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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-10-15 Planning Board Minutes DRAFT Approved by Planning Board on _6 PLANNING BOARD MEETING NOTES October 15, 2002 ATTENDANCE: John Simons X Felipe Schwarz _ Alberto Angles X George White X Richard Nardella 7:45 STAFF PRESENT: Kathy McKenna X MINUTES September 10, 2002 _-- No action taken. October 1 2002 No action taken. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Discussion started at 7:08 p.m. I. New England Power Electric Substation, Foster Street Applicant asked the itcm be removed from the agenda. II. Walnut Ridge Determination of Compliance/Site Opening Bond Release Neither the applicant nor the abutters were in attendance. Through correspondence it appears that a solution to the placement and planting of trees was negotiated. III. Chatham Crossing - Lot releases for Lots 5 & 6 (Continued fiom 9/10/02) Dan.Koravos, P.E. spoke regarding the partial as-built prepared by his firm on behalf of the developer. He stated that the main problem was the confinement of runoff on the back of lots 9 & 10. He will not be proposing a permanent solution until the Town's engineering consultant, VHB, submits their review of this as-built. Mr. Koravos discussed the possibility of constructing a gentle swale between units 9 & 10 and/or an under drain. Mr. Angles suggested a swale to an inlet into the existing drainage system. He also suggested that a perforated pipe be placed under the swale. Joanne and Sandy Planning Board.Minutes October 15, 2002 Page 1 of 1 DRAFT Approved by Planning Board on Brown, 157 Berkeley Road spoke voiced a concern that the exercise of preparing and reviewing an as-built will mitigate her water problems. Further discussion deferred to the November 12, 2002 meeting. IV. Rezoning Preliminga Discussion-1451 Osgood Street Peter Breen Peter Breen, property owner of 1451 Osgood Street, spoke of the possibilities of rezoning his property. He would like to be able to use the property as a contractor's yard and be able to collect rent. It is not feasible to build a new industrial building in this economy. Mr. Simons was concerned about rezoning one lot with the abutting lands remaining I-1. He asked if the land owner would be willing to put a covenant not to build for a limited period of time. Before any recommendation as to a course of action of which zoning district would be preferable, Mr. Simons would like to see the setbacks and difference in area and use requirements between I-1 and 1-2. Peter Breen brought the possibility of rezoning to I-S which would allow him to have a contractor's yard with a special permit. This item was deferred for further discussion. V. 577-579 Chickering Road Site Plan Waiver David Gorham spoke on behalf of granting a waiver of site plan review for his interior alteration of the Chickering Plaza. In support he stated that the alteration would be of 3,000 s.f of the interior, the hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., signage would be per the town bylaws. Mr. Angles inquired as to whether there would be any changes in the lighting on the site. Mr. Gorham responded there would be none. A. Angles moved to grant a waiver of site plan review. Seconded by G. White. All in favor. Motion carries. VI. 180 Marblerid e Road Watershed Special Permit Waiver Mary Rimmer, Environmental Consultant, spoke on behalf of the property owners. She briefly described the proposal. Mr. Simons expressed his opinion that this was not applicable for a waiver. Many of these types of applications go forward for review and public hearing and he did not want to grant special treatment. Mr. White would like to see how the runoff from the increase in impervious area will be treated. Mr. Angles commented about conformance to the storm water regulations. Board agreed that a full filing would be necessary for this construction. PUBLIC HEARINGS (7:30): Called to order at 7:45 I. Verizon Wireless 1401 Andover Street Wireless and Site Plan Special Permit Mike Giamio presented the project on behalf of Verizon Wireless. The RF engineer was also present and discussed the existing gaps in coverage and how the proposed facility would fill those gaps. Mr. Nardella discussed the variance granted by the Board of Planning Board Minutes October 15, 2002 Page 2 of 2 16 DRAFT Approved by Planning Board on Appeals for the 600' setback. He also described the bylaw change that instituted that setback. Mr. Simons asked about the visual impact of the facility. The applicant responded that the panel antennas will be mounted on the outside of the parapet per the photo simulations. The rest of the equipment will be screened. The engineer who prepared the noise study described his findings to the Board. He stated, prompted by Board questions, that the roof mounted generator was for emergencies and would only be run for testing during the day and during emergencies. In response to Mr. Angles' comment that this generator should have residential grade mufflers the applicant stated that a critical silencer would be added. Dr. Haes, for the applicant, explained his RF Radiation report. He did