MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
OCTOBER 28, 2009
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Lawrence Salate, Patrick McKeon, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: Patricia Halpin
OTHERS PRESENT: Linda Isgro, John Westerling
STAR TOWER CO.: SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW AND SPECIAL PERMIT
Star Tower Company, LLC, has submitted an application for Special Permit and Site Plan Review for the construction of a wireless communications facility consisting of a One
Hundred (100’) foot monopole and ground-based communications equipment at 1 Century Drive, West Boylston. A public hearing on this application was scheduled for November 18, 2009 at 7:45 p.m.
HILLSIDE VILLAGE: BOND FOR DETENTION PONDS
The discussion of this matter was postponed at the request of the Hillside Village Condo Association pending further notification from this group.
HOUSING PRODUCTION PLAN
Mr. McKeon reported that Ms. Trish Settles from CMRPC has been asked to attend the next meeting of the Housing Partnership, to be held on November 18, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. Since the Planning Board has a public hearing scheduled for that evening at 7:30 p.m., it was decided to hold a regular, joint meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with the Housing Partnership. Mr. Vignaly again went over the “Housing Production Plan Requirements, Considerations and Information Request” document with the members of the Board and assigned responsibility for different items being requested.
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October 28, 2009
OLD BUSINESS
Letters in Support of Angell Brook’s LIP Application: Mr. McKeon drafted and presented to the Board draft letters to the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Board of Selectmen in support of the LIP application for three affordable housing units at Angell Brook. After a brief discussion, it was decided to ask Mr. Salate to sign the revised letters on behalf of the Planning Board and request that Ms. Harris sign on behalf of the Housing Partnership. Copies will go to Mr. Staiti.
Incentive Housing Bylaws: Ms. Paré reported that the “Monitoring Agreement”, the “Declaration of Covenants” and “Deed Riders” (concerning details of rental and ownership) have been received, to be attached to and made a part of the “Rules and Regulations of the West Boylston Planning Board for Incentive Housing Special Permits” document which is currently being prepared by the Planning Board.
Manor Restaurant: A gazebo, currently being constructed by the Manor Restaurant, is being allowed by the Building Inspector as long as its size is 120 sf or less. Neighbors of the Manor have expressed concern that its location abutting their properties will disturb their peace. Zoning Bylaws prohibit business from being conducted in a residential zone. The Board will follow up on this matter.
Franklin Street Ch. 40B Project: Ms. Linda Isgro attended the meeting in order to get feedback from the Planning Board on the status of the Chapter 40B project being planned for Franklin Street. The requested extension of the comprehensive permit expired at the end of October, 2009. The Planning Board asked Ms. Isgro to submit copies of the approved plan, dated April 18, 2006 that went with the project Approval of October 2006. The question is whether it is still “family housing” or whether there has been a significant change other than in its management.
DISCUSSION WITH DIRECTOR OF DPW
Mr. John Westerling attended the meeting and discussed the issue of maintenance for private roads, in response to a proposed amendment on the October 19, 2009 Semi-Annual Town Meeting Warrant (later withdrawn) to Article XII of the General Bylaws of the Town. Mr. Vignaly questioned why the town was doing any work at all on private roads. Mr. Westerling stated that the intent of the Article was to create a mechanism to allow necessary work to be done, which in the long run, is better for everyone on the street. The Amendment doesn’t say that the DPW is actually doing the work. Mr. Vignaly replied that someone in the town has to do the paperwork. Mr. Salate pointed out that road improvements help retain the tax value of the abutting houses. There is also the issue of fire safety, Mr. Westerling added. If repairs are required on a private road and one family balks at helping to pay the expenses, then the repairs could remain undone indefinitely. Mr. Westerling stated that he
was surprised to read that Mary and Edward are considered private roads, per the Warrant. Ms. Paré asked if everyone agrees that Jasmine Drive and
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Afra Terrace are private. Private roads that are part of a condominium project must remain private because these roads are not initially constructed to the same width and with the same durability requirements as public roads. Mr. Vignaly added that Buttercup and Stockwell are private as well, though they are not listed on the Warrant.
MINUTES/BILLS
An invoice to VHB for engineering review services was approved for payment. Upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Mr. McKeon, it was unanimously voted to accept as amended the Minutes of the October 14, 2009 Planning Board Meeting. At 9:15 p.m., it was unanimously voted to adjourn, after motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. McKeon.
Date Accepted:______________ By:______________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:___________________
Susan Abramson
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