************************************************************
TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
CITY HALL, TAUNTON, MA 02780
Meeting held at Taunton Public Library, 12 Pleasant St.
*************************************************************
DATE: January 5, 2012
BOARD MEMBERS: Daniel Dermody, Chrmn. Anthony Abreau
Bob Campbell V.C. Arthur Lopes
Manuel Spencer, Clerk Joshua Borden
Michael Ritz
ADVISORS:
Mark Slusarz, City Engineer
Kevin Scanlon, City Planner
__________________________________________________________________________
Roll Call: Borden, Campbell, Abreau, Lopes, Ritz, Spencer and Dermody present. Meeting opens at 5:30 PM.
Election of Officers: Chairman, Vice Chairman & Clerk
Arthur nomimates Daniel Dermody for Chairman, seconded by Tony. All in favor.
Daniel Dermody was unanimously elected Chairman.
Arthur nominates Bob Campbell for Vice Chairman, seconded by Tony. All in favor.
Bob Campbell was unanimously elected Vice Chairman
Arthur nominates Manuel Spencer for Clerk, seconded by Tony. All in favor.
Manuel Spencer was unanimously elected Clerk.
Arthur made motion to revert out of the regular order of business, seconded by Tony. All in favor.
Ashleigh Estates – II – Update on work remaining – letter from City Eng.
Clerk Spencer read letter and e-mail from City Engineer outlining work remaining.
Bob made motion to place on file. Seconded by Arthur. All in favor.
River Pines – Request to release Lots 8 & 9 – holding 11 lots with $13,800
Joshua Borden excused.
Dick Feodoroff, Oscar Squared, Inc. ,was invited into the enclosure.
Clerk Spencer read letters from the City Engineer and City Planner was read into the record.
Mr. Feodoroff stated we are holding monies that the City Planner didn’t include in his estimate.
Bob made motion to release lots 8 & 9 upon receipt of $6,900 per lot, seconded by Tony. All in favor.
Special Permit – DeWert Ave – 88 residential units – to allow parallel parking spaces 8’ x 22’ and aisle width to be 22’ wide (instead of 24’) Need to send recommendation to Municipal Council.
Arthur Lopes excused. Clerk Spencer read the DIRB comments into the record. Colleen Doherty, Exec. Director, Taunton Housing Authority & David Kelly, Kelly Engineering Group, Inc., 0 Campaniello Drive, Braintree, Ma. Hank Keating,V.P .Design & Construction, Trinity Financial, 40 Court St., 8th Floor, Boston, Ma. Mrs. Doherty spoke about Hope 6 and how they have been preparing for many years to take down DeWert Avenue, which is past it’s useful life. They are partnering with Trinity Financial, who has a successful track record. This has been a long time coming. They are taking 150 homes and replacing with 88 units and another 72 units on other site. Both sites will be mixed affordable. Mr. Keating states that they
are taking down the existing 150 units (DeWert Ave) and replacing on same footprint with the exception of new road out north to Shores Street. However; there will be less units, with 72 additional units on Parcel 6A next to Gatra bus. Terminal. The public safety will be met with adding one more entrance. There will be duplex style houses for larger families and once in they will be building on same footprint. There are wetlands and they don’t want to disturb them. This is the home of foot road so they will be required to file with Natural Wildlife & Conservation Commission. This will be a compact development funding by Hope 6 and HUD. These units will be super efficient with solar insulation. Maintenance will remain with the THA but trinity will hold lease. Per discussions with the Police Chief they reconfigured the entrance perpendicular to neighbor’s driveway. Joshua asked if they plan any sidewalks to
basketball courts? Mr. Keating stated they added that on plan already. Bob asked about sewer on Shores Street and would it be possible to extend? The flow comes from Kilmer Avenue. There is an 8 inch line. Discussion was brought up of neighboring developing who was suppose to have sewer on Shores & Anawan street? Development was owned by Borges now by Andrew Marshall. Manny stated its narrow when entering Shores Street from soccer field. He was concerned with added traffic and it’s width? A traffic study was conducted and since there is a reduction to the number of units it will be a minimal impact. Manny asked if they are going to have control of project? Mrs. Doherty this will be different because it’s 100% federally funded. Manny was concerned with the site being isolated and difficult to maintain safety. Mrs. Doherty stated it was for very low income now it’s a mixed income
site and will be managed by Trinity. There will be more stringent rules and because there are tax credits involved. She stated that 75 of the occupants have Section 8 approval and will be re-locating. All residents will be re-quarried and will have meet the criteria. Manny asked if the soccer field will be leased? Mrs. Doherty answers yes there will be running clinics and getting the kids involved. Bob asked about Shores Street and Smith Avenue relative to standard P.B. granite radius curbing. Mr. Keating stated street will be 22 feet wide (instead of 24’) and per the City Engineer there will be extra ½ binder. They will have concrete curbing and sloped around green. Bob asked if they will name street. Mrs. Doherty answers yes they are open to suggestions. Manny asked if there will be sidewalks on the side of Shores Street where they will be exiting. Manny stated for safety wise, bus
stops they should have something. Mrs. Doherty stated currently there is no sidewalk on Shores Street and they could not put the entire length. They have been talking with DPW about some kind of sidewalks.
