HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-09-02 Planning Board Minutes Planning Board Meeting
DPW Conference Room
September 2,1997
Members Present:
Richard S. Rowen, Chairman, Alberto Angles, Associate Member& Joseph V. Mahoney. John s
Simons, Clerk arrived at 7:20 p.m., Richard Nardella arrived at 7:30 p.m., William Scott, Director
of Community Development and Kathleen Bradley Colwell, Town Planner were also present.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes:
On a motion by Mr. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to approve
the minutes as amended for August 19, 1997,
Endorse Plans:
Merrimack Street-Form-A
Mr. Scott recommended that the Board deny this plan for the reason being that the plan states
that it is a subdivision of land and not approval not required pursuant to the Rules and
Regulations.
On a motion by Mr. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to deny the
Form-A plan for Merrimack Street.
Lot/Bond Releases:
Settlers Ridge - bond
Mr. Angles read a letter from Tim Willett stating that he recommends the Board release $14,300
and retain$50,800 for Settlers Ridge subdivision.
On a motion by Mr. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to release
$1.4,300 and retain $50,800 for Settlers Ridge subdivision.
Seven Oaks - bond
Mr. Angles read a letter from Tim Willett stating that he recommends the Board release $18,800
and retain $23,000 for Seven Oaks subdivision.
On a motion by Mr. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to release
$18,800 and retain $23,000 for Seven Oaks subdivision.
Discussion:
Forest View Estates - definitive subdivision
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Tom Laudani and Mark Gross of MHF Design were present to discuss Forest View Estates. Mr.
Gross stated that he had hired Michael Weinmeyer, a Land Planner. Mr. Gross stated that there is
about 95 lots, about 5 less lots than the prior submittal. Mr. Gross stated that they eliminated the
main road that entered the subdivision and put in another cul-de-sac to try to keep smaller
neighborhoods. Mr. Gross stated that they have created about 54% of open space throughout the
whole project. There are several accesses to the Harold Parker State Forest and several
recreational areas. Mr. Gross stated that the only waiver they would need would to keep the cul-
de-sac 20' wide and not 25' wide. Mr. Gross stated that they would like to keep as much
vegetation in the cul-de-sac as possible. There are 2 or 3 wetland crossings on the pedestrian
crosswalk and they are thinking of putting in a footbridge. Mr. Mahoney asked if they have gone
before ConCom yet. Mr, Gross stated that they are scheduled for the September P meeting.
Mr. Rowen asked if they are planning to link the footbridge to the forest. Mr. Gross stated that
was their intent. Mr. Gross stated that he believes it might keep people in the subdivision and less
time traveling. Mr. Scott stated that the only change is that they moved the cul-de-sac from in
line with the second entrance to a new point off the main subdivision road. Mr. Nardella asked
why they are taking out the ballfield. Mr. Laudani stated that they are gaining passive recreational
areas. Mr. Rowen asked if the recreational areas will be big enough. Mr. Laudani stated that they
are plenty big for children to play and they are less maintenance than a ballfield. Mr. Scott stated
that by having the ballfield you might have a problem with people who don't live in the
subdivision come there and play on the field. Mr. Mahoney asked who will own the open space.
Mr. Laudani stated that the Town can own it or the subdivision can own it, it is up to the Board.
The Board agreed that this plan is better and does not show substantial change.
Public Hearings:
i New:
Lot 2 Saile Way.-watershed special permit
John Simons read the legal notice to open the Public Hearing, Dan Bailey, the Elias's Attorney
and Dennis Quintel of Civil Construction Management were present. Dan Bailey stated that this
application is just like the prior application(lot 1). Dennis Quintel went over the plan with the
Board. Mr. Quintel stated that the area of most concern is the isolated area. Mr. Simons asked
why they put the house where they did. Mr. Quintel stated that they wanted to stay as far away
from the isolated area and the BVW as much possible. Mr. Nardella asked if there are any
significant changes from the subdivision plan. Mr. Quintel stated that there were none. Mr.
g Nardella asked if the driveways are paved or gravel driveways. Mr. Simons asked if the isolated
wetlands are a ConCom restriction, Mr. Quintel stated that only for town. Mr. Quintel stated
that ConCom directed them to place the house as far away from the isolated area as possible. Mr.
