Newton Planning Board
technical review committee
meeting notes
October 20, 2008
October 20, 2008 Technical Review Committee Meeting Notes
Page 1 of 2
In Attendance:
Ann Miles, Planning Board Chairperson; Barbara White, Planning Board Member; David West, Circuit Rider Planner; Bill Ingalls, Fire Chief; and Nancy Wrigley, Town Administrator. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Administrative Assistant, Lisa Babcock.
The meeting came to order at 3:30 pm.
1. Russell and Patricia Estabrook: Change of business at 40 Highland Ave. Tax Map 11, Block 5, Lot 2-A. Mr. and Mrs. Estabrook were in attendance.
Miles noted that the property is listed as residential and asked for a history of the business. Mrs. Estabrook explained that she had started a nursery school 42 years ago in the basement of her home. After about 10 years, the building adjacent to the home was built. The nursery school operated for an additional 30 years. The school was always state approved and regularly inspected by the fire department. The school served 24 children (ages 3-12) at a time. An addition was also built and a site plan was done at the time.
After a total of 42 years, the nursery school closed. Then, 2 ½ years ago Life Visions began leasing the building and opened a school/day care for mentally handicapped adults. This operation is licensed by the State.
Chief Ingalls, Wrigley and Babcock will all check their records to establish a file. Ingalls will check inspection records, Wrigley will check tax and building permit records and Babcock will check minutes and look for a site plan. Miles said the business might pre-date zoning (which began in 1973) and be grandfathered.
2. Victory Fuel: Site Plan to install 2 – 30,000 gal. propane tanks at 191 South Main Street. The property is referenced as Tax Map 14, Block 1, Lot 26.
Jim Hanley of Civil Design Consultants was in attendance to represent Victory Fuel.
Mr. Hanley explained that Victory currently has 4 above ground petroleum tanks and plans to add 2 – 30,000 gal. above ground propane tanks in a previously filled area.
The tanks are 47' long and 11' wide. There will be 5' of space between the tanks and 5' to either side. A crushed stone pad will be used to minimize the impervious surface.
The tanks are 11' 3" high and will sit on 4' high piers for a total height of approx. 15'. The tanks will be set below grade. The project will require about 250 sf of clearing and site disturbance of approx. 4,000 sf. All disturbance will be at least 50' away from wetlands.
Miles said that the area will require subsurface testing to ensure that the site can support the weight of the tanks. She asked Mr. Hanley to find out how heavy the tanks are. Mr. Hanley said that the site will require geotech testing before being built.
Miles also expressed concern that this is an aquifer area.
White was concerned about the security of the tanks. Ingalls said that the bigger concern is the security of the pumping station. Miles suggested that 24 hour security cameras be installed to discourage vandalism.
Chief Ingalls said he will need to see the building plans before construction begins.
Miles was also concerned about the abutters. She wanted to know how far away the closest dwelling is. Miles asked what size truck will service the tanks. Mr. Hanley didn't know but will find out for the hearing.
Chief Ingalls said that there may be a problem in the event of a leak. He said that copious amounts of water would be required to control the leak. He said there are issues with the nearest fire pond – the hydrant is broken and the property owner won't grant the town access to fix it. Wrigley asked if Victory Fuel could be required to put a cistern on site. Chief Ingalls said that it would have to be far away from the tanks since fire trucks would have to be kept away from the site in the event of a leak.
White asked if there was any requirement to have the tanks inspected annually or on some other schedule.
The committee discussed several ideas for gaining access to the existing fire pond by working with the property owner. White and West will look into easements.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Babcock
Administrative Assistant
Newton Planning Board.
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