Town of Plaistow, NH
Office of the Planning Board
145 Main Street, Plaistow, NH 03865
July 18, 2012
Call to Order: 6:32 P.M.
Item One:
ROLL CALL: Present was Chairman; Steve Ranlett, Vice Chairman; Charles Lanza, Selectman Ex- Officio; Robert Gray, and Tim Moore. Excused was Gennifer Silva.
Also present was Alternate; Joyce Ingerson, Alternate; Geoff Adams, Town Planner; Leigh Komornick, Chief Building Official; Mike Dorman and Recording Secretary; Laurie Pagnottaro.
S. Ranlett appointed J. Ingerson a voting member for the meeting.
Item Two:
Minutes of June 20, 2012
T. Moore motioned to approve as written the minutes of June 20, 2012, second by R. Gray.
C. Lanza noted a spelling error on page 3; change drudge to dredge
There was no further discussion on the motion and the vote was 5-0-0 U/A.
Item Three:
Continuation of a Site Plan for a mixed use including a proposed office building, vehicle maintenance building and existing apartment building on the property located at 241 Main Street, Tax Map 31, Lot 18-1, totaling 3.36 acres with 200 feet of frontage. The property is located in the MDR zone and the owner of record is RNK Realty, LLC.
L. Komornick stated that she had not heard from the applicants and assumed they had forgotten the meeting. She suggested the Board postpone the hearing.
The hearing was continued until the August 15, 2012 meeting.
Item Four:
Continuation of a Site Plan for the demolition of a portion of an existing shopping center (approximately 12,820 square feet) located at 5-9 Plaistow Road, and a proposed 14,820 square foot free standing pharmacy with a drive-thru and associated parking. This property is known as Tax Map 24, Lot 38, is located in the Commercial I Zone, and totals 20.39 acres with 983.53 +/- feet of frontage along Plaistow Road (NH Route 125) and 246.26 feet of frontage along Haseltine Street (NH Route 121A). The owner of record is Taurus Plaistow Investors Limited Partnership, LLC.
Present for the application was Edward Vydra; Taurus New England Investments – General Partner with applicant, Robert Clark; Allen & Major Associates, Mark Donahoe; Taurus New England Investments - Project Manager and Kevin Danrade; TEC – Traffic Engineer
R. Clark explained that since the last meeting they have reviewed and commented on CLD’s comments, received NHDOT’s comments, received septic approval and sent in a response to the Fire Chief; he is okay with the plan. He explained the following changes in the entrance/ intersection of Route 121A (Haseltine):
- The entrance is still 26’ wide
- It has changed from 3 lane to 2 lanes; the 3rd left turn lane has been removed and it has a right out and an in lane.
It has a painted island
It has been moved over 10’
NHDOT has e-mailed the applicants an approval of this plan
The Board reviewed the staff report including CLD’s review comments:
- As they are proposing a wet lab for photo chemical processing, a copy of the written agreement between Walgreens and the company handling the hazardous waste should be submitted to the Town.
R. Clark replied that the applicant has no problem doing this. A note will be added to the plan.
- Snow storage- the application should add a note that they must remove any snow that can’t accommodate the snow storage.
R. Clark replied that the applicant has no problem with this. A note will be added to the plan.
- Plans don’t clearly show what is staying or going. Upon discussions with Allen & Majors, it was agreed that when they come in for the preconstruction meeting, they will have a detailed demolition plan as they have to apply for a demolition permit from the Department of Building Safety.
R. Clark replied that the applicant has no problem doing this.
- Allen & Majors has confirmed that the detention system will be lined.
R. Clark replied this is correct.
- Datum Comment – this has been added.
R. Clark noted that the conversion has been put on the plan and is stamped by the land surveyor.
- Architectural plans – CLD just got them, however, at the first meeting the PB reviewed them.
R. Clark replied this is correct.
L. Komornick noted that no one had any issue with the architectural plans at the last hearing.
The signage plans have been submitted to M. Dorman to start the approval process.
