MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING
FREEDOM WORSHIP CENTER – AMENDMENT TO SITE PLAN
NOVEMBER 8, 2006
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Karen Paré, John Baker, Patricia Halpin, Vincent Vignaly, Elise Wellington
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Wayne Amico, Robert Longden, Mike Teague, Bill Moulton, Bob Williamson, Mike Staiti
Ms. Paré opened the public hearing at 7:02 p.m. Attorney Robert Longden represented the applicant at the hearing. He submitted copies of the legal advertisement of public hearing that appeared in the Telegram & Gazette on October 24th and 31st. Ms. Wellington, as Clerk, read the ad. Mr. Longden submitted receipts of the certified mailing to abutters of the notice of public hearing. Mr. Longden explained that the applicant wishes to amend condition number seven (7) of the October 9, 2002 Certificate of Site Plan Approval in order to allow the emergency access road to be used as a “service entry for church ministry and other general needs and to allow parking for such uses” on the existing gravel parking area next to the church. Signage will be posted around the perimeter
of the lot, limiting the area to be used for parking.
The Conservation Commission agrees with our request to amend the Site Plan with the stipulation that a Notice of Intent must be filed if the area is paved. Police Chief Minnich approves of the request to amend as does the Board of Health, Building Inspector and Water Department. Deputy Fire Chief Cairns met with Attorney Longden at the site and requires that access to the gravel area be unimpeded. Due to the height of the church, parking at the rear cannot impede access of emergency vehicles. Attorney Longden showed a plan of the property indicating where parking will be allowed, if approved. “Fire Lane – No Parking” signs will be posted every fifty (50’) feet around the edge of the parking area. At the lower end of the driveway, a sign will be posted “No Parking in
Driveway”. On the plan, the area north of the diagonal line will be used for parking. The area is 80’ at the widest point to allow for positioning of emergency vehicles.
Minutes of the Public Hearing 2.
November 8, 2006 – Freedom Worship Center
The area will remain gravel, Mr. Longden stated. In response to a question from Ms. Halpin, Mr. Teague stated that the ministry staff will be using the parking lot and the children’s pastor will be unloading supplies for her programs. Mr. Vignaly stated that he is agreeable to the idea of using the space, however he wishes to see a final plan showing the maximum number of marked spaces in the parking lot. Mr. Longden argued that the cars will be “stacked” and limited by the marked area and he questioned the need for marked spaces. Ms. Paré stated that she agrees to the use also if the spaces are marked. Mr. Baker questioned how the Board can be assured that the lot will not “grow” over time, if the parking spaces are not clearly delineated. Mr. Teague stated that this parking is
going to be strictly used for the ministry and as a “service entrance”. Ms. Halpin cautioned that safety issues also be considered when using the area on Sundays.
Ms. Paré stated that a plan needs to be submitted and all references to “proposed” areas be deleted. It also needs to delineate the exact location of the signs as well. Ms. Halpin queried whether there has been any interest shown by the abutters to this change and Ms. Paré stated that the Board has not received any inquiries.. Ms. Wellington queried whether parking is allowed in the buffer zone and Mr. Longden replied that no restrictions are indicated within the existing Order of Conditions. In referring to the VHB review letter of August 4, 2004, Item #3., Ms. Wellington asked whether the cover on the 8” pipe in the driveway will still be sufficient with increased use of the access driveway. Mr. Teague reported that the pipe was changed when the Gates Brook Condominiums were
being built.
Upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Ms. Wellington, it was unanimously voted to continue the public hearing until December 13, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
Date Accepted:____________ By:__________________________
Elise Wellington, Clerk
Submitted By:_______________________
Susan Abramson
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