MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
STAR TOWER APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW AND SPECIAL PERMIT
APRIL 28, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Lawrence Salate, Patrick McKeon, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: Patricia Halpin
OTHERS PRESENT: Wayne Amico, Scott Heffernan, Cale Miller
The Chair opened the continued public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Amico stated that the technical requirements have now been met. The applicant brought in a wetlands expert who determined that the site is not a resource area so stormwater management requirements do not have to be met. Some requirements, however, for stormwater treatment have been met.
Ms. Paré inquired whether requests for waivers have been presented and justification presented for granting those waivers. She inquired as to the disposition of the tower if it falls over. Mr. Miller stated that the tower has been “over-engineered” and would collapse on itself if ever there is wind strong enough to cause it to topple. It will buckle at the height of 50’, creating a “head to toe” fall, so it will not reach the property line. There is another tower in Boylston, she pointed out, that is less than two miles away. Mr. Miller explained that this tower is built on a ridge and does not provide coverage that will overlap with that of the proposed tower.
Mr. Amico listed the required Waivers on page 22 of his review letter. He ascertained that the Planning Board is satisfied that abutting towns and cities have been notified. The Conservation Commission was not required to issue any Determination or Orders of Condition because this is not a regulated area. The Board needs to consider whether it needs to vote on the scale of the Plan, as well, Mr. Amico stated.
The applicant submitted a check in the amount of $3,000 in partial payment of the total amount owed to VHB. Ms. Paré noted that a bond will be required for the dismantling of the tower and Star Tower equipment, which is usually in the amount of $25,000.
Minutes of the Continued Public Hearing 2.
April 28, 2010 – Star Tower
Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. McKeon, it was unanimously voted to close the public hearing.
Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Vignaly, it was unanimously voted to approve the following waivers:
Section 2.7-4.c. Waiver to construct the proposed tower within two (2) miles of an existing tower.
Section 2.7-4.e. Waiver from the requirement that the tower shall not be erected nearer to the property line than a distance equal to the vertical height of the tower.
Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. McKeon, it was unanimously voted to approve the Site Plan and issue a Special Permit to Star Tower LLC and T-Mobile Northeast, LLC for a New Wireless Communications Facility at 1 Century Drive.
Mr. Amico alerted the applicant’s engineers that a pre-construction meeting will have to take place with VHB present. After that, probably only two more inspections will be needed. The balance of the review fees must be paid and inspection fees as well before a Building Permit will be issued.
Date Accepted:____________ By:_________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:______________________
Susan Abramson
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