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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-10-07 Planning Board Minutes Planning Board Meeting DPW Conference Room October 7,1997 Members Present: Richard S. Rowen, Chairman, Alberto Angles, Associate Member, Joseph V. Mahoney, Richard Nardella arrived at 7:06 p.m. and John Simons, Clerk arrived at 7:25 p.m. Kathleen Bradley Colwell, Town Planner was also present. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Minutes: On a motion by Mr. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes as amended for September 16, 1997. On a motion by W. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Executive Session minutes as written for September 16, 1997. Discussion: Foxwood Triangle The Planning Board reviewed a copy of the approved subdivision plan for Foxwood which showed a long thin island and a triangular island at the intersection of Foxwood and Weyland. Bill Hmurciak, Director of DPW, stated that DPW would like to eliminate the long thin island, Peter Alexander, a resident of Foxwood, stated that they have concerns with the triangular island. He is concerned about safety i.e. school buses and fire engines being able to get around it. He would like to see the island be removed and just have signs. He also spoke to Sgt. Soucy who agreed with him. He Alexander stated that 47 out of 49 homeowners would like to see the island removed. Mr. Hmurciak stated that the island should be smaller. He has concerns that if there are just stop signs that will not stop people from using the wrong side of the road to make the turn onto Weyland. Mr. Rowen stated that before the meeting he took a ride up to Foxwood and as he approached the top of the hill the sun was glaring in his eyes and could barley see the island and could see that causing an accident. Mr. Rowen agrees it should be set back further. Mr. Nardella asked Mr. Hmurciak if the Town trucks could make it around the island while they are plowing. Mr. Hmurciak stated that he rarely likes to see islands put in for that reason but, feels that one is needed here. Mr. Rowen asked Mr. Hmurciak if they could get out there and paint the lines on the ground to show where the island will go if it was reduced and moved back. Mr. Hmurciak the Board W members to get comments back to Ms. Colwell by Friday so that the Board can make a final decision. Mr. Hmurciak stated that he could have it painted by Wednesday morning so the residents and Board members can review it. Thomson School - site plan review Ms. Colwell recommends that the Board re-issue the special permit for construction of the Thomson School. She stated that the bylaw states that the extension can be granted for one year if the applicant can show good cause why substantial use or construction has not commenced within the two year period, the Planning Board, at its discretion, may extend the special permit. They are scheduled to commence construction on the site within the next few weeks. On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Mr, Mahoney, the Board voted unanimously to extend the special permit for one year based on the fact that they showed"good cause" as to why they had not started construction and that they have continually worked on the project in the interim years. Covent I - u date Bill Hmurciak, Director of DPW, was present to give the Board an update on the punch list for Coventry 1. Mr. Hmurciak stated that the developer has accomplished most of the construction, paving, curbing, guardrails and street signs. There is a problem with one drain that needs to be dealt with. Mr. Hmurciak stated that it will not be hard to get the as-built plan. Mr. Hmurciak stated that the detention pond is inaccessible., Mr. Hmurciak stated that the developer stated that they will finish the punch list. Mr. Nardella stated that this is the only subdivision that we cant get closure on. He asked why don't we just pull their bond money and get a good contractor to finish the subdivision? Ms. Colwell will continue to up date the Board on the progress. 