MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
MAY 23, 2007
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Patricia Halpin, Karen Paré, Lawrence Salate,
MEMBERS ABSENT: John Baker, Vincent Vignaly
OTHERS PRESENT: Sami Baghdady, Gerard Bowman, Brenda Bowman, Robert Koppenal, Mary Lou Watkins, Linda Ann Isgro, Raymond DeSanti
OAKDALE REHABILITATION AND SKILLED NURSING CENTER – APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW
On behalf of the applicant, Attorney Sami Baghdady submitted an application for Site Plan Review, to construct several small additions to the existing Oakdale Nursing Home at 76 North Main Street. A review fee in the amount of $5,500 was submitted as well as the application fee in the amount of $1,200. It was noted that a balance of $3,036.34 remains in the Oakdale review account, monies that were to be expended for engineering inspections on the previous project, which was never constructed. The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. The applicant will inform the abutters as well as publish the legal ad twice in the Telegram & Gazette.
HANIOTI PROPERTIES – APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR HONEY DEW DONUTS AT 328 WEST BOYLSTON STREET
Hanioti Properties submitted an application for Site Plan Review for the construction of a Honey Dew Donuts Restaurant with a drive-through window at 328 West Boylston Street. Filing fees in the amount of $4,500 (engineering review) and $900 (application fee) were received. A public hearing was scheduled for June 27, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. The applicant will notify the abutters and publish the legal ad.
INCENTIVE ZONING: RULES AND REGULATIONS
Several members of the community attended the meeting in order to obtain more
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information on incentive zoning. It was explained that the Planning Board agenda item was to discuss Rules and Regulations concerning the “process” of applying for incentive zoning and that the bylaw was already in place. However, the Board invited input from the community members as to their concerns with affordable housing in general and the role of the Incentive Zoning Bylaw in particular.
Ms. Brenda Bowman, 18 Crescent Street, expressed her frustration with the attempt to establish an historical district in town and the lack of support from the Board of Selectmen and the Building Inspector. The proposed Chapter 40B project across the street from the Bowman’s home has not received a Certificate of Eligibility since March and she expressed her hope that clustered housing or incentive zoning could be implemented there instead. Ms. Paré noted that the area is zoned Business/General Residence closest to the street, which allows the construction of multi-family dwellings (i.e. condos) as “a right”. Mr. Gerard Bowman stated that “density” is the issue and the increased traffic flow onto what is already a busy street, especially during school hours. Ms. Paré stated
that the permitted number of units would have to be allowed, but the Planning Board’s role is to oversee construction issues such as drainage, etc. Mr. Ray DeSanti, 29 Valley Forge Circle, described the problems incurred during the construction of Afra Terrace, such as blasting, and questioned whether there should be concerns surrounding the amount of water being consumed by these large developments. He noted that there are already many “affordable” houses in the “battlefields” section of town.
Ms. Halpin stated that all towns are “under the gun” to meet the 10% quota for affordable housing but that residents of West Boylston have a case to get that percentage reduced due to the amount of state-controlled land in town. She encouraged residents to write to their representatives, asking for their help in reducing the percentage of required affordable housing. Ms. Bowman noted that Senator Chandler suggested this at a recent meeting but the Board of Selectmen did nothing to further the discussion. Ms. Paré explained the aim of the incentive zoning bylaw. Mr. DeSanti and Ms. Bowman noted their dissatisfaction with new housing that is allowed to negatively impact abutters, such as the large residences at the intersection of Maple and Shrewsbury Streets, whose drainage is causing flooding onto
adjoining properties.
ANR: 136 LAUREL STREET – ANTONIO
Mr. Ron Thunberg submitted an ANR plan to create two lots in an Aquifer Zone at 136 Laurel Street, on the corner of Laurel and Hosmer. Two Form(s) A, a mylar and six copies of the plan as well as a check in the amount of $400 were also submitted. Two “substantial” buildings have stood on the site, predating the 1954 enactment by the town of the Subdivision Regulations. The lot on which the house will remain is non-conforming as it does not have the required frontage to meet the current town Zoning Bylaws, however, after discussion, members decided that this newly created lot does meet the Chapter 81-L exemption, and therefore the Planning Board must sign the ANR
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plan. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to sign the ANR plan.
ANR: 137 SHREWSBURY STREET – SHELL OIL
Mr. Thunberg submitted another ANR plan on behalf of Shell Oil Company creating two lots at 137 Shrewsbury Street. The filing fee in the amount of $400, a mylar and six copies of the plan and two Form(s) A were also submitted. On motion of Mr. Salate and second of Ms. Paré, it was unanimously voted to sign the plan as it complies with the Subdivision Regulations as to area and frontage.
INSPECTION REPORTS
Hillside Village: It was decided that Mr. Staiti, Mr. Amico and the Freemans should be invited to attend the June 13th meeting of the Planning Board to finally resolve the issue of the flooding from Basin 2 onto the Freemans’ property. Heritage Design is supposedly reviewing the problem and working on a solution. The matter of finalizing the Hillside Conservation Restriction needs to be resolved as well. Ms. Halpin will email Mr. Staiti and ask him to come in and be prepared to discuss these matters.
Angell Brook: The Planning Board awaits the submission of an Application for an Amended Site Plan for the construction of the large berm at Angell Brook. Decisions also need to be made concerning a lottery for the three affordable units on Emily Drive. Ms. Halpin will contact Mr. Gaumond to discuss how to proceed with this matter. Ms. Paré stated that this procedure needs to be handled by the Housing Partnership and the Board of Selectmen.
Ernie’s Car Wash: Apparently, revisions are anticipated to the approved plan, including the addition of propane tanks and relocation of the sewer manhole. Mr. Amico will be asked to follow up and see whether an amended plan needs to be submitted.
D&S Realty: As-built plans have still not been submitted.
OTHER BUSINESS
Town Wide Planning Committee: The description of incentive zoning in the annual report of the Town Wide Planning Committee was not precise, Ms. Halpin reported. The requirement to be in the “General Residence” District was omitted. Ms. Halpin will contact Mr. Greenough and ask that this detail be corrected.
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New Zoning Map: Ms. Paré dropped off computer information for the proposed new zoning map with Craig Fitzgerald at the DCR. He hopes to have a map for “mark up” by the Planning Board in time for the next meeting.
MINUTES/BILLS
Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to approve as amended the Minutes of the May 9, 2007 Planning Board Meeting. An invoice was submitted for payment to the Postmaster for the purchase of a roll of $0.41 stamps. At 9:25 p.m., upon motion of Mr. Salate and second of Ms. Paré, it was unanimously voted to adjourn.
Date Accepted:____________ By:___________________________ Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:________________________
Susan Abramson
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