HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-05 Planning Board Minutes 2 •C9 , G�
Town of'North Andover
PLANNING BOARD
F.. Goldberg Chairman John Simons
A
Peter Boynton %%/% i'„ , • Aaron Preston
Lori Crane
TuestlaE February 5, 2019 Ca), 7 p.m. 120 Main Street Town Hall, North Andover,A" 01845
2 Present: E. Goldberg,P.Boynton,E. Goldberg,A. Preston,L. Crane
3 Absent: J. Simons
4 Staff Present: J. Enright,M. Gregoire,B. Wolstrorner
5
6 E. Golbera,Chair•man: The Planning Board meeting for Tuesday,February 5, 2019 was called to order at 7 p.m.
8 CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARINGS
9 350 Great Pond Road, Christopher Burt& Ellen Goodwin: Application for a Watershed Special Permit under
10 Sections 195-4.17 and 195-10.7 of the North Andover Zoning Bylaw. "The Applicant proposes replanting of
11 landscaping in the Non-Discharge and Non-Disturbance Zones. The project is located within the Residential I (R-
12 1)Zoning District.
13 M. Gregoire: The replacement ratio is to be 1:1.5 and all plantings within the Non-Disturbance area are of native
14 species; we have confirmed that with Conservation.
15 Board: Reviewed draft decision and made applicant aware of restricted fertilizers.
16 MOTION: A. Preston motioned to close the public hearing. P. Boynton seconded. The vote was 4-0, unanimous
17 in favor.
18 MOTION: L. Crane motioned to approve the Watershed Special Permit for 350 Great Pond Road, as amended.A.
19 Preston seconded.
20
21 495 Main Street Town of North Andover: Application for a Special Permit—Site Plan Review under sections
22 195-8.10 through 8.1.7 and 195-10.7 of the Town of North Andover Zoning Bylaw. The Applicant proposes to
23 construct a recreational complex including athletic fields,tennis courts,picnic areas and associated parking areas,
24 walkways and emergency/maintenance access paths. The Property is located in the Residential 4 (R4)Zoning
25 District.
26 M. Gregoire: Since opening the hearing at the last meeting,we received revised site plans which include low
27 impact design consisting of tree boxes and first responses from the peer review consultant. The peer reviewer
28 stated the analysis or limit of work stopped at the property boundary which has been expanded. DPW and
29 Conservation have not reviewed as yet. We received review from the BOH which included a statement on the turf
30 fields and that the concession stand will need to go through plan review sooner rather than later which includes the
31 design plans, scope of operation, material finishes.NAPD is waiting on information on the camera system and
32 have not yet reviewed what system will be onsite.
33 E. Goldberg: The BOH letter states that the materials used should be below certain lead levels.
34 Craig Miller President Waterfield Design Group &Jacob Murray,Lead Project Engineer: We have responded to J
35 technical comments. We are waiting for peer review comments on what was submitted to the town. Our
36 expectation is that we are very close and don't expect much further analysis. Addressed abutter comment
37 regarding screening to neighborhood. The fence line will be screen with a combination of low height and higher
38 height vegetation along the fence line consisting of larger trees (arborvitae start out at abut 8ft. and grow to about
39 40 ft. The evergreens will start at 8ft and grow to about 40 ft.). Trees can be added later. Described size and
40 location of internal construction staging area construction will take place in one season(central to the site). No
41 staging will take place in the neighborhood. Construction entrance will be through the Middle school entrance or
42 125 and a temporary construction entrance from 125 can be created. Reviewed LED site lighting showing heights
43 and locations; expects no light spillage beyond fields. Explained traffic flow sequencing as it relates to school
i
1
Town of North Andover
PLANNING BOARD
E. Goldberg, Chairman John Simons
Peter Boynton iij/% % Aaron Preston
Lori Crane
Tuesday February 5, 2019(&, 7 p.m. 120 Main Street Town Hall, North Andover,MA 01845
44 release times,noting the gate will be closed after Middle School dismissal.Addressed parking; there are 309
45 existing spaces; 160 will be added for a total of approx. 488 spaces. Special events will warrant high demand. The
46 number of users will be easily accommodated.