369 Salem Street -watershed -special permit Ben Osgood Jr. was present to discuss 369 Salem Street. Mr. Osgood explained that the Duda's septic system failed in the Watershed. Currently raw sewage flows into wetland during times of high water. The system needs to be replaced however it will be within 100' of a wetland. Mr. Osgood stated that the cost to bring town sewer down to Salem Street would cost $80,000. Mr. Osgood stated that he is working with the Board of Health and the plan has been approved and meets Title 5 requirements. Mr. Mahoney asked if they could get land from a neighbor to use. Mr. Osgood stated no. Mr. Nardella asked what the cost of the connection would be when town sewer is brought up to Salem Street. Mr. Osgood stated it would cost $2,000 to hook up to town sewer. Ms. Colwell stated that the public hearing is not until October 21, 1997, but wanted to u bring it before the Board due to the emergency nature of the situation.. Mr. Nardella stated that the decision should require the applicant to hook up to Town sewer when it is available. i F 2 6. 5 Ch. 6 1 A-Rosemont Drive Ms. Colwell stated that the Open Space Committee reviewed the property and does not recommend that the Town purchase it. The Board agreed with the Open Space Committee and recommends not to purchase the property. Public Hearings (7:30 p.m.) New: Crossroads Medical Center - site plan review Peter Shaheen was present to represent Crossroads Medical Center. The proposed building is a 3,890 SF single story wood frame professional office with peak roofs to be constructed at the rear of the Crossroads Plaza. The property is zoned GB. There are no wetlands on the property. They have had two TRC Meetings and have received comments from John Chessia, Towns Outside Consultant. Mr. Shaheen does not agree with some of Mr. Chessia's comments, he does not think that they have to do a network pipe analysis and that they would have to do test pits. He stated that they have already done test pits on the property. He stated that they comply with all the setbacks. Mr. Shaheen stated that they submitted a traffic study from DJK Associates, Mr. Rowen suggested that Mr. Shaheen work with the ZBA on the gate issue when this application is approved. Mr. Shaheen stated that he has met with the Building Inspector and the ZBA and they are closing the gate during rush hours and re-opening it during non-rush hours. Mr. Shaheen stated that he would not like to have the gate issue reflect on the Boards decision. Mr, Rowen stated that he would like to see that happen with the gate. Ms. Colwell suggested that Mr. Shaheen file with the ZBA for a modification to the original Crossroads approval to discuss the gate issue. Mr. Mahoney asked what ZBA's feeling was toward the gate. The Board agreed to having it closed during rush hour and then re-opened. When Mr. Shaheen files with the ZBA the Planning Board will send a letter of support. Mike Rosati, Marchionda Associates, went over the plan with the Board. Mr. Rowen asked what was the number of parking spaces that they had. Mr. Rosati stated that they had 78 compact spaces, (50) 10'x20' and (52) 9'x18', Mr. Rowen and Mr. Rosati went over different alternatives for the parking spaces, Mr. Simons asked if the parking lot was ever completely full. Mr. Shaheen stated that the back is never filled. Mr. Shaheen stated that when there is a restaurant on the site there is a demand for parking spaces. Mr. Rosati stated that there is a detention pond in the back. The building will cause an increase runoff. He stated that they are planning to move the detention pond and make it bigger. Mr. Rowen asked how deep the pond is. Mr. Rosati stated that it is 3' at its deepest. Mr. Rowen asked if the building is going to be on the existing grade. Mr. Rosati stated yes it was. Mr. Rowen asked if there was going to be HVAC units on the building, Mr. Rosati stated j 3 that they will be putting the HVAC units in the back of the building on the ground not on the roof. 8 Mr. Simons asked if they are doing the same scheme and colors as crossroads. Mr. Shaheen stated yes. Mr. Nardella asked if the dumpster is going to be enclosed by a fence. Mr. Shaheen stated yes. Mr. Nardella asked if they could move the building up front and park in the rear. Mr. Rosati stated that they couldn't because of the drainage. Mr, Mahoney asked if this was a site plan or a modification to a plan, Ms. Colwell stated that it will be put in the decision as both but does not think that a modification requires a new public hearing. Mr. Rowen asked if they are planning to put a sign on the building. Mr. Shaheen stated that is a 3'x4' sign and will be no higher than the fence at the entrance. Mr. Nardella asked if the existing sign was in compliance with the bylaws. Mr. Shaheen stated that ZBA decided that the sign was permissible. Mr. Angles asked if they were on septic, Mr. Shaheen stated that they are on sewer. Mr. Nardella asked where the handicap ramp is located. Mr. Shaheen stated that it is located on the left hand side of the building. The