MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
MAY 9, 2012
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Patrick McKeon, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly, Lawrence Salate, Marc Frieden
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Chad Blackiston, Ron Thunberg
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 APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL PERMIT AND SITE PLAN REVIEW: 208A BEAMAN STREET
The Chair opened the regular meeting of the Board at 7:10 p.m. Mr. Blackiston attended the meeting on behalf of Sprint. Mr. Vignaly asked to be recused from the discussion and vote because he is employed by the DCR, which is an abutter to the property. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to approve the change to the Sprint Special Permit with the condition that a bond be in place for the dismantling of the equipment. If a bond is found not to be in place, then a condition of Approval will be the submission of a removal bond.
ANR: KINNE, 163 MALDEN STREET
On behalf of Renee and Robert Kinne, 163 Malden Street, an ANR Plan was submitted by Mr. Ron Thunberg of Hub Survey, for the division of their property into two lots. Form(s) A, the filing fee, a mylar and six copies of the plan were submitted. Members of the Board informed Mr. Thunberg that this was not a buildable lot. After reviewing the Plan, upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to sign the ANR Plan under Section 81-P of MGL.
Minutes of the Planning Board Meeting 2.
May 9, 2012
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE DISTRICT: DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO SECTION 2.7 OF THE ZONING BYLAWS
Ms. Paré stated that conditions have changed in wireless technology since West Boylston’s Bylaws were written. She researched other communities’ wireless communications bylaws and found that Westford had rewritten their bylaws to cover a variety of potential telecommunication projects. Ms. Paré queried whether West Boylston needs bylaws to deal with people putting up their own towers, ham radio towers, etc. Should there be height restrictions when towers are placed on top of buildings? Should there be “needs assessments” on whether a tower is needed in a certain location? Mr. Vignaly stated that a company would not spend money to build a tower if it is not needed. Our Bylaws need to state what is required for a Special Permit, Ms. Paré added. Even if a tower is
constructed in a different zoning district, it must always be screened and set back from a residential structure. Mr. Vignaly queried whether some new technology is coming for which the Board specifically needs to prepare. Mr. Salate inquired about the noise emitted by cell towers and asked if there is any control over TV dishes. Ms. Paré stated that TV dishes are allowed by right. If this Bylaw is rewritten, Ms. Paré stated that the requirements for a Special Permit should be included. Before this Bylaw is rewritten, the Planning Board needs to prioritize which sections of the Zoning Bylaws most need to be amended. Mr. McKeon suggested that this Bylaw discussion be tabled for now, and the Board concentrate on amending the Sign Bylaw.
INCENTIVE ZONING: DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED RULES AND REGULATIONS
This draft document was last reviewed in June, 2011. Mr. Vignaly addressed some issues in the document which he would like to see discussed. “Procedural Requirements” should be included in Section 3. under “Review Procedure”. The issue of hiring a monitor should be decided and the question of who hires a monitor should be determined. The wording could state that “…the Planning Board may require the applicant to provide money for a monitor and for a qualifying agent until the project has been completed.” Questions arose under Section 6. Affordability Requirements. Should language be included that states there must be affordable units for those needing handicapped accessibility and for the elderly? What if household incomes rise after occupancy and exceed 80%
of the area median income. Earning no more than 70% of the area median income applies to the affordable units. Under Section 7, in the second paragraph (in bold) the word “building” (permit) should be deleted. Mr. McKeon stated that the “occupancy” permit should remain because not all of the units will be affordable. More research needs to be done on the LIP Program. A “Schedule of Completion” needs to be included as well. Ms. Paré queried how the Planning Board actively implements this document, when revised. Mr. Vignaly stated that there are attorneys who specialize in monitoring these types of regulations. Before finalizing this document, Mr. Vignaly stated, he would like to ask Mr. Bob Barrell to review it. Mr. Frieden’s father is employed by the DHCD and would be available to also review the document.
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May 9, 2012
REPORTS FROM OTHER BOARDS
Transportation: Discussions continue on Franklin Street, Mr. Salate reported. The latest suggestion is to “dead end” the portion of the road off of Route 140 at the intersection with Route 12. Mr. Frieden noted that this will push traffic down to Honey Farms, where cars will attempt to make u-turns onto Route 12. Ms. Paré stated that a traffic study would really need to be done before this plan is implemented. Expenditure of Chapter 90 funds was also discussed. Drainage projects are being considered, such as the one on Campground Road and at the cemetery. Mr. Vignaly asked whether any progress has been made on the construction/repair of sidewalks with Chapter 90 funds. We are about a year behind schedule, Mr. Salate stated. Mr. Vignaly would like to see where
Chapter 90 funds have gone and where plans are to expend them in the future.
Economic Development Task Force: Mr. McKeon stated that the discussion centered on the idea of having a Farmers Market in West Boylston. Surprisingly, the Agricultural Commission is not in favor of the proposal.
Housing Trust: Mr. Frieden reported that the Housing Trust would like the support of the Planning Board at Town Meeting,in their quest for CPA funds of $11,000 for a Community Specialist. There will be a handout at Town Meeting, explaining why the Trust is making this request. The Specialist would maintain and assess the Housing Inventory and do information gathering. Mr. Salate stated that he likes the idea of hiring a lawyer to perform this role, one who would get a percentage of the monies accrued. Mr. Vignaly asked why the Housing Trust has not taken on this assignment and cautioned that care needs to be taken in whom one hires. That person could be one who promotes Chapter 40B developments. Mr. Salate cautioned that this proposal could meet resistance at Town Meeting because people in
general don’t like the affordable housing issue and the description of this position is not “nailed down”. Mr. Frieden inquired whether the Planning Board would support the request. Ms. Paré stated that she has the information on where the affordable units are located. The report to DHCD is updated every year. Perhaps there needs to be a Clerk for the Housing Trust, Mr. Vignaly stated, who could keep the Minutes and maintain the records. Money from the Afra development could be put towards that purpose. Mr. Salate suggested that the Trust ask that their request be passed over at Town Meeting.
CMRPC: Mr. Frieden reported that CMRPC sent a ballot for the election of officers and delegates to the Executive Committee. He inquired whether any member of the Planning Board had any recommendations on the candidates.
OTHER TOPICS NOT REASONABLY ANTICIPATED BY THE CHAIR 48 HOURS BEFORE THE MEETING
Mr. Vignaly took pictures of the rain garden that was installed at Wachusett Plaza during a heavy rain event. Water appears to be running down the sides of the garden. Mr. Vignaly
Minutes of the Planning Board Meeting 4.
May 9, 2012
will forward copies of the pictures to Mr. Healey at Thompson-Lipton and to Mr. Amico at VHB.
The Warrant was reviewed for Town Meeting on May 21st. The Planning Board submitted no items for consideration on the Warrant.
MINUTES/BILLS
Upon motion of Mr. Salate and second of Mr. Vignaly, it was unanimously voted to approve as written the Minutes of the April 25, 2012 Meeting of the Planning Board.
Upon motion of Mr. Salate and second of Mr. Vignaly, at 9:30 p.m., it was unanimously voted to adjourn.
Date Accepted:_____________ By:______________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:_______________________
Susan Abramson
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