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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Brd Min_1181995PLANNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 18, 1995 PRESENT: Chairman McClanahan, Acting Clerk French U PLANNERS: Bonda, Flynn, Trombetta I(S 1. Meeting called to order at 7:30 P.M. Motion: To appoint Planner French Acting Clerk ( Bonda- Flynn) All in favor. PASSES 2. Public Hearing - Woodland Park The clerk read the legal advertisement. Ralph Maloon, RIM Engineering, representing Rewlew Trust, presented the plan for a 45 -lot subdivision off Fruit Street. He explained the streets had been laid out on a 1911 plan, and some had been built. A similar subdivision plan had been filed and approved in 1974, but was never built. At that time, part of the brook was moved. The plan was resubmitted - in the spring of 1994 as a preliminary and revised after discussion with the Planning Board. Mr. Maloon explained the property sheds water in three directions and said most of the water draining toward Fruit Street will go through the street drainage and into detention basins. He added the size of the detention basins had been reduced from the preliminary plan and that he would be reducing surface and ground water flow toward South Main Street. Mr. Maloon explained the detention area at the rear of the site has an outlet to the brook, but is really desinged to store water on site. The applicant is planning to bring sewer into the front half of the subdivision and proposes the use of grinder pumps on some lots. .l Mr. Maloon said he would be requesting waivers for the use of ADS pipe instead of reinforced concrete and for the detention area, because it is too close to the property line and is not curvelinear. Because of the size of the basin, he said he would rather have it in one area than curve around to stay 100 feet from the property line. He added the brook is between the detention basin and the nearest abuttor, so extra water would flow into the brook, not onto abutting property. Department Head Comment Memoranda were read into the record from the Water, Fire, Conservation, Police and Planning Departments. Public Comment Jeffery Sienna, 364 South Main high groundwater and said 45 increase the problem. Street was concerned with the additional houses will only Debbie Snyder, 29 Fruit Street said the neighborhood and t environment are different than when the plan was approved in 1974, and safety issues are a bigger concern because of the number of homes in the neighborhood now. She said additional houses would increase the safetv hazards. Kathleen Nash, 235 South >Iain Street asked if the land around the Textron Building on South Main Street could be contaminated. Chairman McClanahan told her he would check with the Board of Health. Paul McCarthy, 173 South Main Street asked if the developers of Woodland and Woodlot Estates could do a joint traffic study. Robert Webber, 20 Smiley Avenue said he and several neighbors were not listed as abuttors. Mr. Maloon said he would check with the assessor's office. Linda Anteski, 18 Beech Street, said the traffic study should consider the traffic from Great Woods, the number of children in the neighborhood and the poor condition of the roads. Norm Parks, 396 South Main Street suggested the developer consider a land drain for the abuttors because after tree removal, the water they had used will flow off. Stuart Mason, 24 Beech Street said when the Back Bay Brook was moved in 1976, it drove the water underground. He said when perk tests were done in the fall, the holes were dry and full of water two weeks later. Steve Quinn, 24 Morrow Street suggested the board consider the waivers being requested carefully and consider restrictions on construction schedules Madeline Collins, 348 South Main Street said she was concerned Edgewood Street remain a dead end. Dave O'Connor, Chestnut Street asked about the utility easements and Edgewood Street remaining a dead end. Board Comment Planner Bonda was concerned about the quality of the Environmental Impact Report and its use of 92 -93 school figures. She will insist on a detailed traffic study with updated numbers and said the FIR is not sufficient. Planner Flynn said the hearing was for both the residents and the developer, not one or the other. She asked if the developer had considered open space; Mr. Maloon said he had not spoken with his client. Planner Flynn asked if it was possible to move the detention basin to beyond 100 feet of the property line; Mr. Maloon said yes. Planner Flynn asked why Mr. Maloon had shown three detention area designs. He responded that the one shown closer to the property line is interrupted by the brook before the line and extra ground water will go into the brook. Planner Flynn asked who would own the detention areas. Mr. Maloon said it would be placed on one of the lots and the homeowner would own it. Planner Flynn mentioned getting together with the Woodlot Estates developer to do a joint traffic study. Chairman McClanahan asked about sight distance and a detail on the 100 -year flood elevation and its potential impact on abuttors. Mr. Maloon said it would decrease stormwater in South Main Street due to the construction of Smiley Avenue. Chairman McClanahan asked if t a waiver on the road radius, proposing to extend Highland inquired about the sewer plan . come into Edgewood to lay the be crossing South Main Street. he developer would be requesting Mr. Maloon said he was not Avenue. Chairman McClanahan Mr. Maloon explained he would sewer line flatter and would not Chairman McClanahan asked about test pits. Mr. Maloon explained Mr. Burke had witnessed test holes and he would get the water table numbers from Health Agent Scott Leite. Chairman McClanahan asked about providing sewer stubs for the abuttors. Mr. Maloon said that was the area he proposed grinder pumps, but added if the abuttors wanted to get pumps they would be able to hook up to the sewer. Planner Flynn asked if grinder pumps were being proposed because of the low elevation in the area. Mr. Maloon said yes. She said in a subdivision on Mill Street, Mr. Burke had suggested a force main instead of grinder pumps and asked if it would be possible to do a land drain behind the homes on South Main Street. Mr. Maloon said he did not think it would work in the area and did not think it was required, but would talk with Mr. Burke and the Engineering Department. 