MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
MARCH 14, 2012
MEMBERS PRESENT: Marc Frieden, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly, Lawrence Salate
MEMBERS ABSENT: Patrick McKeon
OTHERS PRESENT: Ben Orichi, Andy Candiello, Patrick Healy, Andrew Surabian
All documents referenced in these Minutes are stored and available for public inspection in the Planning Board office, 127 Hartwell Street
Mr. Frieden chaired the meeting in the absence of Mr. McKeon.
Wachusett Plaza: Discussion of Building Plans
Mr. Patrick Healy, engineer for Wachusett Plaza, attended the meeting and asked that the changes to the approved plan be considered minor and not require an amended Site Plan Review. A liquor store, with a gross floor area of 6,300 s.f. and a net floor area of 6,013 s.f., is proposed. The original approval called for a building of 6,000 s.f. The building will have a loading dock in place of a drive-through. A small retaining wall is proposed along the ramp to the loading dock. Mr. Healy asserted that trash trucks will be able to navigate around the building to empty the dumpster and delivery trucks will be able to reach the loading dock. Mr. Healy submitted plans to show the proposed building as well as turning movements for the trash truck and the delivery truck. The curbing has been altered to
increase the turning radius. The location of the building will be 3 – 4 feet closer to the road, but still outside the setback.
The final Amendment of Easement was submitted. Ms. Paré asked for details of changes to the drainage. The only change to the drainage system will be minor. A drainage inlet will be connected at the bottom of the loading dock ramp. There will be no increase in impervious area or runoff. The elimination of the drive-through lane allows space for an additional landscaped area. There will be more than the 26 spaces required for parking, Mr. Surabian stated, and the stairs will still remain. Mr. Healy stated that the rain garden was already planted and is operating well.
Minutes of the Planning Board 2.
March 14, 2012
No sewer connection permit has been submitted because building plans need to be complete and an application submitted before a sewer connection permit is issued. A copy of the permit will be submitted once it is obtained. Ms. Paré inquired what other inspections remain to be conducted. Sewer tie-ins and the sewer pump will need to be inspected. Roof drains will have to be tied-in. Ms. Paré stated that these changes can be incorporated into the final, as-built plan. Mr. Surabian submitted copies of the floor plans and the elevations as well. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to accept the changes to the Wachusett Plaza approved plan as minor, to be included in the final, as-built plan. All conditions of the original Approval remain in
effect.
METRO PCS: VOTE TO APPROVE SPECIAL PERMIT AND SITE PLAN
Mr. Frieden reopened the regular meeting following the close of the public hearing for MetroPCS. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Vignaly, it was unanimously voted to Approve the Special Permit and Site Plan for MetroPCS subject to receipt of a $5,000 bond for equipment removal. Ms. Paré will prepare the Approval, to be signed at the next meeting. The Approval will be released upon receipt of the bond.
OPEN MEETING LAW: DISCUSSION OF NEW AMENDMENTS
Several recent advisories have been received from Town Counsel concerning the Open Meeting Law. Upon review, Ms. Paré noted that those items most affecting the Planning Board are the advisories against expressing any opinions or conducting any Board business via email. Agendas must also ensure that they give adequate information and be
updated if possible prior to the meeting if any topic not in the meeting notice needs to be discussed.
NEW BUSINESS: Watershed Protection Map Update: A new Watershed Protection Act (WsPA) map was prepared and presented by the Department of Conservation and Recreation containing lots created between 1991 and 2009; low-yield aquifers; and any land recently purchased by the DCR.
Subsidized Housing Inventory (“SHI”) Biennial Update: The newly issued update shows 2,729 year round housing units, with a figure of 4.76% subsidized. Total SHI units number 130. Twenty-six units at Franklin Street have been restored, as well as 9 of 13 units at Afra Terrace.
OLD BUSINESS: Discussion of Project Roundtable: SPG Solar, Century Drive:
Mr. McKeon represented the Planning Board at the Roundtable on February 29th and submitted Notes to the Board summarizing the meeting. Mr. Salate noted that the useful life of the panels is only 20 years, although they could last for 40 years. Ms. Paré stated that the town would not get much, if any, increased tax revenue from the project. Mr. Scheid was pushing for PILOT funds. Mr. Frieden queried whether the panels will generate more energy than can be used on site. Ms. Paré stated that, either the landowners (St. Pierre) or the applicant will be required to finish the road to the site.
Minutes of the Planning Board 3.
March 14, 2012
OTHER TOPICS NOT ANTICIPATED BY THE CHAIR PRIOR TO THE MEETING
Ms. Paré noted that complaints have been more numerous about households having chickens on their premises. She noted that there are no town bylaws concerning the ownership of wildlife, although the Board of Health has policies in place. Ms. Paré queried whether there is a need in town for a General Bylaw concerning the ownership of wildlife. Mr. Salate stated that there have been state laws in effect for years concerning the ownership of wildlife.
REPORTS FROM OTHER BOARDS
Housing Trust: Mr. Frieden reported that the Housing Trust has submitted a request for CPC funds in the amount of $10,000, to hire a consultant to advise how, where and when to build affordable housing in town.
Town Wide Planning Committee: The intent of the Committee is still to have the amended Master Plan ready for approval at Town Meeting in October, Ms. Paré reported. She stated that she needs to revisit the Land Use portion of the Plan and update the Land Use maps.
DRAFT MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 22, 2012/PAYMENT OF INVOICES
Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to approve as amended the Minutes of the February 22, 2012 Meeting of the Planning Board. An invoice was approved for payment to VHB for engineering review services.
At 8:35 p.m., upon motion of Ms. Paré 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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