Board will go out to the site on their own. Continued until October 21, 1997, 1635 Osgood Street- site plan review I Ms. Colwell stated that the project involves the construction of a 2,000 SF landscaping garage. f Ms. Colwell received a letter from John Chessia, of Coler& Colantonio today due to a late submittal by the applicant. Mr. Rowen stated that the big issue is the width of the driveway. The Town regulations require a 25' wide driveway however the driveway is located between a septic system and the wetlands and may not be able to meet this requirement. Mr, Rosati stated that they don't need a 25wide driveway. Mr. Rosati spoke to Sandra Starr, Health Administrator, and it looks like they can do i the driveway by either moving the system or modifying. Bob Nicetta, Building Inspector, would like to have 4 parking spaces for Mr. Munroe's 3 employees. The garage itself will be 40'x60' with a wood fence around it. There will be a walkway going up to the doorway. There will be a storage area for mulch, stone and railroad ties. Mr. Rosati stated that the existing barn will be raised. They are planning to plant arborvitae's along the no cut zone for the Conservation Commission. There will be about 24 vehicle trips a day including employees. Mr. Rowen asked if there was a limit on the height the soil and mulch can be. Ms. Colwell is not aware of any town. limitations. Mr. Rosati stated that they are going to put lights on the building 1' 4 AJJ in the rear. The Police Chief would like them to have moving detectors on them so if the police have to go out there they could be able to see. Ms. Colwell stated that she would like a letter from Mr. Nicetta regarding the parking spaces. Mr. Simons asked where the closest house is to the property. Mr. Rosati stated that he will get that information for the next meeting. Mr. Mahoney asked who the current owner is. Tyler Munroe stated that it is Henry Poulin. Continued until October 21, 1997. Continued: Red Gate Pasture - definitive subdivision Ben Osgood Jr. was present to represent Red Gate Pasture. Mr. Osgood submitted a letter granting the Board an extension of time to file a decision. The extension will be for 90 days from October 8, 1997. On a motion by Mr. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Simons, the Board voted unanimously to extend Red Gate Pasture for 90 days from October 8, 1997. Continued until October 21, 1997. Lot 2A Flagship Drive - site plan review Frank Montero of MHF Design was present to represent Lot 2A Flagship Drive. Mr. Montero stated that they have redesigned the grading and there is no need to refile with ConCom. Mr. Montero stated that Mr. Scott had suggested minor changes to the landscape design. Mr. Scott recommended deleting the grass and add mulch to the front of the property. Mr. Montero stated that they have redesigned the drainage and submitted the changes to John Chessia, of Coler and Colantonio, and they are all set. Mr. Montero stated that they are getting an easement for access from Town Printing. They are also getting a slope easement from UPF which is temporary until UPF puts on their addition. Mr. Rowen asked if they had to get an easement from the town. Mr. Montero stated that was deleted from the plan. Ms. Colwell read the letters from Town Printing and UPF granting the applicant the easements. Ms. Colwell asked the Board how they feel about whether the applicant should file a common drive special permit. Mr. Rowen stated that the site plan is a special permit and it can be added into the decision. Mr. Nardella suggested that the bond be set at $20,000. On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Mr. Mahoney, the Board voted unanimously to close the Public Hearing. Decisions: Lot 2A Fla shi Drive - site plan review �� 5 On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Mr, Mahoney, the Board voted unanimously to approve the draft decision for lot 2A Flagship Drive site plan review and a common driveway. Endorse Plans: 1211 Osgood Street - McLay's Florist Ms. Colwell recommended that the Board sign the plans for 1211 Osgood Street based upon Mr. Scott's review.. The Board signed the plans for 1211 Osgood Street. Foster Street -Form A Ms. Colwell recommends the Board sign the plans for Foster Street. The Board signed the plans for Foster Street. I Lot/Bond Releases: Brookview Estates - lot release Ms, Colwell read a letter from Tim Willett stating that he recommends the a bond be established for Brookview Estates in the amount of$137,100 On a motion by Mr, Nardella, seconded by Mr. Mahoney, the Board voted unanimously to { establish the bond for Brookview Estates in the amount of$137,100. The applicant was also looking to release lots 1-15 except lot 4 in Brookview Estates. 