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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-07-21 Planning Board Minutes Planning Board Meeting DPW Conference Room July 21, 1998 Members Present: Alberto Angles, Associate Member was present. Richard Nardella arrived at 7:07 p.m. John Simons, Clerk arrived at 7:25p.m. Alison Lescarbeau arrived at 7:30 p.m. Kathleen Bradley Colwell, Town Planner was also present. Minutes: On a motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes for July 7, 1998. Discussion: Laurel Heights -preIiminary subdivision Steve Stapinski and John Soucy of Merrimack Engineering were present to represent Laurel Heights. Mr. Stapinski stated that they developed a finished grading plan to 40' scale. Mr. Stapinski went over the plans with the Board. Mr. Stapinski stated that the houses are set at the roadway grade and then they have walkout garages. The proposed homes that they drew on the plans are the same size as the ones on Ridgeway. Mr. Stapinski stated that behind some of the homes there will be an intercepting swale to pick any runoff. Mr. Stapinski stated that they could make a roadway off of Johnson Street and an emergency vehicle could make it up the road. Mr. Stapinski stated that there is a 6-8% slope then up to 18.9 % slope. Ms. Colwell stated that the soil there is silting and is hard to control the drainage. Ms. Colwell stated that she and Jim Rand met with some abutters who have current problems. Ms. Colwell stated that the emergency access might be O.K. now but, the road is not maintained by the Town in the winter. Jim Rand of D.P.W stated that there are pro's and con's with having a cul-de-sac and we need to tell the applicant which plan we want. John Chessia of Coler and Colantonio went over what he would be looking for in a definitive submission. Mr. Nardella asked how steep the backs of the homes are. Mr. Stapinski stated that they are about 15-18%. Mr. Nardella asked if they would look like the homes on Rosemont Drive. Mr. Stapinski stated that they would look like the homes on Skyview. Mr. Nardella asked that if there were 9% grades is there a way to mitigate the drainage. Mr. Chessia stated that they could make a bucket at the bottom of the hill. W. Stapinski stated that if we were to remove the emergency access we could tear up the gravel and replace it with grass. Mr. Nardella asked what the cul-de-sac size was. Mr. Stapinski stated that it was 120' in diameter. Ms. Lescarbeau asked what the roadway width was. Mr. Stapinski stated that it was 26' wide. Mr. Nardella asked what sewerline this was tied into. Mr. Stapinski stated that it is in the west side interceptor. Mr. Simons stated that the lots on the downhill side will not be able to keep their vegetation. Mr. Simons stated that 80% of the lots on the uphill look like they will have to be re-graded. Mr. Simon stated that he does not feel that they are showing them anything different from the last meeting. Mr. Stapinski stated that if they eliminated a couple of lots it wouldn't change because the disturbance would still be the same. Mr. Angles stated that it appears to be a difficult site and would be willing to entertain street grading. Ms. Lescarbeau stated that she always likes to see streets connect. 1 174 Ken Golan of Johnson Street, asked if they could guarantee in writing that they will not have any more problems so they know who to sue. Ms. Lescarbeau stated that the Town has an outside consultant to look over all the drainage that is submitted. Pat White of Johnson Street, asked where the retaining wall is and how high it will be. Mr. Stapinski stated that it will be along Ridgeway. John Cocoa, stated that he has a lot of runoff and would like some assurance. Jennis Lamm, stated that her inground pool has been destroyed since the last development and does not think that by putting a bobcat back there to put a 2' wide ditch will solve her problems. Mr. Stapinski stated that the ditch will not pick up all the roadway but, 213 of the drainage will be picked up by the detention area. Stephanie Wassermann asked what the provisions are going to be during construction. Mr. Stapinski stated that the Planning Board and Conservation Commission now require construction schedules that outlines all the items of work that would have a negative impact. On a motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Mr. Nardella, the Board voted unanimously to grant an extension until August 30, 1998 for the Board to grant a decision. Continued until August 18, 1998. Lot F Intellisense —u date