HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-10-16Planning Board Meeting
October 16, 2001
Members Present:
Staff Present:
John Simons, Chairman (7:07)
Alberto Angles, Vice Chairman
Richard Nardella, Clerk (7:15)
Richard Rowen
Felipe Schwarz, Associate Member
Heidi Griffin, Planning Director
Jacki Byerley, Planning Assistant
Discussions:
Campbell Forest
Attorney Bob Lavoie representative for Mesiti Development informed the Planning
Board that they have a settlement proposal for the town. Attorney Lavoie gave a brief
history regarding the denials. He stated that Mesiti had filed 4 form A's to create 8 lots
were there would have been four. Attorney Lavoie stated that there are certain criteria
the Planning Board needs to see met in regards to approving a subdivision or an ANR
plan. The elements of the ANR are existing way, frontage and zoning. Attorney Lavoie
believed his client had met all these criteria for his Form A's. The subdivision Campbell
Forest was in a frozen within the zoning that was in affect in 1992 when the plan was
approved, the plans were not endorsed until 1996, which gives them 8 years from the date
of signing to be frozen with the 1992 zoning. Attorney Lavoie stated that the denials
were for Lot 28C, 27C, 26B & 20C. Lot 27C has frontage along Webster Wood, Lot 28C
frontage along Webster Wood, Lot 20C frontage along Campbell Forest & lot 26B
frontage along Campbell Road. Lot 26B would require access by an easement with the
Conservation Commission approval. Within the zoning of 1992 the lots can be have
frontage with wetlands in the front as access.
Mr. Nardella wondered why they didn't access lot 26B from Campbell Forest Street. Mr.
Rowen questioned when sewer was added to the subdivision and how many extra lots
were created then? Mr. Grandstaff stated that no new lots were created ttu'ough the
Campbell Forest Subdivision with the addition of sewer, they had created a new
subdivision Stonewedge.
Mr. Nardella stated that the issue seemed to be more of accessibility of the lots rather
than the zoning. Attorney Lavoie stated the settlement is still on the table. Ms. Griffin
questioned whether they could get access to lot 26B from their legal frontage? Mr.
Grandstaff stated it would not be economical to do so.
The Planning Board informed the applicant that they would take the information under
advisement and have Ms. Griffin contact them with a new meeting date.
Public Hearings:
Berdngton Place-Rescission of Decision
Attomey Jay Willis stated that his client is before the Planning Board to have the
Planning Board decision regarding the Modification of Berrington Place rescinded.
Attorney Willis stated that his client would like to build the approved and recorded 7 lot
subdivision.
Mr. Nardella read a letter from MPG realty into the record to state that MPG realty was in
agreement and supported the applicant's request. (letter is in the Berdngton Rescission
fde).
Mr. Simons questioned the public for comments regarding the proposal in front of the
Planning Board.
Mr. McCollister of 206 Dale Street stated that he had received the notice and had written
a letter to the Planning Board chairman John Simons. Mr. McCollister believed that his
letter had spelled out his position. Mr. Simons suggested that he explain the letter to the
other members of the audience and requested that Mr. McCollister keep his comments to
the rescission request only.
Mr. McCollister stated that the ANR Plan filed after the original subdivision is a bogus
plan. Mr. Rowen questioned whether the Form A was part of the original 7-lot
subdivision. Mr. McCollister stated yes. Mr. Rowen stated that the Form A was taken
from Lots 7& 8. Mr. Rowen also stated that the Form A was carved out after the
subdivision was approved. Mr. McCollister stated that the Planning Board approved
something that never existed when they endorsed the ANR plan.
Mr. Rowen questioned whether Mr. McCollister had ever challenged the decision for the
definitive subdivision. Mr. McCollister stated no he had made an agreement with Mr.
Smith to drop his objection.
Mr. Rowen stated that it was not the Planning Board's jurisdiction to decide ownership
just whether they comply with the Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of
Land. Mr. Rowen went on to say that a decision could be rendered without the owner of
the property being the applicant.
Attorney Willis stated that the definitive subdivision is in existence with the recording at
the registry of deeds.
Mr. McCollister stated that the present owners do not have a valid easement to go over
his property. Mr. Simons stated that this was a separate issue from the rescission.
Attorney Willis stated that they are confident with the rescission. He went on to say that
the seven buildable lots is the only plan recorded therefore could be constructed; it is a
formality of the Planning Board to rescind the modification decision.
Mr. Nardella motioned to CLOSE the Public Heating for Modification of
Berdngton Place-Rescission of Decision and instructed Ms. Griffin to draft a decision
with Town Counsel to review, 2nd by Mr. Rowen voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
Attorney Willis questioned the Planning Board whether the Cease and Desist Order was
still in affect. Mr. Simons informed him that the order would be in affect until a decision
had been rendered.
