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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-21 Planning Board Minutes TOWN OF NORTH ANDOVER PLANNING BOARD Unapproved Minutes October 21, 2003 Regular Meeting Members Present: Alberto Angles, Chair, George White, Vice Chair, Felipe Schwarz, Clerk John Simons, Rick Nardella, James Phinney, Associate Member Members Absent: Staff Present: Heidi Griffin, Acting Town Planner, Debbie Wilson, Planning Assistant, Planning Board Business: Meeting opened at 7:08PM Wallace Street Subdivision—Roadway Bonds The applicant requested to be on the agenda to discuss the Board's denial to release the Subdivision Bond. Bill Johnson addressed the board regarding the as-builts. He stated that the house was built and another developer took over the project. He stated that here is no way he could provide an as built since the next contractor took over. Nardella asked if a set of plans were presented to the next builder. Nardella stated that there are some things that should have required as-builts in the past. Phinney stated that it sounds like the additional work was done over his work. Nardella stated that if anything survived the original work he would like to see an as built. Simons would like to have the applicant indicate on a set of plans what work he did and what was constructed after he was no longer involved in the project. Nardella would like to see grading, where the driveway meets the right of way etc.Nardella instructed Mr.Johnson to contact DPW. [Alberto arrived 7:15PM] Chatham Crossinp-Drainage Ms. Griffin stated that revised plans for the detention basin were included in your packets. The applicant intends to request approval of a minor modification from underground detention to aboveground detention. Staff recommends not granting this request and requiring the applicant to file an amendment and come back for a public hearing. Don Bornstein Attorney was present representing the applicant. Attorney Bornstein stated that he feels the public hearing is unnecessary. Ms. Griffin stated that she was the town planner when this project began and it was stated in the file that a public hearing was necessary. She indicated than:she spoke to Jack Sullivan, DPW and he has not seen the plans,nor have plans been forwarded to VHB. Simons asked if a formal waiver was submitted to the board and Mr. Bornstein stated no. Dann Koravos addressed the board and stated that he would like to see this project cpmpleted prior to the winter. This will be continued until further information can be provided to the board. Public Mectina opened at 7:32PM Town Meetinp,Prep Ms. Griffin stated that the Town Moderator requested that the board reformat the Flood Plain Article and bring it forward in the spring. The other articles have been noticed for public hearings on November 6,2003. White motioned to approve the minutes as written,second by Simons Discussion none Motion carries 4-0 Planning Board Mail The mail was distributed in the Planning Board Packets � 2 � Continued Public Hearings: Little Professionals—Site Plan Review Special Permit Mr. Richards requested a continuance until the 11/6 meeting to try to resolve modeling and drainage issues with VHB. 0 Stiles Street—Definitive Subdivision Mr. Willis has requested a continuance until the November 6t'Planning Board Meeting. Foster Farm Elementary School—Site Plan Review The applicant requested a continuance until the 11/6 meeting to revise the plans based on VHB's Comments. 1789 Great Pond Road--Watershed Special Per The applicant requested a continuance until the 11/6 meeting. They are revising the plans and coordinating test pits with the Health Department. 1003 Osgood Street—Site Plan Special Permit The applicant requested a continuance until the 11/6 meeting. They withdrew their application from the Conservation Commission to revise the drainage plan. Carter Crest— Watershed&Common Drivewal Special Permits Tom Zahoruiko addressed the board and presented the Carter Crest plans to the board. He indicated on the plans where the conservation line is and where the driveway is currently. White asked if the graded area would be a new placement of the driveway and Mr. Zahoruiko stated yes. He stated that the driveway is in the easiest and best place since it was an old farm road and has been there for many years. Alberto stated that it is within the conservation zone and no special permit can be issued. Simons asked how wide the path was and Mr. Zahoruiko stated 12 feet. Angles asked if the utilities would be placed in the conservation area. Mr.Zahoruiko stated that the area of disturbance is approximately 700 feet. The board would like Mr. Zahoruiko to create the road out of the conservation zone. Mr. Zahoruiko asked the board if they would like the road paved or gravel and the board stated to pave the road, This will be continued until the November 6`h Planning Board Meeting. New Public Hearings: Englewood—Site Plan Special Permit The Chair introduced the project to the audience. Attorney Manzi addressed the board and introduced Ross Hamlin, John Stevenson, Ira Beline and Patrick Dunford. Mr. Manzi presented the plans to the board for the Eaglewood project. He stated that the area is approximately 