Dr. Masseh was present to represent Lot F. Mr. Masseh stated that he is over-burdened with this site and will loam and seed it until he can get a general contractor. Mr. Masseh stated that it is impossible to get the deadline met. Mr. Masseh stated that they have hired Wildwood Nurseries to get the site stabilized. Mr. Nardella asked what the fine was. Ms. Colwell stated that it was $300.00 per violation. Ms. Colwell stated that in June we asked the applicant to have the site permanently stabilized. Dr. Masseh stated that the site is stabilized, all they have to do is loam it and seed it. Mr. Nardella stated that we have given you a lot of time, when do you think the contractor will start work. Dr. Masseh stated next week but, he has no control over these contractors. Mr. Nardella stated that he has lost his patients. Dr. Masseh stated that he believes that they can be finished by August 18, 1998. Mr. Nardella stated that his recommendation would be that when we get a third member we vote to make a deadline date. Dr. Masseh stated that he is in a non-negotiation situation and he does not know what to do. Ms. Colwell stated that we have asked you to have a report to us by tonight which you did but, work should have started. Ms. Colwell stated that we have August 18, 1998 as a final deadline. Mr. Angles stated that we should wait until August 18, 1998 and have the site completed. Mr. Simons stated that our plan is that if the site isn't complete we fine. Dr. Masseh stated that, that was acceptable to him. Mr. Nardella stated that the fine will be $3 00.00 per day if it is not complete by August 18, 1998. Endorsement of Plans: Crossroads Medical Office Building - site plan review u Ms. Colwell recommended that the Board endorse the plans. The Board endorsed the plans for the Crossroads Medical Office Building. 2 � 5 ~' Bonds: Foxwood — definitive subdivision Ms, Colwell stated that there are some issues remaining for this site. Ms. Colwell stated that there has been a lot of discussion with the D.P.W. and the applicant. Ms. Colwell stated that Jim Rand has been working closely with them. Tom Hurley of Evergreen Management stated that there are several procedures that we have overlooked and they are looking for waivers on a few things. Mr. Hurley stated that they can't resolve the Open Space issues until their violation with ConCom is resolved, Mr. Hurley had questions regarding the Open Space markers. Ms. Colwell stated that they need to speak to Mr. Howard. Mr. Hurley went over the list of waivers they are looking for. Street Lighting -Mr. Hurley stated that they got this subdivision 1/2 way through the project and they thought that the lighting was submitted to the Board. Mr. Hurley stated that they would like them waived. Mr. Nardella stated that we should move forward on this if we have to excavate the property and shame on us for not finding this before. Pedestrian access to Open Space- Mr. Hurley stated that they have to talk to Mike Howard for that. No cut line-Ms. Colwell stated that they highlighted the areas on the plan that were cut down that were not supposed to be cut. Ms. Lescarbeau asked what we need to do to resolve this. Mr. Hurley stated that we have proposed plantings in the Open Space. Mr. Simon stated that he thinks they need to do some work and thinks they should ask the homeowners what they want. Mr. Nardella asked if they can look at this and prioritize in terms of replanting. Mr. Rand stated that the he does not think that the homeowners want them there. Ms. Colwell asked where they wanted to replant the trees. Mr. Hurley stated that they will submit a landscape plan. Ms. Colwell stated that he should work with Mike Howard and herself. Catch Basins -Mr. Hurley stated that there are 3 catch basins in the driveways and they have informed D.P.W. and are waiting for D.PW. to review them. Sign at the entrance - Jim Rand stated that the sign is there and D.P.W. is not going to maintain it but, if the homeowners want it they can maintain it. Ms. Colwell stated that if the sign is to come down the walls can stay. Mr. Nardella stated that we should give the homeowners a chance to maintain it and if they fail to maintain it we will tear it down. Abutter in Foxwood, stated that we will accept to maintain it but, we don't want the liability. Ms. Lescarbeau asked why don't we tear down the side of the wall that no one owns and leave the one that is on the homeowners property. Ms. Colwell stated that she thinks the wall should stay. Mr. Rand stated that he thinks the wall should stay but, if they