MEMBERS PRESENT: Peter Conner, A. Wendy Longo, William Keohan, Michael Main, Robert Richard, and David Peck.
MEMBER ABSENT: Marc Betti
COUNSEL PRESENT: Judith Cutler
Mr. Conner called the meeting to order and explained procedures for the evening.
CASE NO. 3427– GB NEW ENGLAND 2, LLC – STATE ROAD and BEAVER DAM ROAD – Remand from Land Court
Sitting: Peter Conner, A. Wendy Longo, Robert Richard, William Keohan, and William Keohan.
Mr. Richard read the legal advertisement and a portion of the Planning Board recommendation into the record.
Attorney Angley, representing the petitioner, referred to a written presentation. This petition is on remand from the Land Court. The original building was 11,800-sq. the new proposal is for 10,700-s.f. The building coverage was reduced, the height was reduced, the drive-thru was reduced to one lane and a larger bypass lane was added. The petitioner will contribute $62,500.00 for intersection improvements. Operating hours have been limited from 7 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. A bus shelter will be placed in front of the building.
Taylor Dowdy, P. E., Vanasse Hangen, reviewed the site. The petitioner has increased the landscape islands, moved the project away from the wetlands, donated land for a right turn lane, addressed all concerns of the Town Engineer. The change from a hotel to a retail use decreases the high rate of flow.
Patrick Dunford, Vanasse Hangen, said the traffic study was done last year. The same
traffic volumes will be maintained. The push buttons on signals will be fixed. Mass Highway would need to approve the driveway on State Road.
Mrs. Longo asked the petitioner how much traffic the drive-thru window generates.
Mr. Dunford replied at the busiest hours 15 trips.
Mr. Kuhn, BKA Architects, Inc., said the architectural elements are lost when you lower the roof from the 32’. The brick is rust color, the siding is gray resin, and the trim is white.
Public comment offered in favor.
Patricia Viella
Barry Wood
Buddy Moses
Dennis Lassige
Public comment offered in opposition.
John LeBlanc
George Betts
David MacDonald
Ted Ozelius
Elaine Richardson
Attorney Angley said that the buildings would not exceed 25’ in height and that is what is allowed under the by-law.
Mr. Conner said that he was concerned with the traffic coming off Beaver Dam Road through the site to State Road.
Attorney Angley said speed bumps could be installed.
Mr. Peck said that he would like a condition that the petitioner return with final plans.
Attorney Cutler advised the Board that an Executive Session should be called.
Mr. Conner took a roll call vote to enter Executive Session to discuss strategy on litigation.
Mrs. Longo – yes
Mr. Richard - yes
Mr. Keohan – yes
Mr. Peck – yes
Mr. Conner - yes
- Back in session –
Hearing closed.
VOTE:
Mr. Peck made a motion to approve Case No. 3427 with conditions as discussed.
Mrs. Longo seconded.
Granted 4-1 Mr. Keohan opposed.
INFORMAL MATTER
CASE NO. 3365 – WATTUPPA ENTERPRISES, INC. – COMMERCE WAY
Sitting: Peter Conner, A. Wendy Longo, David Peck, Robert Richard, and Michael Main.
Mrs. Longo made a motion to accept the changes to the project as not substantial.
Mr. Richard seconded.
Unanimously approved.
No further business came before the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Fitzgibbons
Administrative Assistant
Approved 6/5/07
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