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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-12-20Planning Board Heetinq Dooombor 20, 1994 Senior Center The meeting was called to order at approximately.7:11 p.m. Members P~o~ont Joseph Mahoney, Vice Chairman, Richard Rowen, Clerk and Alison Lescarbeau. John Simons arrived at 7:25 p.m. Richard Nardella, Chairman was absent. Also present were Kathleen Bradley Colwell, Town Planner and George Perna, Acting Director of Planning & Community Development. Cobblestone Croesinq - Fenoe/Wall Ms. Colwell stated that the Planning Board reviewed the site a few weeks ago and agreed that a stockade fence should be constructed instead of the stone wall. There is a natural break in the trees for the fence. Mr. David Lanzoni, "99" Restaurant, discussed site plan review for the "99" Restaurant and the Zoning Board of Appeals permits. concern about the treatment of applicants and the costs of creating barriers and the continued maintenance costs fence will enhance the property, but does not want to be responsible for the fence Mr. Rowen stated that the Zoning Board of Appeals required the hemlocks and prohibited the erection of a fence at the time of the "99" site plan. Mr. Thomas Laudani, Evergreen Management, request for minor modification regarding the requirement of a wall because of the neighbor's request. Fence will create a visual as well as an actual barrier. The fence to be maintained by the homeowners association. Questions of where the fence will go. the trees where the fence should go. field by the Town Planner. There is a natural break in It can be located in the John Simons arrived at 7:25 p.m. Mr. Rowen stated that money not spent on the wall should go toward maintenance of the fence in the homeowners association. On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau, the Planning Board voted to grant the request for a minor modification of the Cobblestone Crossing Subdivision approval by substituting a wooded stockade fence for the stone wall. The fence is to be maintained by the homeowner's association. The money saved from the cost of the stone wall should be put into a maintenance fund. Foxwood - Phase III Lots A letter was received from Mr. Steven Stapinski, Merrimack Engineering Services, requesting that the lots iht he inner loop be cleared. Cut now rather than in the spring because the weather is better. Mr. Rowen asked if all material will be moved off site. Mr. Laudani replied, yes, all material will be moved, no stockpiling. Mr. Stapinski stated that the advantage to cutting now is that work can start faster on the lots and pavement on the road. Will pick up two months in the total timetable, will take about six (6) weeks total. Material on the slopes is very sandy. Mr. Rowen thought binder coat was to be put down on Phase III. He asked if all utilities were in. Mr. Stapinski replied, yes, the site is tight, no erosion on site. On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau, the Planning Board voted to allow clearing on the inner loop of Phase III subject to review by the Town Planner. Lots X and 2 Blue RZduo Road Mr. Phil Christiansen, Christiansen & Sergi, presented the Board with the following information: zoned 2 acres, in a neighborhood of i acre lots went before the ZBA for a variance on frontage but were denied looking to create 2 lots propose a subdivision to create frontage but not actually build the road Mr. Simons - stretch to build two houses on the lot because of the wetland issues. Ms. Lescarbeau agrees that it is a one house lot site. Ms. Colwell recommends that pavement not be waived as this would set a bad precedent for the Town, have only waived roadway construction in the watershed. Consensus of the Planning Board that this site is appropriate for one house only. ~adAne Lane - ~evise~ La¥ou~ Mr. James Grifoni, White Birch Construction and Mr. Phil Christiansen, Christiansen & Sergi were present. would like to hold off an discussion of revised plans would like to post bond for lots on Willow Street only, not the entire street Ms. Colwell stated that the Planning Board discussed this issue previously and said no. Mr. Rowen covenants posted. - philosophically does not disagree because we have on the remaining lots along with the bond that was Ms. Colwell suggests waiting until site has been approved by the Conservation Commission. The discussion was continued to January 3, 1995 meeting. Warrant Articles Ms. Colwell reminded the Planning Board that all warrant articles must be submitted by February 27, 1995. Workshop meetings will be held on January 10th and January 30th. Public hearings Will be held on February 16th. All Planning Board members were assigned a warrant article to work on for the meeting of the tenth. PublAo Heariaqs The Greenerv Extended care - Special Per~_~t - Site Plan This public hearing was a continued hearing from December 6, 1994. A letter was read from the Greenery requesting withdrawal without prejudice. On a motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Mr. Rowen, the Planning Board voted to accept the withdrawal without prejudice. The Crossroads - PBJ Development - S~te Pla~ Review Continued from Decemher 6th, the Planning Board limited discussions to traffic issues only. Mr. David Friend, traffic consultant, walked through the traffic study. · no known tenants currently, therefore reviewed as a "specialty retail center" assume retail will not be open in the morning focus on p.m. peak hours · concerned that site