Rowen discussed the trenches with Mr. Quintel. Mr. Mahoney stated that in the original
subdivision plan it shows them having gravel driveways and believes that it allows more
infiltration, Mr. Nardella suggested that the Mr. Scott verify that this complies with the 1987
3. Bylaw. Mr. Scott went over Mr. Chessia's comments from his letter. Mr. Rowen asked if the
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applicant had an overall plan for the subdivision on drainage. Mr. Quintel stated that they design
it as they go along. Mr. Bailey stated that they do it lot by lot to direct the drainage. They are
looking on a individual point of view. Mr. Rowen asked if they have looked at the entire parcel
without finding a problem on the last lot, Mr. QuinteI stated that they have.
Continued until September 16, 1997.
Lot 5_.Sade Way - watershed..special permit
Dan Bailey showed the Board the plan. Mr. Bailey stated that they had recently went before
ConCom and received a negative determination of applicability (non-jurisdictional). Mr. Bailey
stated that there are trenches on either side of the driveway and there is a shorter driveway than
the other lot. Mr. Rowen asked if the driveway sloped down towards the house. Mr. Quintel
stated that it slopes towards the street. Mr, Angles stated that he agrees with Mr. Mahoney's
previous statement on the gravel allowing more infiltration, Mr. Scott stated that the only
problem with gravel driveway is that when people want to change their oil in their car or paint
something the remains might seep through the gravel. Mr. Nardella asked if there are any catch
basins at the end of the driveways. Mr. Quintel stated that you get more run off from gravel
driveways and then that will go into the drainage. Ms. Colwell stated that it ultimately ends up in
the lake. Mr. Rowen asked if there were any traps along the way to prevent anything going into
the lake. Ms. Colwell stated that it would take a while to get to the lake. Ms. Colwell stated that
it took a 100 yr. plus storm for the sediment to make it to the lake. Ms. Colwell stated that it
might be better to design a paved driveway, since the homeowner may eventually pave it.
Continued until September 16, 1997.
Lot 2A Fla shi Drive - site plan review
Frank Montero of MHF Design was present to represent Channel Building for Lot 2A Flagship
Drive. The applicant is proposing a 30,216 SF building. The access of the site is off a driveway
that leads to the Town Printing Building which leads to Flagship Drive. The building is going to
be used for a furniture company which assembles then delivers office furniture, Mr. Montero
stated that they meet all parking and zoning requirements. Mr. Nardella asked if they meet the
new parking requirements, Mr. Montero stated that they are planning to have 10' x 20'. The
federal requirements for the handicap parking is 20'. Mr. Rowen asked if there were any
comments from the TRC Meeting. Mr. Scott stated not too many. Mr. Scott went over some
changes he suggested on the plan regarding the landscape and the driveway. Mr. Nardella asked
where are they are planning to put the dumpster, Mr. Montero stated that they are planning to
have a trash compactor. Mike Farrow, CEO of the company explained the use of the building.
Mr. Farrow also stated that this was strictly for expansion reasons not changing anything. It will
only be used for storage and assembling the furniture and then waiting for delivery. Mr. Nardella
asked what the hours of operation would be. Mr. Farrow stated that it will be open from 7;00
a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mr. Nardella asked the size of the building. Mr. Montero stated that it was
approximately 30,000 SF. Mr. Rowen asked what the building would be built out of Mr.
