Salem Planning Board
Minutes of Meeting
June 3, 2010
A regular meeting of the Salem Planning Board was held on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 7:00 p.m in Room 313, Third Floor, at 120 Washington Street, Salem, Massachusetts.
Those present were Chuck Puleo, Chair, John Moustakis, Vice Chair, Mark George, Nadine Hanscom, Randy Clark, Helen Sides, Christine Sullivan, Tim Kavanaugh, and Tim Ready. Also present: Danielle McKnight, Staff Planner, and Tom Devine, Recording Clerk.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of May 20, 2010 were reviewed. Ms. McKnight said she would revise the vote on the April 15 minutes to account for Mark George’s abstention.
There being no further comments, a motion was made by Nadine Hanscom to approve the minutes of May 20 with revision, seconded by Randy Clark and approved 9-0. (Chuck Puleo, John Moustakis, Mark George, Nadine Hanscom, Randy Clark, Helen Sides, Christine Sullivan, Tim Kavanaugh, and Tim Ready in favor, none opposed).
Public hearing: MAUREEN GOODRICH and BRIAN COHN for a waiver from the frontage requirements of the Subdivision Control Law to allow the movement of the lot line between the properties located at 58 and 60 PROCTOR STREET (Map 15, Lots 382 and 383).
Ms. McKnight stated that this matter is again before the board because there was a defect in the previous public notice. Ms. Sullivan stated that this was thoroughly discussed before.
Issue opened up for public comment
There being no comments, a motion was made by Christine Sullivan to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Mark George and approved 9-0 (Chuck Puleo, John Moustakis, Mark George, Nadine Hanscom, Randy Clark, Helen Sides, Christine Sullivan, Tim Kavanaugh, and Tim Ready in favor, none opposed).
There being no further comments, a motion was made by Christine Sullivan to approve the waiver, seconded by Nadine Sullivan and approved 9-0 (Chuck Puleo, John Moustakis, Mark George, Nadine Hanscom, Randy Clark, Helen Sides, Christine Sullivan, Tim Kavanaugh, and Tim Ready in favor, none opposed).
Continuation of Public hearing: Request of BVS CORPORATION for Definitive Subdivision Plan and Waiver from Frontage to allow the construction of a new cul-de-sac and related utilities to serve two (2) new house lots on the property located at 15 and 16 SCOTIA STREET (Map 15, Lots 315 and 567). Attorney William Quigley.
William Quigley, attorney for the applicant, said that since the last meeting the applicant has met with neighbors and walked the property with them. The City Engineer has submitted comments to the board and we will comply with them. The neighbors asked for a planting scheme and we have presented that to the board. Ms. McKnight distributed the plantings plan to board members. Mr. Puleo asked if the plantings were discussed with neighbors. Mr. Quigley replied that it was discussed with them at the meeting onsite. Mr. Moustakis raised the issue of extending the stockade fence. Mr. Puleo noted that Mr. Olcott is concerned with grading.
Mr. Quigley remarked that a future owner could change the landscaping and we can’t be responsible for that. Mr. Puleo said we want to keep to what was agreed to at the site visit. Chris Sparages of Hayes Engineering, engineer for the applicant, said they proposed evergreen there because that is where the house is exposed. Larry Olcott, 23 Summit St., said he would prefer that the plantings continue by his property. Mr. Sparages said there is only so much the applicant can do. Mr. Olcott said the plan now is for it to come halfway onto his property line and stop. I am not going to be satisfied. Mr. Quigley said they would be happy to continue the plantings down to the driveway. Mr. Sparages said Mr. Sullivan has agreed to extend the plantings along Mr. Olcott’s
property line.
Ms. Sullivan said there was an email about the concerns of Susan Kao, 14 Scotia St. Mr. Puleo noted that she is not here tonight. Ms. McKnight said the concerns fall under Engineering’s jurisdiction. I asked Mr. Knowlton what the notification requirements are for utility work and incorporated that into the decision. Mr. Ready asked if the proposed fencing and plantings are acceptable to the neighbors. Mr. Quigley said it is his understanding that it is acceptable to the bulk of neighbors. Mr. Ready asked Councilor Jerry Ryan, 4 Nichols St., if neighbors are in agreement. Mr. Ryan said the big issue was shielding the house. Mr. Clark said the condition should be to extend the screening only if Mr. Olcott gives permission to remove the fence. If he doesn’t
give permission, they don’t have to extend the plantings. Mr. Olcott said he gives such permission. He asked who did the surveying. They don’t seem to know where the property line is. Mr. Sparages said there was a full survey conducted by a professional engineer and the company president stamped and signed the plan. Ms. Sullivan said Ms. Kao asked about water in her basement and the curb plan. Ms. McKnight read aloud the related conditions. Mr. Puleo said her major concerns have been incorporated into the decision.