drives operate safely 24,000 sq. ft. specialty retail center generates approximately 120 vehicle trips - 70 in/50 out assign trips to site drives Although there may be a que of 8 to 10 cars on Hillside Road currently, they are not qued for a long period of time (1 to 3 minutes). Anticipate that 70% of those exiting will use site drive 1, not site drive 2. Pass-by trips - 45% assumed, but generally is higher - took a conservative number, therefore 55% are new trips. Based on the distribution of where other access points are and where cars are generally going, 5% new trips will be on Hillside Road therefore 4 new vehicles on Hillside Road. The number of new vehicles on Hillside Road during peak hours will be 4 to 5 additional cars. This site will not exacerbate the existing traffic situation. Mr. Simons stated that there was already a queuing problem on Hillside Road, will have a que problem with people trying to get into the site. Mr. Friend stated that site drive i has specific left and right hand turn only lanes out of the site. Dan Netti, 105 Hillside Road, stated that Route 114 to Hillside Road comes from two lanes to one lane with a center turn lane. Mr. Friend stated that there were problems with left turn median lanes. Ms. Colwell asked about having one site drive in and one site drive out. Mr. Friend stated that it would cause a queuing problem in the parking lot. Mr. Rowen asked if the exit out to Hillside Road was reviewed. Mr. Friend stated that if Hillside Road access were open in the a.m. it would be used as a cut through, in the p.m. hours it would also be used as a cut through to avoid que. Mr. Rowen and Ms. Lescarbeau both agreed that it would probably not be used as a cut through because too difficult to get through parking lot and around the building. Mr. Mahoney stated that they could close the site to Hillside Road in the a.m. and allow access in from Hillside Road only. Mr. Rowen suggested eliminating exit from site drive 2. Mr. Simons asked what was the possibility of re-routing the cars out through the Microelectronics parking lot. Peter Shaheen has been discussing access with Microelectronics.. Ms. Lescarbeau asked about how many people work there and when do they get out of work. Attorney Shaheen stated that about 50 people work there, did not know when they got out of work. Ms. Lescarbeau asked if that was part of the study. The answer was "yes". Alice Piesons, 125 Hillside Road, did not want to encourage traffic on Hillside Road, concern about traffic exiting out on Hillside Road. Mr. Rowen did not think that a curb cut on Hillside Road would increase the traffic on Hillside Road because the majority of traffic would go back out to Route 114. Mr. Friend stated that it may encourage a small number of cars on Hillside Road. Jay DiOrio, 179 Hillside Road, stated that the exit out to Hillside would encourage traffic, did not want people to drive behind the building. Mr. DiOrio suggested putting Stop signs on Hillside Road where there are other intersections. Mr. Becotte, 136 Hillside Road, concerned about traffic going into the Chestnut Green and the proposed Osco Drug. Bill Warlock, 164 Hillside Road, concerned about traffic on Hillside Road. Ken Osborn, 115 Hillside Road stated that traffic will reduce possibility of gaps on Route 114. Attorney Shaheen stated that once light is put in on Route 114 and Willow Street, there will be gaps in the traffic. Shirley Howe, 5 Hillside Road stated that people currently cut through the Kent property and will continue to cut through if a curb cut is out onto Hillside Road. Mr. Mahoney would like outside review of the traffic study given all the issues raised. Mr. Simons asked if about mandating a cop on Hillside Road. Mr. Rowen believes outside review would be a good idea. Would like to see a plan showing adjacent curb cuts and the roadway layout. Attorney Shaheen stated that this site was reviewed duringthe Osco discussion, would recommend against additional study. Mr. Mahoney requested that the Merrimack Valley Planning Co~mission look at the study. Mr. Rowen said to send to the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission for the following: an opinion bounce off ideas Mr. Simons stated that the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission can give the Planning Board a sense of the study. pedestrian access, need to make the site more pedestrian friendly put on a human scale Ms. Lescarbeau - review of study and a plan. On a motionbyMr. Rowan, seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau, the Planning Board voted to continue the public hearing to January 3, 1995. Lost Pond - Definitive Subdivision/PRD - Special Permits - Common Driveway and Access Ms. Colwell discussed meeting with George Perna, Bill Hmurciak, Michael Howard, David Kindred and Tom Neve. She gave the Board an outline of topics discussed. Drainage calculations are being reviewed by an outside consultant. Mr. Nave stated that he may want to reduce pavement width at the cul-de-sac in order to move the pavement away from the wetland. (90' pavement instead of 100'. Planning Boardin consensus about eliminating pavement if possible. Mr. Simons had the following comments/questions: What happened at Conservation? Discuss access to Lots 5 and 6 Do cluster to limit effect on topography, but will need to disturb a large area on Lots 5 and 6. Limit the cuts on the site. Mr. Nave stated that Lots 5 and 6 were in an open pasture, trees will not need to be cut. 6 Mr. Simons suggested limiting lawn