HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-10-02 Planning Board Minutes Planning Board Meeting
October 2, 2001
Members Present: John Simons, Chairman
Alberto Angles, Vice Chairman
Richard Nardella, Clerk
Richard Rowen
Felipe Schwarz, Associate Member
Staff Present: Heidi Griffin, Planning Director
Jacki Byerley, Planning Assistant
Public Hearings:
1.1 Marbleridge Road-Watershed Special Permit
Mr. Donato, engineer, informed the Planning Board that the project before them was for a
special permit to re-build a dwelling within the watershed district. The previous house
was donated andmoved by the historical committee. The wetlands have been flagged.
Mr. Donato stated that due to Ms. Griffin's comments the house has been moved from
the no disturbance zone by 15'. An RDA was filed with Conservation and a negative
determination was made.
Mr. Lavoie, attorney for the applicant, stated that the relocated house had been built in
the 1600's and donated to the historical society. Mr. Lavoie believed that the criteria had
been met and comments made to Ms. Griffin's concerns along with VHB's concerns.
Mr. Rowen questioned the size of the historical house and the proposed? Mr. Lavoie,
attorney for the applicant, stated that the historical home was 5625 sf the proposed was
5766 sf. Mr. Donato stated no new lawn was to be created so the area will be maintained
as is.
Ms. Griffin stated that the applicant had answered all concerns and would be restricting
the use of fertilizers on the property. Ms. Griffin was not concerned with the water
quality issue but with the direction of the flow from the roof. Mr. Donato stated that roof
dry wells were being proposed.
Mr. Nardella motioned to CLOSE the Public Hearing for 11 Marbleridge Road
Watershed Special Permit and instructed staff to draft a decision, 2"d by Mr. Angles,
voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
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41 Marblerid e Road-Watershed Special..Permit
Mr. Donato, engineer for the applicant, informed the Planning Board that the proposal
was to add a pool with associated landscaping. Mr. Donato stated that the pool would be
surrounded with a concrete apron and was outside of the non-disturbance zone. Mr.
Donato stated that a concern of Ms. Griffin was the backwashing of the pool. Mr.
Donato stated that the pool company now manufactures non backwashing cartridges that
are disposed of when they clog. Mr. Donato informed the Planning Board that annually
in October the pool would be drained 6" for the winter. Mr. Donato assured the Board
that with this happening in October a zero chlorine level could be reached.
Ms. Griffin stated that structural plans of the pool should be provided to the Planning
Department by October 9, 2001. Ms. Griffin was concerned with the fill being brought in
if there would be sufficient room for the machines without going beyond the proposed
haybales. Mr. Donato stated that the haybales could be moved back to provide enough
space, it was their intention to allow the machines to work over the haybales.
Mr. Nardella was concerned with the proposed wall being placed on the sewer easement.
Mr. Donato stated that there was no restriction preventing that from happening. Mr.
Nardella wanted a condition placed that if the sewer needed to be accessed it would be at
the owners expense to remove the wall.
Mr. Donato proposed that a splash pad could be in place for the 6" drainage of the pool in
the fall.. Mr. Nardella suggested that they drain the pool to the front of the property to
keep it further from the non-disturbance zone.
Mr. Angles wanted to know about the geo-synthetic reinforcement. Mr. Donato
answered that the concrete blocks are pre cased which would not require a foundation
these would then be hand placed for minimal disturbance to the area.
Ms. Griffin informed the applicant to provide revised plans showing the haybales further
away, the revised splash pad and information regarding the disposable cartridges.
Mr. Nardella motioned to CLOSE the Public Hearing for 41 Marbleridge Road
Watershed Special Permit and instructed staff to draft a decision when revised plans were
submitted, 2nd by Mr. Rowen, voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
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Continued Public Hearings:
Salem Turnpike Street-Seven Hills Foundation Site Plan Special Permit
Mr. Karl Dubay, engineer, informed the Planning Board that the proposal was for a
modular structure. Mr. Dubay provided the Board with examples of the modular
structures. Mr. Dubay had just responded to VHB's engineering comments, most issues
were house keeping. The site was going to contain plenty of landscaping. Mr. Dubay
requested a waiver to having a certified landscape architect stamp the plans. Screening
was to be placed in front of the pumping station this was not only for the public but for
the occupants also. Mr. Dubay stated that the specific plant species would be specified
this was being worked out with the Conservation Commission.