Dorothea Cormier, 25 Summit St., asked if trees will be on the property line. Mr. Puleo said the trees will be well into the project property. Mr. Sparages said they are trying to save the existing tree line and fill in gaps with Evergreens. Ms. Cormier asked if they are to be spaced widely because they will grow in. Mr. Sparages said yes. Ms. Cormier asked what happens if they die. Mr. Puleo said the developer will be responsible for them for 2 years. Ms. McKnight said that must go into the decision because landscaping isn’t normally part of a subdivision plan.
There being no further comments, a motion was made by Nadine Hanscom to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Randy Clark and approved 9-0 (Chuck Puleo, John Moustakis, Mark George, Nadine Hanscom, Randy Clark, Helen Sides, Christine Sullivan, Tim Kavanaugh, and Tim Ready in favor, none opposed).
Mr. Quigley said he wanted to confirm that all waivers are in the approval. Ms. McKnight said they are. Given the small size of the project, the department is supportive of the waivers.
Ms. McKnight read aloud highlights of the draft decision. She noted that the final revision of the plan must be submitted before the Mylar can be signed. Mr. Puleo asked about the driveways. Mr. Sparages said they will remain as on the plan, but the buyer will have the option for less pavement. Mr. Puleo noted that the ZBA granted the requested variances. Ms. Sullivan asked if the environmental impact statement was all inclusive. Ms. McKnight said that in the view of the department, the waivers of some of the requirements are acceptable for such a small project. Mr. Puleo said they did get a final clean bill of health for the cleanup. Ms. McKnight said a condition is being added to ensure that the developer will reconnect any water and sewer lines they disrupt. Ms.
Sullivan said she assumes this will be done with sensitivity to neighbors. Ms. Hanscom asked if 24 hour notice for utility work is normal. Ms. McKnight said Engineering prefers 2-3 days, but the formal policy is a minimum of 24 hours. The applicant has been in touch with Ms. Kao and we can hope their communication continues. Mr. Ready stated that in previous hearings there appears to be sensitivity between neighbors and developers and I hope that continues with the builders.
Ms. Hanscom asked for clarification about rodent control. Mr. Puleo said the developer is responsible for it up to the property line. Ms. Hanscom asked what happens if rodents bypass the traps and get onto neighboring property. Ms. McKnight said if neighbors observed this, they should report it to the Board of Health. Ms. Hanscom said there should sometime be discussion about that.
Ms. McKnight stated that there should be a condition to warrantee the landscaping for 24 months. Mr. Clark said it should be a condition that screening will be extended along the 23 Summit St. property line if the owner gives permission to remove the fence. Mr. Kavanaugh said this needs to be in writing. Board members discussed the wording of the condition. Mr. Sparages said the condition is acceptable. Mr. Puleo asked if trees should be in the revised plan. Mr. Sparages said we can incorporate that.
There being no further comments, a motion was made by Nadine Hanscom to approve the Definitive Subdivision Plan and the Waiver from Frontage to allow the construction of a new cul-de-sac and related utilities to serve two (2) new house lots, seconded by Randy Clark and approved 9-0 (Chuck Puleo, John Moustakis, Mark George, Nadine Hanscom, Randy Clark, Helen Sides, Christine Sullivan, Tim Kavanaugh, and Tim Ready in favor, none opposed).
Continuation of Public Hearing: Request of KENNEDY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. for Site Plan Review, Planned Unit Development Special Permit, and Wetlands and Flood Hazard Overlay District Special Permit, for the property located at 440, 460, 462, and 488 HIGHLAND AVENUE (Map 3, Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4), Salem MA (proposed new Lowe’s Home Improvement retail store, new, expanded Walmart store, expanded Meineke store, Camp Lion improvements and new municipal water tank). Attorney Joseph Correnti.