need to get to the drain pipe behind it, it will come down. Mr. Nardella feels that the wall should stay. Mr. Simons would like the wall to stay, Mr. Angles would like the wall to stay. Ms. Colwell stated that before the road is accepted they have to form a homeowners association to have a maintenance agreement written up for the wall. Abutter, would like to know why the homeowners can't split the maintenance fee with the builder. Mr, Rand stated that they need to talk to the builder. Ms. Colwell stated that none of these issues revolve around bond money, this meeting was just to discuss about what issues had to be resolved. Public Hearings (7:30 p.m.) New: 350 WinthropAvenue Market Basket, — site plan review John Soucy of Merrimack Engineering was present to represent 3 50 Winthrop Avenue. Ms. Lescarbeau stated that they promised us that they were going to re-pave the parking lot and they did talk about increasing the security. Mr. Soucy stated that the property abuts Rt.114 and Waverly .76 3 Road. Mr. Soucy stated that this is the same permit they asked for a couple of years ago. Mr. Soucy stated that they are looking to replace a 5,619 SF space for Market Basket. Mr. Soucy stated that there will be zero impact and all work is on the opposite side of the homes. Mr. Soucy stated that the applicant would like to re work the parking spaces but, can't say that they will repave. Ms. Colwell stated that the Planning Board previously waived the parking. Mr. Nardella stated that since the parking spaces have changed we might want to look at that. Mr. Soucy stated that they are going to add spaces in the clearing and put in barriers. Ms. Colwell asked if there is going to be more lighting. Mr. Soucy stated no. Ms. Colwell asked if they will maintain the 25' travel lane. W. Soucy stated that they will. Mr. Angles asked if there are any more zoning regulations that we have changed since 1994. Ms. Colwell stated that she believes that it is only the parking spaces. Lori Goodwin of Waverly Road, stated that she has concerns with the noise from the trucks and if there will be an increase. Ms. Lescarbeau asked if there are restricted delivery times. Mr. Goodwin stated that they have written several letters and have called the police several times because of the noise from the delivery trucks and because of the times they are coming in. Tony Cain of Waverly Road stated that his house is directly behind the loading dock at Bradlees and he has cracks in his walls. Ms. Lescarbeau stated that they need to repave the whole site. Ms. Lescarbeau stated that she would like to continue to check the hours of delivery ,what our rights are for Market Basket vs. The Plaza and the parking spaces. Tony Cain asked why they can't close the exit next to the Mobil Station and just widen the other exit. Ms. Lescarbeau stated that they wanted that exit so that the trucks could access the highway easier and not go down Waverly Road. i Continued until August 18, 1998. i 200 Chickering Road ftnnies) - site plan review Peter Shaheen, Mark Gross of MFW Design and Dermit Kelly of DJK Associates were present to represent 200 Chickering Road. Mr. Shaheen stated that they reoriented the site due to Town Meeting. Mr. Shaheen stated that the old plan was running perpendicular to Chickering Road and now it is running parallel to Chickering Road. Mr. Gross stated that the rezoning line is 300' from Chickering Road. Mr. Gross stated that the proposed building is going to be utilized with the same footprint. Mr. Gross stated that the 13`floor of the building will be 16,500 SF of retail space and the 2nd floor will be 7,500 SF of office space and the parking spaces will be 9 x 18. Mr. Gross stated that to enter the main entrance there is going to be stairs and an elevator. Mr. Gross stated that the storm water plan is much more simplified. Mr. Gross stated that the dumpster is going to be set away from the building with a fence around it. Mr. Gross stated that they are putting up a stockade fence along Farrwood Drive with a gate for residents in the condo to access the stores easily. Mr. Gross stated that the back parcel will be given to the Town or to the Trustees of Reservations. The driveway will be 13' further away from Farrwood Drive. Mr. Gross stated that the display area will be used by Rennies and there will be a 360 degree turn around the building. Mr. Gross stated that the site will be serviced with town sewer. Mr. Gross showed the Board what type of lighting they are planning on using. Mr. Nardella asked where the dumpster will be located. Mr. Gross