- Clarification on the ADA requirements on parking is being followed-up by M. Dorman. No curb ramps are shown. CLD is not asking for 20’ long parking space, they are asking for a 20’ loading zone adjacent to and parallel to the parking spot.
There was some discussion on this issue; M. Dorman will look into it.
- Pavement markings – arrow for the right turn out of the site onto Haseltine must be changed from straight to right.
R. Clark answered this has been taken care of and will be on the plan.
- Tree waivers and variances – 10’ buffer for land use between commercial uses; they are asking for a waiver.
M. Dorman noted he would like to see green shrubs in the rear. He also asked to have green spire trees added as a substitution to what was on the plan; they will stay smaller.
R. Clark replied that it would not be a problem.
- They are proposing 7 trees, 19 are required; they are asking for a waiver.
L. Komornick noted that they have added trees wherever they can, as it is an existing site they cannot just add them anywhere.
R. Clark added that they have trees and shrubs on every island.
There was more discussion on the shrubs near the retaining wall. The applicants will spread them out more.
- Screening buffer strip by side and rear; they are asking for a waiver.
There was no discussion on this issue.
- Guardrail along Haseltine and impacts to Haseltine to construct a retaining wall; 80’ section should have a guardrail.
R. Clark stated they will have a guardrail along Haseltine; they are within 1’ over the limit and it is required in case a car was to jump the curb and go into the parking lot.
M. Dorman asked what the specs of the guardrail would be.
There was discussion in regards to what the Board would like to see the guardrail look like. The Board agreed that they would like to match what has been placed across the street; a rustic metal with wood. M. Dorman will work with the applicants on it.
- They are proposing a 6’ stockade fence that runs north/south and separates the plaza and the little white house. Clarification on the limits of this fence should be clearer.
R. Clark stated they are proposing a 6’ stockade fence along the rear property line.
G. Adams suggested that the fence taper down to 4’ near Haseltine Street for sight clearance.
J. Ingerson asked if the applicants have had any discussions with the abutting property owner.
R. Clark answered no. He said they have not had any complaints from them and they were notified of the public hearing and they have put a calling card in the mailbox when they were out surveying the property.
The Board reviewed the comments from the Fire and Police Chiefs with the applicants.
L. Komornick explained that the Fire Chief is fine with the plan.
R. Clark noted they added a hydrant and extended the line per the initial comments.
L. Komornick stated that the Police Chief has no updates since his first comments but will contact Ed Vydra regarding the request to be a 24 hour / 7 days per week business.
There was more discussion regarding the store being a 24/7 business and if other businesses in town are open 24/7. It was noted that the PB has the authority to determine the hours of operation but the Board would like to see what the police Chief has to say. The applicants will meet with the Police chief and follow-up with L. Komornick.
C. Lanza asked what the status of the AOT (permit) is; do the applicants need on or not.
R. Clark explained that they had to file an AOT with DES just to keep their holding. They did the soils for the entire site and filed it but they only needed to show Walgreens. It is a segmentation regulation DES has.
L. Komornick stated that the owner of 125 Bridal called her with questions and she passed the applicants phone numbers onto him.
M. Donahoe replied that he has spoken with the owner and is in negotiations with him.
K. Danrade gave the Board a follow-up on the traffic noting the following:
- DOT has endorsed 99% of the traffic plan
- DOT has agreed with the project location and lack of impacts off-site
- Applicant will meet with DOT in a few weeks for one last meeting to discuss what they want in this intersection
- They have shifted the driveway over 1 parking space width to the west; it will open sight line about 30’
- DOT requested they provide a sight line that does not impede upon the adjacent private property but that you can still see the stop line
- They have a sight line for the proposed driveway of 190’; it exceeds the 155’ requirement
- They are restricting the driveway to a right out only; it will be delineated with striping
- Whether it is a two-way stop control with Haseltine free flow or an all-way stop; they have provided the analysis to both the Board and DOT.