Joseph Correnti, 63 Federal St., attorney for the applicant, said there has been lots of feedback since the BETA group’s traffic presentation. Our consultant has been working on their questions, comments, and suggestions, and we’ll be back to address those. Tonight we will deal with civil engineering. You have a drainage report with drainage calcs. We will also show the architecture of the buildings.
Austin Turner of Tetra Tech Rizzo presented slides. He displayed the existing conditions and the limits of the work area. He said about a 3rd of the property, approximately 12 acres, will be constructed upon. He displayed the parcel survey, proposed Lowe’s site plan, and limits of the PUD. He stated that the Lowe’s will have 153,000 sq. ft. and 178 parking spaces.
Matt Smith, engineer, described the Wal-Mart site plan. Wal-Mart will be 152,000 sq. ft.—a 40,000 sq. ft. increase over the existing store. The site will be raised above its current elevation. The steep grade between Wal-Mart and the neighboring shopping center will be smoothed out. Wal-Mart will have 610 parking spaces. That number is lower than what Wal-Mart likes to have, but good enough for MEPA. There is no one-way traffic flow on the site. A sidewalk is planned along the frontage.
Mr. Turner presented the plan for the city water tank. It will have a gated access road. We have worked with Salem’s engineer and the city’s consultant to be sure our tower design is consistent with the original design. We have the City Engineer’s sign off. He displayed the plan for the Meineke expansion. We will add 2,600 sq. ft. to the existing 3,000 sq. ft. It will include additional storage area and another service bay. We are providing dedicated parking. There will be some limited grading work to make sure parking is ADA compliant. The sign will be moved slightly to accommodate the road widening. He displayed the plan for the camp. There will be a 9,900 sq. ft. building that consolidates two buildings. There will be a graded
recreation field and 50 parking spaces. We will do earth work and they will do further improvements.
Mr. Turner said the applicant’s team is meeting soon with Lynn Water and Sewer to be sure everyone is comfortable with the plan. Lowe’s elevation is 169 ft., about 40 ft. higher than Highland Ave. This is to minimize the earthwork. The driveway is at about 124 feet and Wal-mart is about 10 feet higher than the existing store. The water tank is 25 feet higher than Lowe’s, consistent with the previous design. The camp is about 3 feet higher than Lowe’s. He showed the area capturing water and piping it to a storm water management system where it will be detained and slowly released into the wetlands system. The majority of the area drains there now and we have mimicked it, meeting Mass DEP and Salem standards. We are not increasing the flow or doing
harm to the wetlands. Ms. Sullivan asked where the Lynn line is and Mr. Turner indentified it on the plan. Ms. Sullivan asked if the drainage is in Salem. Mr. Turner said it is all within Salem. Mr. George asked if there is a driveway just for Meineke, separate from the signal. Mr. Turner said they are keeping the right in right out and access to the signal. Mr. Clark asked about parking at Meineke. Mr. Turner replied that there are 3 existing spaces and 3 additional proposed.
Mr. Smith said a large basin will handle Wal-Mart’s roof runoff. The basin drains back to Highland and to the west. It is designed in accordance with DEP storm water standards. We will be reducing flow from the site. There is a thick drainage report. Mr. Puleo said he had assumed the parking lot would also drain into the basin. Mr. Smith said only the roof drains into the basin. Mr. Puleo remarked that the parking lot sometimes floods now. How will you address that as you double its size? Will drainage from the lot remain the same? Mr. Smith said it goes by pipe to the street. The Lowe’s and the camp go into the other basin. Mr. George asked how much of an increase will there be in impervious parking area? Mr. Smith said he will
find out the answer.
Ms. Sullivan asked what will be done on Highland Ave. to improve the water situation. Mr. Turner said they will send 4 acres of runoff from the Wal-Mart site to a basin. The existing drainage structures on Highland are not functioning well. We will put in new structures to remedy that. Mr. Smith said the development will reduce flow from the Wal-Mart site. The parking lot now is below grade so it floods. We will raise it. Mr. George asked how you will reduce flow with a bigger lot. Mr. Smith said they are removing flow from the building. Ms. Sullivan said she wants to be sure work on Highland Ave. will be adequate. Mr. Turner said discharge rates will be lower than the existing condition.