47 Andrew Maylor, Town Manager;: The Board of Selectmen and the School Committee will manage the use and
48 permitting of'this facility's fields. We recognize the attraction to the site; activities will be managed and permitted
49 accordingly for North Andover use. Extra parking has been added to alleviate queuing along busy streets, i.e. Main
50 Street. Provided Board with general project timeline. There have been 35 public meetings on this project;more
51 than any other project. In addition approx. 12 rnectings were held with the School Committee, Selectmen and CPC
52 to discuss funding. This was not done in isolation. Parking,traffic flow,ECC location and Middle School
53 expansion were all contemplated. Field use and maintenance was a primary consideration,therefore turf is
54 proposed. The turf fields are designed for safety in terms of reducing injury. 'There has been no identified health
55 risks or concerns.The NAPD has reviewed security and protection linked to the public safety network. We have
56 contacted the neighbors and promise to follow through. We reworked the site to allow for more parking. We are
57 aware of the impact a project like brings and are committed to enforcement and appreciate the community
58 recognizes this as an asset.
59 Sue Faucher abutter 50 Parker St.: Thanked Mr. Maylor for his efforts. Requested information regarding when the
60 Parker St. gates will be closed or will they rernain open?Asked who will hell)with the traffic control on Parker
61 St.?We cannot back out of our driveway because cars do not want to access the school property. hopes the tall
62 light poles will concentrate light on the fields. Inquired as to what time they would be shut off at night? 'Requested
63 confirmation that construction vehicles will not use Parker St. as an exit.
64 Steve Faucher abutter 50 Parker St.: Asked whether fireworks and hot embers could burn the turf?How does the
65 turf hold up to dogs and animals?
66 Andrew Maylor: We have failed with regard to Parker St.; we need to work to improve this.You certainly may
67 access the new Town Manager or attend a BOS meeting with any concerns. We fully expect you will receive the
68 response you need in order to minimize impact, regarding enforcement, construction inconvenience and gate
69 closure. The presence of dogs will be identified by rules and policy; Waterfield Design Group has addressed the
70 fireworks issue stating they won't impact the material of the fields; it's done in dozens of communities already.
71 M. Gregoire: The NAFD will be evaluating the flammability of the turf material.
72 Lee_Bluemel,.54 Bradstreet Rd.: Who is responsible for setting up the rules for this complex? I-low late will the
73 games go? Have you considered the environmental impact a project like this might have 50 years from now?Have
74 you considered the carbon footprint of this project, i.e. amount of plastic, how many trees are being removed?
75 What kind of impact will this have and can the town offset this in other areas of town?Will this be a four season
76 walking space?
77 Andrew Maw: There is no net increase; there is a net increase of 40 or so trees on site;no pesticides and/or
78 fertilizers used. We are creating the ability for people to walk and exercise in a location they don't have today. I
79 encourage a permanent custodial relationship or committee be formed by residents, abutters and the operations and.
80 maintenance entities who manage our fields, an"Advisory Friends Group". We contemplated a perimeter
81 walkway idea with a pathway through the adjacent wetlands,however the neighbors eliminated that. Four years of
82 meeting minutes for this project are all online.A professional engineering firm, TEC, was contracted to do the
83 stormwater work for this project. There is no doubt this space will incur higher use however it has been designed
84 to minimize i-mpact. Site Plan Review Special Permit assures this impact is managed.
2
Town of North Andover
PLANNING BOARD
E. Goldberg, Chairman w John Simons
Peter Boynton //%%' ', Aaron Preston
Lori Crane
1
Tztesday February 5, 2019(a7 7 p.nt. 120 Mann Street Town Hall, Nortli Andover,MA 01845
85 Kim Reardon, 62 Parker St.: Thanked Mr.Maylor for his service; also thanked Rick Green, Fields Committee,for
86 their efforts,noting there has been a great deal of input from the residents and abutters over many meetings.
87 Admitted this project will have a big impact on the abutters. Appreciates the time and responsiveness.
88 Jennifer Murphy,_50 Bradstreet Rd.: Inquired about the light posts,their height, location and quantity. 'Did not see
89 an existing lighting analysis. Requested more concrete information be provided regarding a light study. There has
90 been no traffic or noise study done for this site. I'm nervous about the scope of 16 features drawing more people.
