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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-09-17Planning Board Minutes Senior Center September 17, 1996 Members Present: Joseph V. Mahoney, Chairman, Richard Rowen, Vice Chairman and Alberto Angles, Associate Member. Richard Nardella arrived at 7:25 p.m. and John Simons arrived at 7:30 p.m. Alison Lescarbeau, Clerk, was absent. 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. Rowen, seconded by Mr. Angles, the minutes of September 3, 1996 were unanimously approved. Discussion: Steve Stapinski, Merrimack Engineering, was present to generally discuss the development of the Lawrence Airport as an industrial park to benefit both the City of Lawrence and the Town of North Andover. Mr. Stapinski stated that Lawrence has had many master plans done, and the airport area has been identified for industrial development. Lawrence and North Andover have petitioned the Mass Development Financial Agency (MDFA) to look at the feasibility of development and they, in turn, have hired Steve Stapinski. The general idea is to bring revenue to both the City and the Town with possibly 75% of the tax revenue to go to North Andover and 25% to Lawrence. Mr. Stapinski stated that there are some wetlands on site, and sewer will need to be extended. He intends to bring a subdivision plan back to the Board within two months. 56 Meadowview Road - Watershed Special Permit Atty. Peter Caruso was present representing the homeowner, Lee Higginbottom. The home is in the watershed district and needs a special permit to put an addition on. Atty. Caruso stated that the home is 200' away from wetlands, the Town installed perimeter drains on the street, and the home has just connected up to sewer in preparation of the proposed addition. Atty. Caruso also stated that as this is not a point source discharge in his opinion a special permit is not required. Ms. Colwell stated that any new impervious surface within 325' must come before the Board. Mr. Rowen stated that the Town bylaw allows construction thru a special permit. Atty. Caruso stated that it is an unstable area, the driveway has been dug up and the home recently connected to sewer. They would like to stabilize the area and asks the Board for permission to at least install the foundation before the cold weather. It was discussed by the Board and decided "no" the applicant cannot pour a foundation before the special pe£mit comes before the Board. The applicant was told, however, that every effort would be made for a quick decision by the Board. Great Pond Estates - request for an extension Ms. Colwell stated that the approval for Great Pond Estates expires two years from the date sewer became available. Sewer became available in the fall of 1994, therefore, they need an extension. The roadway is under construction, but it will not be complete until the end of this year. The applicant also requested that an earlier covenant signed in 1985 be released. Ms. Colwell stated that this earlier subdivision was never constructed and there is a new covenant on record for the current subdivision, therefore, she recommends release of the earlier covenant. On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Mr. Nardella, the Board voted unanimously to grant a one year extension and to release the earlier covenant. 350 Winthrop Avenue - request for an extension Ms. Colwell stated that on October 31, 1994 the Board issued a site plan review approval for the construction of a 5,000 sq ft addition to DeMoulas. The project has not yet begun although they are looking to begin soon. As the special permit is about to expire, they are applying for an extension. On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Mr. Rowen, the Board voted unanimously to grant a one year extension. Den Rock Park - update Atty. Mahoney stated that he attended a Lawrence Planning Board meeting regarding this proposed project. He feels Lawrence is on a real fast track with this and is looking for approval by October. Mr. Mahoney will be sending a letter to the Lawrence Planning Board asking them to delay the project until all the issues are resolved. Coventry I - bond update Ms. Colwell stated that Mr. Mahoney wrote a letter to the Town Manager requesting an update on whether or not the Board of Selectmen wish to continue to pursue the bond. Fleet Bank has 2 hired a contractor to complete the work, however, a "pile of dirt in the road" has held up their work. Fleet is also discussing the sale of the pump stations to a third party. Mr. Nardella stated that