Mr. Turner presented the Lowe’s lighting plan. The poles will be 38 ft. tall and direct light inward and downward. The lighting level at the property line will be zero. When the store is closed, light will be reduced to only what is need for security. It will be an average of 6 lumens, which is standard. Mr. Smith said Wal-Mart will have similar lighting, with 42 ft. poles. Light will spill into the right of way, which is desired. Mr. Puleo asked if this is what they use at other Wal-Mart locations. Mr. Smith said probably, but poles are sometimes shorter at other locations. Mr. George asked how close Lowe’s is to houses in Lynn. Mr. Turner said maybe 500 ft. Mr. George asked what the relative elevation is. Mr. Turner said an upcoming
slide will address this. Ms. Sullivan said that lighting in the back of the building will most affect the houses. Mr. Turner showed utility plans.
Rob Jess, Lowe’s Project Manager, said every other light in the rear of the building will be off during non-business hours. It will be the bare minimum for security. He showed architectural elevations for Lowe’s. He described the multiple views and noted there will be lots of architectural relief across the form. We are adding a nice appearance to the left side facing the road. The building will be of varying heights with a peak of 49 ft. There will be white metal cornice treatments and some windows. Pilasters will project out. It will be two-tone beige with blue, along with white accents. The signs will be internally illuminated.
Bob Everts of Cross River Architects presented photo simulations of the propose Wal-Mart. The signboard is from recycled materials. The facade is precast concrete, scored for detail. It will be a tan and cream color. The building will be 35 ft. at its highest point, stepping lower at the sides. There will be a canopy at the vestibules and blue lighted bollards. There will be a wide paved walkway in front of the building. The signage will be a maximum of 5 ft. in height, internally lit with LED. Wal-Mart has gone through a change in the last few years. It is no longer a gray box. It is a design that is comfortable in suburban environments with a consistent image across towns. Aisles are wider and shorter so you can see where you want to go. This is
part of a new branding effort. Wal-Mart is also becoming more sustainable. The roof is white, reflecting heat and saving energy. With skylights, indoor lighting dims based on sunlight coming in. LED lights in refrigerated cases produced virtually no heat.
Mr. Turner showed a cross section. We are lowering the Lowe’s site 30 ft. Ms. Hanscom asked if the space between the houses and Lowe’s is all high and wooded. Mr. Turner replied affirmatively. Ms. Hanscom asked what the distance is between the houses and Lowe’s. Mr. Turner said it is 800 ft., 500 from the cul-de-sac. Mr. George asked what the relative elevation of the cul-de-sac is. Mr. Turner said it is about 35 ft. lower than the Lowe’s floor. Mr. George asked the height of the building. Mr. Turner said it is 26 feet in the back. Ms. Sullivan asked if there is a slide to show a view of the site from the houses. Mr. Turner said there is not. Ms. Sullivan said she wants to know what the height means. I had trouble
figuring that out with 10 Federal St., so we got a rendering. Mr. Turner said there is something like that in the next slides. Mr. Jess said this is hard to read because it is true scale. We can do a perspective for you.
Mr. Ready asked if he would be able to see the cul-de-sac and homes if he stood atop the existing Wal-Mart. Mr. Turner said no. Mr. Ready asked if the homes will be able to see the new development. Mr. Turner said it is possible, but we are leaving a substantial amount of vegetation. He displayed a cross section. Ms. Sides asked if the natural rock face will remain. Mr. Turner answered affirmatively. Mr. Puleo asked what the distance will be between Lowe’s and Highland Ave. Mr. Turner said it will be about 100 ft. Ms. Sides asked if it is all natural ledge. Mr. Turner said that is the intention. He displayed the relationship between Lowe’s and Highland and described a 3-D rendering of Lowe’s along Highland. Mr. George asked what the
distance will be between the cul-de-sac and the building. Mr. Turner said 400 ft. from one cul-de-sac and 800 ft. from another.