77,500 of retail space. He addressed the issue he had with Northmark Bank and that he has been in negotiations with the bank. Mr. Manzi stated that the plans are similar to the way they were presented at town meeting. They had originally filed with zoning and then were able to avoid the zoning process by modifying their plans. Some of the issues were location of the traffic light that would separate their project form the bank. The second issue was the drainage and Mr. Manzi has met with the engineer to resolve this issue. The third issue was landscaping and they have exchanged ideas and hopefully have reached an agreement. John Stevenson addressed the board and discussed the utilities, easements and location of the 478 parking spaces. He stated that they would be going before the conservation board this week. Patrick Dunford addressed the board regarding the site access and traffic flow. He stated that they have spoke with the abutters and worked with the state to assure that the traffic light was located in the best possible area. Two additional curb cuts are also proposed with a right turn only to assist with safety issues. He stated that some of the proposed parking would not be constructed. Sidewalk connections will be provided for additional safety. He further stated that keeping the signals uniform would help with the traffic in this area. Ira Beline addressed the board regarding the smaller plan changes. He went over the plans with the board and presented the changes to various areas of the development that were made. He indicated the planting areas and sidewalk areas are still in the beginning stages and further changes may take form. He stated that signs developed together helps with the flow of the shopping area. Light poles along the sidewalk area and along the site itself would be included. Mr. Beline stated that the lighting points in towards the development as to better address the abutters. Nardella asked about the lighting and would like to see a specific lighting plan for this project. Nardella addressed the Pulte letter and Northmark letter that were received by the Planning Department. Mr. Beline stated that he had not yet seen the letters and requested copies to review. Nardella �Zv asked about the parking and clarified that 478 parking spaces are proposed, but only 432 would be built. Nardella asked about the signal lights and how efficiently Mass Highway is working with them. Mr. Dunford stated that it goes through a multi level planning process. Nardella asked where the snow would be stored. Mr. Dunford stated that the snow would be pushed to the rear of the parking area and may consume some of the parking spaces. Nardella would like more thought about snow removal and possibly having it taken off of the site if needed. Nardella asked about the dumpsters and Mr. Beline stated they would be placed 25 feet from the buildings. White asked about the proposed traffic signal. Mr. Dunford clarified the traffic process with the board. White asked about front landscaping and stated that he would like to see more shrubs as a buffer to the front of the building. Mr. Dunford stated that the landscaping is still in the process of being planned. Nardella asked when the site could be staked so that the board could see the site area. The Chair asked about the grade evaluation change and Mr. Beline explained the grading on the plans. The chair asked about the parking area that appears at the rear of the property. Simons stated that the area reserved for parking should be used and this rear area should be reconsidered. Schwarz stated that the area should connect for a better parking area. Simons would like to see the reserved parking used and the outer parking not used. The Chair would like to see the earthwork done now to make it easier to pave later. Nardella would like a concrete lighting plan that indicates if the lights will be on a timer etc. The Chair asked for a description of the rear of the building and how the parking spaces in the rear would be used. Mr. Beline stated that the rear of the building would be for deliveries and the goal is that the trucks would be exiting at the light. Schwarz asked for clarification on the plans for the traffic flow. Phinney feels that cars may tend to go fast through the development. Mr. Dunford indicated that striped areas should help resolve this issue. Schwarz asked if there is an underground detention area. John Stevenson stated that there is poor soil infiltration for this area and it would not be practical. Simons stated that he would like to see all of the abutter issues addressed. Simons asked about the retaining walls and what they are made of It was stated that they are reinforced concrete, but there will be landscape around the area. Nardella suggested a faced block for the retaining walls. Simons would like to see more in regards to the retaining walls. Simons asked about the North abutting properties and stated that he wanted to keep an area open so that the area has access if these homes were rezoned to commercial. Simons asked about the screening for the area. Mr. Beline stated that somewhere listed on the site. Schwarz asked about the fact that four signals were indicated and he would like to incorporate the