the Board of Selectmen seem to be unwilling or unable to help the Planning Board to perform their duties in order to get the money from the appropriate people! He is concerned that a lien should be placed on the pump station until such time as the outstanding electricity bill is paid. The Board directed staff to write a letter to the Town Manager regarding this. Master Plan C~,~,~ttee - update Ms. Colwell stated that the members are making progress, have broken up into subcommittees and they meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. The RFP for the consultant was published and approximately 20 copies have been sent out thus far. The committee will be organizing neighborhood meetings during November and December and are asking the Planning Board members to host a meeting at their homes for their neighborhood. ~,hlic Hearings - Continued 1750 Great Pond Road - Watershed Special Permit Continuation of the public hearing. Ms. Colwell stated that she, the Watershed Council and Coler & Colantonio have reviewed the plans and found many items lacking such as basic labeling on the plan to soil testing. Ms. Colwell stated that she received new information on Friday afternoon after the deadline for submittal of new information. She did review it, but does not feel comfortable issuing a decision quite yet. Phil Christiansen, engineer for the project, stated that all excess water will be stored in the spaces between the crushed stone and they have sized the areas accordingly. Ms. Colwell stated that the existing conditions are not on the plan. Mr. Christiansen asked if the Board could close the public hearing and put the conditions on the plan later. A ~blind driveway" sign is to be put up. John Thompson, an abutter to the right of the property, expressed some concern about a vehicle coming down the driveway and into his dining room in bad weather. Mr. Christiansen stated that the driveway is about 15' off the lot line with a 6% grade in that area, therefore, that is very unlikely to happen. Mr. Rowen asked what is the elevation of the driveway and Mr. Christiansen replied two feet higher than the existing grade. On a motion by Mr. Angles, seconded by Mr. Rowen, the Board voted unanimously to close the public hearing and directed staff to draft a decision for the next meeting. Windkist Farms - Subdivision Ms. Colwell stated that no new information has been received by the Planning Office, and no response has been sent to Coler & Colantonio. Phil Christiansen was present and stated that the applicant and the Sportsmens Club will share the cost of erecting a fence 1,000 feet long and it will be owned by the Sportsmens Club. The fence will be placed on the stone wall side of the property. Mr. Christiansen stated they are waiting for comments from Coler & Colantonio regarding the detention pond, and if everything is satisfactory they will revise the plans. Mr. Mahoney asked if drainage was the last remaining concern and Ms. Colwell replied except for the road length. Mr. Rowen stated that the homes should have sprinklers, and was told that was already agreed upon. Mr. Rowen asked what size the homes be and was told 3800 to 4000 sq ft. Mr. Mahoney asked why not a PRD subdivision and Mr. Christiansen replied that h acre lots would require more cutting of trees and the State frowns upon nitrate loading from septic systems. De De Dane, manager of the horse farm, is concerned about the road for the subdivision coming too close to the horse riding arena. Traffic from the roadway could scare the horses and the handicapped children and adults who ride. The Board asked Mr. Christiansen if he could move the road a bit so it is not as close to the riding arena and Mr. Christiansen replied that would be no problem. Discussion continued until October 1, 1996. Salem Forest IV - Subdivision/PRD Continuation of the public hearing. Joe Serwatka, engineer for the project, was present and stated the project is an 800' long cul-se-sac with 6 proposed lots. Mr. Serwatka has responded to John Chessia's comments and spoken with DPW. Ms. Colwell stated that she spoke with Sandra Starr and Ms. Starr said in a PRD lots 1 & 3 need additional testing, but doesn't foresee any problems. In a conventional subdivision all the lots are fine. Access to lots 5 & 6 may be the biggest problem. To access lots 5 & 6 a wetland crossing will be necessary. Mr. Serwatka stated that Mike Howard and he think one bridge span would be acceptable unless the Board sees the need for two. If two bridge spans were installed there wouldn't be the need for a