SITE PLAN REVIEW COMMITTEE
June 6, 2007 - Minutes
A meeting of the Site Plan Review Committee was called to order at 10:00 a.m. in Skaket Meeting Room at the Orleans Town Hall. Departments Present: Bob Canning (Health); Brian Harrison (Building); George Meservey (Planning); Jennifer Wood (Conservation). Absent: Todd Bunzick
(Water); Bill Quinn (Fire); Mark Budnick (Highway).
AMENDMENT TO FORMAL SITE PLAN: Fitness Revolution, 5B Namskaket Road
Meservey stated the Formal site Plan for Fitness Revolution was approved on April 19, 2006 and there are subsequent issues on the property. The fitness center is operating under a temporary Certificate of Occupancy. Jamie Hoffman and Sean Fields were present representing Fitness Revolution as well as an aggrieved commercial abutter, Chris Donovan. After some discussion, the Site Plan Review Committee acknowledged that the original approval seems to have created a conflict at the entrance driveway between the one-way traffic flow of the fitness center and the two-way flow of the two abutting properties which have access easements on the driveway. Meservey noted that issues include dumpster location, traffic flow and two exposed water services as noted by the Water Department.
The Site Plan Review Committee discussed possible solutions to the traffic flow on the property at 5 and 5B Namskaket Road and noted that widening the driveway would provide two-way access to the entire property whereas only a portion of the property has two-way traffic flow presently. Chris Donovan, an abutting property owner, expressed concerns with future traffic volume on this property, location of his septic system in conjunction with a proposed driveway widening, and complained about the removal of signs on the property. Donovan questioned whether a traffic study was done before the Site Plan for Fitness Revolution was approved. Meservey noted that traffic studies are not required through the Site Plan Review process, and that the parking space requirements of the Town have been met. It was
further stated that the number of customers will be limited by the available equipment in the facility.
Canning noted that confusion can result if drivers perceive themselves to be on a one-way road suddenly encountering traffic in the other direction and questioned the need for a one-way traffic flow on this driveway. Canning offered to research the location of Donovan’s septic system with regard to the proposed widening of the driveway and noted that if there is a conflict, the septic system components would have to be able to accommodate H20 wheel loads.
Donovan questioned whether a survey has ever been done on this property to determine property boundaries and requested time to research deed regarding terms of easement. The committee noted that the boundary issue is a civil issue between the two abutting parties and is not required by the Site Plan Review Committee.
Canning inquired whether widening the driveway would increase the drainage requirements. Donovan stated the continued need to clean up stormwater debris from the roadway which collects on his property and complained that widening the driveway would add to the amount of debris.
MOTION: On a motion by Brian Harrison, seconded by Jenny Wood, the Committee voted to approve the following changes to the Site Plan for Fitness Revolution, dated April 12, 2006:
- Two-way traffic is allowed at the entrance driveway at Namskaket Road and the driveway shall be widened to 18 feet.
- A small “private parking” sign shall be installed to direct patrons away from the abutter’s parking lot.
- A sign of “Fitness Revolution” can be installed at the Namskaket Road entrance.
- The widening of the driveway is contingent upon confirmation that it will not affect the septic system on the abutting property.
- The driveway shall be constructed so that stormwater runoff is not directed onto abutting properties.
VOTE: 4-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
After the amended Site Plan decision above was announced for Fitness Revolution, Chris Donovan inquired into the appeals process for a Site Plan Review Committee decision and was informed that any appeals could be made under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A, Section 8 to the Zoning Board of Appeals within the 20-day appeal period.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 22, 2007
MOTION: On a motion by Bob Canning, seconded by Brian Harrison, the Committee voted to approve the minutes of May 22, 2007.
VOTE: 4-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Karen C. Sharpless
Recording Secretary
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