HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning 11/12/2025ape°N Town of Mansfield
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ASA Planning Board
i
Meeth g%'Minutes
November 12, 2025
Meeting Held in Person in Meeting Room 3A/B
Present: Sharon Friedman, Chair; Mark Corsillo, Clerk; Joseph Cerretani; Ralph Penney;
Michael McClanahan; Sreelatha Allam; Ryan Maxwell; and Bryan Haworth, Associate
Sarah Raposa, Director of Planning & Development
Priscilla McGill, Administrative Secretary
Absent: None
Ms. Friedman called the meeting to order and read the introductory statement for audience
members who wish to record the meeting.
Regarding the application of Crugnale Properties, LLC for a Site Plan Approval pursuant to
Bylaw Section 230-5.3 for the properly located at 1 West Church St. to demolish the existing
building, parking areas, and associated driveways to construct a new mixed -use building to
include seven two-story townhouse units, retail space, and parking. The project site is owned by
Washington Realty, Inc. and is shown on Assessor's Plat 021, Lot 064, within the Business 1
(B 1) zone.
Marco Crugnale, Sophia Crugnale, and Attorney Peter Clark were present. Mr. Crugnale
explained the plan changes based on the previous Board comments. The stairwells were changed
and consolidated to create larger retail/office spaces. River Hawk Environmental had submitted
a sight distance calculation narrative that supports the reasonable and appropriate safety of the
current design. Mr. Crugnale stated that the design follows the downtown design guidelines.
The current design changes create a total of 1,717 SF of retail/office space, which is an increase
from the previous design to preserve and promote retail in the downtown area.
Board members discussed whether the project complies with zoning requirements related to first -
floor commercial use, frontage, and mixed -use provisions.
Mr. Penney expressed concerns that downtown business space is limited and valuable, and that
the proposal does not appear to meet the bylaw requiring the entire frontage along the public way
to be used for business or professional space. He noted that the stairwells shown on the plan
Planning Board Meeting Minutes 11-12-25 Page 1 of 13
appear to serve primarily as residential access points, not commercial frontage. He also referred
to a requirement that at least 50 percent of the first -floor building depth be dedicated to
commercial use and believed the project provided only about one-third.
Attorney Clark stated that the project is a by -right mixed -use development under the overlay
district and not a special permit or density bonus project. He argued that the sections of the
bylaw Mr. Penney cited apply to projects seeking special permits or density bonuses, not to this
type of mixed -use development. He also stated that there is a contradiction in the bylaw language
that may need future clarification. Attorney Clark explained that first -floor stairwells,
mechanical rooms, and common areas have historically been treated as part of the commercial
component in similar downtown projects. He referenced the 214 Rumford Street project as an
example where common areas were assessed as commercial space.
Mr. Crugnale explained that he pursued the project under site plan approval based on preliminary
meetings with staff and that seeking variances would make the project impractical. He
emphasized that the revised design reflects changes made in response to previous Board
feedback.
Board members acknowledged that the overlay district bylaws contain inconsistencies. Several
members agreed that the project meets the dimensional and parking requirements applicable in
the B 1 district. Many members felt the revised plan is a substantial improvement and supported
the creation of additional housing units, noting that access stairs and elevators are standard
components of mixed -use buildings and have been accepted in previous approvals.
Public Comment
Nicole Wright, of 90 Gilbert Street, asked about current vacancy rates in downtown apartment
buildings. The applicant and board members responded that these properties are consistently
well -leased, with very few vacancies reported each year.
The overall sentiment of the board was supportive of the project, with some members suggesting
that the town may need to revisit and clarify certain zoning provisions in the future.
Motion by Mr. Cerretani and seconded by Mr. Maxwell to close the public hearing.
Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
Ms. Raposa read the draft decision, which included a standard review of documents, the site plan
approval criteria, and project conditions. The project conditions include inclusionary housing to
provide one affordable dwelling unit. The applicant recognized the concern of the Fire
Department regarding non-compliance with the sprinklers in the existing structure. The
applicant is in the process of terminating existing tendencies and intends to demolish the existing
building in June 2026. The Town Engineer had not responded to the latest submission;
therefore, the conditions include engineering review and compliance.