stated that it will be adjacent to the fence on Farrwood Drive. Ms, Lescarbeau asked where the lights are going to be i placed. Mr. Gross showed the Board the location of the lights on the plan. Mr. Simons asked if there was a loading dock. Mr. Gross stated that there is one in the rear for just box trucks. Mr. Nardella asked what the original size of the other building. Mr. Gross stated that it was 16,900 SF of just retail. Mr. Reiner the Architect, stated that the highest point of the building is 33'. Mr. Reiner went over the plans with the Board. Mr. Reiner stated that they are planning on putting rails on the roof to hide the HVAC units. Mr. Reiner stated that the building will be made of clapboard siding with divided windows and utility steel doors. There will be some brick at the entrance and with a asphalt roof. Mr. Simons asked if there is anything they could do architecturally to the back of the building. Mr. Reiner stated that they could do something in the back. Mr. Simon stated that this is the first time we have ever mixed commercial with retail and he thinks it is a good thing. Mr. Nardella asked what are they doing with regards to noise because of the HVAC units. Mr. Reiner stated that the railings are walls that look like railings. Mr. Nardella asked if there is going to be a covenant so that the renters signs are all the same. Mr. Shaheen stated that we will go by the sign bylaw. Mr. Nardella told the applicants to think about delivery times. Dermit Kelly ofDJK Associates, stated that the original study was based on 17,500 SF of retail and the new one is 16,500 SF of retail and 7,500 SF of office. Mr. Kelly stated that the impact will be the same. Ms. Colwell asked if they will have to go back to the state. Mr. Kelly stated they do. Mr. Gross stated that they have to re-file with ConCom and will be doing that within the next week or so. Mr. Gross stated that we are collecting runoff and are providing storm water treatment structure. Mr. Chessia stated that the drainage was looked at extensively at the last submittal and he would recommend a test pit be done. Mr. Simons stated that he likes the plan and thinks they did a nice job. Mr. Simons asked if they thought of moving the house instead of tearing it down. Mr. Simons also stated that he still has a personal preference about moving the building up closer to the front and put the parking in the rear. Paul Hajec ofHajec Associates stated that would suggest that they re-submit a curb cut to the state but, they already did and the movement of the driveway was also better. Chris Rodstrom of the Trustees of the Reservations asked if there was any assessment going to be done, Mr. Shaheen stated no. Mr. Nardella asked if the condo association has seen this plan. Mr. Shaheen stated yes, and J think they are pleased. Continued until August 18, 1998. 115 S. Bradford Street - watershed special permit Jim Carney was present to represent his property. Mr. Carney stated that he is looking to put on a 672 SF addition onto his ranch home. Mr. Carney stated that the proposed addition on the plan is bigger than they will probably do. Mr. Carney stated that they are planning to install roof drains for the runoff. Mr. Simons asked if they are hooked up to sewer. Mr. Carney stated that they were. Ms. Colwell stated they are in the 325' non-discharge and it is a very small addition. On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to close the Public Hearing. 315 Turnpike Street Merrimack College Cultural Arts Center - site lan review Doug Hartnet& John Hollywood of Sasaki and David Breen of Merrimack College were present to represent 315 Turnpike Street. Mr. Hartnet stated that this is for the Cultural Arts Center which will contain 600 seats and is 28,000 SF. Mr. Hartnet stated that this site is to create an academic core. Mr. Hartnet stated that all utilities will be connected to the utility corridor and they are looking to tie into Andover's sewer. Mr. Simons had questions in regards to the parking. Ms, Lescarbeau asked where people will park for this building. Mr. Hartnet stated that they will park in the upper Volpe lot. Ms. Lescarbeau asked what the total number of parking spaces are. Mr. Hartnet stated that there are 1363 with some additional. Mr. Nardella questioned why they are hooking up to Andover's sewer line. Mr. Breen explained why they are hooking up to Andover's sewer. Mr. Angles asked what they are doing for lighting. Mr. Hartnet stated that there will be a canopy lighting and they also have a lighting plan but, it is not completed