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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-04-08Planning Board Meeting Senior Center April 8,1997 Members Present: Richard Rowen, Vice Chairman, Alberto A~ngles, Associate Member. Alison Lescarbeau, Clerk, arrived at 7:04, Richard Nardella arrived at 7:11 p.m. Kathleen Bradley Colwell, Town Planner was also present. Joseph V. Mahoney, Chairman, and John Simons were absent. Minutes: On a motion by Mr. Angles, seconded by Mr. Rowen the minutes of March 18, 1997 were unanimously approved. Discussion: Woodland Estates Peter Ogrin, of Hayes Engineering was present representing Woodland Estates. Mr. Ogrin stated that they would like to put a septic system in the buffer zone. Only the sub-surface components of the sewer system would be in the buffer zone. Mr. Rowen stated that nothing should go in the buffer zone. Mr. Nardella asked what the applicant could do if the Board did not allow the system in the buffer zone. Mr. Ogrin stated that the applicant would have to do additional testing on the lot. Ms. Colwell suggested that the applicant attempt to find an alternate location on the lot. If there is no other location then the Board may entertain this request. Mr. Ogrin also stated that the applicant mistakenly placed a driveway in a portion of the open space parcel. He proposes to swap a piece of the lot with the open space. There would be no net loss in open space. Mr. Ogrin stated that they would have to file an ANR plan and change the lot lines. Mr. Rowen stated that they should get an ANR plan for the next meeting. Ms. Colwell stated that ANR plans for lot line changes do not have to go in front of the Board and she could sign it. The'Crossroads - gate Ms. Colwell stated that Peter Shaheen will keep the gate closed. The Zoning Board of Appeals will not modify the decision on their own. Peter is contemplating the construction of a building at the far rear of the property. If they put the new building in the rear the Zoning Board of Appeals may reconsider keeping the gate closed. The Planning Board would also review this building through the site plan review process. Coventry I - bond update Ms. Colwell stated that she contacted the onsite manager but did not speak with him. Tim Willett, the Town Engineer, submitted a letter to Ms. Colwell with a punch list for remaining inspections. The bank is moving forward towards the completion of the road. Master Plan Committee - update Ms. Colwell stated that by the next meeting she will have a pamphlet for the Board on the phone surveys. Warrant Articles: Youth Center - accept gift of land/appropriate funds, amend prior town meeting vote Steve Foster and Rick Gorman, Director of Youth Services, were present representing Youth Services. Mr. Gorman stated that they have 3 warrant articles. One is to re-appropriate funds for the construction of the Youth Center, the second is to amend the previous vote regarding the location of the Youth Center and third is to accept a gift of land for the Youth Services. Mr. Gorman stated that they have raised $130,000 and have a verbal donation of $150,000. Mr. Rowen asked who owned the property. Mr. Gorman stated that it was owned by Community Development Services. Mr. Rowen asked if they had access to the parcel. Mr. Foster stated yes. Mr. Nardella stated that the parking lot is municipal and wondered if they had a problem with parking. Mr. Gorman stated that it is an under utilized parking lot and the only time it is full is on a Friday or Saturday for the Top of the Scales Restaurant. Mr. Foster stated that the building is 18,000 SF and is close to Johnson Street. Mr. Foster also stated that they will work with the Historical Commission with the outside of the building. The trees on site will be kept and they plan to add three trees to enhance the landscaping. Mro Foster stated that the Youth Center will be on the first floor and the Thrift Shop will be on the second floor. The Board noted that prior to construction the youth center would have to come before the Board for site plan review. On a motion by Mr. Nardella seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau the Board voted unanimously to recommended favorable action to amend previous vote on the proposed location of the Youth Center. On a motion by Mr. Nardella seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau the Board voted 3-1 to recommend favorable action to transfer funds of $525,000. Mr. Angles abstained from voting. On a motion by Mr. Nardella seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau the Board voted unanimously to recommend favorable action to accept the gift of land. Accept gift of Land - Coventry II Ms. Colwell recommends accepting the gift of land from First City Development. On a motion by Mr. Nardella seconded Mr. Angles the Board voted unanimously to recommend favorable action to accept the gift of land. Jay Willis was present to address the Board to tell them that he had paid the outstanding taxes on Coventry II and would like the Board to release the remaining