MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
JANUARY 13, 2010
STAR TOWER APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL PERMIT AND SITE PLAN REVIEW
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Lawrence Salate, Patricia Halpin, Patrick McKeon, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Wayne Amico, Milo Howard, Paula Howard, Marino Morazzini, Cale Miller, Mary Noyes, Robert Noyes, Christopher Gagne, Scott Heffernan
The continued public hearing was opened at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Scott Heffernan represented the applicant. He submitted a drainage report, revised plans, a Tower Design Plan and Communication Pole Design Calculations. The geo-tech study was ordered following the first public hearing but has not as yet been completed.
The current tower does not exceed 100’ in height although it has the structural integrity to withstand a vertical addition. An extra 20% expansion was factored in. Pursuant to a question from Ms. Paré, Mr. Heffernan explained that the tower is designed to double-over and fall upon itself in the event of a catastrophe. It is located 45’ from the property line and 190’ from FedEx, which is the closest building.
Mr. Vignaly asked whether the applicant has submitted a written request for waivers. Mr. Heffernan explained that Mr. Wilson, who represented Star Tower at the first public hearing, is on leave from the company, so some of the Planning Board’s requests have not been met. Waiver requests need to include placement of the tower less than 2 miles from the nearest tower location; proximity to the property line, and the scale of the plan. Bonds will be required to be submitted for the tower removal and for removal of the equipment on the tower.
Ms. Paré cautioned that the applicant needs to show that the drainage (detention) pond will still function after the construction of the tower. Mr. Heffernan indicated that the calculations show a reduction in runoff there. Ms. Paré also queried whether the applicant needs to file an application with the Conservation Commission. Mr. Amico
Minutes of the Continued Public Hearing 2.
Jan. 13, 2010 -Star Tower
stated that the regulations state that detention basins constructed after 1985 do not create wetlands and thus do not have to file with the Conservation Commission.
Mr. Heffernan stated that the facility will be unmanned. In response to a question from Ms. Halpin, he explained that air traffic in part dictates whether a company will construct a monopole or a unipole. Antennas can be more easily added to monopoles, although there are many unipoles still being constructed. Federal laws do not prevent a Planning Board from requesting one type of pole above another.
Mr. Amico referred to his original comment letter, dated November 11, 2009. He still needs to receive a written response to the issues he raised in that letter, including requests for waivers. He asked whether he now has received all submittals and Mr. Heffernan stated that he is not sure. He needs to review the correspondence left by Mr. Wilson. Mr. Vignaly asked that Mr. Amico check the drainage calculations to ensure that the driveway is more permeable. He also requested that the grading for the swale be checked and asked how the slope will be treated. Mr. Amico stated that his recollection is that it has a 1:5 – 1:0 slope and that he recommended the use of rock fill and fabric.
Mr. Amico requested that the applicant try to quantify the number of trees to be removed and Mr. Vignaly stated that he wants to see the grading of the channel on the plan. Calculations for the sizing of the culverts also need to be shown. Mr. Amico stated that the size of the culverts may be fine because the pipes from FedEx were not too big.
Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Ms. Halpin, it was unanimously voted to continue the public hearing until February 10, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Amico requested that he be notified by January 22nd if Mr. Heffernan does not feel that he can get all of his data submitted in a timely fashion to be ready for that date.
Date Accepted:____________ By:_________________________
Karen Paré
Submitted By:_____________________
Susan Abramson
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