Mr. Dubay informed the Board that a letter had been received from the Mass Highway
Department. Mass Highway wanted the radii of the driveway changed to 30' and wanted
the applicant to try to line their driveway up with the proposal submitted by Boston Hill.
Mr. Dubay didn't have a problem working with Boston Hill but his client did not have
much room to play with their driveway.
Ms. Griffin questioned what was happening with the dumpster location. Mr. Dubay
stated that they dumpster will be moved to the side of the building but they were limited
in location because of the wetlands. Mr. Dubay went on to say that the present location
would be well screened.
Mr. Angles wanted to know about the downstream defender. Mr. Dubay stated that the
parking lot runoff goes to the manhole to have the downstream defender treat to clean up
the water as much as possible. Mr. Dubay informed the Board that the manufacturer was
responsible for the maintenance of the defender it was within the agreement when
purchased.
Mr. Simons suggested keeping the hearing open until something was worked out about
the driveways lining up.
Mr. Nardella motioned to CONTINUE the Public Hearing for Salem Turnpike
Street Seven Hills Foundation, 2"d by Mr. Angles, voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
Lawrence Industrial Park-Industrial Subdivision
Mr. William Seymor, representative for the applicant, gave a brief history of the project.
Mr. Seymor stated that the industrial subdivision is a joint venture between the Town of
North Andover and the City of Lawrence. The Enterprise Commission is looking to
subdivide the land into 4 lots. The project contains 41 acres, 22 of which are buildable.
Two of the lots are bisected by the airport access road that is 22 feet wide. Proposed lots
3 &4 have frontage on Clark Street that ends in a cul-de-sac.
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Mr. Nardella wanted to know whether the plan was to lease or sell the proposed
buildings? Mr. Seymor stated that whether to lease or sell was still under discussion.
Mr. Nardella commented that if the land was leased then the Town of North Andover
would not receive any money from the project. Mr. Nardella also wanted to know if they
need approval from the airport commission to sell the property. Mr. Seymor stated that
the airport commission was in control of the property but the City of Lawrence was still
the owner, presently they were looking into whether a sale was possible without
approval. Mr. Seymor also stated that if the airport commission sold the property the
commission would receive reduced money that is funded by the stated by what the land is
sold for.
Mr. Seymor informed the Planning Board that four waivers were being requested:
1. 90 ft radius of the cul-de-sac
2. extension to the length of the cul-de-sac
3. 3:1 requirement for slopes within the right-of-way
4. installation of side walks to cul-de-sac extension
The parking calculation was based on 10% office space the remainder being industrial
uses. Mr. Nardella wanted to know if they would have enough parking if the building
were to be 100% office. Mr. Seymor stated that with all office space more parking would
be required which would require them to reduce the footprint of the buildings.
Mr. Mike Howard, of Epsilon Associates, informed the Planning Board that the project
was currently in front of the Conservation Commission for a Notice of Intent. An RDA
was approved by the Conservation Commission and they were expected to close the NOI
on October 10, 2001. The project does not fall within the watershed protection district
but they have an ENF with MEPA, they have contacted the DEP and Army Corps.
Mr. Simons questioned whether the project fell within the Rivers Act? Mr. Howard
stated that the portion that was by the river was for utility work, which meets the
standards of the Rivers Act. Mr. Simons wanted to know the elevation above the river?
Mr. Howard informed him that it was about 18-20 feet.
Ms. Griffin wanted to know about the proposed detention basin on Lot 2. Ms. Griffin
asked what the size of the basin was in comparison to the building. Mr. Gabe Crocker,
Gale Associates, stated that the basin was over one acre with the building being smaller.