Mr. Clark asked if there has been a parking usage analysis. How many of the planned spaces will realistically be used at any given time? Mr. Jess said for Lowe’s this is the minimum we want to go. Other stores have more. Mr. Smith said this ratio is less than we typically do. Peak time is Christmas when they make most of their money. Mr. Clark said this application is for a PUD. I would love to see some kind of site layout that has the two stores sharing parking. There is massive blasting, traffic, and storm water issues. I would suggest that Salem is not a suburban environment. Salem is a city. This I would expect to see way out on Route 2. Mr. Turner said the topography is a limiting factor. Creating shared parking would require more
blasting.
Ms. Sides said she is impressed by Wal-Mart’s sustainability efforts and would like to hear more about how Lowe’s addresses sustainability. Mr. Jess said he would be happy to provide the list of elements from their LEED application. Mr. Moustakis asked if they will work with the City Engineer on Highland Ave. issues. Mr. Turner answered yes.
Issue opened up for public comment
Andrew Hall of the Lynn Water and Sewer Commission, 400 Parkland Ave., Lynn, said Lynn would like to review the drainage plan. All of it ultimately ends up in Lynn. Mr. Correnti said the development team would like to meet with Lynn Water and Sewer.
William Trahant, Ward 2 Lynn City Councilor, 215 Verona St, Lynn, said drainage is an important problem for the Lynn side. There are many problems with flooding. The camp road will drain into Lynn Water and Sewer. We’ve been told it doesn’t connect to the Lynn system, but the catch basins do tie into Lynn Water and Sewer. It will go down to the bridge and make it worse. The lighting will go into our neighborhoods with the higher poles. We want the Planning Board to have the applicant come to Lynn Water and Sewer for a public hearing. Mr. Puleo said the city’s peer review engineer is here. Mr. Trahant said he wants the developer to have a public hearing at Lynn Water and Sewer. Mr. Correnti said we have been waiting to meet with Lynn Water and Sewer,
but we have not agreed to a public hearing. We have a public hearing here and if the councilor wants to make a request, he can make it through the board and I will talk to the client. Mr. Trahant said there are major drainage issues for Lynn. Mr. Ready said any effort to meet publicly with citizens of Lynn is premature. Mr. Correnti will meet with the Lynn Water and Sewer staff.
Bill Ross, the city’s peer review engineer, said the peer review includes runoff review and it is not limited to Salem. It even goes as far as Saugus. Mr. George asked Mr. Trahant why this forum is not an adequate opportunity to bring up concerns. Mr. Trahant said he does not have the knowledge. I am not an engineer. Come to a public hearing in Lynn and explain it to us. Mr. Clark stated that the developer has agreed to meet with Lynn Water and Sewer. Tonight’s meeting is a public meeting that anyone can come to. I think the issue is covered. Plus I don’t know what jurisdiction we have to force the developer to have a public meeting in another town. Mr. Correnti said we can take this one step at a time. Let’s have the peer review
and meet with Lynn Water and Sewer. But right now if you want a public hearing, there are not enough answers. We understand the concerns of Lynn. The peer review will include Lynn. Then neighbors will have this forum, and we can then talk about another forum. Mr. Trahant said we don’t have a forum here. We don’t feel that we are getting our just time. This is becoming a Lynn-Salem issue with the developer. This is going too fast. I would be respectful of Salem if this were in Lynn.
Mary Whitney, 356 Essex St., said she thinks Wal-Mart has made advances with sustainability but the jury is still out. I agree that this looks like two separate projects. This isn’t Saugus, it is Salem. Salem is a historic city undergoing a downtown renaissance during a recession. That makes it important that we take great care with new projects on the edge of the city. I was involved in a review of an Ikea and they included many low-impact features. I know we can do better. The only way will be if the city stands up and says we will make it happen. I would hope we would see changes as a result of public comments. What we are seeing tonight is not an appropriate plan.
Dan Cahill, Lynn City Councilor-At-Large, 20 Belleaire Ave., Lynn, said there is a stream on the site. I haven’t heard what will happen with it. There is no storm water management plan for the camp. I would like to know the plans for the stream and the impact of the development on it. Mr. Turner said it will be relocated. He identified it on a slide. We are working with the state. We plan to move it from the Lowe’s site around to connect with the wetlands. We found through a survey how much water passes through it and designed a stream channel to handle that flow. It will be improved, better defined than the existing. It is dry most of the year. Mr. Puleo asked if anything drains to Spring Pond. Mr. Turner said a part of the site not included
in the development might drain to the pond, but that is not part of the project. Mr. Puleo said much water goes to the Western Ave. catch basins and that is something the peer review can look at.