balance of the bond. Ms. Colwell stated that she had a letter from Roberta McGowan, Asst. Treasurer, stating that they had paid their taxes and recommends the release of the bonds. On a motion by Ms. Lescarbeau seconded by Mr. Angles the Board voted unanimously to release the remaining funds for Coventry II. Conservation Restriction - Osgood Hill, Town Farm Continued until May 6, 1997. Continued: 200 Chickering Road (Rennies) - site plan review Peter Shaheen of MHF Design was present on behalf of the applicant. Mr. Shaheen is requesting a conditional Site Plan approval. Mr. Shaheen stated that the only thing that remains to be done is a perk test, which will be done on Friday. Ms. Colwell stated that there are other outstanding issues. John Chessia, the Town's engineering consultant, received the revised drainage last Wednesday and needs 2 weeks to review them. 3 Mr. Rowen stated that not everything has been finalized. There are some issues that can be resolved like the building, lighting and landscaping. Mr. Rowen stated he would like to wrap up the traffic issue tonight. Mr. Nardella asked what the number of parking spaces were there. Mark Gross, of MHF Design, stated that they have moved the compact spaces around. The required size of the spaces are to be 84" and they are giving them 86 h. Mr. Shaheen stated that there will be no restaurant put in the plaza. Mr. Nardella asked if the dumpster was going to be enclosed with a gate. Mr. Gross stated that it would be. Ms. Lescarbeau asked if it was a compactor or a dumpster. Mr. Gross stated that it was going to be a dumpster. Ms. Lescarbeau asked how many units are there in the building. Mr. Gross stated that there are a total of 9 but some can be combined. Dermit Kelley, of DJK Associates, stated that the size of the road is 36' wide. Mr. Kelle~y stated that the shoulder is 5'-6' wide. Mr. Lescarbeau stated that even though you can't be cited for using the shoulder she is not going to approve a plan which requires passing in the shoulder. Mr. Nardella stated that the road is not going to be lined for the use of the shoulder. Atty. Shaheen stated that Officer $oucy stated that it was not illegal to use the shoulder. Mr. Nardella asked what is the objection to spending a little money and put the road wider and put the stripes on the road. Paul Hajec, the Town's Traffic Consultant, stated that he agrees with the applicant's traffic consultant and with the state highway department that a turning lane is not warranted for this project. However, in the future, if there is increased development along Rt 125, a turning lane may be warranted along this stretch of RT. 125. Mr. Rowen asked if the road were widened at this point would the cars then go faster. Mr. Hajec stated probably yes, but it can't be said until it's done. 4 Elvira Curcio, of 23 Edgelawn Drive, stated that Officer Soucy stated that this a State road and was wondering why there has not been a State Police Officer attend a meeting to address the traffic. Mark Johnson, representing Heritage Green Condominiums, is concerned with the traffic plan. He questioned what would happen if you did not allow the passing on the right. Mr. Rowen stated that cars would queue up. Mr. Rowen stated that given the fact that the two traffic consultants and the State have approved the traffic plan he would not require a center turn lane. Mr. Gross spoke with the town's engineering consultant and stated that the most significant issue is with the down stream area. They plan to do a perk test. Mr. Rowen asked if they will have enough time to get the results in by the next meeting. Mr. Rowen stated that we will put them on the agenda for the next meeting but if they don't get the results back in time we'll take them off. Mr. Nardella stated that he is looking for them to bring something back to the Board on a proposal for roadway improvement. Mr. Shaheen stated that the applicant is willing to do what ever anyone else is willing to do. Tom Neve, of Neve Associates, is working with the condominium association stated that his major issue is with the site drainage. He would like them to test every layer that exists and test in at least in 4 different areas. Mr. Neve's other concern is the maintenance of the sub-surface system. Mr. Gross stated that the maintenance for these systems could be put in the decisions. Continued until April 15, 1997 757 Turnpike Street (Stop & Shop) - site plan review Tom Laudani was present representing Stop & Shop. Mr. Laudani handed the board a list of 200 people who are in favor of Stop & Shop. Dermit Kelley of DJK Associates was present to speak about the traffic issues. Mr. Kelley stated that they will be reconstructing Rt. 114. They have met with Mass Highway and they have approved the plans but, have some suggestions that they would like them to do. Mass. Highway would like them to interconnect with the other lights. Mr. Kelley stated that they will be widening from the 3 lanes to 5 lanes with a long taper. The access is off of Turnpike Street and the truck access is off of Willow Street. Mr~ Kelley presented the sketch of Rt. 114 from Osco to the site. The road presently at Osco Drug starts at 5 lanes then goes to 2 lanes then drops to 1 lane then goes back to 2 lanes at Hillside Road. Mr. Kelley met with Mr. Hajec, the town's traffic consultant. The corridor study will go from Jasmine Plaza to Rt. 125. Mr. Nardella asked if the corridor study would take into consideration future zoning changes along Rt. 125/Rt.114. Mr. Kelley stated that he would look at proposed zoning. Jay Diorio of Hillside Road, asked why they have not addressed the western side of Rt. 114. Mr. Diorio stated that he sat at the intersection of Hillside Road for 5 minutes trying to get out. Mr. Diorio also stated that there are two more pieces of property for sale and wants to know what is going to happen when those get built upon. Lou Kemmick of Turnpike Street, asked what the total nurmber of cars that travel on Turnpike Street a day. Mr. Kelley stated that based on the traffic count, the new Stop & Shop would generate 357 trips. Mr. Nardella asked what the total nur~ber of cars that would enter the site is. Mr. Kelley stated that about 204 cars would enter the site a day. Mr. Nardella asked what the peak hours are for Turnpike Street. Mr. Kelley stated that they are from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Steve Stapinski of Merrimack Engineering, was present to speak about the engineering design overview. Mr. Stapinski stated that there is drainage on Willow Street to pick up runoff. Then it goes into the storm drainage on Rt.ll4. The pipe on Rt.ll4 does not have the capacity to maintain a 100 year flood. There are two separate systems proposed. The first is for flood storage. There are a series box culverts connected to the pipe. As the water backs up it is directed to these chambers. The water can not enter the higher chambers until the lower chambers are full. The second system deals with storm water control. They will put the detention underground. The site is graded at 1 ~ % consistently throughout the site. There will be catch basins set at every aisle. There are gas and oil traps. Mr. Nardella asked if there would always be water in the chambers. Mr. Stapinski stated that there would be in the spring. Mr. Nardella asked if there was 1' of water in the chambers could it then handle a 100 year flood. Mr. Stapinski stated that there would never be 1' of water it would only be 1/2" of water in the chambers. Mr. Nardella asked if they need maintenance. Mr. Stapinski stated that they have inspection manholes throughout the site to inspect. Mr. Rowen asked if they are going to have a problem with draining into the Getty Station. Mr. Stapinski stated that the Getty Station flows down into an open area, and that the Stop & Shop parking would not drain through the Getty property. Ms. Colwell stated that all of the drainage is being reviewed by John Chessia. Lou Kemmick of Turnpike Street, stated that during the last storm the water was flowing over his property and is very concerned about the drainage. Mr. Laudani stated that the signs don't conform to the Rules & Regulations and they are going to submit new plans. Mr. Nardella asked if they received a waiver from the Zoning Board of Appeals for the parking spaces. Mr. Laudani stated that they have to meet with them on April 17, 1997. Don Stewart of Prospect Street, stated that he is in favor of this project. Young Nam of 35 Phillips Common, stated that the project will provide a lot of part time and full time jobs for students and is in favor of this project. Mr. Nardella asked the applicant if they could work with the senior citizens to try to help them get to and shop at the new Stop & Shop. Mr. Laudani stated that he spoke to Kathleen Gorman, Director of the Senior Center, about getting them hooked up to the internet on line so that the Seniors will be able to use the Pea Pod delivery service to have their groceries delivered. Continued until April 15, 1997 Old Center Lane - subdivision Ben Osgood Jr. was present representing Old Center Lane. Mr. Osgood stated that he has addressed all of the engineering consultant's comments. Ms. Colwell stated that Mr. Chessia could not get back comments back because he needs 2 weeks to look over the new plans. Mr. Rowen stated that the first step is to verify this is a buildable lot. Mr. Osgood stated that the basin at the bottom of the detention pond holds water and then lets it seep out. It will have water in it so wetland vegetation will growth in it. Mr. Osgood stated that Mr. Chessia thought that wetland vegetation might be.a concern with the abutters. Ms. Colwell asked who would maintain the detention pond. Mr. Nardella asked if it was on someone's property. Mr. Osgood stated that it was on lot 38A. Mr. Nardella asked what do we need to do to make sure that it would be maintained. Ms. Colwell stated that it would have to be put in the decision and the deed. Mr. Osgood stated that if the pond did fill up it has another access to get out up higher than the other one so it would never stay filled up. Mr. Rowen