MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
HELD
APRIL 25, 2007
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Karen Paré, John Baker, Lawrence Salate, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: Patricia Halpin
OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Peter and Mrs. Linda Isgro
Meeting called to order at 7:05 by Chair Paré.
PROPOSED ZONING CHANGES
Creating a new business district north of I-190 was discussed. Vignaly spoke to the majority land owner and he was in favor of the change from Single Residence to Business District, though he is concerned with the limitation on Contractor Yards needing a Special Permit from the ZBA.
A possible change to allow multiple habitable buildings per lot was also discussed. Vignaly presented a change to the Incentive Bylaw to include another bonus to allow greater than one habitable building per lot. The intent was to allow an increase and at the same time encourage development of affordable housing that the Town can control. The Board raised concerns regarding the application of this in the General Residence and Single Residence Districts. Further investigation is needed.
Update on the Stormwater Bylaw
The revised version of the Stormwater Bylaw was reviewed and discussed. The Stormwater Authority is noted to be the DPW, but this authority is transferred to its “designees” for all possible project types. This raises the concern for consistency of application of these rules and distribution of fees collected. Baker noted that this authority granted to each designee also appears to apply to the future operating and maintenance monitoring needs that would be the responsibility of the Planning Board for all Site Plan and Subdivision Plan projects. This should remain the authority of the DPW and needs to be corrected. Baker will draft a comment letter to John Westerling noting the Planning Board’s concerns.
Rules and Regulations for Incentive Zoning
Possible changes to the draft Incentive Zoning Regulations were discussed. Paré noted that the implementation should be clearly presented to the public. A standard Application Form should be prepared and the number of copies of the plans should be adequate for the Planning Board to receive input from other town boards. Details of some of the wording were discussed and changes will be incorporated into a draft for public review. Baker will contact Bob Barrell who works with this type of regulation in Hudson to get his input. Paré will contact the Westport Planning Board to ask them if they have made any progress with their regulation-writing.
Status Reports on current open projects
The Board reviewed the updated list from VHB.
Angell Brook – Coordination needed with Conservation Commission to review changes they approved for a berm, which change has not been submitted to the Board. Paré will contact Wayne at VHB to contact Mike Staiti for Board approval.
Gates Brook Landing – As-Built plans were submitted, but VHB’s review noted a long list of inconsistencies with the design plans. Additional information is needed to ensure that construction was done to the standards in the design.
Ernie’s Car Wash – ZBA approved the submittal for the expired Special Permit at the site.
D&S on Hartwell St. – Waiting for As-Builts. Vignaly will contact the owner.
Finders – No information submitted. No work visible.
Keepers – No information submitted and discussion of sending another letter ended because the Board should not need to hold the applicant’s hand through the process.
Old Century Farm Drive – Board received a letter noting that the repairs and preparation of paperwork for Town Acceptance will not be done until this Fall.
Paré will email the Building Inspector requesting As-Built Plans and Certifications for Webster Federal Credit Union, Jungle Jim’s, and Mass Materials.
proposed Local Historical District
A letter was received from Linda Isgro regarding the benefits to the town of implementing a General Town Bylaw for a Local Historical District. The benefits are that 50% matching funding of projects within the designated area is available. Application to and approval from the Board of Selectmen, following creation of a study group, and a super majority vote at Town Meeting is the process to be followed. Holden has established three Districts. Bylaws to implement the creation of this District would follow the wishes of the townspeople. No defined limit of the proposed Local Historical District was set.
DCR Technical Assistance offer
DCR sent a letter offering free copies of references used by the Planning Board. It was a no-brainer and the Board decided to notify DCR that they would appreciate the references suggested.
Special Municipal Employee status
The Board reviewed the list of Special Municipal Employees presented by the Board of Selectmen. Despite reports to the contrary from the previous Town Administrator, Planning Board members are currently NOT designated as Special Municipal Employees. Motion by Baker, second by Salate to request the Selectmen designate the members of this Board to be such. Unanimous.
OTHER BUSINESS
Notice from Senator Chandler’s office regarding Brownfields was discussed and the Board thought that only the Shell Depot and the Town landfill would be subject properties. No response is to be sent from this Board.
Afra Terrace received a notice from the Massachusetts Historical Commission requesting them to separate the lot that contains Native American artifacts into an area where a conservation restriction can be placed to protect it from alteration.
Paré attended the last Finance Committee Meeting to review budgets. The balanced budget is “Draconian” and no funding for the Planning Board was included in that. Paré presented the Board’s request for funding for administrative support to enact the Zoning and Bylaw changes in the Master Plan and received Kudos from the Finance Committee for all the things the Board does with no Town financial support.
MINUTES
The Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting on 4/11/07 were reviewed. Motion Salate, second Vignaly to accept the minutes as amended. Unanimous.
The Minutes from the Public Hearing for the Zoning Change for Convalescent and Nursing Homes were reviewed. Motion Salate, second Vignaly to accept the minutes as written! Unanimous.
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Salate, second Vignaly, at 9:55. Unanimous.
Date Accepted:
Submitted By:
Vincent P. Vignaly
| 
