Newton Planning Board
technical review committee
meeting notes
MARCH 16, 2009
In Attendance:
Ann Miles, Planning Board Chairperson; Barbara White, Planning Board Member;
David West, Circuit Rider Planner; and Mike Vignale, Town Engineer. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Administrative Assistant, Lisa Babcock.
Also in attendance: Dennis Quintal of Civil Construction Management, Inc., and Todd Fitzgerald of Father & Son Realty Trust.
The meeting came to order at 3:30 pm.
2. Father & Son Realty Trust application for 8-lot subdivision off Pond Street (Tax Map 4, Block 5, Lot 13) aka Pond Knoll Estates. Dennis Quintal is the engineer for the project. He reviewed the plans for the subdivision and roadway.
Town Engineer, Mike Vignale, reviewed his comment letter of March 16. Mr. Vignale discussed his concerns regarding the excavation required for the roadway, 8% down slope of the road, and the water table at 3 feet.
Mr. Quintal said there is not a big water shed in this area so there is not a lot of groundwater.
Mr. Vignale said that there should be a provision on the plans that sub-drains can be added as needed.
Mr. Vignale said because of the steep roadway and gravel shoulder he has seen water running down the edge of pavement causing erosion. With the 8% slope he wants the engineer to consider catch basins and granite curb. Mr. Vignale said he would like to get the road agent's comments on that item (#3).
Miles said one of the concerns they have had is visibility of children in/around the road especially waiting for school buses, etc.
Mr. Quintal said the road is 24' wide. The ditch-line is clear. Mr. Vignale said it is wide open and it is a low volume road. He said sidewalks should not be necessary.
Coleman McDonough and Nancy Wrigley arrived at 3:45 pm.
Mr. Vignale said to add a permanent erosion control liner to the grass swale to stabilize it. He also said to add detail for the common driveway.
Mr. Vignale then discussed his comments on drainage. He said he wanted to see a stone or concrete structure to replace the plastic outlet structure on Detention Basin C.
He also said he was open to other ideas.
Mr. Vignale said the easement to access Detention Basin D would need to be kept clear of trees, notes should be added stating that. Miles noted that deeds and/or easement agreements will be required up front.
Mr. Vignale said there is a potential to flood the existing driveway (10 year storm). He suggested off-site improvements to lower the pipe that goes across Pond Street.
Mr. Quintal said he thought the water goes down the edge of the road – he will add grades to show that.
West then reviewed his comment letter of 3/13. He said the access easement for proposed lot 13-13 should be straightened out. Mr. Quintal said it was curved to avoid cutting into the hill and disturbing the slope. West said it would be up to the board.
West wanted to make sure the abutter was informed of the drainage work that would be happening near his property.
He said there is a drainage structure that is already on site that needs to be added to the existing conditions plan. Mr. Fitzgerald said that was probably the wetlands crossing.
Mr. Quintal asked about underground utilities. Mr. Fitzgerald said there are 3 existing poles that lead to the existing house. He said the power company had proposed going underground from there. Miles said she would like to see a sheet showing the final placement of all utilities. She also said to add the existing poles to the plans. Miles said the board may ask the developer to take the power underground.
Mr. Fitzgerald offered to have a site walk.
West asked about the speed limit on Pond Street. Ms. Wrigley said she thinks it is 30 mph.
White asked what the diameter of the cul-de-sac will be. West said it is regulation and large enough for emergency equipment.
Wrigley asked if the cistern would be deeded to the town. Mr. Fitzgerald said it is going to be in the right of way of the roadway.
Mr. Quintal reviewed some comments from an abutter, Sean Perry. Mr. Fitzgerald said he would meet with Mr. Perry.
Coleman McDonough – request for an update on Puzzle Lane, 14-1-27-1, Phase I permits. Mr. McDonough said he has spoken to building inspector Sam Zannini and was told to make an appointment with Fire Chief Ingalls.
Mr. McDonough said he had problems with snow guards for the gas meters. The meters were damaged by snow falling off the roofs. He had to protect them with plywood for now but will come up with a permanent solution. He also said the sidewalks had not been tied into the building properly and he was addressing that problem as well.
Miles said the occupancy permits need to be in place. She said temporary ones should be issued if possible – giving 30 days to fix all problems.
Wrigley asked if the units are condos. Mr. McDonough said the phasing of the project caused a problem with the condo docs but his lawyer is working on them.
Mr. Quintal said the test pits have been done for the new project (phase II). He also showed the members the proposed lighting hoods.
Mr. Quintal displayed a conceptual plan for 27-4 which shows 3 proposed buildings. He said that he needed some direction from the Board concerning the setbacks given the new ordinance for industrial zone setbacks.
Miles said the board can discuss and help interpret the ordinance at the next meeting.
Adjourn:
The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Babcock
Administrative Assistant
Newton Planning Board
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