Motion by Mr. Cerretani and seconded by Mr. McClanahan to approve the Site Plan Approval
application, including the conditions as discussed with the contingency of the Town Engineer's
approval. Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
Planning Board Meeting Minutes 11-12-25 Page 2 of 13
Regarding the application of James Crawford for a Special Permit and Site Plan Approval
pursuant to Bylaw Sections 230-5.5, 230-5.3, and 230-3.3E at 40 Pratt Street to demolish the
existing structure and construct a new three-story, 5,980 SF 5-unit rowhouse building. The
project site is owned by Sandra and Thomas Curtin and is shown on Assessor's Map 022, Lot
112, within the Business 2 (132) zone.
Josh White from JDE Civil, representing the applicant, and the applicant, James Crawford, were
present. Mr. White presented updated plans based on the Town Engineer and the Board's
feedback from the previous meeting. The applicant received a review from the town engineer
regarding utility questions. In response, a revised plan set addressing the remaining comments
related to roof drain materials should complete all the required site plan revisions.
The applicant presented updated renderings showing the building from multiple angles, noting
the stone masonry veneer, improved window placement, and revised front stairs. Board members
asked clarifying questions about stair layout, landings, patio dimensions, and the clearance
between the rear stairs and the fence. The applicant stated the fence sits about one foot off the
property line, approximately two to three feet between the fence and the patio. They were
uncertain whether a minimum clearance is required by code. The Board discussed that in the B2
district, there are essentially no setback requirements, with only a maximum height of 45 feet.
Board members expressed appreciation for the applicant's efforts, including reducing the number
of units from five to four, eliminating the need for a dumpster.
A written comment from a resident opposing the project based on downtown design guidelines
had already been read into the record at an earlier meeting. The Chair noted that, in their view,
the project does incorporate several desired design elements. There were no additional public
comments.
Ms. Friedman said that as this is a special permit application, the Board will need to develop
conditions and evaluate the project's benefits and detriments before making a final decision.
Motion by Mr. Cerretani and seconded by Mr. McClanahan to close the public hearing.
Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
Ms. Raposa noted that the project decision has the standard conditions with the inclusion of
construction management and snow control protocol.
Board Deliberation
Mr. McClanahan, voting to approve, expressed that the benefits outweigh the detriments, that the
applicant has worked to improve the design based on feedback. The design came out nicely and
will add character to the neighborhood.
Mr. Penney, voting to approve, expressed that the benefits outweigh the detriments. It is an
improvement to the neighborhood. He appreciated that the applicant worked with the neighbors
to make improvements and eliminate the dumpster.
Planning Board Meeting Minutes 11-12-25 Page 3 of 13
Mr. Cerretani, voting to approve, expressed that the benefits outweigh the detriments. I-Ie said, as
the applicant, they were easy to work with and he was pleased that they worked with the
neighbors and made the improvements as recommended.
Mr. Haworth, as an alternative, with the full Board present, his vote would not be included. He
did note that the benefits outweigh the detriments and applauded the applicant for engaging with
the board in good faith and working with the neighbors.
Ms. Allam, voting to approve, expressed her support for the project and noted that it would make
the neighborhood a better place with good municipal units in that area.
Mr. Maxwell, voting to approve, agreed with what had already been said by the other Board
members.
Mr. Corsillo, voting to approve, expressed that the project is a major improvement to what is
currently there. It is a benefit in terms of aesthetics and function. The applicant has done a great
job working with the Board and the abutters.
Ms. Friedman, voting to approve, expressed that the benefits outweigh the detriments, especially
that the applicant worked with the neighbors and incorporated design elements that are consistent
with what is being built in the downtown area.
Motion by Mr. Cerretani and seconded by Mr. McClanahan that the Planning Board approve
with standard conditions the Special Permit and Site Plan Approval application of James
Crawford for the property at 40 Pratt Street (Assessors Map 022, Lot 112) in the Business 2 (132)
Zoning District (property currently owned by Sandra and Thomas Curtin) to demolish the
existing structure and construct a new three-story, 5,980t sq. ft., four -unit rowhouse building,
together with associated site improvements, pursuant to §§ 230-5.5, 230-5.3, and 230-3.3E of the
Mansfield Zoning Bylaw, as shown on plans submitted with the application and as further
revised during the public hearing. This approval is based on the Board's findings that the project
complies with the Site Plan Approval criteria set forth in §230-5.3F and that the Special Permit
criteria in §230-5.5 are satisfied.
Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
Craig Cygawnoski, RIM Engineering, representing the property owner, was present.
