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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-08-20Planning Board Minutes Senior Center August 20, 1996 Members Present: Joseph V. Mahoney, Chairman, Alison Lescarbeau, Clerk, Alberto Angles, Associate Member, Richard Nardella and John Simons. Richard Rowen, Vice Chairman, was absent. Kathleen Bradley Colwell, Town Planner, was also present. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. There were only two members present at 7:03 p.m. therefore, the Planning Board met as a committee of the whole until such time as more members arrived and they could then ratify the past action. Minutes: On a motion by Mr. Angles, seconded by Mr. Mahoney, the minutes of August 6, 1996 were approved. Discussion Settlers Ridge - preliminary plan This is a continuation of the preliminary plan for an 11 lot subdivision/?RD off of Bradford Street. Tom Zahoruiko was present and stated that not much has changed since the last meeting. There is an issue of density, and Tom stated he could move the road 10 feet and add a parcel of land from lot 1 in order to give more area to another lot. Ms. Colwell stated she feels comfortable with an ll.lot PRD. Mr. Angles asked Mr. Zahoruiko what benefit there would be in a PRD vs a conventional subdivision and Mr. Zahoruiko replied that a PRD allows the road to be pushed up the hill, therefore the disturbance area would be less especially to the wetlands. Also, a PRD allows for better utility installation, eliminates sewer pumps and provides open space. Ms. Lescarbeau asked what is the open space like and Mr. Zahoruiko replied it is a sloped area of 5 acres of which 1.3 acres are wetlands. Ms. Colwell had a draft decision ready and the Board approved it. At this time, Ms. Lescarbeau made a motion, and Mr. Angles seconded it, to ratify the approval of the minutes. Endorse Plans Beechwood - subdivision As all of the plans and documents are in order, Ms. Colwell recommends the Board sign the plans. The Planning Board endorsed the plans for the Beechwood subdivision. 150 Flagship Drive - Site Plan Review As all of the plans and documents are in order, Ms. Colwell recommends the Board sign the plans. The Planning Board endorsed the plans for 150 Flagship Drive - Site Plan Review. Bond/Lot Releases Evergreen Estates - bond reduction Ms. Lescarbeau read a letter from DPW recommending the release of $30,000. Ms. Colwell stated that the applicant has requested the release of the $15,000 site opening bond. Ms. Colwell stated that the roadway is complete to the binder coat and she has asked the developer to plant the screening/landscaping for Ian Danis. On a motion by Ms. Lescarbeau, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board Voted unanimously to release $30,000 of the roadway bond and the $15,000 site opening bond. Public Hearings (New) 100 Belmont Street - site plan review Ms. Lescarbeau read the legal notice to open the public hearing. Mark Bourgois, representing the applicant, requested a withdrawal of the site plan review. Mr. Angles made a motion to accept the withdrawal without prejudice of the site plan review, Mr. Nardella seconded it, and the Board voted unanimously in favor. On a motion by Ms. Lescarbeau, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to close the public hearing. The Board then discussed a waiver of site plan review for the project as there will be minimal external changes (addition of stairway) and no additional parking spaces required. There will simply be a change in use from an office and ambulance service to a gymnastics and dance school. The Board has determined that this change will not be detrimental to the neighborhood. Salem Forest IV - subdivision/PRD Ms. Lescarbeau read the legal notice to open the public hearing. Atty. Bahraway was present on behalf of George Farr to discuss the fee issue. Atty. Bahraway stated that Mr. Farr applied for a subdivision in 1994 and paid fees at that time. It was Mr. Farr's understanding that if he reapplied the fees would be waived. Ms. Colwell stated that in 1994 only subdivision fees were paid, not PRD fees and project review fees. Ms. Colwell further stated that she would agree to waive the subdivision fees, however, the applicant must pay the PRD and project review fees. The project review fee should be $4,000, but the applicant has already paid $2,000 to the Conservation Commission, therefore the Planning Office would accept a $2,000 project review fee. The applicant was in agreement with these fees. There were several abutters present