Manny stated, in his opinion, sidewalks are beneficial to him. If the option is there City could extend. Manny stated if cannot put sidewalk maybe they could put bus stop area. Mr. Kelly stated they are creating one additional lot around the existing maintenance facility which will be kept under the THS. Tony stated he’s willing to work with them relative sidewalks. Bob wanted to clarify that there will be plenty of capacity.
Bob made motion to forward a POSTIVE recommendation to the Municipal Council for this proposal to include the DIRB recommendations: (6 members in favor, 1 member excused)
Condition #1) That the plans dated December 14, 2011 shall govern with the following additional conditions:
Condition #2) A rubbish permit is required for all containers of 6 cubic yards or more.
Condition #3) Lighting shall not illuminate any portion of abutting properties.
Condition #4) The site shall be kept clean and clear of debris.
Condition #5) Two sets of as-builts shall be submitted upon completion of all work on site and shall include certification notes and stamps by a Design Engineer (PE) and Land Surveyor (PLS) stating that the development has been built according to the approved plans. Plans shall show at least all of the information shown on the proposed plans referenced in condition #1 above and all utility as-builts.
Condition #6) A Conservation Commission and a Natural Heritage filing is required.
Conditions #7) Trench permits, road opening permit, water and sewer connection permits are required prior to construction.
Condition #8) Templates shall be put on the plans to verify turning radii.
Conditions #9) Dumpster shall be kept closed at all times, emptied regularly, be placed on a concrete pad and enclosed with a 6 foot stockade fence.
Condition # 10) A set of updated plans shall be submitted that conforms to all the requirements of this decision before any building permits will be issued. Two sets are required.
Condition #11) A sign and pavement markings plan shall be approved by the City Engineer prior to building permit.
Condition #12) Cross slopes shall meet a minimum of 1.0%.
Condition #13) A dedicated domestic water line will be required within the buildings, separate from the Fire, HVAC, and any other non-potable uses.
Condition #14) Proper backflow prevention on the water piping system may also be needed, if called for by the plumbing code.
Condition #15) All DPW specifications and permits will apply, and confirmation of compliance will be required prior to a final approval of the DPW.
Condition #16) All water connections shall be into the new main on Shores Street with a potential loop into Shores Street if applicable.
Condition #17) The existing sanitary sewer must be inspected by camera before any connections are approved.
Condition #18) Back water valves will be required for all sanitary sewer connections, existing and new.
Condition #19) A fire flow test is required prior to the design of any water dependent fire suppression and or hydrant layout.
Condition #20) Roof leaders and sump pumps must not be tie into the sanitary sewer system.
Condition #21) The marked crosswalk in front of the community center shall be a raised table.
Condition #22) Details shall be provided for the vegetated swale.
Condition#23) An as built volume shall be provided for the detention basin.
Condition #24) Transition curbs shall be provided at all curb terminus.
Condition #25) A 1 ½ inch top coat and a 2 inch binder shall be provided on the pavement.
Condition #26) Extend sewer the last 200 or so feet along the entrance road to Shores Street.
Condition #27) Continue discussions with the DPW relative to sidewalk/driveway for access/egress to soccer fields.