The Applicant requested approval to adjust the conunon lot line between two existing house lots
at 266 and 272 Pratt Street, resulting in proposed Lots I and 2A. No new lots are created; both
lots continue to front on Pratt Street, a publicly laid -out way.
Recent Zoning Board of Appeals finding action was noted on the plan: The Mansfield Zoning
Board of Appeals has granted a finding on Lot 2A for the lot frontage and lot width requirements
at a meeting dated October 21, 2025.
Planning Board Meeting Minutes 11-12-25 Page 4 of 13
The grandparents lived there and divided the land to build the house at 266 Pratt St. The lots do
not conform to today's zoning, and they went before the Zoning Board of Appeals for a finding,
which was granted. Raposa stated that the plan is straightforward and meets the requirements for
endorsement.
Motion by Mr. Penney and seconded by Mr. McClanahan to endorse the ANR as presented and
discussed. Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
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Craig Cygawnoski, RIM Engineering, representing the property owner and applicant Southbrook
Development, Inc., was present. Recently, the zoning changed from R2 to R3, which allows the
creation of four lots that meet current zoning.
Ms. Raposa noted that the plan is endorsable.
Motion by Mr. McClanahan and seconded by Mr. Permey to endorse the ANR as presented and
discussed. Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
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CONTINUED Public Hearing Zoning Bylaw Amendments Pursuant to the provisions of
MGL Ch. 40A §5, to accept public comments on the following proposed amendments to the
Town of Mansfield Zoning Bylaws:
Mr. Cerretani recommended combining the housekeeping items #3, 4, 5, 8, and 9 as one vote.
Item 13 - 40Y Multi -Generational Housing Overlay (§230-5.13): Establishes a new overlay
district under the state's Chapter 40Y legislation to create more flexible housing options for all
stages of life.
Ms. Friedman noted that no specific 40Y project application has been submitted. Concept
neighborhoods have been presented for discussion of a 40Y overlay. The State has developed
some regulations, which they are still fine-tuning, regarding 40Y housing.
Ms. Raposa said that the Board received 13 ernails in opposition to the Planning Board moving
forward with Item 13. She also received feedback from the Executive Office of Housing and
Livable Communities (EOHLC) on the draft bylaw that would seemingly require some edits
prior to being voted on at Town Meeting.
Lynne Sweet of LDS Consulting Group reviewed a brief presentation. She said that they met
with the Council on Aging and the Housing Development Corporation to get feedback on a
proposed starter -home bylaw and an accompanying multi -generational housing concept for
Mansfield. The project was presented as a response to a lack of smaller, affordable single-family
homes in town and to demographic shifts toward smaller, older households. There has been a
30% decline in school -age population over the past decade, which has cost Mansfield roughly
$8.4M in Chapter 70 funding. The idea grew from the town's Housing Production Plan and the
State's recommended implementation strategy to create starter -home districts. The bylaw would
enable small homes (up to 1,850 sq ft) on small lots, require that half the units be three -bedrooms
(still limited to the size cap), and include an affordable component. If adopted, the state offers
Planning Board Meeting Minutes 11-12-25 Page 5 of 13
incentives (a $75,000 grant to the town and $3,000 per closing), and the development would
generate normal permit fees, taxes, and other modest revenue streams. The houses themselves
would be on private streets with a private sewer system. Ms. Sweet stressed that passage of the
bylaw is only the first step and that detailed studies and approvals will still be required, such as
water capacity, electric capacity, stormwater, septic, and conservation. She described plan
changes made after neighborhood meetings to reduce impacts, most especially buffer zones. The
proposal has received positive State feedback, but is still being revised to align with the Town
and State regulations. Some Board members felt the current draft needed more review before a
final vote.
Public Comment
Kathy Betts of 250 Otis Street said that she likes the project concept, but does not like the
proposed location. She expressed concern about increased traffic and danger to pedestrians on an
already busy, narrow roadway. She mentioned that recently, Mansfield has been designated an
AARP-designated senior community, and one of the things they look for in a community is
walkability. With no sidewalks or transportation access for seniors, this would not be the best
location.
Esther Forbes of 410 Gilbert Street expressed opposition to the 80-home concept project, but was
not opposed to affordable housing. She was concerned about the added traffic and did not feel
this was the best location for a project like this.
Beth Ashman of 51 South Main Street applauded the Board for trying to find age -friendly
options for both young families and older families that include single-family options, not just
downtown apartments.
