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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-01-07Planning Board Meeting Senior Center January 7, 1997 Members Present: Joseph V. Mahoney, Chairman, Richard Rowen, Vice Chairman, Alison Lescarbeau, Clerk arrived at 7:37 p.m., Alberto Angles, Associate Member and Richard Nardella arrived at 7:37 p.m. John Simons arrived at 8:31 p.m. Kathleen Bradley Colwell, Town Planner was also present. Minutes: On a motion by Mr. Angles, seconded by Mr. Rowen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes as amended of November 19, December 3 and December 17, 1996. Discussion: 9 Hodges Street - Site Plan Review Waiver Terry O'Reilly was present to discuss 9 Hodges Street. He wants to change the use of the building from a video rental store to Northern Karate Academy. Mr. O'Reilly stated that there was not going to be any change to the exterior of the building and there was a sufficient amount of parking spaces. Ms. Colwell stated that the building department has determined that there are a sufficient number of parking spaces with a restriction on the occupancy. Mr. Angles questioned if there was going to be a change in the sign. Mr. O'Reilly stated that the existing sign would be replaced with a similar sign. On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Mr. Angles the Board voted unanimously to waive the site plan review. Lot 19 Sherwood Drive - work in fifty foot buffer zone Tom Neve of Neve Associates spoke for Bob Janusz, owner and showed plans for lot 19. They are requesting that a portion of the fifty foot buffer zone be disturbed for the grading of the septic system. Mr. Neve stated that Sandra Start, the Septic System Health Agent, has approved the grading and the buffer if planning approves it will be outside of the buffer zone. Mr. Mahoney asked what the 50' buffer zone did. Ms. Colwell answered, that it is there to protect other neighbors and wildlife habitat. Mr. Rowen stated that if the applicant is allowed to work in the 50' buffer zone, he will have to vegetate and replant the entire area. As a portion of the buffer zone had been previously disturbed, this requirement would actually create a larger buffer. Mr. Angles asked how many lots there would be. Mr. Neve stated that there are 19 lots total. On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Mr. Angles the Board voted unanimously to allow work in the 50' buffer zone as long as vegetation is added. Heritage Estates Mr. Donahue was present representing Heritage Estates. Mr. Donahue showed the Board 3 sets of plans. Mr. Donahue stated that if they went by the 1985 plan they could get 14 lots. Lots 1 & 2 would not be constructed under ConComs regulations. Mr. Donahue stated that 15 lots could have been constructed in 1985, 13 lots at a minimum. Their proposed plan conforming to the proposed settlement conditions has 13 lots however they will agree to 12 lots. A plan conforming to today's regulations shows 9 lots. Mr. Donahue stated that he would like a decision made tonight. Mr. Mahoney stated that the Board members would talk about it in executive session. The Crossroads - gate The Traffic Advisory Committee has not met yet. Coventry I - bond update No new update from the memo of the last meeting. Master Plan Committee - update The committee is continuing to hold neighborhood meetings and is working on'creating a phone survey to be completed in February. Public Hearings - New: Red Gate Pasture - subdivision Mr. Rowen read the legal notice to open the public hearing. Ben Osgood Jr., was present representing Red Gate Pasture. Mr. Osgood stated that they received preliminary approval for 4 lots off of Salem Street. Each lot has proper area and frontage. There is a straight road of 24' of pavement and 6% grade and will have granite curbing. There is a 100' cul-de-sac which is 100' in diameter. There will be town sewer and water. They will be installing catch basins and a drainage system. The wetland issues have to go before ConCom. Mr. Osgood stated that the water flows down into the field and into the catch basin in front of Mr. Cyr's house. There will be a detention pond at the entrance of the 4 lot subdivision draining into Salem Street. Ms. Colwell stated that he needs to address the comments from the outside drainage consultant. Ms. Colwell stated that the Technical Review Committee would like to reduce the size of the cul-de-sac. Mr. Osgood stated that if the cul-de-sac is reduced the cut will be 50' from the wetlands. Mr. Rowen asked what the elevation was from the top of the foundation to the cul-de-sac. Mr. Osgood stated that it was 4'- 5'. Mr. Rowen asked what the elevation was from the top slope to the house. Mr. Osgood stated that there was a 20' drop to the foundation. Mr. Rowen then stated that they might be better off with 2 lots. George Clark of 862 Salem Street, asked what a double catch basin is. Mr. Osgood stated that it was two catch basins together. Stephen Cyr of 895 Salem Street, stated that all the drainage from that area of Salem Street goes into Salem Street's double catch basin in front of the Cyr's house. Mr. Cyr stated that the catch basin floods because the pipe cannot handle all the water. Mr. Cyr also asked about the size of the detention pond. Mr. Osgood stated that the size of the pond will be 200' x 100' and will be 3' below the existing grade and they will be raising the grade of the land. Mr. Cyr asked who is Red Gate Realty Trust. Mr. Osgood stated that Jay Burke and Ben Osgood Sr. are the owners. Mr. Cyr read a letter from his father William Cyr who could not attend the meeting. In the letter it stated some concerns that Mr. Cyr has. They believe that Salem Street cannot handle the drainage in the road. Mr. William Cyr has not had a response from the town on the drainage problems he has already had due to flooding on his property and has concerns about future problems about drainage. Gary Boyle of 