Ms. Griffin was concerned with the size stating this would make it difficult to attract
occupants with such a large detention basin. Mr. Crocker stated that with the storm water
management compliance lot 2 is the only place infiltration is possible. All of the storm
water would be going to the upper detention basin, this would also capture and treat
pavement and roof run off.
Mr. Rowen wonder what the elevation of the pond in comparison to Crusader Paper? Mr.
Crocker stated that Crusader Paper was at a higher elevation. Mr. Crocker stated that the
pond was designed to take the entire 100-year storm event. Mr. Rowen wanted to know
what the rate was that the water infiltrates. Mr. Crocker stated that it would recharge the
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same water that was on site before the project, 20,000 cubic feet total. There is course
sand in the area, which makes it an ideal site for the detention basin. Mr. Crocker stated
that the water was going to be going to the area anyway so they wanted to make sure the
detention basin could handled the amount.
Ms. Griffin stated that with the access being within view of the detention basin proper
screening should be in place. Mr. Crocker stated that lot 3 access road is acting as the
driveway and an easement is being provided.
Mr. Simons questioned the mitigation on the site. Mr. Howard informed the Planning
Board that the required mitigation was in place, the state has mandated that it is not prime
soils and not agricultural use. Mr. Howard informed the board that more information
would be forth coming with the MEFA process.
Mr. Crocker informed the Board that they would like to connect directly to GLSD for
sewer tie-in instead of going through to Holt Road down Route 125 then to GLSD. Mr.
Simons wanted to know whether there were trails along the river. Mr. Howard stated that
there is no legal access, people do go down there to fish though.
Ms. Griffin stated that the railroad authorities had written a letter voicing their concerns
with the project. Mr. Seymor informed Ms. Griffin that he had contacted the railroad
authorities and they are about 60 feet from the tracks with the water directed away from
the tracks.
Mr. Nardella questioned the square footage of the property? Mr. Crocker stated that
buildings 1,3, &4 are single story and the total buildout was 320,000 sf. Mr. Crocker
stated that the revised plans now depict proper setbacks and the additional waiver to the
3:1 along the detention basins.
Mr. Nardella motioned to CONTINUE the Public Hearing for Lawrence
Industrial Park-Industrial Subdivision until October 16, 2001, 2 n'by Mr. Angles, voted 4-
0 in favor of the motion.
Boston Hill Condominiums-Site Plan Special Permit
Mr. Chris Huntress, representative for the applicant, requested a continuance until
October 16, 2001 to give the applicant time to revised the plans to show the open space,
construction schedule and drainage.
Mr. Angles motioned to GRANT the request for a continuance until October 16,
2001, 2nd by Mr. Nardella, voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
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3:
65 Flagship Drive-Site Plan Special Permit
Mr. Mark Gross of MHF Designs informed the Planning Board that the addition the
existing building was for 9100 SR The driveway has been widened to 25 feet, lighting
diagrams have been provided. Mr. Gross stated that they had received approval from
Conservation Commission. Mr. Nardella questioned whether it was the same tenant
going into the addition? Mr. Gross was unaware of who the tenants would be.
Mr. Angles motioned to CLOSE the Public Hearing for 65 Flagship Drive-Site
Plan Special Permit, 2n1 by Mr. Nardella, voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
Ms. Griffin informed the Planning Board that she had drafted a decision for the special
permit.
Mr. Nardella motioned to APPROVE the Site Plan Special Permit for 65
Flagship Drive, 2nd by Mr. Angles, voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
Steven's Estate-AT&T Wireless
Steven's Estate-Sprint PCS
Attorney Steven Andersen representative for AT&T informed the Planning Board of the
history regarding the project. Atty. Andersen went on to say that AT&T had applied to
place a wireless facility at Barker Farm, the application was denied by the Zoning Board
of Appeals. After the denial AT&T filed an appeal on the decision. There after the town
put together a sub-committee to look for alternative site for towers. One of the sites
decided on was Steven's Estate. An RFP went out and two bids were received within
hundreds of dollars from each other. The town then decided that instead of deciding
between the two bids received to place both towers at Steven's Estate. AT&T and Sprint
PCS were before the Planning Board with two proposals. The first being two poles at 90'
the next being one 100' pole. Attorney Andersen understood that if the Planning Board
was in favor of the one pole a height variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals would
be necessary. The bylaw allows for 10' above the average tree canopy height. The
height of the trees is 81'. Attorney Andersen has been in contact with the Historical
Commission. Attorney Andersen had received comments from VHB and would be
responding to the issues. Some of the responses would be to request waivers such as for
a boundary survey.