Luther Grant, a Mansfield excavator for 45 years, said he is very familiar with the property,
which is very wet. He agreed that the concept of density and age -appropriate housing is needed.
He expressed concern about the cost and replacement of the septic systems when they fail, and
how to deal with the homes' waste during repair or replacement. He suggested consideration of a
project with fewer homes.
Evelyn Steele of 90 Pratt Sheet noted potential discrepancies with the proposed units per acre
and State allowances. She was concerned with building near wetlands, a septic system on site
and near wetlands, drainage, and potential damage to Gilbert Street during construction.
Paul Sullivan of 26 Hemlock Lane said he is for development, but opposed to 40Y, and with
Mansfield potentially being the first town in the Commonwealth to adopt it. He expressed
concern about being asked to limit continents on the proposed development while the applicant
was allowed to present a full slideshow about the project. He argued that the development and
the 40Y starter -home bylaw are inseparable, noting that the developer's attorney is also working
with the State on revisions that the Board has received but the public has not. He questioned how
the Board could treat the project and the bylaw as distinct when the public does not have access
to the same version of the proposed bylaw.
Mr. Sullivan emphasized that zoning language is critical, especially because 40Y bylaws are
passed by a simple majority rather than the usual two-thirds required for zoning at town meeting.
He urged the Board not to advance the proposal if there is any doubt. He raised several concerns
about the draft bylaw, including incorrect statutory citations, added uses, such as attached single-
family/townhouse units, that are not found in the State 40Y legislation, and missing minimum
density requirements that the State requires. He questioned whether the town has calculated the
Planning Board Meeting Minutes 11-12-25 Page 6 of 13
developable acreage for the parcels and the true maximum number of units allowed under the
State formula. He suggested that the Town simply adopt the 40Y language verbatim instead of
presenting a customized version. He questioned why the bylaw does not explicitly require
compliance with future State regulations. He also pointed out that interest in 40Y has arisen for
other parcels in town and asked whether approving this district would set a precedent for
additional similar applications. He expressed concern about fairness, wetlands impacts, and
whether town -owned land has been or could be involved for access.
Mr. Sullivan argued that a change of this magnitude should not be rushed, should be based on
publicly available and posted revisions before the hearing, and should not go to a fall town
meeting with lower turnout. He asked the Board not to advance the bylaw and to send a message
that Mansfield is not prepared to adopt 40Y at this time.
Bill Clemmey of 55 Fowler Street stated that while the Planning Board generally does a good job
bringing information and proposals forward, he does not believe this particular 40Y article is
ready to move to the town meeting. He said he is neither for nor against the concept, but based
on what he has seen, it does not align with how the Board has historically handled major zoning
changes. He cited past examples, such as the TOD and medical marijuana zoning, where the
Board spent years refining proposals before the State adopted its own requirements, ensuring the
Town's bylaws were done correctly. He emphasized that the simple -majority threshold for 40Y
is a significant concern. If only 100 people attend a fall town meeting, 50 voters could make a
decision with major long-term implications for the Town. He urged the board to defer the article
to the Spring Town Meeting, when turnout is higher, and more residents can weigh in. He asked
the Board to take additional time to fully understand the proposal and wait for the State to
proceed before bringing it forward.
Adam Norige of 197 Gilbert Street said that he was confused by the process and frustrated that
the discussion kept shifting between the bylaw and a specific project. He asked what analysis the
Town did to decide to pursue a 40Y bylaw rather than responding to a developer's proposal, and
expressed strong concerns about the project itself.
Andre Fernandes added that the town shouldn't pursue 40Y without an appropriate parcel, noting
the subject site's extensive wetlands, flood zones, and wildlife constraints. He shared that
currently there are five Mansfield listings with an average list price of about $691,000 and an
average lot size of 0.87 acres. To argue, the proposed small -lot, HOA-supported homes, under
0.1 acre, may not be meaningfully affordable once HOA costs for wastewater and storruwater are
included. He raised several questions: who will be eligible for the income -restricted units,
whether units could be bought en masse and converted to rentals, and why the bylaw allows
duplexes with a special permit, which could change the housing form. He also disputed the
developer's outreach claim, noting he had not received any communication from them. He said
the proposal does not require residency by Mansfield buyers, and reiterated that without a clearly
suitable site, the Town should not advance the bylaw to a vote.