91 The amphitheater concerts may be noisy.
92 f. Goldbera: Requested a photometric plan be uploaded to the websitc. As I understand, acoustics for the
93 amphitheater are contained within the setting by smaller speakers. j
94 Waterfield Design Group;We have not provided a traffic or noise study on the project because it's mainly
95 spectators and athletes using this site. There's no impact:. Described soft design of'the amphitheater; grass tiered
96 steps with trees set into the hill with concrete edges. The amphitheater sound is situated to aim toward.HAMS. The
97 runoff for the site is directed toward the wetland.
98 Margaret Legal, 26 Hemlock St.: I'm really not happy about 60 ft. lights outside my windows. How late are these
99 games and why does softball run so late to need these lights?Reiterated concern for the turf fields as being
100 carcinogenic. Off gassing from the old rubber tire granules under the turf fields gets airborne; noted the high
101 School just replaced their turf.
102 Andrew Maylor: The BOH has provided the Board with a letter stating,"There are guidelines that should be
103 followed for the artificial turf and poured in place rubber safety surface. The components should meet the
104 standards set forth by the Consumer Product Safety&Improvement Act. They should be certified as no or low
105 lead concentrations."Installed in 2004,the high School fields have been in use for 13 years. There is no data that
106 points to any dangerous toxins. They liked the turf so much they replaced the turf with an improved product. The
107 design firm will ensure the bid specifications follow the material guidelines.
108 P. Bo}�nton: Guidelines followed with respect to type of rubber,levels of lead and the consumer product
109 specifications. Wondered if it would be appropriate for the Planning Board to include in the Special.Permit
11.0 decision that a separate advisory committee has been "recommended"to be formed to establish rules for this site?
1.11 The list of sites that have these light poles will be helpful for us to plan to see.
112 [s. Goldberg: Yes,we can condition that the Town Manager and BOS to make a finding of fact.
113 Matthew Richardson, 0 S, rup ce St.: Voiced support of the project stating it has been neglected asset for 40 years.
114 Is anticipating a positive stormwater engineering outcome due to ongoing groundwater issues.Noted existing
1.15 security lights on the backside of Atkinson. School are problematic and suggested a tour of the location is a good
11.6 place to start. Wonders how the site will be used during the school day. Concerned for limited number of access
117 points, particularly Parker and Beacon Hill Blvd. two problematic choke points that need to be managed better,
118 noting Fourth of July is another traffic/parking issue.
119 M. Gregoire: We will receive a photometric plan, stormwater comments from the peer review consultant are
120 expected and we will schedule an evening site visit based on the list of locations of the proposed light poles. We
121 are also waiting for Conservation to weigh in.
122 A. Preston: Why is it that the Kindergarten project didn't go before this Board?
1.23 A. Maylor: The school parcels are covered by the Dover Amendment. We could have avoided this project because
124 it is school owned property, but that would have been disingenuous.
125 [Continued to the F"ehruary.19, 2019 Planning Boar°d ineetiragI
j 126
127 DISCUSSIONS
3
Town of North Andover
PLANNING BOARD
E Goldberg, Chairman John S inns
Peter Boynton ���/� � Aaron Preston
��j,,,
Lori Crane
Tues(IaE February 5 2019 a> 7 .m. 120 Hain Street Town Hall North Andover MA 01845
128 Presentation: Merrimack Valley Transportation Management Association
129 Andrea Leaty,I'hec Director. Alison Simmon_sConsultant,
130 Gretchen Grotsky, Program_Manager:
1.31 MVTMA: Gave a brief overview of their 22 year old non-profit stating there are 16 operating TMA's in the state
132 promoting car-free living. Explained their strategic plan,vision and goals to strengthen financial stability and
133 increase membership. Referenced the demographic of the future workforce; particularly millennials who prefer
134 multi-family housing to purchasing single family homes, live outside city centers and rely on public regional
135 transportation v. purchasing vehicles. Their organization would like to work with North Andover with regard to
136 options which improve connectivity, i.e. Mills,Merrimack College, multiple apartment complexes.Noted other
137 local projects, i.e.Andover. We cannot provide a full study, however the organization can help generate studies,
138 make recommendations, create surveys, etc.