waiting for the presentation of the subdivision/PRD plans. As there was no engineer present to discuss the plans, the Planning Board continued on to other matters. Discussion of this item was continued until September 3, 1996. Windkist Farms Ms. Lescarbeau read the legal notice to open the public hearing. Phil Christiansen was present representing Barina Realty Trust. The property is located on Boston Street near the Andover line in the R-2 (one acre) zone. A preliminary subdivision plan was conditionally approved in March and now they are before the Board with a definitive plan. Mr. Christiansen stated that there are 38 acres of land to be divided to 18 lots with one lot of 15 acres to be left as a horse farm. The Board of Health is scheduled to meet Mr. Christiansen on site Wednesday & Thursday for perk tests. Mr. Christiansen stated that his drainage consultant stated that the drainage is over 100' away from wetlands. There are two detention ponds proposed with the remainder of the water taken out by drainage easements. DPW would like to see a water line run from Old Cart Way to service the subdivision. This would also enable residents along Boston Street to tie into Town water. The homes will have sprinkler systems. Ms. Colwell stated that easements must be provided for the potential future extension of the roadway. There were a few 3 abutters present who were concerned about drainage as some of them presently have water problems and feel that there is a potential for more if the drainage isn't handled properly. Also, there is some concern about buffering the present horse farm from the subdivision. Patricia Lambert, owner of Windkist Horse Farm and Riding Academy, is concerned about traffic safety for the horses and children taking riding lessons. Also, handicapped people, young and old, take lessons for therapy. Mr. Mahoney suggested that the Board and any abutters interested attend a site walk Saturday, August 24, 1996 at 8 a.m. Discussion continued until September 3, 1996. 277 Farnum Street - Frontage Exception Lot/Access Ms. Lescarbeau read the legal notice to open the public hearing. George Perna was present representing the applicant. He stated there is a purchase and sale agreement on the property and the applicant is proposing a frontage exception lot of 4.27 acres on Farnum Street. The original lot contains 6.6 acres, 1.2 acres will remain with the existing house and a 1.13 non-buildable buffer strip will be created around the existing house. Mr. Perna stated that the site could be broken up into a 4 lot subdivision with a short cul-de-sac, however, the owner would like to have the 4.27 acres as one lot for one house. Mr. Simons asked Mr. Perna if he would have any problem putting in writing that the lot is not a buildable lot, and Mr. Perna replied he would have no problem with that. Atty. Rand, representing Mr. & Mrs. Farnum, asked that conditions be placed on the rear lot so that it cannot be.subdivided further. Also, the proposed driveway is very close to their property and they would like it moved and buffered. An abutter at 1250 Turnpike Street expressed concern about runoff onto her property, and does not want the rear lot to be further subdivided. Mr. Nardella stated that he is not in favor of frontage exception lots, however, a four lot subdivision in this area would be worse. A site walk is scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 1996. On a motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Mr. Angles, Mr. Colwell was directed to draft a decision to be voted on at the September 3, 1996 meeting. Discussion continued until September 3, 1996. 12 Massachusetts Avenue (Mobil Oil) Site Plan Review Ms. Lescarbeau read the legal notice to open the public hearing. A woman in the audience stated that the notice doesn't mention where the property is located and also takes exception to how the North Andover Citizen chooses the heading for the legal notices. Atty. Domenic Scalese was representing Mobil Oil and stated that the site currently contains a 1500 sq ft Mobil service station. The applicant proposes to demolish the existing building and construct a new 1200 sq ft building called a ~Mobil Mart" further back on the site. An additional pump island and canopy will be installed adjacent to the existing pump island. There will be no new tanks going into the ground, the existing tanks will remain. Atty. Scalese stated that the bank next door is the nearest abutter and he had a letter from them stating that they approve and support the plans. Mr. Nardella asked about repair