stated that Mr. Osgood needs to put together a plan with 2 lots with access to the detention pond with the house moved over to the South for the record on file. Mr. Osgood stated that he can provide a sketch not a mylar. Mr. Osgood stated that he is only asking for a waiver for the sidewalks. Ms. Colwell stated that she did some research on the access and the only way the abutter could obtain frontage on the new road is by adverse possession, grant of easement or public acceptance of the road. Mr. Nardella stated that if the Roderiques wanted to split off the parcel of their land and build on it they would have a lot of problems. Mr. Nardella asked if our bylaw allowed a reserve strip. Ms. Colwell stated that the Board has the power to waive the reserve strip if it serves a public interest. Mr. Rowen stated that if it is not going to be a Town road then we need to make sure it will never be a Town road. Peter Roderiques spoke about some comments he wrote in his letter. Mr. Roderiques is concerned with the detention pond damaging his property. He also is concerned about eliminating the full turn around because of emergency issues. Ms. Colwell stated that it was a driveway. Mr. Rowen stated that there will be sprinkler systems in the houses. Mr. Roderiques stated that the drainage calculations have been modeled incorrectly. Ms. Colwell stated Mr. Chessia will be reviewing the drainage. Mr. Nardella stated that we either build to Towns standards with the cul-de-sac or go with this plan. Ms. Colwell stated that the DPW and Fire Department do not recommend the cul-de-sac. Mr. Rowen stated that he would like to move forward with this design. Patricia Carl of 95 Johnson Street, stated that she has concerns with safety. Mr. Rowen stated that there will be a 16' wide driveway with a stone monument with both addresses on it and they will have a Johnson Street address. There will also be full sprinkler systems in each house. The Board directed Ms. Colwell to draft a decision. Continued until April 15, 1997. 154/164 Johnson Street (Old Center Lane) - watershed special permit The Board discussed the watershed special permit while they discussed the Old Center Lane subdivision. The Board will wait until Mr. Chessia has looked over the drainage report before they make their decision. Continued until April 15, 1997. Red Gate - subdivision special Ben Osgood Jr. was present representing Red Gate. Mr. Osgood stated that they have redesigned the road to an 8% grade and reduced the cut in the hill to 14' Mr. Osgood stated that he has addressed 99% of John Chessias comments. No new plans have been officially submitted to the Planning Department or to the engineering consultant. Continued until May 20, 1997 Brookview Estates - subdivision/PRD Mike Rosati, Dave Kindred and Gary Kelloway were all present representing Brookview Estates. Ms. Colwell met with the Trails Committee and with the applicants. There will be a 4"x4" hard plastic sign that would be posted on the trees along the trail. The path will meander along the wetlands. The Conservation Commission will review the wetland crossing. No big trees will be cut down. The Trails Committee would prefer not to put stone dust on the trail. Mr. Rowen recommended that they backfill with woodchips over where they install the drainage pipe. Ann Barbagallo, of Seally Drive, asked why do want to connect the neighborhoods. Mr. Nardella stated that if your child wants to go to another neighborhood and play they don't have to walk on a main road and get hurt. Ms. Barbagallo asked who was responsible of keeping up with the bridge. Ms. Colwell stated that the Trails Committee would be responsible. Ms. Barbagallo asked if anyone from town could use this trail or if it was just for the neighborhood. Elsi Pouliot, of Boxford Street, stated that she walks Boxford Street every day and would love to use the trail instead of walking on Boxford Street. Ms. Pouliot also stated that there is 300 acres of open space because of PRD's and would like to make some use of that open space. On a motion by Ms. Lescarbeau, seconded by Mr. Nardella the Board voted unanimously to close the public hearing. The Board directed Ms. Colwell to draft a decision. Decisions: 120 Main Street (Senior Center) - site plan review Ms. Colwell stated that the decision requires that all HVAC units be shielded from the residential neighborhoods. On a motion by Mr. Angles, seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau the Board voted unanimously to accept the Site Plan Review Special Permit draft decision as amended. Endorse Plans: 10 277 Farnum Street - frontage exception lot Ms. Colwell recommends the Board to endorse the plans. The Board endorsed the plans. Salem Forest IV - subdivision/PRD Ms. Colwell met with Joe Serwatka on Monday and went over the plans. Everything seemed to be in order and Ms. Colwell recommended that the Board to endorse the plans. The Board endorsed the plans. Adjournment: On a motion by Ms. Lescarbeau, seconded by Mr. Simons, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m. 11