Montero stated that it would have a concrete block with a flat metal panel. Mr. Simons asked if it
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would be on the same scheme as the other buildings in the park. Greg Weich of Channel Building
stated yes, and there will be no central air conditioning planned for this building. Mr. Rowen
asked what the total number of employees will be working at this building. Mr. Farrow stated
that there will be a total of 15 people working there. Mr. Simons asked what the closest
residence was. Mr. Montero stated that it was 2 buildings away from there property. Mr. Rowen
asked where they are planning to push the snow ifUPF plans on putting on their addition. Mr,
Montero stated that there are to other locations on the property. W. Rowen asked if they push
the snow into the swailes won't that affect the drainage. Mr. Scott suggested that they address all
the comments that were made by the next meeting. Mr. Farrow asked if they can begin cutting
tree's once they get the O.K. from ConCom. Mr. Rowen stated as long as ConCom O.K,'s it, it's
your property.
Continued until September 16, 1997.
Continued:
Red Gate Pasture - definitive subdivision
Ben Osgood Jr. Was present to represent Red Gate Pasture. Mr. Osgood went through the list of
waivers that he is looking for. He will need waivers for the following: 1) roadway grade from 6%
to 8% and roadway width of 24', 2) reduction of the leveling area from 50' to 45' this allows a
curve design for a 20 M.P.H. speed , 3) a waiver of the cross section requirement to allow a swale
within the right of way around the cul-de-sac 4) reduction in the radius of the cul-de-sac from 100
to 90', Mr, Osgood stated that everything stated in the bylaw has been supplied. Mr. Rowen
asked if there were any variances needed. Mr. Osgood stated no, Mr. Osgood stated that there
will be two detention ponds. Mr. Osgood stated that the only problem is the volume, when
building you're increasing the volume. Mr. Rowen asked if that would affect Mr. Cyr's property,
Mr. Osgood stated that he plans on putting a pond at the beginning to capture 8200 cubic feet of
water. The only way to get the water out is to filter it into the ground. Mr. Rowen asked how it
comes down to the pond. Mr. Osgood described the direction of the water on the plan to Mr.
Rowen. Mr. Rowen asked if there was an existing pipe on the property. Mr. Osgood stated that
there was a 12" pipe tying into a 6" pipe. W. Osgood stated that the water after a storm that is
in the pond will eventually perk out. Mr. Chessia stated that he would like to see a manhole on
the street. Mr. Rowen asked if light storm occurred would the water just go into the pond. Mr.
Osgood stated yes. Mr. Osgood stated that when Mr. Cyr's property floods it goes into his
basement. Mr. Cyr stated a theory of how the water backs up onto his property. Mr. Cyr
believes that Red Gate floods first then it proceeds to the abutting properties. Mr. Chessia went
over past drainage ideas. Mr. Rowen stated that we need to make a decision and we need advice.
We do not want to make things worse for the abutters. Mr. Nardella asked if we know of a way
not to make it worse for the abutters. Mr. Chessia stated that there is a ground water issue that
seeps in through the walls. Mr. Osgood stated that the flooding is not caused by runoff. Mr.
Rowen stated that we are relying on Mr. Chessia. Mr. Rowen asked the Board if they all are in
favor of Mr. Osgood's waivers and the only issue remaining is drainage. Mr. Mahoney stated that
he thought we agreed on that at the last meeting. Mr. Cyr. Stated that he would like to bring up
some points. Mr. Rowen stated that he should talk to Mr. Chessia he has the expertise. Mr.
Nardella agreed with Mr. Rowen and is not in favor of delaying this project any longer. Mr.
.mac
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Rowen stated that he would like to close the Public Hearing at the next meeting. Mr, Mahoney
asked how often there would be water in the pond, Mr. Osgood stated every time it rained. Mr.
Mahoney asked how long it would stay in the pond. Mr. Osgood stated that he would have to do
the calculations on that.
Continued until September 16, 1997,
Heritage Estates - definitive subdivision
Mr. Rowen, Planning Board Chairman signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the
subdivision known as Heritage Estates located at 121 Salem Street, North Andover,
Massachusetts.
Adjournment:
On a motion by Mr. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Simons, the Board voted unanimously to
adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
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