- Traffic crossing Rte.125 would not back-up beyond the driveway with a three-way stop; an analysis was provided to show this.
There was discussion regarding traffic backing up on Haseltine with the all-way stop and if having Haseltine a free flow would be a better option. It was noted that it will be DOT’s decision. The Board discussed going with DOT’s decision and if it does not work the Board can write a letter to DOT later explaining that the intersection is not working and request it to be changed.
L. Komornick asked if they could stripe the road (121A) to make it clear that it is the road.
K. Danrade said they could put a center line. There was more discussion on this.
T. Moore and J. Ingerson stated that the 3-way stop would be the safer option to start with first as well as an easier transition.
The Board agreed to write a letter of support to DOT for a three-way stop at the intersection with the condition that they review it in six months to make sure it is working.
G. Adams expressed concern over allowing a left hand turn from Haseltine into the site. He is worried it will be used more frequently than it should be causing traffic problems.
K. Danrade replied that DOT did not want them to have the left lane. There was more discussion on the left hand turn into Walgreens and if it will cause a back-up onto Rte. 125.
T. Moore noted that the applicants have improved the entrance from Rte.125 into the Plaza and feels that people will use that more than Haseltine as it will be easier access to the Plaza.
G. Adams asked if they could make the old section of 121A a one way north bound only.
M. Dorman replied that they have discussed it as well as other options but it is up to the BOS to make the move. He added that they cannot shut down the road without the City of Haverhill as it is on the state line; Haverhill needs to shut it down.
The Board continued to discuss the intersection further; the option of free flow in both the north and south directions.
S. Ranlett noted that the NHDOT Driveway Permit is pending and they have subsurface septic approval; the numbers will be on the plan.
The Board reviewed the list of waivers the applicants are requesting:
- 230-14.1 (HH): Landscaping plan that complies with all requirements of the Town’s landscaping regulations. The applicant is requesting a waiver for interior landscape percentage and plant types as well as a waiver for side and rear yard landscape screening.
R. Gray motioned to waive subject to the changes discussed this evening with the trees on the side/back corner and moving the three shrubs back, second by C. Lanza.
There was no discussion on the motion and the vote was 5-0-0 U/A.
- 230-14.1 (S): Scale of plans shall not exceed one inch equals 50 feet. The applicant is requesting a waiver for existing conditions plan.
C. Lanza motioned to approve the waiver, second by T. Moore.
There was no discussion on the motion and the vote was 5-0-0 U/A.
- 230-23.A: Where commercial land abuts another commercial use a 10 foot buffer is required. The applicant is requesting is requesting a waiver for area adjacent to lot corner and new access drive.
T. Moore motioned to accept the waiver, second by R. Gray.
There was no discussion on the motion and the vote was 5-0-0 U/A.
- 230-23.B.3.(B)[2]: Front buffer strip requires 1 tree/25 LF of frontage. The applicant is requesting a waiver for 7 trees in lieu of 19 due to Walgreens standards.
R. Gray motioned to approve the waiver subject to the moving of the trees along the side boundary, second by J. Ingerson.
There was no discussion on the motion and the vote was 5-0-0 U/A.
- 230-23.B.3.(B)[3][B]: Side and rear buffer strips. The applicant is requesting a waiver for screening requirements as called out in table of landscaping options.
T. Moore motioned to accept the waiver, second by R. Gray.
There was no discussion on the motion and the vote was 5-0-0 U/A.
- 230-23.B.3.(B)[4]: 250 square foot minimum for interior parking islands. The applicant is requesting a waiver for two islands between drive thru lane and parking.
C. Lanza motioned to approve the waiver, second by T. Moore.
There was no discussion on the motion and the vote was 5-0-0 U/A.