Ed Freitas of 16 Saddle Ridge Road cautioned that the undeveloped tract is largely comprised of
wetlands with high water tables, streams, and a history of past flooding issues. Previous
construction nearby caused basement flooding, halting a project and leading to a lawsuit. He
urged the Board to consider water impacts and recommended visiting the site to see its wet
conditions firsthand.
Ms. Sweet responded to some of the public continents. She explained that septic systems will be
managed through both a financial reserve and a physical reserve, as required by modern Title V
Planning Board Meeting Minutes 11-12-25 Page 7 of 13
standards, with oversight from the Board of Health. The proposed development would build out
slowly over 10-20 years, creating an entirely new neighborhood rather than rapidly placing 80
new homes. The proposed bylaw would allow attached townhomes only with a special permit,
and updated wording clarifies density calculations per acre. Affordable units could receive a 70%
local preference, meaning Mansfield residents, or those who work or have children in town,
would have two chances in the lottery, consistent with state -regulated procedures. Residents on
Chesman were invited to earlier meetings, and continued input is welcome. Concerns about
traffic were acknowledged, and she noted that such projects can open discussions about traffic
calming measures, with engineers and reviewers collaborating on possible solutions. If the
project moves forward, the plans would change as traffic and stormwater studies progress.
Board Comments
Ms. Friedman, Chair, asked the Board for their connnents to determine if the bylaw should move
forward.
Mr. Haworth responded to repeated questions about separating the bylaw from the development
proposal, emphasizing that approving the bylaw does not approve the project. Passing the bylaw
simply allows technical experts to evaluate whether the land can be developed. If studies later
show it is infeasible due to wetlands, traffic, or other constraints, the project would not proceed.
He referenced the national housing crisis, citing recent statistics, noting that the median age of
first-time U.S. homebuyers has climbed to 40 years old. That is a dramatic increase from the 30-
33 range seen from 1996 to 2020. This shift delays major life decisions, including when people
start families, and highlights the severity of the housing shortage. He concluded that, especially
in the Northeast, housing is a crisis and urgent action is needed rather than delay.
Ms. Allam acknowledged continuous comments regarding infrastructure and traffic impacts. She
expressed that the timing of the bylaw and project is somewhat linked, and it is difficult to
separate the two. She felt it would be best to pause and evaluate the concerns, have experts
weigh in on the pros and cons of the bylaw versus the project, and then reintroduce the bylaw at
the next town meeting. She said that she likes the 40Y concept, but that the proposed location is
not optimal and other locations could be better suited.
Mr. Maxwell also liked the starter home 40Y concept, but felt another location would be better.
He felt that the bylaw needs further review and modification, and a delay would be best.
Mr. Corsillo agreed with Mr. Haworth's earlier points. He noted that, for years, the Planning
Board has been actively researching housing options to support the Housing Production Plan.
Research for a 40Y project had begun well before the proposed project was introduced.
However, he opposed adopting the 40Y bylaw now, not for the same reasons expressed by
neighbors, but because the state has not yet finalized its regulations. Passing the bylaw before
final guidance could be premature, and postponing until spring may be wiser.
Mr. McClanahan agreed, noting that there are many concerns and issues, and the State has not
finalized 40Y yet.
Mr. Penney reiterated the public comments and was concerned that without a finalized State law,
the Town would be a test case. The property is not ideal, especially for septic. He identified with
comments relating to the proposed location not accommodating seniors and the lack of
transportation. He emphasized that, typically, zoning bylaw changes are introduced at the Annual
Town Meeting since Special Town Meetings are not well attended. He agreed that the Board
should not move forward with the amendment at this time.
Planning Board Meeting Minutes 11-12-25 Page 8 of 13
Mr. Cerretani agreed that the bylaw is premature, but likes the 40Y concept to build housing
stock in Town. He also felt that the landowner has a right to develop the land, and with due
diligence, a 40Y project could work on the proposed property. Any project application submitted
to the Board for review must meet Town standards and criteria. However, he was not in favor of
moving forward with the bylaw at this time.