Amend Rules & Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land
Ms. Griffin informed the Planning board that the amendment before them was to add
Section 5.16 Street Acceptance Procedures to the Rules & Regulations Governing the
Subdivision of Land. Ms. Griffin explained that the applicant would be responsible to
meet with the Town Planner 4 months prior to Town Meeting, submit all documents to
Town Counsel and Town Planner 45 days prior to Town Meeting. Ms. Griffin stated that
an amended to the proposal should be that "bounds" are not required in Section B.
Mr. Nardella mOtioned to CLOSE the Public Hearing to Amend Rules &
Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land, 2na by Mr. Schwarz, voted 5-0 in favor
of the motion.
Mr. Nardella motioned to APPROVE the Amendment to the Rules &
Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land as amended, 2na by Mr. Schwarz, voted
5-0 in favor of the motion.
Continued Public Hearings:
Salem Turnpike Street-Seven Hills Foundation- Site Plan Special Permit
Mr. Karl Dubay of MHF Design informed the Planning Board that the entrance was 200
feet from the proposed entrance at Boston Hill. Mr. Dubay stated that he had spoken
with Massachusetts State Highway and they verbally Okayed the placement of the drive.
Mr. Dubay stated that they had submitted revised plans to VI-lB and expected a
satisfactory response.
Mr. Nardella stated that the letter from MA Highway would need to be in hand before a
decision can be drafted.
The Planning Board instructed Ms. Griffm to draft a decision if VHB's conunents are
satisfied and MA Highway permits the placement of the drive for the next Planning
Board meeting.
Discussions:
Bradford Street-Watershed Special Permit Extension
Rex Melton owner of the property informed the Planning Board that an extension had
been issued last year. During that time he had received bids by the time a contract could
be signed the year extension had come up again. Mr. Melton requested that the Planning
Board issue another year extension. Mr. Nardella stated that because this was the second
extension this would be the last one the Planning Board would be able to do. Mr. Melton
informed the Planning Board that the footprint of the house is the changing slightly with
a reduction in square footage being reduced from 4500 SF to 3000 SF but the placement
of the house would be in the same spot.
Mr. Angles motioned to EXTEND the Watershed Special Permit with the
condition that the new design must be approved by the Town Planner, 2nd by Mr. Rowen,
voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
Continued Public Hearings:
Lawrence Industrial Park-Definitive Subdivision
Mr, Gabe Crocker informed the Planning Board that he had received comments from
VHB and he believed 90% of them were cosmetic. With the comments the applicant
would like to request additional waivers one for the cul-de-sac waiver, VHB's comments
say that a 120' diameter can be done but the applicant would like to go with an off center
cul-de-sac with a 100' diameter. The applicant is requesting a waiver for the street lay
out for a 60-foot right of way. Mr. Crocker stated that the lot is an over size lot and
would like a waiver from the CBA but states that they conform to the view of the
requirements.
Mr. Jeff Dirk of VAI Transportation Engineers & Planners informed the Planning Board
that the traffic count had been conducted at seven locations during peak morning,
weekday and evening peak. Mr. Dirk stated that there are 2172 vehicle trips to on
average for weekday traffic. The weekday morning peak hour would generate 228 trips .
entering and 50 exiting. The weekday evening peak hour would generate 60 trips
entering and 227 exiting. The total tracks entering would be 114-188; the weekday
morning peak would be 3-15 and the weekday evening peak 3-12. The level of service to
area presently is rated an F, without build-out in the year 2006 would be a level F, with
build-out level F but with mitigation would change to A. The eleven traffic signal
warrants are not met in 2001 or 2006 without build out so the site would not require a
traffic signal if build out should occur in 2006, four of the criteria for a traffic signal
would be met this is why the level changes to A.
Mr. Nardella question whether Mr. Dirk was aware of how to place restriction on trucks
traveling to sites. Mr. Dirk stated that he was only aware of Self Regulations that the
town sets up where the developer provides maps of the route to the drivers with the map
posted on the track.
Ms. Griffin questioned the amount a traffic light would cost if it were to be installed?
Mr. Dirk stated that it could run about $100,000, but with the criteria not be met at the
present the developer would not be able to place the signal in. Mr. Dirk stated that the
underground equipment could be place now for a future signal. If the infrastructure were
in place in would cost $50,000 to finish the installation. Mr. Angles questioned whether
the equipment could be purchased now for future use. Mr. Dirk stated that it would be
outdated by the time it was to be used. Mr. Dirk suggested that a portion of the signal be
added to each building placed in the subdivision.
Mr. Crocker stated that he was meeting with Mark Rees to discuss the buildout of the site
and cormnents made by DPW.
Mr. Nardella motioned to CONTINUE the Public Hearing for Lawrence
Industrial Park-Definitive Subdivision until October 30, 2001, 2naMr. Angles, voted 5-0
in favor of the motion.
Discussions:
Forestview-Lot Releases/Bond Establishment
Mr. Nardella motioned to ESTABLISH the bond for Amberville Road station
13+16 to 21+00 for $95,502.00, 2nd by Mr. Angles, voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
Mr. Nardella motioned to RELEASE lots 62A, 63A, 64A, 66A, 67A, 29, 30, 32,
33, 34 and 65 for Forestview Subdivision, 2na by Mr. Angles, voted 5-0 in favor of the
motion.