Ellen Patterson, 37 Spring View Ave., Lynn, said the water comes down quite often. Today was a single lane to get past the camp into Lynn with all the water. There are not a lot of trees between the cul-de-sac and Lowe’s. The camp will also be between them. Mr. Puleo said the road will be slightly diverted. Ms. Patterson said I think things are closer than you’d think. I am concerned about truck noise. What will be the Fays Ave. improvements? How will it affect Lynn? Mr. Turner said they plan to replace the signal equipment and formalize a dedicated right turn lane from Western Ave. to Fays. Ave. It will be a more efficient signal detection system.
A gentleman asked about the northbound lane turning left into Fays Ave. Mr. Correnti said these are the questions undergoing peer review. Our consultant is working on this. The study has been extended beyond Fays Ave. We will come back with this at another public hearing.
Kathleen Nadeau, 81 Spring View Ave., Lynn, said there is drainage into Spring Pond. Mr. Turner said the project is putting no drainage into Spring Pond.
Barry Neelly, 15 Lynde St., said he previously asked if they will comply with the responsible employment ordinance. Will the developer sign off on that? It was guaranteed that all construction workers would have health insurance. And you would hire 20% of the workforce from the community. Will the developer commit to that? We don’t want to have all Maine and New Hampshire plates here while we are unemployed.
Katerina Panagiotakis, 150 Ocean St., said the Lowe’s architecture is actually horrid. The Salem reconnaissance report points out that this is poor design for an entrance corridor. The area is important because it abuts a watershed. I am nominating this for a most endangered program. It would be a historic tragedy to see the site ruined. I will submit the document to the board. This hearing is an appeal to build on wetlands and a Flood Hazard District. Is that the red line or the blue line [referring to the current slide]? What is the extent of the appeal? Mr. Correnti said neither line delineates the flood hazard district of the wetlands. There is a wetlands district and it will be at our next presentation. Ms. Panagiotakis asked what is the area
this hearing is for. Mr. Correnti said the red line is the PUD, which is the boundary of the project. Ms. Panagiotakis asked if the permit will be for the entire property boundary. Mr. Correnti said no property boundary is being shown. Ms. Panagiotakis asked what the blue line is. Mr. Clark said that is the whole site. Mr. Correnti said the permit is not for the 90 acres. It is for the area in the red lines. That is the PUD delineation. We are asking for a special permit for only the red area. Ms. Panagiotakis said I want to be sure nothing is happening in the top part and we have a complete picture on the development. Will the increase in impervious area affect Salem’s Green Communities Act status. Mr. Puleo said we will find out.
Jean McAuley, 11 Western Ave., Lynn, said she does not understand what retention ponds are. I am concerned about them being near the camp. What steps will be taken to ensure their safety? What do you treat them with? How do you keep the water from breeding insects? Mr. Turner said a retention basin retains storm water and slowly releases it. It will be gated and fenced. The camp and its access road will also be fenced. The ponds are designed to drain to avoid standing water. The water is treated not chemically, but mechanically.
Joe Duff, 226 Woodland Ave., Lynn, said the storm water will pick up grease and oil and perhaps also fertilizer sold at the new store. What will you do about that? Mr. Turner said the mechanical systems are made to handle the oil and the fertilizer will be sealed. Mr. Duff asked where the oil will go and Mr. Turner identified the system elements on the plan.
Leslie Courtemanche, 97 Fellsmere St., Lynn, asked how far the Lynn boundary is from the water system. Mr. Turner answered that it is 40-50 ft. Ms. Courtemanche said this seems Orwellian, to say you are minimizing impact and moving a natural stream. The presentation doesn’t show the beauty of the life cycle you are destroying. Lowe’s failed in Salem before. Mr. Puleo said it was Somerville Lumber. Ms. Courtemanche said to destroy the open space is an abomination. Not everyone shares my reverence for nature, but we must acknowledge that if we keep destroying nature like this, extinction will be a problem. It isn’t right. I would implore you to reconsider. If you are environmentally concerned, this is total destruction of a wildlife area. I
ask that you consider that.