Special Permit- Mason St. (parcel 6A) 72 residential units and waivers to allow parallel parking spaces to be 7’ x 22’ aisle width to be 22’(instead of 24’) and parking at 1.35/unit (instead of 2/0unit) - Need to send recommendation to Municipal Council
Colleen Doherty, Exec. Dir., Taunton Housing Authority, and Hank Keating, V.P Design & Construction, Trinity Financial. Clerk Spencer read the DIRB comments into the record. Letter from TRA in support of project. Mr. Keating stated he addressed the frontage issues that Mr. Scanlon references in his letter. This site has an environmental history. They received special grant monies to do clean up. This property is located in the Transient Oriented Development and they are proposing 54 unit apartment building, consisting of 41 one bedroom, 26 two-bedrooms, and 5 bedrooms which will be a 3 stories then 2 stories facing Wales Street. There will be a new road to Mason Street to Porter Street which gives residents direct access to Mill River. There will be new path connecting
sidewalks along Mason Street to the Gatra bus station. They met with the DPW about the existing utilities around the site. Manny asked if they have any buffers from neighboring train? They are proposing plantings and where the railroad tracks are they are proposing heavy plantings. They conducted sound study and certain thresholds will trigger certain paned windows to satisfy HUD. Manny asked if this will be commuter rail or just bus stop. They answers this is not the choice for commuter rail. Bob asked if both parcel A & B will be cleaned up of will this be a temporary condition of parcel B? They stated to get closure with DEP they might plan cleanup around this plan. They stated this will be a very safe environment with assigned parking. It was asked if an emergency vehicle will fit? They answered yes there will be fire emergency gate (not an active driveway) Joshua asked if they could move
the underground chamber on Building D? Mr. Keating stated that’s a good observation and they moved it and angled it a bit, put it under the paved area. Mr. Keating stated they are asking the Council for waiver of the parking required from 1.35 per unto (instead of 2.0 per unit). The majority of these units will be one bedroom and there is no need for all the parking required by the ordinance. This is a pedestrian friendly neighborhood. Bob agreed that there is a lot of data conducted by Trinity showing no need for all that parking. Bob stated he hates putting asphalt if we don’t have to. This development is conducive to bus community and there are good amenities in the immediate area. Bob Treano, spoke in favor of project. He has been working with Kevin Shea and this project has been in the works since 1994. There were 6 different proposal for this site. The TRA is 100% in favor of this project/
Tony made motion to (6 members in favor, 1 member excused) forward a POSTIVE recommendation to the Municipal Council for this proposal and are in support of the waiver of the parking reduction of 1.35 per unit instead of 2.0 per unit. The Board voted to include the DIRB recommendations:
Condition #1) That the plans dated December 14, 2011 shall govern with the following additional conditions:
Condition #2) A rubbish permit is required for all containers of 6 cubic yards or more.
Condition #3) Lighting shall not illuminate any portion of abutting properties and a lighting plan shall be approved prior to building permit.
Condition #4) The site shall be kept clean and clear of debris.
Condition #5) Two sets of as-builts shall be submitted upon completion of all work on site and shall include certification notes and stamps by a Design Engineer (PE) and Land Surveyor (PLS) stating that the development has been built according to the approved plans. Plans shall show at least all of the information shown on the proposed plans referenced in condition #1 above and all utility as-builts.
Condition #6) A copy of the Activity and Use limitation shall be provided for the file.
Condition #7) Trench permits, road opening permit, water and sewer connection permits are required prior to construction.
Condition #8) An ANR plans is required to split the lot as shown and a minimum of 50 foot frontage shall be provided for Lot B with an access easement for the driveway access off Porter Street.
Condition #9) Dumpster shall be kept closed at all times, emptied regularly, be placed on a concrete pad and enclosed with a 6 foot stockade fence.
Condition #10) A set of updated plans shall be submitted that conforms to all of the requirements of his decision before any building permits will be issued. Two sets are required.
Condition #11) Provide a drainage plan for the “land bank” parking spaces.
Condition #12) The Wales Street access shall be emergency access only with a Fire Department approved access barrier.
Conditions #13) A dedicated domestic water line will be required within the buildings, separate from the Fire, HVAC and any other non-potable uses.
Conditions #14) Proper backflow prevention on the water piping system may also be needed, if called for by the plumbing code.
Condition #15) All DPW specifications and permits will apply, and confirmation of compliance will be required prior to final approval of the DPW.
Condition #16) All water connections shall be into the new main on Myrtle Street with a potential loop into Porter Street if applicable.
Condition # 17) The existing sanitary sewer must be inspected by camera before any connections are approved.
Condition #18) Back water valves will be required for all sanitary sewer connections, existing and new.
Conditions #19) A fire flow test is required prior to the design of any water dependent fire suppression and or hydrant layout.
Condition # 20) Roof leaders and sump pumps must not be tied into the sanitary sewer system.