fifth by Merrimack Collage. Mr. Dunford said he discussed this with Mass Highway and it would have to be reengineered and subject to Mass highway review. Schwarz asked if the applicant would join in with TMA and Ms. Griffin indicated that she had discussed this with Ross Hamlin and he had no problem with this request. Schwarz asked if the parking area would interfere with the conservation area. It was stated that they were going before the Conservation Department tomorrow. Mr. Dunford stated that there is proper truck turning radius for the parking lot. Schwarz asked how tall the buildings are. Mr. Beline stated that the building height is about 32 feet maximum in the highest area. Nardella asked if there would be uniformity with signs and stated that he would like the applicant to take this into consideration. Simons agreed that there should be some consistency with the signs. The Chair asked for a draft of the tenant proposal. Phinney asked about the relationship with the abutters. Mr. Dunford indicated that they did go through the TRC committee and indicated that they were willing to work with abutting neighbors. Schwarz asked about a pedestrian access to the rear of the property near the Pulte development. Graden McCormick offered public comment and addressed the board regarding traffic issues. He wanted to know how the traffic would affect the area. Mr. Dunford indicated they have been working on traffic light coordination. The second question is if frontage would be taken from the abutting properties. Mr. Dunford stated that no additional land would be taken. Rose Ann Rickerson, am abutter addressed the board and asked for clarification of the plans and the buffer area for the abutters. Mr. Rickerson addressed the board and wanted to know how much area would be seen from the abutters home. Mrs. Rickerson asked if they could change the area in which the traffic flows to the side instead of the front and it was stated by Mr..Beline that they do not own the land so it had to be in the front. She asked if she could have a copy of all of the paperwork for the abutters to review. Mr. Hamilton stated that he had no problem providing the abutters with information to review. Tony Royal addressed the board and indicated that he is not in favor of having the parking area in the rear since it would open up his view to Rte 114. He asked about security since his Moms house is a direct abutter to the property. Mr. Manzi addressed the board and 'indicated that he has increased the buffer behind Mrs. Royals house from 5 feet to 25 feet. Mr. Rickerson asked if there were a restriction in regards to what type of restaurant can be put in this development. Mr. Rickerson stated that he had concerns about what Restaurant may go in there and the hours of operation. He asked about the zoning overlay and the Chairs stated that this was brought up a few years ago and nothing happened. The Chair stated there was a citizen's petition for rezoning one side of Rte 114. Tlne chair stated that this would be continued until ' November 6 , i C!- 1211 Osgood Street--Site Plan Special Permit The Chair introduced the project to the audience. Robert Dailey, Merrimac Engineering addressed the board and introduced Jimmy D'Angelo. He stated that the area is approximately 2 acres. He presented the plans to the board. There are 51 parking spaces and two are handicapped parking with one for van access. He indicated a four-page letter was received by VHB that they are currently in the process of responding back to them. Mr. D'Angles addressed the board and went over the roadway improvements and access into the project. The Chair asked about the gate and if there were restrictions on it. D'Angles stated that there were no restrictions with the gates. The Chair asked why there were four curb cuffs. D'Angles stated that it is for delivery reasons. Nardella would like to see a better screening due to the abutters in the rear. Nardella asked if they could flip the building position. Greg Smith addressed the board and stated that due to the parking areas the building is in the best possible area. Phinney asked if they were at the maximum for parking and it was stated they are one over by Mr. D'Angles. Simons asked if this was a one- story building and would the applicant consider two stories. Schwarz would like the applicant to rethink the shape of the building. Phinney stated he would like to see a good design on the rear of the building. Phinney suggested closing two curb cuts to the left. The board would like to see more plantings on the abutter's side. Nardella would like to see strong screening in the rear of the building. The Chair would like to see a different building shape,consider two stories and close a couple access points. The chair asked about the overhang.It was stated that the overhang is approximately 6 inches. Frank Eltaria an abutter stated that he would like to see more greenery in the rear. Steve McMann, an abutter addressed the board and he would like to see a better buffer and proper placement of the dumpsters. The Chair made suggestions to the applicant in regards to plans. This will be continued to the November 6"Planning Board Meeting. Motion to adjourn at 11:09PM by Nardella,second by Simons