MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
MARCH 28, 2012
MEMBERS PRESENT: Patrick McKeon, Marc Frieden, Karen Paré
MEMBERS ABSENT: Vincent Vignaly, Lawrence Salate
OTHERS PRESENT: None
All documents referenced in these Minutes are stored and available for public inspection in the Planning Board office, 127 Hartwell Street
MetroPCS: Century Drive Wireless Communications Tower: Sign Approval
Ms. Paré presented a draft Approval for the MetroPCS collocation on the wireless communications tower at 290A Century Drive. Following a review of the draft Approval, it was signed by all members present. The Approval will be held pending receipt of the Removal Bond from the applicant.
Discussion of Draft Letter re Sewer Capacity Assessment
Mr. Vignaly submitted previously a draft letter to the Board of Selectmen with questions and concerns about sewer capacity assessment. The Board reviewed the letter and made suggestions for minor changes. Mr. McKeon will forward the letter to the Board of Selectmen after the changes have been made.
New Business
Discussion of Kopelman and Paige Memorandums, dated March 20, 2012 re Telecommunications Act Amendment and Regulating Solar Access
Ms. Paré noted the importance of “Practical Considerations in Applying Section 6409” on the second page of K&P’s letter re: “Telecommunications Act Amendment – Existing Facilities – Approval of Modification”. It states, “If, however, your bylaw…requires a new
Minutes of the Planning Board Meeting 2.
March 28, 2012
special permit for “collocation” or removal and/or replacement, the effect of Section 6409 is to make such provisions no longer enforceable”. Section 2.7.4.a. of the town’s Zoning Bylaws call for a Special Permit and Site Plan Review for collocation, Ms. Paré stated, so that section of the Bylaws will need to be amended. She suggested that the amendment be prepared and presented to Town Meeting in October. Mr. McKeon will prepare proposed language for the change.
It was noted that the Letter of Memorandum from K&P re Regulating Solar Access was timely and informative.
Reports From Other Boards
Economic Development Task Force: Mr. McKeon reported that he attended a meeting of the EDTF at which signs were again discussed. He was asked to poll the members of the Planning Board to see if they have any objections to digital signs, which would scroll a message, such as “restaurant specials”. These types of signs are currently permitted in Boylston. Ms. Paré noted that it is important to meet current technology and these signs are less expensive for businesses. She added, however, that care needs to be taken that the movement of the signs not become a distraction for drivers. Too many messages create clutter. Mr. Frieden stated that these signs would also help movie theatres and might possibly be used by the town to announce coming activities.
Mr. McKeon stated that the idea of allowing temporary signs for 60-90 days was also discussed, with a corresponding longer period to wait until erecting another temporary sign. It was pointed out that a lot of temporary signs are seasonal (i.e. ice cream shops). Ms. Paré noted that a loophole in the Sign Bylaw also needs to be fixed, which permits signs on trucks that are parked to advertise a business (not just the normal signs indicating the name of the business on the side of a commercial vehicle). Mr. McKeon stated that the EDTF will work out a proposal. He noted that the number of temporary signs would probably decrease if digital signs are allowed.
ZBA: An application for a Special Permit has been filed for property at 68 Newton Street at which the applicant seeks to “maintain an accessory apartment upon the property”. Ms. Paré noted that it is not clear that there ever was a Special Permit for this property and it is in a Single Residence District, not “SR, Multi Houses”. The applicant must prove that the property was used as an accessory apartment prior to the establishment of the Zoning Bylaws and obtain a Special Permit by July, 1991. The public hearing will be held on April 19th. The Planning Board will review copies of the Application and discuss it at the next meeting of the Board before making any written comments to the ZBA.
Payment of Invoices/Review of Minutes of March 14, 2012.
An Invoice for payment to VHB for engineering review services was approved for payment.
Upon motion of Mr. Frieden and second of Ms. Paré, it was unanimously voted to approve as amended the Minutes of the March 14, 2012 Meeting of the Planning Board.
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March 28, 2012
At 8:00 p.m., upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Frieden, it was unanimously voted to adjourn.
Date Accepted:____________ By:_______________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By______________________
Susan Abramson
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