David Pelletier, 12 Crombie St., said we hear promises from officials, then plans change. Developers sometimes do damaging work and then fail to complete a project. Why not put a bond on it so that after trees are torn down you have some recourse? You have to protect yourself. Lowe’s is not the most stable company now. What recourse do you have if they begin and change their mind? A bond should be put up should the situation change like it did in Peabody. We get flimflammed all the time and nothing ever happens. You have to put in some protection when you do this so you don’t end up looking stupid. A bond is a simple thing to ask. You can’t replace anything, but you get something back. Could you do that? You ask for bonds for all
sorts of things. I just don’t want you to look stupid.
Donna Kennedy, 23 Westview Rd., Lynn, asked if there is a comparison for the tallest point of Lowe’s in respect to the trees behind it. Are the trees lower than the roof? Mr. Turner said we don’t have the answer right now. Ms. Kennedy asked if he could find out. Mr. Turner replied affirmatively. Ms. Kennedy said she is concerned that Lowe’s will be higher than the tree line. Mr. Turner said they will take direction from the board. Mr. Puleo said they can prepare something. Mr. Correnti said this is about the buffer and we can work on that.
Norm Cole, 30 Coolidge Rd., Lynn, said the other half of the GIS map shows water flowing to Lynn. At what point in the process will you call for a new hearing if you change the plans in response to the state? I think there will be changes from this group and other permitting processes. When do they have to withdraw and restart. Mr. Puleo said yes, if there are substantial changes, they may need to refile. Mr. Correnti said that is something we always watch during the process. We have to make a call to ensure the permits we get are for the project. If things change substantially, yes, that we are always cognizant of. Mr. Cole asked if the camp road is a secondary access road. Mr. Turner said it is not. Mr. Cole said leaves fall off the trees and they won’t
plant arbor vitae that will block view of their sign.
Michael O’Neil of O’Neil Associates, 234 Park St., North Reading said he is working on one of the neighboring subdivisions and has been asked to speak for the developer. He stated that he is concerned about the buffer and drainage.
Debra Smith Walsh, 16 Coolidge Rd., Lynn, said she is concerned about water coming into our cellars. I had a finished basement 32 years ago, then eventually I had 5 feet of water. Each development causes more problems. You can’t redirect this rainwater. We are not spending enough time on serious drainage issues. The project is in Salem, but the most affected neighborhood is mine in Lynn. I hope Mr. Correnti will meet with Lynn Water and Sewer.
Bob Proodian, 1Manning Rd., Lynn, said he is a taxpayer across the street from the project and asked about Wal-Mart’s drainage. Mr. Smith said the roof will drain to a basin and the parking lot to Highland Ave. Mr. Proodian asked if the system on Highland is inadequate. Mr. Turner said it is full of dirt. Mr. Proodian said the system is small and can’t handle the water all the way down to Salem Hospital. Where will water to the left of Lowe’s flow? Mr. Turner said it will flow to the wetlands. Mr. Proodian said you will have a waterfall. Mr. Correnti said for the first time ever, 8 acres of storm water will be controlled. Right now it is a massive sheet flow onto Highland. There is a chance for improvement now from very difficult conditions
that we have now. It is a chance to control and help mitigate the flow. We will get into a lot more specifics when we do peer review and meet with Lynn Water and Sewer. Yes, for the first time those 8 acres will be controlled.
A motion was made by Nadine Hanscom to continue the Public Hearing to the June 17 meeting, seconded by Randy Clark and approved 9-0 (Chuck Puleo, John Moustakis, Mark George, Nadine Hanscom, Randy Clark, Helen Sides, Christine Sullivan, Tim Kavanaugh, and Tim Ready in favor, none opposed).
Old/New Business
Members discussed the logistics of a site visit to the site of the Kennedy Development Group proposal. Members discussed upcoming meeting schedules.
Adjournment
There being no further comments, a motion was made by Christine Sullivan to adjourn, seconded by Randy Clark and approved 9-0 (Chuck Puleo, John Moustakis, Mark George, Nadine Hanscom, Randy Clark, Helen Sides, Christine Sullivan, Tim Kavanaugh, and Tim Ready in favor, none opposed).
Meeting adjourned at 10:23 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tom Devine
Planning Board Clerk
Approved by the Planning Board 6/17/10
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