the observations and readings for the current emissions in the area and the theoretical readings for the proposed facility. His conclusion was that with the installation of the facility the area would be 2%below the FCC and Massachusetts Department of Health Regulations. Mr. White inquired as to the safety of the people working within the office building. The emissions expert stated that due to the umbrella effect of RF emissions, readings below antennae tend to be low. It was explained to Mr. Simons, on behalf of the abutters in the audience,that the RF emissions standards are promulgated by the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Department of Health. It was stated by the emissions expert that baby monitors have higher emissions in their immediate vicinity. Mr. Nardella questioned as to whether there was a difference in the type or impact of emissions generated by different types of wireless or cellular technology. It was explained by Dr. Haes that new technology breeds new studies and new regulations. The regulations are always changing to handle the changes in technology. To answer Mr. Angles question, the applicant stated that the existing Omnipoint facility across the street did not have space for co-location. Resident Cindy Allen spoke in opposition to the installation. She also questioned whether the emissions increase based upon the distance from a facility and the distance above ground. The Board answered, using the RF emissions report, that yes, there was a difference but it was minor in degree. Thea Fournier, resident, also spoke in opposition, stating that there were many undocumented and unstudied negative health effects from RF radiation. The public hearing was left open so that consultant comments could be received. Deferred to November 12, 2002. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARINGS I. Wallace/ Seville Street Definitive Subdivision Continued from 9/10/02 Deferred to November 12, 2002 at the applicant's request. Planning Board Minutes October 15, 2002 Page 3 of 3 DRAFT Approved by Planning Board on II. 10 Commerce Way, Car Wash Facility, Site Plan Special Permit Deferred to November 12, 2002 at the applicant's request. III. Omnipoint/ 1 Hi h Street Wireless and Site Plan Special Permit Paul Gascoigne handed the Board photographs of other smoke stack installations in Massachusetts. Mike Lucy, RF Engineer, was also in attendance. The Board discussed the waivers requested by the applicant. Many are not applicable due to the fact this is a small facility located upon an existing structure. Mr. Simons asked what alternative locations were considered. Mr. Gascoigne read from his application the various existing facilities in the area and buildings in the area that were considered. Ray Masetti, 96 Elm Street, the Board how they would dispose of the application in light of the fact that the variance for this facility had been appealed. Mr. Simons responded that the Planning Board could take final action conditioned upon the Board of Appeals action being upheld. Cindy Allen spoke about her appeal of the ZBA decision. She spoke of improper notification, the fact that it was her contention that all abutters within 600 feet would be notified. Mr. Simons interjected stating that most of the concerns discussed should be targeted to the ZBA. Mr. Angles questioned the structural integrity of the smoke stack after the installation. Mr. Gascoigne stated that a structural engineer's analysis would be provided with the building permit application. Motion to close public hearing was withdrawn until final consultant comments are received. Mr. Simons stated that he would be ready for final action at the next hearing. Deferred to November 12, 2002. PLANNING BOARD BUSINESS 1895 Great Pond Road Watershed Special Permit Revision Discussion The Board spoke with Bill Barrett regarding the proposed changes in the previously approved permit. Mr. Barrett introduced new plans showing the locations of drywells and the impervious area increase. Mr. Barrett stated that per the last discussion with the Board he notified abutters on either site but heard no objection to the changes. Mr. Simons was concerned with having the information given to him at the meeting and not in advance. Mr. Nardella suggested staff review the proposal, present all relevant facts to the Board as to whether the change rose to the level of substantial or not. Staff will e-mail the evaluation to the Board for their comment. Planning Board Minutes October 15, 2002 Page 4 of 4 DRAFT Approved by Planning Board on 1. Discussion on activity in the No-Cut Zone of Planned Residential Developments The Board stated that enforcement was a Planning Department and Community Development Division matter. Other Mr. Nardella apprised the Board of his dealings with the Eagle-Tribune regarding the rezoning of the corner parcel across from their offices for a pharmacy. He felt he was making headway with the proponents regarding the style of the building. The Board discussed bylaw changes for the Special Town Meeting and possible citizen petitions. Adjournment at 10:15 p.m. Planning Board Minutes October 15, 2002 Page 5 of 5