MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
MARCH 27, 2013
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Marc Frieden, Patrick McKeon, Chris Olson, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: David Femia, Nickolas Hackett, Becky Hackett, Michael Kane
All documents referenced in these Minutes are stored and available for public inspection in the Planning Board office, 127 Hartwell Street.
NEW BUSINESS: Roundtable April 18th: Cumberland Farms
Ms. Paré reported that a Project Roundtable is scheduled for April 18th to review a proposed convenience store/gas station to be located at property between Routes 12 and 140, immediately behind Cumberland Farms. Mr. Vignaly stated that traffic will be a problem, with cars “cutting through” from one route to another. He suggested that the applicant could co-ordinate with the applicant of the 21 Franklin Street project for a traffic analysis of the intersections. Drainage will also be a problem at that site, Mr. Vignaly added. There is ponding on Route 140 in this area and drainage is a concern. Ms. Paré stated that there will be two abutting entities conducting the same business. She questioned why another gas station would be built at the site, with the BP gas station
behind it and a convenience store in front of it. She added that the gas station would be an allowed use with a Special Permit from the ZBA. Mr. Vignaly stated that this might be an opportunity to redo the intersection at Routes 12 and 140.
APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW: 21 FRANKLIN STREET, CAF REALTY TRUST
On behalf of CAF Realty Trust, Mr. John Grenier, from J.M. Grenier Associates, Inc., submitted plans for the development of a liquor store at 21 Franklin Street, on the corner of Route 12. Included in the package were 12 copies of the site development plan, two copies of the Stormwater Management Report, one Site Plan Application, the abutters list,
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application fee of $900 and professional review fee of $4,500. Mr. Grenier stated that no waivers are being requested and a traffic study is being completed that will be forthcoming within a week. Copies of the plan and the Stormwater Management Report have been sent to VHB. A public hearing was scheduled for May 8th at 7:00 p.m.
CHANGES TO SIGN BYLAW: FURTHER DISCUSSION
Following the closing of the public hearing, the Board discussed further changes to the Sign Bylaw, based upon suggestions made at the hearing. On Page 6 of the draft, under c., Special Considerations, item ii. will be changed to read, “One sign denoting “Open”, “Closed”, “Be Back”, etc. shall be allowed if less than one square foot in size and shall not be counted against the allowable twenty-five percent (25%). These signs may be lit, but not flashing.” On Page 8, under “Standing Sign”, the size will be changed from 40 to 50 square feet for two businesses in a single building. Mr. Vignaly suggested allowing one moveable sign for each lot of a business center and one sign within five feet of each business therein. Ms. Paré noted that the definition of a “business center” is confusing, and queried how each business would get a turn if there are several businesses within the center. Mr. Vignaly noted that those businesses will want to have a chance for a moveable sign nearer the
road. Mr. McKeon suggested that language for this issue might be taken from the Worcester Zoning Bylaws.
Mr. Femia suggested that the changes are too numerous and the proposed Sign Bylaw “too big”, so people won’t vote for it at Town Meeting.
REPORTS FROM OTHER BOARDS
Earth Removal: Mr. Vignaly reported that the discussion of the project on Laurel Street was once again continued while the applicant gathers the requested information.
Affordable Housing Trust: Mr. Frieden reported that the Forum held March 19th by the Affordable Housing Trust was very informative. Mr. Dick Heaton was introduced and answered questions, making the affordable housing issues more understandable. When a Comprehensive Permit is submitted, all boards in town, not just the ZBA, need to be available as resources. The ZBA sets the schedule and needs to come out with rules and regulations, setting a policy for handling the Comprehensive Permit.
When an applicant submits the original letter (application), it is important for everyone to respond and make comments. The DHCD will then incorporate those issues raised when reviewing the project. Mr. Femia stated that Mr. Heaton will be a great asset to the town. He also suggested that the ZBA could use the Planning Board’s engineer for their reviews. Ms. Paré stated that the meeting was well-attended with four Planning Board members; two from the Housing Authority; four from the ZBA; two from the Board of Selectmen, as well as members of the Affordable Housing Trust.
OTHER TOPICS NOT REASONABLY ANTICIPATED BY THE CHAIR
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A Memorandum was received from the CMRPC Transportation Staff stating that they are beginning the annual development of the “Transportation Improvement Program” through public outreach. Discussion of their requests for input will be on the agenda for the first meeting in April.
PAYMENT OF INVOICES/REVIEW OF DRAFT MINUTES OF MARCH 13, 2013
No invoices were submitted for payment. Upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Mr. Olson, it was unanimously voted to approve as written the Minutes of the March 13, 2013 Meeting.
At 9:20 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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