Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin of planning brd 11052008 Planning Board Minutes November 5, 2008 Present: H. Thomas French, Jr., Chairman; Beth Ashman-Collins, Clerk; E)~Ui.Nfllho, Michael McClanahan, Stan Feck, Donald Cleary' ;'.l\S Off ICE Olivier Kozlowski and Shawn MacDonald, Alternates Shaun P. Burke, Director of Planning and Development I 3 P 3: L~ I li2.Co..r~POI1.d..Jl.ee 1. October 8, 2008 minutes Motion: To approve as submitted (McClanahan-Feck) All in favor. PASSES 2. October 6, 2008 letter from Keith Signoriello re: release of surety - Suzanne Lane / October 22, 2008 memo from Mike Ahem, DPW Special Projects Manager recommending the release of $10,761.00 Motion: To release $10,761.00 (McClanahan-Collins) All in favor. PASSES 3. October 23,2008 letter from Vince Botti re: extension of special permit for 34 North Main Street Motion: To extend the special permit for six months (McClanahan-Annino) All in favor. PASSES 4. ZBA decision - 101 Otis Street - Granted (negative recommendation) 5. The Beacon 6. TransReport newsletter 7. Meeting notices Easton, Foxboro, Norton, Sharon I 3. Form A (ANa) Plot 4. Special Permit Publie Hearing eontinued - Modifieation to the Village at Willow Crossing - Benehmark Attorney Ed Valanzola introduced Steve Paquette and Mike Waleryszak Attorney Valanzola explained the applicant has received a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals for relief from the Inclusionary Housing By-Law. He has spoken with the ZBA chairman and secretary, who told him the decision will be signed as drafted. Mr. Annino said he is concerned about the $70,000 donation to the ambulance fund along with the $328,000 donation to the housing fund, and whether that is fair to the applicant. Mr. Burke said that was offered by the applicant before they went to the ZBA and said he wouldn't want the Planning Board to amend something that has already been approved by the ZBA. Mr. Valanzola said the ZBA decision talks about the $328,000 donation to the housing fund and the $70,000 donation to the ambulance fund, so that would have to be amended. He said he has spoken with his client and they discussed the option of filing a "friendly suit" regarding the affordable housing by-law, but they decided to go to the ZBA instead to arrive at an acceptable number. He said another option would be to delay Planning Board 1 11/6/2008 the $70,000 ambulance donation from after the first occupancy until after the twenty eighth unit is occupied. The board agreed. Mr. Feck said the construction gate across the bike path entrance should be closed and locked when not in use and keys given to Police and Fire in case of emergency. Mr. Paquette said they intend to meet the 120-day construction access from Branch Street, but would like the opportunity to come back to the board for an extension in the event of unforeseen circumstances. He said they would like to get the infrastructure in, the clubhouse constructed, and the first 10 units done within the 120 days, then move work away from the Branch Street entrance. Mr. Annino asked if 180 days would be more reasonable. The applicant and the board agreed. Mr. Annino said the applicant should notify the Planning Department when construction activity begins. Mr. Waleryszak said his company is committed to doing this project as soon as possible, but the market and economy will determine when construction begins. Mr. Valanzola said there are some waivers requested on the first page of the plans and asked for those issues to be clarified. He noted the Town Engineer has reviewed and approved these items. Mr. Burke explained the board does not have to vote the waivers because this is a private way that will not become public. Motion: To grant the special permit as drafted (Annino-Feck) Cleary - In favor. The benefits greatly outweigh the detriments, this will be better for the community than a single family development, and is the best use for the land. Feck - In favor. Single family houses would not go as well with the existing 55 and Over use, this protects the bike path from a road going across it, and the applicants have satisfied all department and board concerns. Annino - In favor. This provides an alternative and needed housing stock, it fits in with existing development, the traffic concerns have been adequately addressed, the developer has discussed making it a sustainable project, and has worked with the board to allay concerns and mitigate adverse impacts. Ashman-Collins - In favor. The benefits outweigh the detriments. This will provide an important housing need, the design is responsive to the neighborhood, traffic volume and safety issues have been addressed, it will provide a fiscal benefit to the town, and will be an asset to the community. McClanahan -In favor. The benefits outweigh the detriments. Single family homes could have been built on this parcel, which would have put more of a burden on the school system. The developers have worked with the boards to address all the concerns, the donation to the housing fund will bring future affordable housing benefits, and the safety issues have been addressed. Planning Board 2 11/6/2008 ,- French - In favor. This project will be a benefit to the community by providing residences for 55 and over, will have a positive impact on the neighborhood and fit with the existing development, will have a fiscal benefit with minimal impact on the community's resources, will be environmentally conscious, and a low traffic generator. This is a good use of the land and the contributions to the housing and ambulance funds will bolster support of municipal facilities and services. All in favor. PASSES Motion: To close the public hearing (Annino-Feck) All in favor. PASSES Mr. Burke said the Board of Selectmen held a public hearing and voted to layout Suzanne Lane. He suggested the board vote to support acceptance because the road has been built in accordance with the plan and the punch list items have been completed. Motion:To recommend acceptance of Suzanne Lane(Feck-Annino)All in favor. PASSES The board discussed whether it should make recommendations to Town Meeting on the TIF articles. Mr. Cleary will do a brief presentation at next week's meeting. Mr. French suggested that in the future, TIF applications should be green projects. Mr. MacDonald suggested using the LEED criteria. Mr. Annino said the downtown committee is using the funding for fa~ade projects and suggested the Planning Board should get back to discussing downtown issues. Mr. French said there should be trash barrels downtown; he suggested if the town bought them, the downtown merchants could empty them. Mr. Feck suggested the downtown businesses could sponsor trash barrels. Mr. McClanahan said Gourmet Pizza on North Main Street put their dumpster in the alley along Church Street and it looks terrible. Mr. French asked if that is a service driveway that goes around the building; Mr. McClanahan said it is not. Mr. Feck said that is used for employee parking. Mr. Burke said he would speak with the building inspector. Mr. McClanahan said the sidewalk in front of Jimmy's Pub is a mess because of the loading activities. Mr. Burke said he would speak with the building inspector. Motion: To adjourn at 9: 10 p.m. (McClanahan- ) All in favor. PASSES Next meeting: Wednesday, November 12,2008 at 7:00 p.m. SPg~;t1;rEiJJIv.mb.r 18 at 7:00 Pi~.~ ~ ~itium Signature of Clerk Date of Approval Planning Board 3 11/6/2008 ,..