ORLEANS PLANNING BOARD
January 2, 2007 – Minutes
A meeting of the Orleans Planning Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A, American Legion Hall. Present: Chairman: Sims McGrath; Vice-Chairman: John Fallender; Clerk: Seth Wilkinson; Nathaniel Pulling; Associate: Gary Guzzeau. Planning Department: George Meservey; Secretary: Karen Sharpless. Also Present: Board of Selectmen Liaison: Jon Fuller. Absent: Kenneth McKusick; Associate: Paul O’Connor.
Chairman McGrath asked Associate member, Gary Guzzeau, to vote as a full member in the absence of Regular member, Kenneth McKusick.
SCENIC ROAD TREE HEARING - REEF REALTY - 59 TAR KILN ROAD
Wilkinson read the legal ad into the record. Everett Boyd (Reef Realty) passed out pictures and diagrams of the six (6) trees they are requesting to be allowed to remove from the public road layout at the vacant lot located on a scenic road at 59 Tar Kiln Road to allow a driveway to be constructed for access to the property. McGrath noted for the applicant that the Town generally prefers that driveways be accessed from minor roads rather than major roads and asked the applicant to explain why they are requesting access from Tar Kiln Road. Boyd explained that the topography is very steep from the minor road, Woodstock Road (it would need a 17% sloped driveway) and therefore better access can be obtained from Tar Kiln Road. Boyd stated that there is very good site visibility 200’ both ways onto
Tar Kiln Road.
Meservey noted that the Tree Warden has looked at the trees to be removed and noted that they are located underneath the power line. Meservey noted that the previous Highway Manager rejected a request for a curb cut off Tar Kiln Road, but was unable to reach the current Highway Manager for his comments. Meservey noted that no correspondence was received for this application. Meservey noted that the Tree Warden has approved this application and noted that NSTAR would need to eventually remove these trees for utility work. It was noted that the largest oak is located on private property and requested that adjustments be made to the driveway plan to save that tree and its contribution to the road canopy and Boyd agreed to modify the plan.
MOTION: On a motion by John Fallender, seconded by Nathaniel Pulling, the Board voted to approve the application of Jim Hagerty and Everett Boyd (Reef Realty) for the removal of six (6) trees, as advertised, located within the Town Road Layout of Tar Kiln Road at property located at 59 Tar Kiln Road, a scenic road and the applicant is agreeable to working with the Tree Warden to save the 14” oak tree.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously by the following Planning Board members: John Fallender, Sims McGrath, Seth Wilkinson, (Regular members) and Gary Guzzeau (Associate member)
SCENIC ROAD TREE HEARING – MANGEOLLE / THOMSON - 10 & 12 LOCUST ROAD
Christopher Fallen (NSTAR) and Forrester Quinn (representing the owners) were present for this application to remove five (5) sycamore maple trees in the public road layout for property located on a scenic road at 10 & 12 Locust Road to bring electrical service over a new pole located just over the property line to serve new underground utilities for both 10 & 12 Locust Road. Quinn stated that they have met with the Tree Warden and have proposed replacing the locust trees with five (5) pin oak trees. Meservey noted that no correspondence was received for this application. Meservey stated that the applicant has been in touch with the Tree Warden and has agreed to replant the right side of the driveway and put in a stone wall. Meservey stated this subdivision was approved in 2002 and there is
no Order of Conditions from the Conservation Commission on the two approved houses that would preclude the completion of this type of work. Meservey stated that the Tree Warden will coordinate the plantings on the left side where tree have been removed and the plantings will be done as soon as feasible. Wilkinson noted that these are State listed invasive exotic sycamore maple trees.
MOTION: On a motion by Seth Wilkinson, seconded by Gary Guzzeau, the Board voted to approve the application of Forrester L. Quinn for the removal of five (5) trees, as advertised, located within the Town Road Layout of Locust Road at property located at 10 & 12 Locust Road, a Scenic Road and work with tree warden to re-vegetate the area.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously by the following Planning Board members: John Fallender, Sims McGrath, Seth Wilkinson, (Regular members) and Gary Guzzeau (Associate member)
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENTS
Meservey stated that a Planning Board public hearing is scheduled for January 23, 2007 for the following zoning bylaw amendments:
1. AMEND THE ZONING BYLAWS SECTION §164-32, Dwellings in Commercial Structures
2. AMEND THE ZONING BYLAWS SECTION §164-19.1, Village Center District VC
3. AMEND THE ZONING BYLAWS SECTION §164-13, Schedule of Use Regulations
4. AMEND THE ZONING BYLAWS SECTION §164-3, Applicability
5. AMEND THE ZONING BYLAWS SECTION §164-22, Modifications
6. AMEND THE ZONING BYLAWS SECTION §164-6, Zoning Map
Meservey stated that a copy of the public hearing notice has been sent to all Village Center property owners and property owners on Locust Road and Child’s Homestead Road area and other business people in town as well as the Architectural Review Committee. The Planning Board discussed the specifications for the building height proposal and stated their interest in obtaining input from townspeople and business owners.
CORRESPONDENCE
Proposed Land Use Reform Act
The Planning Board discussed the proposed land use legislation which has been filed and there was a consensus that the Board of Selectmen be requested to send a letter of support.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: December 12, 2006
MOTION: On a motion by John Fallender, seconded by Nathaniel Pulling, the Board voted to approve the minutes of December 12, 2006.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously by the following Planning Board members: John Fallender, Sims McGrath, Seth Wilkinson, (Regular members) and Gary Guzzeau (Associate member)
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: On a motion by Nathaniel Pulling, seconded by Seth Wilkinson, the Board voted to adjourn at 7:47 p.m.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
SIGNED: ______________________________ DATE: _______________________
(Seth Wilkinson, Clerk)
| 