yet. Ms. Lescarbeau asked if they had an elevation plan. Mr. Hartnet showed the Board the elevation plans. Mr. Nardella asked if the college has a formal and informal relationship with the Town. Mr. Breen stated that it is informal. Mr. Breen stated that we have had the Town Meeting before. Mr. Simons asked what the top of the building is made of. Mr. Breen stated that it was made of concrete. On a motion by Ms. Lescarbeau, seconded by Mr. ,Simons, the Board voted unanimously to close the Public Hearing and have staff draft a decision. Continued: Brook Farm -definitive subdivision Tom Manetta of Atlantic Engineering was present to represent Brook Farm. Ms. Colwell stated that she and Jim Rand went out to Ironwood Drive and measured the cul-de-sac. Ms. Colwell stated that j they will flag off the tree cutting line and have her look at it and do a construction sequence. Mr. j Rand stated that the cul-de-sac looked fine and it's measurement is 30-45-40. Ms. Colwell stated that j she had just received the revised plans and has not had time to review them nor has John Chessia, so she can't recommend the closing of the Public Hearing. Ms. Colwell would recommend continuing until the August 4, 1998 meeting and the decision could be decided on that night. Attorney Terry asked if the decision could be conditional per the results of the revised plans. Ms. Colwell stated that she can recommend closure but, not until the August 4, 1998 meeting. Mr. Simons stated that the drainage is one of the core things. Mr. Rand stated that D.P.W. is pretty much all set and are pleased with what they have done. Continued until August 4, 1998. Count1y Club Estates - definitive subdivision & 465 Great Pond Estates -watershed sl2ecial ermit Tom Neve of Neve Associates was present to represent Country Club Estates & 465 Great Pond Estates. Ms. Colwell stated that the Board needs an extension to issue a decision. Mr. Neve stated that he did not want to put any drainage on Great Pond Road. Mr. Chessia stated that he would like them to do a test pit. Mr. Neve stated that they did do permeability tests and they are at the lab and are waiting for results. Mr. Chessia stated that we don't want the water to stay there. Jim Rand of D.P.W stated that the 22' pavement with an island will be a problem and D.P.W. would like all catch basins within the pavement. Mr. Neve stated that they would like to have an island and will take any comments from D.P.W. and Planning. Dermit Kelly of DJK Associates stated that the speed limit 6 /��, changes frequently through the area. Mr. Kelly went over the traffic study with the Board. Mr, Kelly stated that they would like to place extra speed limit signs in the area. Mr, Neve stated that they need to cut back some brush at the entrance of the road to see better. Ms. Lescarbeau asked if that is the applicants property. Mr. Neve stated yes. Mr. Simons stated that it is in the right of way and that is the Town's property. Paul Hajec ofHajec Associates stated that Dermit Kelly pretty much summed it up but, in his opinion would tike to change the location of the entrance of the road. Mr. Neve stated that we can't with respects to drainage. Mr. Simons asked where the closest impact on the watershed is. Mr. Neve stated it is about 150', Mr, Neve stated that he would like to close the Public Hearing and accept an extension until August 31, 1998. On a motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Mr. Nardella, the Board voted unanimously to close the Public Hearing and except an extension until August 31, 1998. Calf Pasture- definitive subdivision Ms. Colwell stated that Ralph Joyce submitted a letter to withdraw his application. Ms. Colwell stated that Mr. Joyce is going to file with the Zoning Board of Appeals and then come back to the Planning Board for a special permit. On a motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to allow the applicant to withdraw his definitive subdivision plan known as Calf Pasture. Decisions: 115 S. Bradford Street - watershed special permit On a motion by Nardella, seconded by Angles, the Board voted unanimously to approve the watershed special permit for 115 S. Bradford Street, 33 Johnson Street Youth Center -site-plan review Continued until August 4, 1998, 350 WinthLoa Avenue (Market Basket - site plan review Continued until August 18, 1998. Brook Farm- definitive subdivision Continued until August 4, 1998. Adjournment: On a motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Mr. Nardella, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 11:40 p.m. �� 7