Special Permit – 19 Kilton St. – group home (sober house) Need to send recommendation to Municipal Council - Atty. David Gay and Paul Gouveia, were invited into the enclosure. Letter from the City Planner was read and placed on file. Atty. Gay states this will be a group home (sober house) The property is under Purchase & Sales Agreement with St. Vincent dePaul and Mr. Soares. The parcel is unique that it’s in the Urban Residential District and has been used to serve people more specifically being a convent, and St Vincent DePaul . The parcel has 29,505 sq. ft and has a 10 bedroom dwelling located on it. With the 10 bedrooms the house is suited for this type of use. Mr. Soares has an agreement with Mr. Gouveia to run this type
of facility. Mr. Gouveia has 30 years of background in this type of service. Mr. Gouveia stated he will provide care for people who have been admitted to detox center and are ready to re-enter society. He will provide a safe, clean, monitored environment of which they will spent about a year or two. He is planning on having 24 adult males of which they will be required to attend mandatory meetings, urine testing 3 times a week and counseling. He gets referrals from Detox centers, staff members will get transported and he will not accept anyone just off the street. They have to be drug and alcohol free to enter the program. They will have chores, responsibilities in the house. His intent is to get them transitioned back into the community. It was asked if they work and how they pay? He stated some will have jobs but most will have state assistance.
Paul explained the daily routine is they will have to attend 5 AA meetings, 3 urine tests, M,W,F 6:00 AM, daily chores, keeping yard neat, counseling off site. Mr. Gouveia has been in the this field for 26 years working for the dept. of mental health, youth services and correction offices. Atty. Gay stated they have to go to the DIRB and will probably has to supplement the landscaping and # of parking spaces. He stated this is a long term facility which provides structure. Alcoholism is a disease. Chairman Dermody asked if there would be AA meetings conducted at site? Mr. Gouveia answers no they will attend off site, it’s good to get them out and mingle. He stated the recovery part is hard and they need an environment to work on it. Manny asked if it s all males and
Mr. Gouveia answers yes. Tony asked about dealing with violence and curfews? Mr. Gouveia answers he does get some verbal abuse but not many physical assaults but they would be evicted immediately. He stated most of his patients are homeless. Mr. Gouveia stated where he is now police have been there but only for emergency cases. He is going to live there and there will be a staff member during the day. He stated some of these homeless people have no one. He stated that he has some guy living in woods for 30 years. The Fire Dept had to use ladder truck to get him and he ended up recovering and forming a relationship with his family. He has seen his fair share of people. He is fair but firm. Arthur asked about the guidelines? Mr. Gouveia answered they are referred by dextox center and there are guidelines they have to comply with. He stated there are random supervised urine testing
conducted. Arthur asked what happens if the results are positive? Mr. Gouveia stated he gives them a chance to explain and will get them back into impatient crisis team, interview them and send them to the appropriate facility. Arthur asks if he helps them fine jobs? Mr. Gouveia answers refers a few to do community service. Bob stated that Mr. Gouveia is very dedicated to helping people. Mr. Gouveia stated they will stay 12-18 months find housing and get job, ultimately after care house and transition them back into the community. They need a support group and it helps to get them involved. Bob asked what happens when you leave? Who will be running program? Mr. Gouveia answers it’s his life long mission and if he can’t do it any longer he will get someone too. Atty. Gay spoke to one neighbor and voiced her concerns but they still have to go to DIRB and Municipal Council. He said he’s going to
try and schedule a neighborhood meeting. Bob asked about food and who pays for what? Mr. Gouveia answers they have 2 stoves and refrigerator and its very orderly they do their own shopping and cooking. They are now allowed to drive with stranger and they need buddy system. They will concentrate on their recovery, chores, meals, etc. There will be no loitering out front. Tony stated this won’t be a Methadone clinic or narcotics? Mr. Gouveia answers no. Bob states that all occupants will be from out of town? Mr. Gouveia answers no, some will be from area. Where they are now, they have 11 and some were local. Manny asked if he had license? He and Atty. Gay answers no, they weren’t aware of any license needed. Manny stated his concerns will be for the neighbors but hopes you are successful. Joshua asked if he had license in other facility? Mr. Gouveia answers no.
Arthur made motion to forward positive recommendation to Municipal Council, Seconded by Manny. All in favor.
Letter from Dept. of Envir. Prot. – relative to New England Recycling Inc., - 569 Winthrop St. – Notice of Administrative Completeness – Mod. Of a Large Construction & demolition debris process & handling facility. (Informational)
Placed on file.
Communication from The Commonwealth of Mass. – Hazard Mitigation Grant Program - Information purposes
Placed on file.
Bob announced the Complete Street Seminar in Plymouth, Ma. on Jan. 11, 2012.
Manny stated that people have been approaching him regarding illegal activity in the vicinity of Park Street and Washington Street, and the Board of Health has been contacted. He wondered if there is a way that we can make landlords responsible for their tenants.
Manny made motion to forward letter to Municipal Council relative to creating ordinance holding landlords responsible for tenants.
He also wanted letter sent to the Park & Recreation Dept. to cut the overgrown brush/trees on Park Street.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM
| 