139 J. Enright:Noted Eaglewood Shops conditioned accessibility options in the decision.
140 E.Goldberg: Requested Planning staff provide examples of bylaws requiring TMA membership from other
1.41 communities
142
143 Potential May 2019 Town Meeting Zoning Bylaw Amendments:
144 Bowdoin Capital Group Ale, x 1,oth: Potential for a Zoning Bylaw text amendment article associated with the
145 Corridor Development District I and Corridor Development District 2 zoning districts.
146 J._Enright: Outlined the calendar/schedule leading up to Town Meeting and printing of the warrant. Reviewed
147 requirements for CDDI and CDD2 referencing depth of lots and frontage. Analyzed sq. footage of various town
148 banks with a drive through that came prior to Site Plan Review was implemented.
149 E. Goldberg: You suggest CDDI &2 going to one acre, changing the minimum frontage from 250 to 150 ft,
150 frontage, increasing the maximum building coverage from 40 to 50% as allowed by Special Permit,
151 John Zahorcuko,_abutter 182 Hillside: The banks referenced have sidewalks. They don't reflect our residential area
152 at all. My children were considered"walkers"to the Franklin School, however,there are no safe alternatives or
153 sidewalks. You will increase curbcuts by reducing the size and frontage affecting public safety. I thought the goal
154 was to reduce curbcuts to Rte. 114.
155 John Casey, abutter_84 Innis St.: Expressed dismay with having to wait this evening and the overall consideration
156 of lot shrinkage. If you decrease the lot size from 5 acres,then please consider increasing lot setbacks to 50 f1. to
157 any residential lot line, Take care of the residents who have been here paying their taxes over the past years. The
158 end of Hillside will be impacted the state will not install a traffic Eight there. Please consider the residential
159 homeowners.
160 E. Goldberg: This has been brought forward as a potential zoning article that requires support and favorable vote
161 at Town Meeting.
162 [Continued to Public Hearing Altarch 5, 20191
163
164 MINUTES APPROVAL
165 MOTION: A. Preston motioned to approve the January 22, 2019 minutes. L. Crane seconded the motion. The
166 vote was 4-0, unanimous in favor.
167 ADJOURNMENT
168 MOTION: P. Boynton motioned to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by A. Preston. The vote was
169 4-0, unanimous in favor. Meeting adjourned 9:46 p.m,
4
Town of'North Andover
PLANNING BOARD
E. Goldberg, Chairman ��x�
John Simons
Peter Boynton Aaron Preston
Lori Crane
s
TuesdaV February S 2019 a) 7 .m. 120 Main Street To►vn Fall North Andover MA 01845
170
171 MEETING MATERIALS: Planning Board Meeting Agenda February 5,2019,DRAFT Planning Board Meeting Minutes
172 January 22,2019,. 350 Great Pond Road:201901.22 350 Great Pond Road draft,20190131 Landscape Permit Plan 350 Great
173 Pond Layoutl;495 Main_Streek Town of North Andover:Department Review: 201.90128 health Dept Review, Stormwater
174 Review: Response to HW Letter dated 1-31-19,201.90131 Recreation Complex Stormwater Report,20190131 Recreation
175 Complex SWPPP&EC Plan,201.90205 NAC Rec Complex Timeline-'I'hru Jany 2019-A.Maylor,Planning Board
176 Presentation Plates;Poke nttal"T'own Meeting Zoning Bylaw Amendments-Bowdoin Capital Group,Alex I_,ath: Zoning Bylaw
177 CDDI and.CDD2: 190205 Draft BYLAW CORRIDOR DEVELOPMEN'I'DISTRICT Amendment, CDDI and CDD2 Parcel
178 Data,Map CDDI and CDD2,Meeting Calendar for Zoning Amendments;Presentation-Merrimack Valley_T'rans orp Cation
179 Management Association: 2019-01-23 North Andover Planning Board Presentation-Draft.
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