MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
16 WOODLAND STREET APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW
MARCH 24, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Lawrence Salate, Patricia Halpin, Patrick McKeon, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Christopher Gagne
Mr. Christopher Gagne, engineer for the 16 Woodland Street project, attended the meeting in order to get input from the Planning Board concerning the size and location of parking spaces adjacent to the current structure (house) at the site. He stated that the addition to the building will be 1300 sf to be used for retail, dog grooming and storage on the first floor for items used in the owners’ radon abatement business. VHB has recommended that the parking spaces on the current plan be reconfigured to achieve a better turning radius. Mr. Vignaly suggested that the spaces be angled or that the driveway be made one-way. The radius is currently 11’, Mr. Gagne stated, but could be 16’ if the grass could be cut back. Mr. Gagne is concerned that if he extends the parking, he will no longer be
grandfathered in the setback. No pavement is being added, he stated. Parking spaces on the plan are 9x17’, which does not meet with the current zoning regulations.
Ms. Paré inquired about the 20% grade in the parking area and Mr. Vignaly asked whether the Board would want to allow a reduced turning radius. Mr. McKeon stated that making the driveway one-way with the entrance from Pierce Street and angling the spaces could be a solution. The spaces on the other side of the building are 9x18’. Ms. Paré stated that she is concerned about storm-water and feels that the proposed structure will be too big for the lot. She inquired whether plans have changed since consultation with the DCR. Mr. Gagne stated that the building size has been reduced. Ms. Halpin asked the size of the vans making deliveries to the warehouse and whether they could easily navigate past the parked cars. Mr. Gagne replied that the vans would be 12’ box trucks, able to
access the doors to the warehouse. Mr. Vignaly commented that the delivery vehicles would have a hard time backing in and making the angle around the cars that are parallel parked. Even if these trucks can make the turn, the Board cannot plan on the next owner of the property having a business that doesn’t require larger trucks. Ms. Paré questioned whether there would be enough room to pass behind parked cars when exiting onto Woodland Street. Mr. Vignaly stated that he would like to see proof from a “site design manual” to justify the revised angles and turning radii.
Minutes of the Planning Board Cont’d Public Hearing 2.
March 24, 2010 – 16 Woodland Street
Ms. Halpin noted that an area for snow storage is still not shown on the plan. She also questioned how someone can access any retail establishment located in the addition. She noted that this is a large amount of space for “dog” retail. It would work better if the owner uses the retail space as office space, Ms. Paré noted. There is currently a paved parking lot, Ms. Paré added, and if it is to be reconfigured, then the plan should be shown to the Building Inspector. If the Building Inspector denies using the existing pavement while restriping and altering the curb cuts, then the applicant must appeal to the ZBA. In any event, Mr. Gagne should ask the Building Inspector to communicate his decision to the Planning Board. Mr. Vignaly reminded Mr. Gagne that screening and the
snow removal area need to be shown on the plan.
Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Vignaly, it was unanimously voted to continue the public hearing until April 28, 2010 at 7:00.
Date Accepted:____________ By:_____________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:_______________________
Susan Abramson
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