Public Continent
Nicole Wright of 90 Gilbert Street emphasized that this decision affects the future of Mansfield,
not just one parcel. She had concerns about the Gilbert Street site, but was more concerned about
40Y being adopted as a blanket by -right zoning tool. She stressed that 40Y is optional and not
necessary, and argued that passing the 40Y could force Mansfield to become a test case for an
unproven State program, limiting the town's ability to evaluate impacts on traffic, safety, and
neighborhood character. She disagreed with previous comments regarding how the schools are
funded and the Town being stagnant, commenting that most of the land is already built out,
which explains the limited new housing. She referenced a previous Board approval to build six
single-family homes, which had not been opposed by the neighbors. The landowner did not
proceed with the approved project. Lastly, she referenced questions she had written to the Board
regarding: criteria used to deem the parcel appropriate for 40Y, how those criteria would apply to
fature parcels, how soil and environmental constraints were handled, the role of the Master Plan,
and whether any exceptions to local rules were allowed.
Ms. Friedman acknowledged that the Board has received Nicole Wright's written letter. She
agreed that the Board was not ready to move forward with the bylaw and that more time is
needed for an in-depth 40Y review to develop a bylaw that reflects a collective need for housing
and how to move forward.
Motion by Mr. Penney and seconded by Mr. McClanahan to NOT advance 40YMulti-
Generational Housing Overlay to Special Town Meeting.
Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
Item 1- Signs (§230-4.7): Authorizes the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant special permits for
sign relief in unique cases where standard regulations are impractical, with detailed plans
required.
Motion by Mr. Maxwell and seconded by Mr. Penney to advance Signs to Special Town
Meeting. Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
The remaining public audience was interested in addressing item 10, therefore the Board moved
that up in the discussion.
Item 10 - School Bus Parking (§230-3.5N): Adds school bus parking as a special permit use in
multiple districts to allow relocation of facilities.
Ms. Raposa noted that this bylaw evolved over the course of public hearings, resulting in a
simple definition change to alleviate the previous permitting issues. Ms. Friedman read the
revised bylaw for the audience.
Planning Board Meeting Minutes 11-12-25 Page 9 of 13
Public Comment
Steve Sullivan, representing the school bus company, expressed that since losing the Francis
Avenue parking three years prior, it has been a challenge to find a Mansfield location for bus
parking. Per contract, they pay about $250,000 per year in excise tax to Mansfield, and because
they currently park out of Town, they also have to pay the other town taxes. He applauded the
Town for working with them to find a Mansfield location.
Ms. Raposa noted that the change essentially allows municipal uses, by contract, in all zoning
districts with site plan approval. A brief discussion ensued regarding bus parking and location
options, and whether this allows for other RI uses by a Town contract. The Board then
recommended a change to the bylaw wording for school bus parking only.
Motion by Mr. Corsillo and seconded by Mr. McClanahan to advance School Bays Parking to
Special Town Meeting. Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
Item 2 - Off -Street Parldng (§230-4.4): Updates pavement and drainage standards to reflect
best engineering practices and 100-year storm design.
Based on previous discussions, the Board agreed to keep the 25-year storm reference, remove the
100-year storm reference, and amend the total pavement thickness from five inches to four
inches (2 ''/2" binder and 1 %2" topcoat).
Motion by Mr. Penney and seconded by Mr. McClanahan to advance Off -Street Parking to
Special Town Meeting. Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
The Board next voted on Items 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9 simultaneously.
Item 3 - Special Permit Submissions (§230-5.5): Removes redundant application requirements
to streamline permitting and align with Board regulations.
Ms. Raposa reviewed the bylaw for clarification regarding waivers that are in the Planning Board
Rules and Regulations and are duplicative in the special permit bylaw.
Item 4 - Resource Recovery Systems (§230-5.5H): Deletes long -expired moratorium language
on trash incinerators to clean up the bylaw.
Item 5 - Scheduled Rate of Development (§230-4.2C): Removes the outdated growth
management section that expired in 2007.
Item 8 - Host Community Agreements (§230-3.4N(9)): Removes outdated impact fee language
to comply with updated Cannabis Control Commission regulations.
Item 9 - Floodplain District (§230-5.4): Updates maps, standards, and definitions to maintain
National Flood Insurance Program compliance.
Ms. Raposa noted, for the record, that the individual map panel references are being eliminated,
and the flood insurance study citation, through all of the floodplains, will still exist.
Motion by Mr. Cerretani and seconded by Mr. Corsillo to advance Items 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9 to
Special Town Meeting. Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
Planning Board Meeting Minutes 11-12-25 Page 10 of 13
Item 6 - Senior Housing Parldng (§230-3.3J(7)): Reduces parking for 55+ residential facilities
from 2 to 1.5 spaces per unit to reflect lower demand.