898 Salem Street, has concerns about the detention pond with odor problems and with trash going into the pond. Mr. Boyle also has concerns about the drainage. Mr. Nardella suggested that they put a fence around the detention pond because the trash is a problem once it gets in the detention pond it cannot be cleaned. Mr. Osgood stated that the pond is not designed to have water in it. There is also going to be landscaping along Salem Street. Steve Tomberelli of 874 Salem Street, has concerns about the traffic level and high speed of traffic, and with children's safety playing around the detention pond. Mr. Cyr stated that he would not like a fence to look at and the odor of the detention pond if trash should get into it. Mr. Bringert of 817 Salem Street, was concerned about whether this was part of open space from Foxwood. Mr. Bringert is also concerned with the drainage and flooding in his basement.' Ms. Colwell explained that we send out information to an outside drainage consultant and that this property was not, part of Foxwood. Robert Meikle of 871 Salem Street, stated that when the property was sold it was to be for 2 lots. Continued until February 4, 1997. Salem Forest IV - Subdivision/PRD Ms. Lescarbeau read the legal notice to open the public hearing. Dominic Scalise, Esq. was present and gave the Board a brief history of the project. The subdivision was denied by the Planning Board a few weeks ago based on the number of lots in the conventional plan. This new plan has one less lot. Joe Serwatka was also present and showed the Board that the lot lines were straightened out and the houses were spread out. The same house designs previously presented will be constructed. Ms. Lescarbeau asked if there were any zero setbacks. Mr. Serwatka stated that there were none. Ms. Colwell stated that the roadway layout has not changed therefor the drainage has not changed. On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Mr. Rowen the Board voted unanimously to close the public hearing. Continued: Old Center Lane - subdivision Ms. Colwell outlined the letter from Robert Gill, the Roderiques engineer. Ben Osgood Jr. was present to represent Old Center Lane showing plans with an 8% grade. Mr. Osgood showed a plan with a driveway, with a 10% grade and 20' of pavement. Mr. Osgood would like a waiver from the subdivision rules & regulations in order to construct a reduced roadway. The private road would not be maintained by the town. The drainage calculations would have to be redone also. Mr. Osgood stated that a small detention pond would be required. The Fire Chief thinks this is a better plan and would like to have sprinkler systems in the house. Mr. Nardella questioned the access to Heritage Estates. Mr. Osgood stated that to have access to Heritage Estates a road would have to have a 14% grade if connected directly and a 12.5% grade to connect with a curved road. Mr. Simons stated that he is in favor of the reduced roadway plan. Martha Roderiques asked how the frontage could be obtained with a driveway. Mr. Mahoney stated that we could give them a waiver on the pavement width. Ms. Colwell stated that they have frontage on Old Center Lane. Mr. Simons stated that it is a legitimate proposal that meets our subdivision rules & regulations. Mr. Rowen stated that he thought that John Chessia should review the 8% grade plans. Julie Crocker of 145 Johnson Street, is concerned about the reduced pavement. Mr. Osgood stated that with the reduction in pavement the detention pond will be a lot smaller and have less fill and that the pond would not have water in it. Ms. Crocker is concerned about the safety of her children with the detention pond at the end of the cul-de-sac. And also has concerns about the shared driveway width. Ms. Colwell stated that there are no town regulations on the width of a shared driveway but, that a fire truck needs 12' of road. Mr. Osgood stated that he proposed 20' of pavement. Mr. Roderiques stated that he wanted to have his engineer go over the 8% grade plan. Ms. Crocker also had concerns about the designs of the houses. Ms. Colwell stated that the Planning Board has no right to discuss the house design under subdivision rules. Russell Karl of 95 Johnson Street, asked about the drainage changes with the 8% grade. Mr. Osgood stated that there is a reduction in the sheet flow onto the adjacent properties. The 8% grade plan is going to be submitted to Coler & Colantonio. The meeting is continued until January 21, 1997. 165 Flagship Drive (UPF) - Site Plan Review Frank Montero was present representing 165 Flagship Drive. Mr. Montero stated that one wetland flag was adjusted and they received a waiver from Con Com. Bob Murray, Trustees of Reservations, questioned whether the abutting property was zoned residential or commercial. There is an abutting portion of land that is zoned residential but it is not adjacent to this site. Ms. Colwell recommended closing the public hearing. On a motion by Ms. Lescarbeau, seconded by Mr. Rowen, the Board voted unanimously to close the public hearing. 200 Chickering Road (Rennies) - Site Pla~ Review Mr. Rowen read a letter from Scott Construction asking for a continuance until February 4, 1997 in order to complete the traffic review and requested plan review. Settlers Ridqe - subdivision/PRD Ms. Colwell stated that the Department of Environmental Protection came out with new storm water regulations and the applicants have to file with ConCom. Which may effect the overall layout of the subdivision. 