MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
MARCH 13, 2013
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Marc Frieden, Chris Olson, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: Patrick McKeon
OTHERS PRESENT: David Femia
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 7:05 p.m.
RESPONSE TO ASSESSOR RE VALUATION OF AFRA TERRACE AFFORDABLE UNITS
A letter was received from the Tax Assessor, Harald Scheid, asking for assistance in identifying affordable units at Afra Terrace. Ms. Paré stated that there are supposed to be 16 affordable units, but 17 units are listed as affordable by the Assessor. There are clear deed riders on the affordable units, Ms. Paré stated, which should make identification easier. Mr. Vignaly queried whether the Building Inspector keeps track of these units. He then suggested that this question be presented to the new Housing Specialist. Ms. Paré stated that she went through every deed for Afra and pulled those with deed riders and counted nine. She stated that the developer, Iqbal Ali, should be able to inform us which are affordable. Mr. Vignaly noted that the unit numbers are not the same as the
address numbers. Ms. Paré stated that she will look into this further and send information to everyone. Mr. Vignaly stated that he will call Mr. Scheid and let him know the gist of this discussion.
RESPONSE TO TOWN ADMINISTRATOR RE REQUEST FOR THREE ADDITIONAL COUNTS FROM CMRPC
The CMRPC transportation staff is beginning to plan their 2013 Traffic Count Program activities and has requested that the town suggest three additional traffic count locations in additional to those already included. Mr. Vignaly noted that a traffic “count” is different from a traffic “study”. A study gets a count and also assesses the “level of service”, which
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includes different factors such as the wait time for cars and the incidence of crashes at the site. Various intersections were discussed by the Board. There are speeding issues on Lee Street involving the large volume of cars cutting through from Holden. There is concern about potential development off Goodale and the accident rate at the intersection of Goodale Street and Crescent. The final suggestions were Goodale Street at the Holden town line; Goodale Street east of Crescent Street and Goodale Street west of Crescent Street. Mr. Vignaly will inform Mr. Gaumond about the Board’s decision.
OLD BUSINESS
Affordable Housing Trust Forum March 19th: Discussion of Agenda: The Planning Board has been invited to an Affordable Housing Forum on March 19th at which the newly hired “Housing Specialist” will be introduced and issues relating to affordable housing will be discussed.
Further Discussion of Sign Bylaw Changes: Ms. Paré presented the latest draft of the Signs and Billboards Bylaw. In discussing “non-conforming” and “non-compliant” signs, Mr. Vignaly stated that he would like to see the applicant for a renewal of a sign permit for a non-conforming sign be required to present documentation to support the claim of non-conformity. The Building Inspector is given the authority to revoke any sign that is a nuisance or a public safety hazard. Changes were made to the section on Light Pole Banners. Ms. Paré will make the final changes to the text and email them to Ms. Abramson, who will provide copies of this bylaw and the “Medical Marijuana Moratorium” bylaw to the Town Clerk.
REPORTS FROM OTHER BOARDS
ZBA: The ZBA has received a petition from the Cemetery Department for a Variance to erect 80’ of fence, 8’ tall, within 10’ of the property line. Section 4.2 of the Zoning Bylaws prohibits structures from being closer than 10’ from the property line. The purpose of the fence is to screen the cemetery from unkempt private property abutting the cemetery. Mr. Vignaly stated that this petition does not meet the hardship requirement of a Variance. A Variance is a difficult standard to meet and must show financial hardship or hardship involving the contours of the land. Mr. Vignaly recommended that the ZBA not issue a Variance in this case. The Board agreed. Mr. Frieden will send a letter to the ZBA stating the Board’s position before the public hearing date.
PAYMENT OF INVOICES/REVIEW OF DRAFT MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2013
No invoices were submitted for payment. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Olson, it was unanimously voted to accept as written the Minutes of the February 27th Planning Board Meeting.
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At 8:55 p.m., upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Olson, it was unanimously voted to adjourn.
Date Accepted:_____________ By:__________________________
Patrick McKeon, Clerk
Submitted By:______________________
Susan Abramson
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