Newton Planning Board
technical review committee
meeting notes
FEBRUARY 23, 2009
February 23, 2009 Technical Review Committee Meeting Notes
Page 1 of 2
In Attendance:
Ann Miles, Planning Board Chairperson. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Administrative Assistant, Lisa Babcock.
Also in attendance: Dennis Quintal of Civil Construction Management, Inc., Charles Perry, Sr. and Charles Perry, Jr.
The meeting came to order at 3:30 pm.
1. Charles Perry, Sr., 43 South Main Street (Tax Map 12, Block 1, Lot 7), discussion regarding proposed home based business: Mr. Perry explained his proposal to operate a small winery in existing structures at his home. He explained that there will be 3 basic operations: wine production, on site sampling and sales and off site distribution. Mr. Perry said he currently produces wine in his garage as a hobby and would like to expand it into a small, part-time business.
His plan is to use one bay of his garage as a winery, tasting room and gift shop. He would be the only employee and would have his friends help with bottling once in a while.
Mr. Perry explained that the operation must be bonded by the State. He also stated that he would purchase grapes and juice and has planted a small number of blueberry bushes on his property.
Miles suggested that Mr. Perry have a plan for pesticide spraying and fertilizing which must be kept to a minimum. She also asked Mr. Perry to be prepared to address how pulp waste is to be disposed of.
Mr. Perry should also be prepared to show that not more than 25% of his home and accessory structures will be used for the business.
He will also need to address how a larger event would be handled. He said he would rent a tent and chemical toilets and show how parking would be accommodated. Mr. Perry said there would be 1 or 2 such events per year.
Miles suggested that Mr. Perry preserve the historic nature of his home.
A public hearing will be held on March 24th.
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.
Mr. Quintal briefed the committee on the history of lot-line adjustments and subdivisions of the area.
He explained the lot numbering scheme – which had been reviewed with the Town Administrator – stating that some of the lots are numbered 12- since they originally belonged to lot 12 and were then merged with lot 13.
Mr. Quintal reviewed the topography of the area. He noted a discrepancy between the Zoning Ordinances and Subdivision Regulations. In the Zoning Ordinances shared driveways are encouraged but in the Subdivision Regulations they are discouraged.
Mr. Quintal explained that he had designed the lots with some shared driveways. He said he could re-design the subdivision eliminating the shared driveways but the resulting design would require much more disturbance and cutting as well as a longer roadway.
Mr. Quintal then reviewed the road and driveway grades. Miles asked about the detention pond at the street entrance. Mr. Quintal said it would be deeded over to the town with the road.
Miles asked if there were outstanding state permits. Mr. Quintal said he is waiting for the Alteration of Terrain permit – an application has already been filed with the state.
Miles scheduled a second Technical Review meeting for March 16th. The town engineer, road agent, police and fire departments will be asked to attend.
The public hearing was scheduled for March 24th.
Adjourn:
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Babcock
Administrative Assistant
Newton Planning Board
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