6 Mr. Rowen has concerns about cut slopes and the need for interception drains. They need to be put in as a condition. Mr. Simons stated that they will provide landscaping along the edge of the road. Beth Barker of 201 Bradford Street, would like the 50' buffer zone on lot 6 waived because she will retain the lot and her family owns the surrounding land. Mr. Nardella stated that they should place provisions on the land such that the buffer zone will exist if property changed hands. Mr. Rowen stated that the purpose of the buffer zone is to buffer existing homes. On a motion by Mr. Angles, seconded by Mr. Rowen the Board voted unanimously to waive the buffer zone permanently. The Board suggested that Ms. Colwell write a draft decision into that effect. On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Mr. Simons the Board voted unanimously to close the public hearing. Decisions: Salem Forest IV - subdivision/PRD Mr. Scalise stated that they will donate the open space to the town. Ms. Colwell stated that the open space parcels A & B are first offered to the state and then to the town when we accept the roadway. She wanted clarification as to whether or not the land noted as "remaining land" will be donated to the Town as that land provides the connection between the state forest. Mr. Farr stated that he wants to continue his tree farm on a portion of that property. He can do that in the town owned open space. Mr. Farr will work this out with the town prior to donation of the land. Mr. Nardella asked what the distance is between lots 1 & 2. Mr. Serwatka stated that there was 50'. Mr. Rowen asked that houses 3 & 4 be rotated towards the cul-de- sac. Mr. Serwatka stated that could be done. Mr. Nardella asked what was beyond the cul-de-sac. Mr. Serwatka stated that it was state land. On a motion by Mr. Angles, seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau the Board voted unanimously to approve the conditions for the definitive subdivision. On a motion by Mr. Angles, seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau the Board voted unanimously to approve the conditions for the special permit. 165 Flagship Drive (UPF) - Site Plan Review Mr. Rowen stated that the Board should get a letter from the engineer certifying that there are not only substantial changes to the plan prior to occupancy. On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to approve the special permit. 476 Chickering Road (Sal's Pizza) - Site Plan Review Ms. Colwell stated that the plan must be revised to eliminate parking spaces currently in the right of way of Park and Main Streets. The parking lot entrance and exit must be reversed to allow an entrance on Park Street and an exit on Main Street. A test pit must also be dug in the location of the drywell to determine groundwater level. Mr. Simon stated that he is against the project and that the building does not have the right orientation. It should relate to the adjacent building as it is a highly visible corner in town. On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau, the Board voted as follows: Mr. Rowen yes Mr. Mahoney yes Mr. Simon no Mr. Nardella no Ms. Lescarbeau yes Mr. Angles did not vote as he is an associate member and the full Board was present. Mr. Nardella was concerned about traffic and the two parking lots. They should be connected. As a special permit for site plan review requires a vote of four members the motion to approve the special permit failed. Alberto Angles left the meeting at 10:03 p.m. Lot F Flagship Drive - Site Plan Review Mr. Rowen suggested that the engineer certify in writing that the project substantially complies with the approved plans prior to the certificate if occupancy. On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau, the Board voted to approve the site plan review/special permit as of this evening. 701 Salem Street - Site Plan Review Ms. Colwell stated the applicant has not demonstrated that the storm water drainage in Salem Street is sufficient. The applicant has to provide calculations or get a letter from DPW stating that the drainage is sufficient. On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Mr. Simon, the Board voted to approve the site plan review/special permit as amended tonight. Endorse Plans: Lot 9 & 10 Boxford Street - FORM A This plan separates the land for Rocky Brook II from Peter Breen's property. Ms. Colwell recommended signing the plan. The Board authorized Ms. Colwell to sign the plan. Lot Releases/Bonds: White Birch I - PRD Mr. Rowen read a letter from DPW recommending the release of $13,800 and retain $9,800. On a motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Mr. Rowen, the Board voted unanimously to release $13,800 and retain $9,800. Jerad Place IV -PRD Mr. Rowen read a letter from DPW recommending that the roadway bond be set at $88,770. On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Mr. Simons, the Board voted to release lots 1-19 Sherwood Drive upon the posting of an $88,770 roadway bond. Ms. Colwell recommended that the Board release the $10,000 Site opening bond upon the posting of the roadway bond. On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Mr. Simons, the Board voted unanimously to release the remaining balance of $10,000 plus interest for the site opening bond. Pinewood - PRD Mr. Rowen read a letter from DPW recommending that the roadway bond be set at $114,028. On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Mr. Simons the Board voted to release lots 1-17 Pinewood Road upon the posting of an $114,028 roadway bond. Ms. Colwell recommended that the Board release $15,000 plus interest for the site opening, $5,000 plus interest for the model home and $15,000 plus interst for the foundation permit. On a motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Mr. Nardella the Board voted to release the above mentioned bonds. Heritage Estates The Board held a brief discussion regarding the Heritage Estates Subdivision. As the majority of the members were not present for Mr. Donahue's presentation and due to the lateness of the evening, the board requested that he come back before the Board at the next meeting from 7:30p.m. - 8:00p.m. to give the Board a chance to discuss the issue. /%d~ournment: On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Mr. Simon, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. 10