultants, Inc., appeared on behalf of Henry Becker, property owner, to submit an ANR plan for lot line changes at 57 Southern Boulevard, 59 Southern Boulevard, and 8 Harvard Way. The proposed plan increases the lot size of 57 Southern Boulevard, which contains six existing stand alone condominium units, and combines 59 Southern Boulevard and 8 Harvard Way into one smaller lot containing one existing two-family dwelling. The Board found that the two proposed lots have the frontage required for ANR endorsement, but made no determination concerning compliance with zoning or other land use requirements.
Motion: A motion was made by J. O’Connell and seconded by L. McCamic to endorse as Approval Not Required the plan entitled “Plan of Land in Newbury, Massachusetts, Surveyed for Henry C. Becker, Subdivision Plan of Land, 57 and 59 Southern Boulevard and 8 Harvard Way,” prepared by DCI Consultants, Inc., and dated January 3, 2012. The motion passed unanimously.
C. Scotland Woods Conservation Restriction:
The Board reviewed and discussed the most recent draft of the Conservation Restriction for the Scotland Woods OSRD. No action was taken.
The regular meeting was closed at 7:30 p.m. in order to open the continuation of the public hearing for the 29/31 Downfall Road Common Driveway Special Permit application.
D. Public Hearing Continuation: 29/31 Downfall Road Common Driveway Special Permit Application:
Kathleen Pearson, Planning Board Chair, opened the continuation of the public hearing for the 29/31 Downfall Road Common Driveway Special Permit Application at 7:30 p.m. Lawrence Sturdivant, applicant, was in attendance. No abutters were present.
L. Sturdivant presented a revised plan, dated January 23, 2012, showing a slightly revised layout for the driveway to avoid existing trees on the property and to make a better transition to the existing driveway for 29 Downfall Road. The end where the driveway meets Downfall Road has been flared to make entry and exit easier for cars.
J. Weis asked if the area shown on the plan as “Approx Septic Area” for the proposed house included the leaching field, since it is very close to the proposed driveway. L. Sturdivant replied that it does.
M. Taylor asked for verification that the size of the culvert under the driveway has been changed to 12” diameter. L. Sturdivant said that this change has been shown on the plan. He noted also that the road profile has been revised to accommodate the 12” culvert.
The Board discussed the surface of the driveway and the relative benefits of pavement vs. gravel. The consensus was to approve pavement as proposed. The Conservation Commission has indicated that this is their preference.
There being no further comments or questions, K. Pearson called for a vote to close the public hearing.
Motion: A motion was made by J. O’Connell and seconded by D. Powell to close the public hearing for the 29/31 Downfall Road Common Driveway Special Permit application. The motion passed unanimously.
The regular meeting was re-opened.
The Board discussed their findings regarding the application and determined that the proposed common driveway meets the purpose and intent of the By-Law and satisfies the Common Driveway Special Permit criteria. It was suggested that approval be granted on the condition that the project receives approval from the Conservation Commission.
Motion: A motion was made by J. Weis and seconded by J. O’Connell to grant a Special Permit for the proposed Common Driveway to serve 29 and 31 Downfall Road, on the condition that the driveway receives approval from the Conservation Commission. The motion passed unanimously.
M. Taylor will prepare the written decision for the Board’s review and signature.
E. Proposed Zoning Amendments:
1. Accessory Apartment By-Law: Final revisions to the draft were discussed.
2. Master Table: Organization of the changes was discussed. It was noted that some definitions will be needed for certain uses on the Table.
3. Business and Light Industrial District Boundaries: The Board continued to review proposed boundary revisions. In order to allow for sufficient time to discuss potential changes with property owners, it was suggested that the Board consider deferring this item to a later Town Meeting. No final decision was made.
The Board will meet on Wednesday, February 22, 10:00 a.m. at the Newbury Library to continue preparation of the proposed zoning amendments for public hearing.
On a motion made by L. McCamic and seconded by J. O’Connell, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Martha Taylor
Town Planner
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