bays and was told there will be no repair bays. The rest rooms will be inside the building. Steve Decourcy was present and stated that he will respond to John Chessia's comments (Coler & Colantonio) via fax to the Planning Office on Wednesday. Mr. Nardella asked if there was any intention to sell beer and wine, and was told under this application the answer is ~no." Mr. Simons stated that obviously the building is in the flood plain and Ms. Colwell stated that the erosion on the banking area will be addressed by Conservation. Ms. Lescarbeau asked how many parking spaces are on the right hand side and was told ~five." Discussion continued until September 4, 1996. Lawrence Airport Hangers - Site Plan Review Ms. Lescarbeau read the legal notice to open the public hearing. Steve Stapinski was representing the applicant and he stated that the proposed plan calls for four new hangers to be built on the Sutton Street side of the airport across from the Knights of Columbus. One hanger will be 4800 sq ft and the other three will be 7000 sq ft. The intent is to build the structures of the same quality and style as in the past. The area will be serviced with water and sewer from Sutton Street. Wall pack lighting will be mounted on the building and heat and smoke detectors will be installed. There will be no dumpster present. There will be 15' between the buildings and the fence for fire trucks in case of an emergency. Mr. Nardella asked what the height of the structures will be and was told 17' 8~. The hangers will be made of insulated steel and no repairs to the aircraft will be done inside the hangers. Mr. Angles asked if the design provided any kind of drainage. Mr. Stapinski replied that all drainage is channeled into the street drainage system. Ms. Colwell stated that she is waiting for comments from John Chessia and should have them for the next meeting. Mr. Nardella and Ms. Lescarbeau would like to see more landscaping done on the Sutton Street side 5 of the airport. Ms. Colwell stated that the parking requirements must be reviewed by the building inspector as no parking spaces are currently shown. Joe Martin, an abutter who lives across the street, was present and stated that 2 years ago he came to a public hearing for other hangers and was told there would be no noise. Mr. Martin stated there is so much noise that he cannot keep tenants. Also, the proposed hangers are not really across from the Knights of Columbus, they are across from his property! Mr. Martin was told by the applicant that the noise isn't coming from his hangers, but from the commercial area and if Mr. Martin would call the Airport Commission they will put a stop to it. Mr. Martin further stated that the last time Sutton Street was dug up it was never repaired properly. Mr. Mahoney suggested the Board members take a site walk on their own and the discussion was continued until September 3, 1996. 191 Andover By-pass (Meadowood III) Common Drive and Access and Meadowood III - Subdivision/R-6 Modification Ms. Lescarbeau read the legal notices to open the public hearings on the common drive and access. The subdivision/R-6 Modification public hearing was opened at the August 6, 1996 meeting. Because the property is all in the same location, it makes sense to speak of this all together. Steve Stapinski was present and stated the proposed plan is for a common drive for lot 2M and access over lot 2M to lot 1M. Mr. Nardella asked if this was wetland and Mr. Stapinski replied in the affirmative. Mr. Simons questioned how this could be a modification when it was never in the original subdivision. Ms. Colwell stated that she understands Mr. Simons concerns, but Town Counsel stated that a land can be added to an existing subdivision either by modifying the original or by filing a new plan. In this case, because there is a 3 acre minimum in the R-6 zone and this property does not contain 3 acres, it must be considered as a modification. Mr. Angles and Ms. Lescarbeau both stated that this plan is a vast improvement over the plan submitted a few months ago. Ms. Colwell stated that the Board did, in fact, review a plan for 4 lots and at that time directed the applicant to return with a 3 lot plan. The Board set the site opening bond for the Common Drive at $5,000. The Board set the site opening bond for Access at $5,000. On a motion by Ms. Lescarbeau, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to close the public hearings on: 191Andover By-pass (Meadowood III) Common Drive and 191A~ndover By-pass (Meadowood III) Access and Meadowood III - Subdivision/R-6 modification Continued: 1750 Great Pond Road - Watershed Special Permit Phil Christiansen was present with a new plan of the driveway. As the plan was only presented that evening, Ms. Colwell and the Board members did not have an opportunity to review it before the meeting. Mr. Christiansen stated that Mr. Rullo, the applicant, has negotiated an easement from French Farm for sewerage, therefore, the opening to the driveway was able to be moved. The grades average just under 12% on the driveway. Mr. Nardella stated that on the previous plan there was a parking area at the bottom of the driveway to house a car in the event of icy weather, and he doesn't see it on this new plan. Mr. Christiansen stated that in bad weather you could just leave the car at the bottom of the driveway, but if directed to he could certainly place a side parking area on the plan. Mr. Nardella stated he would like to see a side parking area with crushed stone to prevent a car from sliding across the street into the lake. Mr. Thomson, an abutter who has lived in the area quite some time, stated that last winter there were maybe 3 days they couldn't make it up their driveway so they just left the car at the bottom. He also stated that Great Pond Road has quite a crown in it and seriously doubts a car could ever side across into the lake. Mr. Thomson further stated that he is very happy with the new plans and thanks Mr. Christiansen and Mr. Rullo for their efforts. It was discussed whether the plan should be sent to our drainage consultant as the area of work is in the watershed. On a motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Mr. ~ungles, the Board voted unanimously to have the plan reviewed by the Town's outside consultant. Now that the driveway opening has been changed Mr. Mahoney suggests that Town staff notify the abutters. Continued until September 3, 1996. Lot 2A Beechwood - Site Plan Review 7 Ms. Colwell gave the Board the latest comments from Coler & Colantonio with regards to large trucks being easily able to negotiate a turn on the property. It was discussed by the Board whether that was something they need be involved with. Phil Christiansen stated that the problem has been taken care of - the paving has been increased in the area. On a motion by Ms. Lescarbeau, seconded by Mr. Nardella, the Board voted unanimously to close the public hearing. Mr. Mahoney requested it be put into the minutes that the Planning Office received a letter from Mary & Bill Lacy stating, as abutters, their support of the addition to L-Com. Appleton Street extension - Subdivision At the request of the applicant discussion continued until September 3, 1996. Rocky Brook II - Subdivision At the request of the applicant discussion continued until September 3, 1996. 701 Salem Street - Site Plan Review At the request of the applicant discussion continued until September 3, 1996. Decisions: Lot 2A Beechwood Ms. Colwell had a draft decision prepared for discussion by the Board. On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Ms. Lescarbeau, the Planning Board unanimously approved the draft decision as amended. 191 Andover By-pass (Meadowood III) Common Driveway and 191 Andover By-pass (Meadowood III) Access and Meadowood III - Subdivision/R-6 modification On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted as follows to approve the draft decisions for: 8 191 Andover By-pass (Meadowood III) Common Drive and 191 Andover By-pass (Meadowood III) Access and Meadowood III - Subdivision/R-6 modification Mr. Mahoney yes Mr. Angles yes Mr. Nardella yes Ms. Lescarbeau yes Mr. Simons abstained Executive Session On a roll call vote, the Board agreed to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Heritage Estates subdivision. The Board will reconvene in open session. The vote took place at 10:00 p.m. Roll call: Mr. Simons yes Mr. Nardella yes Mr. Mahoney yes Mr. Angles yes Ms. Lescarbeau yes On a roll call vote, the Board agreed to move out of Executive Session and reconvene in open session. The vote took place at 10:20 p.m. Roll call: Mr. Simons yes Mr. Nardella yes Mr. Mahoney yes Mr. Angles yes Ms. Lescarbeau yes Den Rock Park Subcommittee Bill Scott, Director of CD&S, requested that Joseph V. Mahoney create a subcommittee to review the plans to develop Den Rock Park in Lawrence. Alberto Angles and Alison Lescarbeau volunteered along with Mr. Mahoney to serve on the committee. Plan Submittals The Board stated to Ms. Colwell that all plans and material relevant to a Planning Board meeting must be submitted to the 9