Motion by Mr. Corsillo and seconded by Mr. Penney to advance Senior Housing Parking to
Special Town Meeting. Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
Item 7 - MSROD Map & Reference (§230-5.12): Updates zoning map references, corrects
acreage, and adds a 2025 map revision expanding Subdistrict C to include additional parcels for
compliance with the state's MBTA Communities requirements; also corrects site plan review
citation.
Motion by Mr. Cerretani and seconded by Mr. Corsillo to advance MSROD Map & Reference to
Special Town Meeting. Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
Item 11 - New B5 Limited Business District: Establishes a new 135 zone to allow low -impact
neighborhood coniniercial uses in West Mansfield.
Mr. Penney was concerned that this could be spot zoning. Ms. Raposa noted that Town Counsel
had no issues with this item. However, at the Annual Town Meeting, Attorney Bobrowski
explained why it is not spot zoning. the rationale is that if the lot has a public benefit, then it
would not be spot zoning. Ms. Raposa then read the definition of spot zoning: spot zoning occurs
when a parcel is rezoned in a way that's inconsistent with a comniutnity's plctnning frameivork or
when it serves only a private interest without a public put pose. For this land use, the public
purpose would align with the master plan and the economic development goals of the public
benefit for West Mansfield residents, because there is no gas station in that part of Town. A brief
discussion ensued relating to the land owner agreeing to help fund the traffic study.
Motion by Mr. McClanahan and seconded by Mr. Maxwell to advance New B5 Limited Business
District to Special Town Meeting. Vote: 6-1-0 [Aye 6, Nay 1, Abstain 0] PASSED
Item 12 - Pre-1989 Residential Lots (§230-4.1 G): Technical correction to remove restrictive
language and ensure older lots can meet prior dimensional standards without variances.
Motion by Mr. Corsillo and seconded by Mr. McClanahan to advance Pre-1989 Residential Lots
to Special Town Meeting. Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
Parkway/Transit Oriented Development
Zoning Bylaw Amendments
Planning board Policies & Procedures of the Planning Board with Site Plan Approval and
Special Permit rules and Regulations and Planning Board Fees
Planning Board Meeting Minutes 11-12-25 Page 11 of 13
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Meeting Minutes — October 22 2025
Motion by Mr. Cerretani and seconded by Mr. Penney to approve the minutes as presented, and
corrections per Mr. Permey. Vote: 6-0-1 [Aye 6, Nay 0, Abstain 1] PASSED
Hazard Mitigation Plan Letter of Support
Ms. Raposa drafted a letter of support for the Board. For the record, she read: It's a practical,
inplenentable roadmap for the next five years with a clear, locally grounded picture of risk that
aligns with the community's lived experience, and it reflects strong collaboration already in
place among planning, DPW, public safety schools, and emergency nanagernent partners.
Ms. Raposa noted that the project was conducted with a local steering committee.
Motion by Mr. Corsillo and seconded by Mr. McClanahan to submit the letter of support.
Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
2026 Planning Board Meeting Calendar
The calendar was submitted to the Board for review. Any conflicts or changes should be
submitted to Ms. McGill.
Mr. Corsillo noted that he will be attending town meeting, but will be absent at the December
10th planning Board meeting.
No items
Ms. Raposa reported that the State offered to allow the change of location on the 40R feasibility
study to the Hathaway Patterson Site. The Economic Development grant was not awarded to
Mansfield.
Planning Board Meeting Minutes 11-12-25 Page 12 of 13
Motion by Mr. McClanahan and seconded by Mr. Penney to adjourn at 10:08 pm
Vote: 7-0-0 [Aye 7, Nay 0, Abstain 0] PASSED
The date of the Next Planning Board Meeting is December 10, 2025, at 7:OOP.m.
C-lerk- ^ LTI 1-1 Li 6LY-1` yQ7l �(Qx �� Date of Approval
Documents Presented for the Meetin
1. Meeting Notice Agenda for November 12, 2025
2. Draft Meeting Minutes for October 22, 2025
3. 40 Pratt Street application and supporting documents
4. 1 West Church Street application and supporting documents
5. 266 & 272 Pratt Street application and ANR plan
6. 35 Cobb Street application and ANR plan
7. Draft Bylaw Amendment — Revised
8. Hazard Mitigation Plan Letter of Support
Planning Board Meeting Minutes 11-12-25 Page 13 of 13