special permit for access. Residents of Carlton Lane, who moved to the neighborhood 2 months ago, stated the number and size of the homes on Carlton Lane and Raleigh Tavern Lane would not be in synch with the proposed PRD plan. They are afraid their property value will be diminished. At this point, Mr. Simons explained to the homeowners just what a PRD is. Mr. Mahoney stated that a warrant article, to eliminate PRDs, was brought before Town Meeting last May and was resoundingly defeated. PRDs do not bring down the value of homes. Ms. Colwell stated that there are no remaining issues regarding septic. Mr. Mahoney stated that the Board would like to see the design and placement of the homes on a plan for the next meeting. Continued until October 1, 1996. Lawrence Airport Hangers - site plan review Continuation of the public hearing. Ms. Colwell stated that she asked Mr. Stapinski to redesign the drainage because as it stands now, the water will ultimately drain into the lake. Mr. Stapinski stated that the majority of the site slopes down to the Merrimack River therefore no drainage will enter the lake. There is a swale behind Four Star Aviation and Mr. Stapinski stated he will raise the elevation about one foot. Sewer and water to remain the same. On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Mr. Nardella, the Board voted unanimously to close the public hearing. Ms. Colwell to review the drainage and have a draft decision ready for the next meeting. 701 Salem Street - site plan review At the request of the applicant an extension was granted until October 15, 1996. Appleton Street Extension - Subdivision Mr. Rowen read a letter from the applicant, Blaine Gann, requesting a withdrawal without prejudice and a waiver of the application fees if he re-files within 6 months. On a motion by Mr. Rowen, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted unanimously to grant the withdrawal without prejudice and a waiver of the application fees if Mr. Gann re-files within 6 months. 5 Rocky Brook II - Subdivision Mr. Rowen read a letter from the applicant requesting a continuance until October 1, 1996. 12 Massachusetts Ave (Mobil Oil) Site Plan Review Continuation of the public hearing. Ms. Colwell stated that the public hearing was continued in order to print a new notice in the paper stating the address of the site which was left out of the original notice. Ms. Colwell stated that all issues have been resolved, Con Com closed their public hearing at the last meeting. Mr. Angles asked about the hours of operation and the manager stated 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mr. Nardella asked if there were any plans to sell alcohol and the manager replied ~no." On a motion by Mr. Angles, seconded by Mr. Nardella, the Board voted as follows to close the public hearing: Mr. Mahoney yes Mr. Simons yes Mr. Nardella yes Mr. Angles yes Mr. Rowen abstained Decisions: 12 Massachusetts Ave (Mobil Oil) - Site Plan Review Ms. Colwell had a draft decision ready for the Board to review. On a motion by Mr. Nardella, seconded by Mr. Angles, the Board voted as follows to approve the draft decision: Mr. Mahoney yes Mr. Simons yes Mr. Nardella yes Mr. Angles yes Mr. Rowen abstained Endorse Plans: 27 Charles Street - Site Plan Review MS. Colwell stated that the twenty day appeal period has expired, and they have submitted a recorded copy of the decision, therefore, she recommends endorsing the plans. The Planning Board endorsed the plans for 27 Charles Street. 350 Winthrop Ave (DeMoulas expansion) - Site Plan Review Ms. Colwell recommends the Board endorse the plans. The Planning Board endorsed the plans for 350 Winthrop Avenue (DeMoulas expansion). Lot Releases/Bonds: Lot 2 Beechwood Drive - lot release Ms. Colwell recommends the release of the lot upon the posting of the roadway bond. Mr. Rowen read a letter from DPW recommending the applicant post a $156,160.00 bond for the project. On a motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Mr. Rowen, the Board voted unanimously to release Lot 2 Beechwood Drive upon the posting of a $156,600.00 bond. Hickory Hill - bond reduction Mr. Rowen read a letter from DPW recommending the release of $21,784 and retaining $13,000, which would be released at the time of road acceptance. On a motion by Mr. Simons, seconded by Mr. Rowen, the Board voted unanimously to retain $13,000 and release the balance of the bond being held for Hickory Hill. 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 9:40 p.m. Roll call vote: Mr. Mahoney yes Mr. Rowen yes Mr. A~ngles yes