MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
APRIL 28, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Lawrence Salate, Patrick McKeon, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: Patricia Halpin
OTHERS PRESENT: Wayne Amico
The Chair opened the regular meeting of the Planning Board at 8:00 p.m.
INSPECTION REPORTS
Angell Brook: Mr. Amico was surprised to learn from Mr. Staiti that the base course had been laid at Angell Brook without VHB being notified, so no inspection was done. Mr. Vignaly stated that the developer will now have to drill cores and obtain a paving report. The cores cannot all be drilled down the center line, he added. VHB spot-checked the utilities and they appear to be OK. The Planning Board agreed that it would not have a problem if VHB drills the cores and prepares the paving report.
Hillside Village: Mr. Vignaly asked Mr. Amico whether someone could check and see whether there is water in the basin at Hillside. The Board never saw the report of the engineer hired by the Hillside Village Condo Association. The Planning Board still holds a bond in
the amount of $10,000, which the developer offered to the Condo Association, which they refused. Mr. Amico stated that it is his belief that soil in the basin under the sand has been compacted over the years and will not drain. It will need to be broken up without heavy equipment being placed on it.
Gerardo’s: A revised plan was submitted removing the house and adding additional pavement with parking. Mr. Amico stated that Mr. Sarli will need to submit a letter stating why he legally can use the un-owned land. Some grading has been done. Everything drains to the basin.
Minutes of the Planning Board Meeting 2.
April 28, 2010
Surabian (Wachusett Plaza): Mr. Amico reported that nothing has been done recently. Mr. Vignaly commented that the site is all gravel and has no vegetative cover.
Honey Dew Donuts (Hanioti): The developer has applied to the ZBA for variances for signs. Two of three sign permits were rejected by the Building Inspector. One is in excess of the 40 sf allowed under Section 5.6(4)(g) and the other proposed wall sign is in excess of the 30 sf allowed under Section 5.6(4)(e). Mr. Vignaly will draft a letter to the ZBA on behalf of the Planning Board, not in support of these requested variances.
CLUSTER ZONING
Ms. Paré stated that she believes it is too complicated to couple the Incentive and Cluster Zoning Bylaws. Even if there is no incentive, cluster zoning benefits the town. Incentives can be allowed for within a Cluster Zoning Bylaw. Mr. Vignaly queried what the town will get for allowing cluster zoning. Ms. Paré stated that the town will gain open space. Currently, the town is getting regular subdivision applications, which give the town neither credit towards its ComCap rating nor open space. This matter will be discussed further at the Board’s next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Sidewalks: Mr. Vignaly noted that Chapter 90 money is going to be used to remove the stone wall across the street from the Municipal Lighting Plant. He questioned how these funds are being used and how their use is prioritized. There are many sidewalks in town that are in drastic need of repair. Mr. Salate reported that the Sidewalk Committee wrote a five-year plan for sidewalk construction and improvement, using Chapter 90 money. As representative from the Planning Board to the Sidewalk Committee, Mr. Salate will ask Mr. Gaumond for the list which details how the Chapter 90 funds are being delegated.
MINUTES/BILLS
An invoice for payment to VHB was approved and signed. Upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Mr. McKeon, it was unanimously voted to approve as amended the Minutes of the April 14, 2010 Meeting and to approve as written the Minutes of the Continued Public Hearing for Star Tower, dated April 14, 2010. At 9:30 p.m., upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Mr. McKeon, it was unanimously voted to adjourn.
Date Accepted:______________ By:__________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:_______________________
Susan Abramson
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