9 On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Mr. Mahoney, the Board voted unanimously to release lots 1-15 except lot 4 in Brookview Estates. r Evergreen Estates - bond release Ms. Colwell read a letter from Tim Willett stating that he recommends the Board release $ 40,000 and retain $45,000 for Evergreen Estates. On a motion by Mr. Angles, seconded by Mr. Simons, the Board voted unanimously to release $40,000 and retain $45,000. 150 Flagship Drive - bond release Ms. Colwell stated that the project is complete and recommends that the Board release the remaining balance plus interest for 150 Flagship Drive. On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Mr. Mahoney, the Board voted unanimously to release the remaining balance plus interest for 150 Flagship Drive. Lots 3AA& 4A Winter Street -bond release 1 6 �J Ms. Colwell stated that the project is complete and recommends that the Board release the remaining balance plus interest for lot 3AA& 4A Winter Street. On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Mr. Mahoney, the Board voted unanimously to release the remaining balance plus interest for lots 3AA& 4A Winter Street. 56 Meadowview Road - bond release Ms. Colwell stated that the applicant has completed their project and recommends the release of their bond. On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Mr. Mahoney, the Board voted unanimously to release the remaining amount of the bond plus interest for 56 Meadowview Road. Sunset Rock Road - bond release Ms. Colwell read a letter from Tim Willett stating that he recommends the Board to release $18,600 and retain $55,800 for Sunset Rock Road.. On a motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Mr, Mahoney, the Board voted unanimously to release $18,600 and retain $55,800 for Sunset Rock Road, Mr. Grifoni was present to discuss granite curbing on Sunset Rock Road. Mr. Grifoni stated that Bill Hmurciak, Director of DPW does not want the granite curbing put in as the road is to flat. Mr. Grifoni stated that the installation of granite curbing will disrupt the whole neighborhood. Mr. Nardella stated that he feels that we should stay with the approved plan and keep the granite curbing. On a motion by Mr. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Simons the Board voted 4-1 to approve to eliminate curbing on Sunset Rock Road and donate $10,000 to the sidewalk fund. Mr. Nardella opposed. On motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Mr. Mahoney, the Board voted unanimously to release the remaining balance of the bond for Sunset Rock Road upon receiving the $10,000 donation for the sidewalk fund. Woodlea Village - establish a bond Ms. Colwell read a letter from Tim Willett recommending that the bond for Woodlea Village be established in the amount of$95,816. On a motion by Mr. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to establish the bond in the amount of$95,816 for Woodlea Village. The applicant is looking to release lots 1-11 Woodlea Drive. 7 On a motion by Mr. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to release lot 1-11 Woo dlea Drive. On a motion by Mr. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to release the remaining balance plus interest for the site opening bond for Woodlea Estates. Woodland Estates - establish a bond Ms. Colwell stated that she received a letter from Tim Willett stating that he recommends the bond be established in the amount of$29,500 for Oxbow Circle in Woodland Estates. On a motion by Mr. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to establish the bond for Oxbow Circle in Woodland Estates at $29,500. The applicant was also looking to release lots 22,23,24,25 and 26 Oxbow Circle. On a motion by Mr. Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to release lots 22,23,24,25 and 26 Oxbow Circle. Orchard Hill Road - lot release The applicant is looking to release lots 1-2A& 1-2B Orchard Hill Road. Ms. Colwell stated that she did not receive a letter from DPW stating the amount of the bond to be established. Ms. Colwell does not recommend the release the lots. On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Mr. Simons, the Board voted unanimously not to release lots 1-2A& 1-2B Orchard Hill Road. Adj ournment: On a motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Mr. Nardella, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. s 8 � �