MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
SEPTEMBER 28, 2011
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Patrick McKeon, Marc Frieden, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly, Lawrence Salate
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Wayne Amico, Kevin McCormick, Chris Rucho, Mike Kane
All documents referenced in these Minutes are stored and available for public inspection in the Planning Board office, 127 Hartwell Street
The Chair opened the meeting at 8:50 p.m., following the closing of the public hearing for Beehive Builders.
BEEHIVE BUILDERS APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW: VOTE TO APPROVE
Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Salate, it was voted, four ayes, to approve the requested waivers for Beehive Builders. Mr. Vignaly voted no. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Frieden, it was unanimously voted to approve the Site Plan Review Application of Beehive Builders, with conditions as previously delineated. Ms. Wilson agreed to deliver the requisite number of approved plans before the next meeting.
DISCUSSION OF SEWER CAPACITY
Mr. McCormick joined the meeting, and the discussion of sewer capacity ensued at that time. Ms. Paré asked whether anyone can definitely say that the system has enough capacity to handle a big user. Mr. McCormick stated that Weston & Sampson attended a recent meeting of the Board of Selectmen in order to answer this question, but it was difficult to get specific information. A thorough report from Weston & Sampson would cost the town a lot of money. Mr. Vignaly asked whether the town has been paid yet for the sewer improvements and Mr. McCormick stated that it is still owed about $692,000. Mr. Vignaly asked if Mr. McCormick could ascertain where the “problem sites” are located
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within the system. Mr. Vignaly suggested that the Planning Board put “something in writing” for the Board of Selectmen, stating the Planning Board’s concerns and questions. Mr. Amico noted that, in some municipalities, when an applicant comes in to develop a large parcel, that applicant is made to prove there is enough capacity. This matter will be discussed at the next meeting, after which Mr. Vignaly will draft a letter to the Board of Selectmen.
DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE SIDEWALK ZONING BYLAW
Ms. Paré queried whether the Board wishes to consider proposing a “sidewalk” Zoning Bylaw. Mr. McCormick agreed that sidewalks would provide better safety and enhance the looks of Route 12. Ms. Paré noted that the Economic Development Task Force is in favor of the installation of sidewalks, as well. Ms. Paré stated that the sidewalk requirement should fall within Section 3.6 of the Zoning Bylaws. Mr. Amico made the suggestion that the wording could state…”at the discretion of the Planning Board”. If sidewalks are installed, there is the question of maintenance. Mr. Kane noted that now, the DPW maintains certain sidewalks in town and those which they don’t maintain, are the responsibility of the property owner, for plowing and cleaning. Ms. Paré volunteered to draft a sidewalk bylaw to be discussed at a later date.
DISCUSSION OF OUTSTANDING AS-BUILT PLANS
The spreadsheet listing outstanding as-built plans was not brought to the meeting, so this discussion was postponed until next meeting. There are outstanding as-builts for Finders, Gerardos, Gates Brook Landing and Mass Materials Research.
DHCD MEMO: SHI INVENTORY
The Planning Board was given a copy of a Memorandum from DHCD, “Subsidized Housing Inventory Biennial Update” showing 3.48% subsidized. Ms. Paré noted that there are nine units at Afra Terrace which need to be added. She previously did a substantial amount of research and has deeds and deed riders, all of which she will email to Mr. Gaumond.
OLD BUSINESS
Follow-up: Changes to Section 2.5 of the Zoning Bylaws: There will be no need to hold a public hearing on the minor changes to the Flood Plain Bylaw that were requested by the Town Administrator. The changes were voted at Town Meeting and approved by the Attorney General, however, they were not inserted in the changes to the actual Zoning Bylaws when the Town Clerk was adding the other amendments.
Follow-up: Bond Requirement for Lawrence Street Cell Tower: The applicant informed the Planning Board that a bond was already being held by the town for the dismantling of the Lawrence Street Tower. The bond was issued in 1998 to “Tele-Corp”, a
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company which has morphed into AT&T. Although the original bond could not be located, Mr. Mike Coveney, Superintendent of the Water District, contacted Travelers Insurance and
was informed that only the bond number is needed for verification in the event that the town needs to claim the bond. Travelers also sent a copy of the bond. The Treasurer, Ms. Yasick, will be given a copy of the paperwork pertaining to the bond.
Follow-up: CMRPC Conference on Census Data: Ms. Paré and Mr. Vignaly attended a conference on interpreting census data, held by CMRPC. A university professor discussed demographics. “General data” is survey data. Since 2000, the American Communities Survey (which used to be the census long-form) is conducted with three million people every month. Large cities can look at these numbers and receive current data. Small towns look at a sample from the last five years to get a better idea of how things are changing. Group homes, the jail, etc. are called “group quarters”. The seminar was helpful because it identified what information is being looked at. Mr. Vignaly noted that, when using the data in documents such as the Master Plan, you
should always cite where the information came from. Important websites were noted and advice given on how to write a Housing Production Plan. It should start with a vision for the community. Community profiles are available from the CMRPC website.
Mr. Frieden mentioned that the CMRPC transportation plan for the region is done. They seem to have the idea that West Boylston is in a good situation and there is little need for transportation improvements.
REPORTS FROM OTHER BOARDS
Economic Development Task Force: Mr. McKeon reported that Mr. Bill Chase, a new member of the Task Force, suggested that a three-sided kiosk be placed at the beginning of the rail trail (or a refreshment stand) listing local attractions, shopping, etc. Mr. Salate noted that in Northhampton, there is a restaurant in the railroad siding along the trail. Mr. Frieden suggested that the rail trail would be a good spot to install a large “railroad type” of sign, describing the local attractions.
ZBA: Ms. Paré noted that the application for a Special Permit for an accessory apartment on Malden Street for John Hadley was approved by the ZBA, but they made him attach the apartment to the house by building a breezeway in order to meet the “letter of the law”. The Planning Board should discuss the interpretation of this bylaw. It was originally intended for limited use within big, old houses and would not be visible from the street. People now want to do it differently, Ms. Paré noted. Ms. Paré submitted a current model bylaw for the Boards’ perusal. The question is, where is the line between two-family houses and accessory apartments? The question needs to be brought before the town so the bylaw matches reality. Mr. Frieden queried whether the
Board could take a straw poll at Town Meeting to see whether people want this change. Ms. Paré stated that, if it’s a bad bylaw, then the Board should change it. The matter will be discussed at the next meeting.
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PAYMENT OF INVOICES/REVIEW OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2011
No invoices were submitted for payment. Upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to approve as amended the Minutes of the September 14, 2011 Public Hearing for Beehive Builders. Upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to approve as amended the Minutes of the September 14, 2011 Planning Board Meeting.
At 9:25 p.m., upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to adjourn.
Date Accepted:___________ By:_____________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:______________________
Susan Abramson
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