357 Dale Street-Bond Release
Mr. Rowen motioned to RELEASE all remaining bond money held for 357 Dale
Street-Watershed Special Permit, 2nd by Mr. Nardella, voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
Decisions:
11 Marbleridge Road-Watershed Special Permit
Mr. Simons suggested that the relocating of the house should be placed in the Finding of
Facts.
Mr. Angles motioned to APPROVE the Watershed Special Permit for 11
Marbleridge Road as amended, 2nd by Mr. Nardella, voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
41 Marbleridge Road-Watershed Special Permit
Mr. Nardella suggested that in If each October to each year.
Mr. Nardella motioned to APPROVE the Watershed Special Permit for 41
Marbleridge Road as amended, 2nd by Mr. Rowen, voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
Continued Public Hearings:
Boston Hill Condominiums-Site Plan Special Permit
Mike Rosati representative fore the applicant stated they had been working on the erosion
control sequencing and underground detention pond. The easement would be widened
10' and the site marked as an exclusive use area.
Ms. Griffin questioned the recommendation made by the police of a 20 mph posting. Mr.
Rosati stated that the road had been designed as 20 mph on the police recommendation.
Ms. Griffin questioned what the exclusive use area would be? Mr. Rosati stated that 25-
30' behind each unit would be for the residents use while the surrounding areas would be
marked as open space, lVh'. Simons wanted the topography feature of the open space?
Mr. Simons stated that it looked as though a lot of the open space was going to be
disturbed. Mr. Rosati stated that the open space would be disturbed to build the site but
would be left to regenerate itself naturally.
Mr. Rosati stated that a trail network was being provided around the property. Mr.
Simons wanted to know the slope of the trails? Mr. Rosati stated he would look into this
for the next meeting. Mr. Schwarz commented that the trail was to cross over the
detention area and the lack of connection to parking. Mr. Rosati stated that he would
look into the connection of the parking and stated that with the underground detention
area the trail was now going to be placed to cross over. Mr. Rosati also stated that the
applicant would be responsible for clearing the trail.
Mr. Rosati informed the Planning board that the condominium association would be
responsible for maintaining Parcel A. Mr. Angles questioned that in accordance with
M.G.L. open space might be able to be calculated as build out with comprehensive
permits.
Mr. Nardella wanted to know how large Parcel A was. Mr. Rosati stated 18 acres.
Mr. Simons wanted to know what the fill ratio was? Mr. Rosati stated that 35,000 yards
would be off site. Mr. Simons wanted to know how much of the hill was to be disturbed?
Mr. Rosati stated about 75%. Mr. Nardella questioned what methods of stabilization
would be used? Mr. Rosati informed him that looming and seeding would be done before
any new cuts to the hill. Mr. Nardella questioned their build out schedule? Mr. Rosati
stated that the development did not fall under the phased or growth bylaw. Mr. Nardella
requested that they put the schedule to a calendar and inform the Planning Board.
Mr. Nardella stated that the site was very sensitive and if Mr. Rosati would eliminate
anything what would it be? Mr. Rosati stated he would get back to the Planning board
with an answer at the next meeting. Mr. Rowen questioned the grading of the site as
proposed? Mr. Rosati stated that it was at 6%. Mr. Angles questioned the slopes at the
fill?
Ms. Griffin wanted to know how they felt they were exempt from Section 6d of the
bylaw? Mr. Elmer Pease stated that they were restricting the housing of older persons
with 80% having to have at least one person over 55 years. The exclusion of children
would have to be done by a covenant or deed restriction. Ms. Griffin stated that a
covenant would have to be in place to be eligible for the exemption. Ms. Griffin went on
to say that if they did not want to restrict children then they could use the option of 40%
reduction.
Mr. Dermot Kelly the traffic engineer informed the Planning Board that the driveway
would be the standard 25'. His traffic analysis was based on comparing it to a retirement
community. The applicant received approval from VHB.
Mr. Simons requested a site visit to get a better idea of the roadway grades. Mr. Rosati
believed that the road was staked out at 200' stations. The Planning Board scheduled a
site walk for Saturday October 27 at 9:00 a.m.
Mr. Chris Huntress informed the Planning Board that the vinyl siding would offer a
variety of colors and that the detention basin will change the landscaping plans. Mr.
Huntress will present the new plans at the next meeting.
Ms. Bernice Fink, abutter, questioned where the residents would park their boats and/or
RV's. Mr. Huntress would look into the possibilities but each unit was allowed 2 spaces
with additional parking in the front.
Ms. Fink questioned the blasting that would need to be performed on site? Mr. Rosati
stated that he would have answers for the next meeting.
Mr. Nardella stated that a guarantee would need to be in place for the restriction of 55-
years and older to work. Mr. Pease stated that the deed would go with the land.
Red Gate-Settlement
Mr. Nardella motioned to authorize Town Counsel to request the court to remand
this matter to the Planning Board for consideration of an approval of the subdivision in