R. Gray motioned to conditionally approve the application for 5-9 Plaistow Road on the condition that any changes, additions and deletions discussed this evening, receipt of NHDOT permit, the receipt of the NHDES, AOT and well permits, preconstruction meeting set-up with the Department of Building Safety for preconstruction including demolition plan and any impact fee associated with this plan are received by the Town, second by J. Ingerson.
There was no discussion on the motion and the vote was 5-0-0 U/A.
Item Five:
Request for Bond and Remaining Escrow Releases from Rockingham Church and Doggy Daycare
S. Ranlett read the letter of request from Free Dog Pet Care, Inc., 7 Garden Road. They stated that all site work has been completed at 118 Sweet Hill Road location and asked the Board to release the bond of $5,502.60.
J. Ingerson motioned to release the bond of $5,502.60, second by T. Moore.
There was no discussion on the motion and the vote was 5-0-0 U/A.
T. Moore motioned release any remaining escrow, second by C. Lanza.
There was no discussion on the motion and the vote was 5-0-0 U/A.
S. Ranlett read a letter from Rockingham Church. The letter stated the paving is completed and they are requesting the release of their bond in the amount of $16,343.20 and to release the remaining escrow in the amount of $342.67.
M. Dorman stated that the paving and striping is complete.
R. Gray motioned to release the amounts as stated, second by C. Lanza.
There was no discussion on the motion and the vote was 5-0-0 U/A.
Item Six:
Review of Agenda for August 1st Workshop
L. Komornick stated that the BOS has requested a joint meeting with the Board to discuss the Plan NH Workshop.
There was some discussion by the Board and it was decided to continue the workshop to the September 19, 2012 meeting. L. Komornick will set up the joint meeting between the BOS and the PB.
Item Seven:
Other Business/Updates: Misc. Notices, letters, and other Correspondence from Dept. of Building Safety, Planning Department and ZBA; Status of Projects
Foods Plus
R. Gray asked M. Dorman about a tent set up behind Foods Plus.
M. Dorman did not know about it but he will check on it.
C. Lanza asked about the small welcome to Plaistow signs above the speed indicators; if they were intended to be the welcome to Plaistow signs recommended in the Plan NH report.
M. Dorman answered no, just a little extra the police Chief wanted to put about the speed indicators.
Elm Street
M. Dorman stated the barrels should be put out on Elm Street next week.
G. Adams expressed concern that his idea for Elm Street will not be tried before the barrels. His idea is to deliniate the slip lane better, eliminate the yield sign and put a stop sign on the left hand side so drivers have to stop; it will create a slow-down of traffic.
M. Dorman replied that they want to stop truck traffic with the barrels.
S. Ranlett added that the abutters are in favor of the barrels.
There is more discussion on the issue of putting the barrels out and if it is the best solution for the truck traffic problem. It was noted that it is a temporary solution, they will try it and see if it works and then come back before the board.
Project Status Report
M. Dorman offered the following up-dates to the Board:
Ron Brown: CLD has a final plan for the gravel and they are getting close to paving. It will be paved this year although there is no date set.
Team Mortgage: He is not sure what is happening with Team Mortgage.
Chandler Ave: He spoke with the developer and it looks like Chandler Ave will go through.
Rockingham Church: Paving is complete.
Rite Aid: Completed.
John Blinn: Under construction
Tractor Supply: They will start paving tomorrow; only six weeks to completion
Flatley Corp: They are looking for property in town.
Century Leasing: Property was sold on Friday; Mike Paniello has two years to leave. He is not sure who bought it.
Pentucket Plaza: Breaking down closed mattress store into 3 units; not sure what is going into them.
Plaistow Commons Plaza: A consignment shop will be going in soon.
J. Ingerson expressed concern over a lack of communication with the Planning Board. The Board discussed this issue further. The Board members will try to have better communication in the future.
Adjournment
There was no further business before the Planning Board and the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted as recorded by Laurie Pagnottaro.
Approved by the Planning Board on ______________________________________
_______________________________________
Steve Ranlett, Chairman
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