MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 22, 2012
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Patrick McKeon, Marc Frieden, Vincent Vignaly, Lawrence Salate
MEMBERS ABSENT: Karen Paré
OTHERS PRESENT: Jonathan Fitch
All documents referenced in these Minutes are stored and available for public inspection in the Planning Board office, 127 Hartwell Street
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: SPRINT PCS: APPLICATION TO CO-LOCATE COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT ON EXISTING TOWER, 208 BEAMAN STREET
The applicant has requested that the public hearing be continued in order to have time to prepare revised plans for equipment that has been reconfigured. Upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Mr. Frieden, it was unanimously voted to continue the public hearing until May 9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. McKeon will notify the applicant of the date.
JONATHAN FITCH: WBMLP: DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED SUBSTATION PROJECT ON TEMPLE STREET
Mr. Jonathan Fitch, Manager of the West Boylston Municipal Lighting Plant, attended the meeting in order to discuss plans to replace old switches and transformers on two acres of land owned by the WBMLP behind the old landfill on Temple and Pierce Streets. The substation located at that site has been running since 1964 and needs updating. Mr. Fitch has already discussed his plans with the Building Inspector and intends to address the Conservation Commission as well. In response to a question from Mr. Vignaly, Mr. Fitch stated that no buildings will be erected on the site. Unless a building permit is issued, no Site Plan Review will be necessary, Mr. Vignaly stated. Under Section 3.2.D.1. of the Zoning Bylaws, this is an allowed use.
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February 22, 2012
Further discussion yielded the information that 38% of the town’s electrical power comes from the Millstone and Seabrook Nuclear power plants; 19% is hydro-electric power; 2% wind power from Brody Mountain and 1% solar. (I know, this doesn’t equal100%!!)
OLD BUSINESS: 242 WOODLAND STREET: CHANGES TO PLAN
Mr. Fitch reported that the WBMLP had reached an agreement with Mr. Hayes on moving the light pole in front of his house. Mr. Vignaly noted that the placement of the catch basin is the decision of the DPW and can remain in the middle of the driveway, if approved by the DPW. Mr. Vignaly also noted that construction plans are sent out by the Planning Board for review and comment by all pertinent departments before the first public hearing. It would have been helpful to have received comments from the DPW during the Site Plan Review process re the placement of the catch basin and the curb change.
WACHUSETT PLAZA: PROPOSED SITE DEVELOPMENT
Mr. McKeon was contacted by Mr. Surabian who informed him that the building he plans to construct for the liquor store at Wachusett Plaza is longer and narrower than the original proposal. It will not have a drive-thru but it will have a loading dock. After examining the Site Plan Approval conditions and the approved plans, Mr. Vignaly noted that the applicant needs to submit a building plan and show adequate parking. The relocation of the building must meet setback and parking requirements. The building on the plan is 6,000 sf and for retail, one parking space is required for every 250 sf. The Planning Board also needs to see written evidence that construction to date is in compliance with the conditions of the Approval. An agreement on the division of construction inspections was previously reached
between Thompson & Liston and VHB (see letter dated October 5, 2009). The Planning Board needs to see documentation from Thompson & Liston concerning their inspections and submittals. The construction inspection review fee will depend upon how much Thompson and Liston have already inspected. Evidence needs to be presented that the delivery trucks and dumpster hauler can maneuver around the building. Mr. Salate queried whether the new building is larger than 6,000 sf. If the footprint has changed, then an amended Site Plan Review may be necessary.
Mr. Vignaly stated that questions concerning deliveries, traffic circulation and parking need to be addressed. Under the Approval, he questioned whether conditions number seven, nine and twelve have been met. No building permit should be issued until the building plans are submitted and approved by the Planning Board. Missing easement documentation should also be submitted as well as approval from the Sewer Commission that the project is acceptable.
FEEDBACK ON MEETING FEBRUARY 13TH RE CHANGES TO SIGN BYLAW
Mr. McKeon represented the Planning Board at the February 13th meeting held to discuss changes to the Sign Bylaw. He reported that no businessmen (other than Mr. Hadley,
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February 22, 2012
Chair of the Economic Development Task Force) attended the meeting. The Building Inspector made a presentation on the problems with temporary signs. Mr. Philippe Chevalier reported that the Business Association in 1993-94 proposed changes that were never enacted. Mr. McKeon suggested the advisability of having clearly visible street numbers on all buildings. LED advertising signs were discussed as well.
NEW BUSINESS: Roundtable February 29th re Proposed Solar Project on Century Dr.
There will be a Roundtable held on February 29th to discuss plans for a 4 MW ground mounted solar project on the remaining vacant lot on Century Drive. Mr. McKeon will attend on behalf of the Planning Board. The completion of the road to the site by the applicant will be necessary as well as Site Plan Review by the Planning Board.
REPORTS FROM OTHER BOARDS: CMRPC
CMRPC submitted its annual estimate of the amount of money required to pay the costs and expenses of the town for the following fiscal year. Mr. Vignaly noted that the town’s fees increased by over $300 for F/Y 13 (an increase of 22.49%) and wondered whether this increase can be attributed to CMRPC using population numbers which include the prisoners at the Worcester County House of Corrections. Mr. Frieden agreed to contact CMRPC and get an explanation for the large increase.
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 8, 2012
Upon motion of Mr. Salate and second of Mr. Frieden, it was unanimously voted to approve as amended the Minutes of the February 8, 2012 Meeting of the Planning Board. At 9:20 p.m., upon motion of Mr. Frieden 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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