MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
JANAURY 14, 2009
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Patricia Halpin, Karen Paré, Lawrence Salate, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: John Baker
OTHERS PRESENT: Wayne Amico, Robert Smith, Christopher Pallotta, George Eysiouv, Jim Valeriani, Donna Truex, John Bensley, Nanette St. Pierre, Ed St. Pierre
VERIZON WIRELESS: SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL PERMIT
Attorney Jim Valeriani, representing Verizon Wireless, submitted an application package for Special Permit and Site Plan Review for a collocation on the wireless communication tower on land owned by the Water Department on Beaman Street. Mr. Vignaly noted that he is concerned about washout from the access road onto Beaman Street, which could potentially be causing icing during the winter. He emailed the DPW Director, Mr. Westerling, asking for his input on the situation. Mr. Valeriani agreed to follow-up with Mr. Westerling. Mr. Valeriani reported that the tower is owned by TowerCo Assets, which purchased it from Nextel. The Verizon collocation will be at 75’. Ms. Paré reminded Mr. Valeriani that the Board requires a bond to be submitted for the removal of the equipment, if necessary.
Mr. Valeriani stated that he thought an amended site plan would be required because Verizon’s work would only be within the fenced compound. He asked that the Board consider an amended plan with a reduced fee. Mr. Vignaly stated that the Board still looks at all safety and access issues during its review. Any review fees remaining will be returned to Verizon. Mr. Vignaly added that, if erosion is a problem, Verizon will have to work with TowerCo and the Water Department to have the problem resolved. Although the road is not being changed, Mr. Valeriani agreed to submit plans showing the access road.
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ANR: WITKOWICZ: PRESCOTT STREET
Mr. Bob Smith from B&R Survey submitted an ANR Plan on behalf of Tad and Elizabeth Witkowicz, 90 Prescott Street, dividing their property into two lots. He submitted the filing fee, six copies of the Plan, a mylar and two Form(s) A. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to sign the Plan, as presented, under the Subdivision Control Law for ANR Plans.
ERNIE’S CAR WASH: SUBMITTAL OF AS-BUILT PLAN
Mr. Amico reported that Mr. Rich Doughty from VHB met with Mr. Pallotta at Ernie’s. VHB issued an as-built review letter dated January 9, 2009. Cores were taken and the test report showed that the only area of concern in the parking lot is adjacent to the dumpster pad. He recommended that this area be examined in the spring prior to placement of the top course. If VHB at that time determines that it is substandard, then the base course in that area will need to be replaced. The delta cement concrete island at the entrance will be installed in the spring prior to placement of the top course. Hydroseeding will also be completed during the spring growing season. Pavement markings will need to be applied once the top course is down. Mr. Amico stated that the contractor has done a good job but
VHB will need to be contacted in the spring before the top course is applied.
Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to issue Ernie’s Car Wash a Certificate of Completion, with conditions as stated above including a re-inspection by VHB of the base course and the application of the top course in the spring. The Building Inspector will be asked to inspect the hydroseeding, the concrete delta and pavement markings.
WORCESTER CORPORATE CENTER: REQUEST TO EXTEND SUBDIVISION APPROVAL
In order to retain the necessary permits until a purchaser is found for the remaining lot at Worcester Corporate Center, Ms. Donna Truex from Bowditch & Dewey submitted (on behalf of St. Pierre Associates II Limited Partnership) a request to extend the Subdivision Approval for Century Drive for an additional three years. Ms. Truex wrote and submitted to the Board a chronology of the development of the site. She stated that the 700 feet of roadway will be finished when a purchaser is found for the property. Mr. Vignaly stated that everyone would like to reduce the tax base and would like to see this site developed as soon as possible. He queried whether any thought had been given towards applying for funds from the soon-to-be-available economic stimulus package being offered by the government. Ms. St. Pierre
replied that she was in the beginning of that process and has tried to maintain political connections. A broker in Boston continues to market the property for industrial use. Mr. John Bensley from Beals & Thomas created three design possibilities to be used in the marketing process.
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Ms. Halpin noted that Mr. John Hadley from the town’s Economic Development Task Force contacted the Board to express the Task Force’s support for the request to extend the Approval. Mr. Vignaly stated that a buyer would preferably not be a non-profit organization, so that taxes could be collected. Ms. Truex acknowledged that would be preferable but stated that you cannot discriminate against a non-profit. Ms. St. Pierre stated that the site consists of 5 – 24 acres that can be subdivided. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Vignaly, it was unanimously voted to extend the Approval of the Worcester Corporate Center Subdivision Plan until February 1, 2012. Ms. Truex stated that covenants on the site will be extended along with the Approval.
INSPECTION REPORTS
Angell Brook: Mr. Vignaly noted that the Board, at its December meeting, agreed that it favored the erection of a fence at Angell Brook to screen the railroad tracks. Mr. Amico questioned whether a plan was submitted for the fence or whether an amended approval would be required. Ms. Paré stated that it was agreed that the fence could be shown on the as-built plan. Mr. Amico suggested that the Board, at this time, request at least a letter and a sketch for the project so that it has a better grasp of what to expect. Mr. Vignaly will email Mr. Staiti and inform him that the Board needs to have a sketch. Mr. Amico reported that the sewer work was completed to VHB’s satisfaction and the developer will notify VHB before more drainage is installed. Mr. Vignaly reported that he placed a
call to Keystone’s engineer, Cheryl Peterson, to discuss her inquiry about affordable housing, but she did not call him back.
Hillside Village: No engineering report has been received.
REPORTS FROM OTHER BOARDS
Townwide Planning Committee: Ms. Paré reported that the Committee will be holding a “SWOT” meeting on February 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to discuss the town’s “Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats”. A representative from each of the town’s boards will be asked to attend. Mr. Rockie Blunt will facilitate the discussion with the intention of helping to pinpoint the direction the town will be taking in years ahead. Ms. Halpin suggested that the Planning Board begin thinking about the position it should take during this discussion and Mr. Vignaly stated that the Open Space Plan, which is part of the Master Plan, needs to be tied-in to the discussion. The issue of Land Use will come at the end of the process and tie together other issues, such as
housing, Ms. Paré stated.
MINUTES/BILLS
Invoices were submitted for payment to VHB, the Postmaster and Susan Abramson, reimbursement for travel and expenditures. Upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Ms. Paré, it was unanimously voted to approve as amended the Minutes of the December 10, 2009 Meeting. At 9:05 p.m., upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Mr. Salate, it was
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unanimously voted to adjourn.
Date Accepted:____________ By:__________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:_____________________
Susan Abramson
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