MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD
JUNE 23, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Vincent Vignaly, Patricia Halpin, Patrick McKeon, Lawrence Salate
MEMBERS ABSENT: Karen Paré
OTHERS PRESENT: Iqbal Ali, Chris Goodnow, Ed Attella, Michael Kane, Kevin McCormick
ANR: 304 LANCASTER STREET: CRESCENT BUILDERS
Mr. Iqbal Ali attended the meeting and resubmitted the ANR plan for 304 Lancaster Street. Mr. Vignaly asked to be recused because of his employment by the DCR and Mr. McKeon, Vice Chair, led the discussion. The plan was amended by the addition of a locus and a signature block. Form A was completed by the addition of the signature and address of the property owner and the deed book and page numbers. There is adequate frontage and access. Upon motion of Ms. Halpin and second of Mr. Salate, it was voted, three ayes, to sign the ANR plan.
REVIEW OF PROPOSED PROJECT: GOODNOW AUTO SALES LLC
Mr. Chris Goodnow and his attorney, Mr. Ed Attella, attended the meeting in order to discuss with the Planning Board plans for opening a used car lot on Route 12. Mr. Goodnow has already received a Special Permit from the ZBA and has been before the Board of Selectmen for a license. Mr. Attella asserted that Site Plan Review is not required based upon the decision of the ZBA. Mr. Vignaly stated that he understands that the Planning Board does not have jurisdiction officially yet from the Code Enforcement Officer. Mr. Attella stated that the reason not to apply for Site Plan Review anyway is a matter of “dollars and cents”. Mr. Goodnow is appearing before the Planning Board in order to be “upfront” about his project and to gather input from the Planning Board.
Mr. Goodnow described the site and the plans. Based upon direction by the ZBA, he will move his customer parking from the front of the building. The “trash” area will be fenced in (if trash pickup becomes a necessity). Flower beds and perennials will be planted along the street and the trailer will have a “skirt” and landscaping surrounding it. There is already
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some paving where the current curb-cut is located, but crushed stone (pervious) will be used instead of paving. A seven-year lease has been signed and if business is profitable, a permanent building instead of the trailer may be considered. The trailer will be a “good size”, containing three offices and it will have a handicapped ramp. Mr. Vignaly stated that he “assumes there will be no increased drainage flow” off the property. Some site work has already been done, Mr. Attella stated, because the owners were previously thinking of building on the site.
Ms. Halpin inquired whether contact had been made with Mr. Surabian, the owner of the shopping center immediately adjoining the site, concerning landscaping. Mr. Surabian has already put in shrubs along the property line. Mr. Goodnow stated that he will clear the brush from the site, up to the line. Ms. Halpin asked whether evergreens will be planted in front and Mr. Goodnow stated that is his intention. There are supposed to be sidewalks on that side of Route 12, Mr. Vignaly stated, and asked whether land could be cleared along the front of the site so that pedestrians would have a place to walk. Mr. Goodnow agreed to do this. Mr. Vignaly also suggested that moving the trailer so that its side faces the road would cost less for utility hook-ups and create more space for parking the used cars.
Although it is not required, Mr. Vignaly stated that Mr. Goodnow might want to consider going through the Site Plan Review process in order to create goodwill in town and good press for his project. The process was explained and Mr. Vignaly stated that many waivers would apply, so that the costs could be kept to a minimum. Lighting is always an issue, Mr. Vignaly stated, and Mr. Goodnow replied that his would be directed down, towards the trailer. Dumpsters should only be emptied between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Ms. Halpin suggested that a 40 sf sign should be adequate for the property
DISCUSSION OF UPDATE TO THE MASTER PLAN: DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
At the request of Mr. Gaumond, the “Development Services” portion of the Master Plan was reviewed and discussed. Minor changes to the wording will be communicated to Mr. Gaumond. Ms. Halpin stated that there should be a system so that timely information is provided by each department.
REVIEW OF BONDS: TRACKING
This agenda item was requested by Ms. Paré. Since she is not at the meeting, Ms. Abramson informed the Board that she had discussed the issue with Ms. Paré and plans were made to create a “bond reference folder” containing information on all outstanding bonds held by the Planning Board, as well as creating a spreadsheet with the same information.
ANGELL BROOK: CORE DRILLING
By email between Mr. Amico and Mr. Staiti, Mr. Vignaly requested that core drillings at Angell Brook be taken along the shoulder of the road as well as in the center.
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REPORTS FROM OTHER BOARDS
Transportation: Mr. Salate reported that the Transportation Committee will be meeting tomorrow and will discuss the proposal to make Franklin Street, from Route 140 to Route 12, one-way. The Planning Board supports this proposal. Another item for discussion will be an effort to get the speed limit reduced on Route 12. Business owners feel the speed of the cars is too great and impedes business. Mr. Vignaly requested that the issue of sidewalk construction be discussed for Franklin Street.
Open Space Implementation Committee: Paperwork is being completed for submission to the Community Preservation Committee for the purchase by the town of the Kent property on Lee Street. The sum of $140,000 is being requested. The property will be managed by the Water District. The Kent’s are requesting that public access be retained after the sale of the property. The town has to purchase at the appraised value, with the Water District making up the price differential, up to the $155,000 asking price. The Worcester Land Trust may be able to get a grant for up to $70,000.
PROPOSED ZONING BYLAW CHANGES
A public hearing will be held on August 11th to consider the proposed changes to the Zoning Bylaws, including a new section on Cluster Zoning, clarification of the Incentive Zoning Bylaw and a change to the Accessory Apartment Bylaw indicating that the apartment does not need to be in the primary house. Ms. Halpin stated that the Planning Board needs to get input from the Planning Board on these proposals.
APPEAL OF ZBA VARIANCE RE HANIOTI DECISION
At a special meeting held June 21st, the Planning Board voted not to appeal the decision of the ZBA to allow Hanioti to erect an over-sized sign on their proposed building site on Route 12. Mr. Vignaly will draft a letter to The Banner explaining the Planning Board’s position.
MINUTES/BILLS
An invoice for payment to VHB for engineering review services was approved and the voucher signed. Upon motion of Mr. Salate and second of Mr. McKeon, it was unanimously voted to approve as amended the Minutes of the June 9, 2010 Meeting of the Planning Board.
At 8:45 p.m., upon motion of Mr. McKeon and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to adjourn.
Date Accepted:_____________ By:_________________________
Submitted By:_______________ Karen Paré, Clerk
Susan Abramson
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