area and grading, all the other homes are consistent. He wants to make sure that the houses are integrated and work with the site, wants houses that suite the site. Mr. Neve stated that there are garages under where there are steep grades. Mr. Simons wants a common theme for the site design, possibly keep the family farm theme within the subdivision. Mr. Neve stated that plans are for traditional colonial designs. He will not manufacture the site to fit the site. He will look at coming up with a theme. Mr. Mahoney asked if Mr. Kindred was reserving the design review prior to sale of the lots. Mr. Kindred's reply was "yes". On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Mr. Simons, the Planning Board voted to continue the public hearing to January 3, 1995. Ms. Elsie Pouliot, 465 Boxford Street, questioned as to where the water main would go. Ms. Colwell to talk to D.P.W. P~newoo~ (Woodohuok Subdiv~s~on/PRD Grove) - Modification Definitiv- Ms. Colwell continued the discussions from the previous meeting. Outstanding issue was the drainage on the site. Had an outside consultant review the site. The applicant responded to the issues raised but there are still some outstanding issues. Recommend closing the public hearing on the condition that: 1. drainage issues to be resolved prior to endorsement, if a major revision is required then will have to come back to the Planning Board 2. revise Lots 13 and 14 grading 3. highlight existing trails on site and make sure they are kept open, re-route existing trails Mr. Rowen - french drain system in the yards to eliminate drainage issues should be put in. On a motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau, the Planning Board voted to close the public hearings and draft decision for January 3, 1995.. Bob Hallorenquestioned about the drainage and the detention ponds. Ms. Colwell stated that drainage issues have been resolved with a few minor changes to be made prior to endorsement of the plan. Suggested he talk to Bill Hmurciak with any further concerns. The Conservation Commission will also be reviewing the consultant's comments. Salem Forest XV - SPecial Permits - Common Drive/&coess A request for withdrawal was received from the applicant. On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Mr. Simons, the planning Board voted to accept the withdrawal without prejudice. BonUs/Lot Releases 1077 Osqoo~ Street - Butcher BoY - Re~uotion Ms. Colwell gave the Planning Board an overview of bonds. Currently holding $40,000 - $20,000 for demolition of the building and construction of detention pond; $20,000 for erosion control, site screening, etc. Erosion control is in place and retaining wall is 85% complete. Recommend $5,000 be released. Mr. Frank Smith stated that the entire site is covered with gravel and is at the final grade. Drainage will work as designed. No evidence of siltation build up at haybales and silt fence. Paving will be done in the Spring. Mr. Simons stated that the bond is also for site screening and to help if a catastrophe occurs. Mr. Rowen stated the need for continued maintenance of erosion control. Mr. Mahoney stated that the comfort level was not there with the board to reduce anymore then what has been recommended. Mr. Simons stated that the bond will be held to make sure that everything is completed accurately and adequately. On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau, the Planning Board voted to release $5,000 from the bond being held for Butcher Boy. Nort~n~over Estates - Bong The Planning Board reviewed the revised wording on the letter of credit. The wording is ok. 8 Meadowood XI! - Release Lots/Set Bond Mr. Rowen read a request for the release of all lots in Meadowood III except Lots 17, 18 and 19. Applicant has not yet applied for the wetland crossing because they were waiting for the sewer hook-up permit from the State. Mr. Laudani will be submitting the wetland crossing to the Conservation Commission in January, as sewer permit was granted. Mr. Rowen read a letter from D.P.W. recommending that the bond be set at $92,502. Ms. Colwell reminded the Board to release the $15,000 site opening bond. On a motion by Ms. Lescarbeau, seconded by Mr. Rowen, the Planning Board voted to release the $15,000 site opening bond, and release all lots but Lots 17, 18 and 19, upon receipt of the $92,502 roadway bond. Foxwood Phase IX! - 8ewer Phase III sewer is complete. Mr. Thomas Laudani was requesting release of the bond being held for the sewer. Mr. Rowen read a letter from D.P.W. recommending that $50,900 be released. On a motion byMr. Rowen, seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau, the Planning Board voted to accept the recommendation of D.P.W. Form& - Foster 8tree~ Ms. Colwell told the Planning Board that the lot has adequate frontage and area but the majority of the property is wet. It is clearly not a buildable lot. The developer plans to donate the property to the Town through the Conservation Commission as it is adjacent to the Lost Pond Subdivision Open Space. Mr. Mahoney would like to have proof that the land will be donated to the Town, possibly a copy of the deed. By consensus of the Planning Board decided to authorize Ms. Colwell to endorse the plan upon receipt of proof that the land will be donated to the Town. On a motionbyMr. Rowen, seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau, the Planning Board voted to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:10 p.m. ~net L. Eaton, Secretary Joseph V. Mahoney, Chairman 10