Mr. Rowen questioned the advantage of the two poles? Attorney Andersen stated that the
two poles would speed up the permitting process because it would not require a height
variance. Attorney Andersen stated that with the approval of the 100' pole it would leave
the option open to adding a second pole at a later date, also it would provide better
coverage. The 100' pole option would be less expensive and minimize clearing. The
100' pole would be able to be seen from the parking lot of China Blossom and the Lake
pump station. Attorney Andersen did not recommend using a flagpole design because it
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would look out of place and draw attention in the middle of the forest. Attorney
Andersen did not recommend the tree pole because it would be required to be striped and
lit by the FAA and again that would draw unnecessary attention to the pole.
Mr. Nardella questioned the length of the lease? Attorney Andersen stated it would be
for 10 years under the RFP. Mr. Nardella asked if an approval took place would a cash
bond be posted or a surety. The representative for Sprint stated that a surety bond would
be preferable but if a cash bond were requested they would do that. Mr. Nardella stated
that they should look into whether a surety could be good for the length of the lease.
Attorney Andersen requested that whichever option the Planning Board was in favor of
that they do not deny the other option. If the Planning Board preferred the 100' pole and
denied the two 90' then the applicants were denied for the height variance it would bring
every one back to the beginning of re-filing new plans.
Mr. Simons questioned Ms. Griffin on whether the hearing could be closed. Ms. Griffin
stated that it should be left open until VHB reviews the applicants' comments.
Mr. Rowen motioned to CONTINUE the Public Hearing for AT&T Wireless-
Stevens Estate, 2'd by Mr. Nardella, voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
Mr. Rowen motioned to CONTINUE the Public Hearing for Sprint PCS-Stevens
Estate, 2nd by Mr. Nardella, voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
Discussions:
Foxwood-Update
Ms. Griffin informed the Planning Board that Tim Willett, Mike O'Neill, Ed Cordoza and
Tim McIntosh had met on site and agreed on some changes, new plans have been
submitted by Mr. O'Neill and approved by VHB. Ms. Griffin stated that the developer
could start work any time now. Linda O'Connell representative for the developer stated
that the developer will bid out the job and that should be going out this week. As soon as
a contractor had been picked she would inform the Planning Board and have them start
work. Ms. O'Connell wanted to know what would be happening with $128,000 in bond
money the Planning Board was holding. Mr. Simons stated that he liked that momentum
was happening and would like to see the work get started before discussing the bond
release. Ms. O'Connell wanted confirmation that bond money would be released on a
scheduled basis. Mr. Rowen stated that they would be willing to release funds as the
work progress unless something needed to winter over and leave a 10% contingency. Mr.
Rowen wanted to know what the cost of the work would be and how much it would be to
complete the remaining work, all this would be taken into consideration before any
release took place. Mr. Nardella stated that the Planning Board was willing to release
funds but they would not be able to give a schedule to it until the say how the work was
progressing. Ms. O'Connell stated that she would come back before the Planning Board
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with numbers of the cost. Mr. Devlin stated that he spoke with Bill Hmurciak of DPW
and DPW's recommendation was to have the site winter over for the drainage issues. Mr.
Simons stated that this work should be started as soon as the contractor had been decided
on but would like to see the Foxwood representatives come before the Planning Board on
October 16 to give another update.
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Heritage Estates-Partial Bond Release
Mr. Nardella motioned to keep $142,900 and release remaining amount for
Heritage Estates, 2°d by Mr. Schwarz, voted 4-0 in favor of the motion.
Mr. Rowen motioned to ADJOURN the Planning Board meeting of October 2,
2001, 2"d by Mr. Schwarz, voted 4-0 in favor of the motion.
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