3. Public Hearing - Woodlot Estates Motion: To open and continue the public hearing until the conclusion of the Woodland Park discussion. (French - Bonda) All in favor. PASSES 2. Public Hearing - Woodland Park Continued Planner Flynn was concerned about getting a more extensive traffic study. Chairman McClanahan suggested the developer contact the Woodlot Estates developer to do a traffic study. Elsie River, 20 Smiley Avenue said Smiley was not an improved street and had never really been paved. Motion: To continue the public hearing until February 22, 1995 at 7:30 P.M. ( Bonda- Flynn) All in favor. PASSES 3. Public Hearing - Woodlot Estates Continued The clerk read the public hearing notice. Ken McKenzie, Dunn- McKenzie Engineering, represented the applicant, Karl Clemmev. He said the land is mostly wooded and was wet during the early 1900s, but the brook was dug out and the site dried up. Mr. McKenzie said Conservation Agent Dick Lewis and a botanist had verified no wetlands except along the bank of the brook. He explained Cobb Street is paved 375 feet in, with water, phone and electric service 325 feet in. The sewer comes from the main interceptor to South Main Street. There will be four retention areas with three feet of cover on the pipes and 20 foot easements with swales to prevent drainage problems and help drainage problems on abutting properties. Mr. McKenzie said there would be a 50 foot opening to land of Connor for possible future connection, and he could get an easement to connect the water to the proposed Woodland Park subdivision. There will be a retention pond for drainage, and soil tests and adjustments had been done. On proposed Kat Drive, there will be a 4x8 box culvert, which Mr. McKenzie said would be able to handle the flow of water. Proposed Allison Drive will drain to a small retention basin, and the back of the site will drain onto the railroad bed. The roads will be higher than the lots, and detention basins will be one inch above the water table. Mr. McKenzie will request a waiver on the pipe covers. He added the engineer had left out catch basins and drainage at the bottom of the plan and said he would correct it. Department Head Comments Memoranda were read from the Engineering, Water, Board of Health, Fire, Conservation, Police and Planning Departments. 4. Public Hearing - Christopher and Elizabeth Matoian (Webb Auto) Special Permit Motion: To open and continue the public hearing until after the conclusion of the Woodlot Estates discussion. (Flynn - Bonda) All in favor. PASSES 3. Public Hearing - Woodlot Estates Continued Public Comment Robert Chavaree, 31 Messenger Street, Plainville, said he owns a piece of land shown on the subdivision plan. Dianne Oldmixon, 20 Chestnut Street said it seemed as though the two developments were really one large one and the developers were trying to put something over on the residents. Chairman McClanahan told her the plans had been submitted by two different developers. Gilbert Stuart, 186 South Main Street said the water level in test hole 2 was 35 inches, which is nine inches below his cellar. He said if the retention basin is be one inch below the brook, there will be water problems because ground water, not surface water, is the issue. A resident of Branch Street said the Back Bay Brook goes through her property and was afraid if the drainage is not adequate, the brook will back up into her yard. Otto Bingle, 126 South Main Street asked what would happen to the drainage when the water in the brook rises and was concerned about who would be responsible for the swales and easements. He said some of the lots were less than required size when the wetlands were taken out. Kevin McCarthy, 132 South Main Street, said traffic on Cobb Street as it exists is hazardous. Jim Reardon, 120 South Main Street suggested any improvements to Cobb Street should include widening the street and adding sidewalks. He said there is only one access shown on the plan, but thought two were required with more than 300 vehicle trips per day. He added a more thorough traffic study should be done because the traffic is much greater than shown. Florence Poholok, 28 Angelina Lane was concerned about the capacity of the Back Bay Brook, saying the easement drains in Angelina Lane overflow now and the brook isn't the answer to the potential problems with this and the previous subdivision. Don MacDonald, 170 South Main Street asked if consideration could be given to sidewalks from Cobb Street to Fruit Street because of the number of children in the neighborhood and the increased danger of more traffic. He asked if an outside consultant should review the drainage issues. Chairman McClanahan told him the Engineering Department does that. Alice Walsh, 140 South Main Street said during storms, Cobb Street narrows to one car width and there is no place to put snow, and asked how Cobb Street would be widened. She was also concerned about the ability of emergency vehicles to get into the area with a single access to the subdivision. Board Comments Acting Clerk French asked if the bottom of the detention basins were above the 100 -year flood. Mr. McKenzie said they were designed for the 25 -year event and should be sufficient. He added the easements would be deeded to the homeowners. Acting Clerk French asked what would happen to the runoff from roofs and driveways. Mr. McKenzie responded that water goes into the ground now and will after the homes are built. Acting Clerk French asked him to figure out how much runoff there will be from the houses and requested he check whether the culvert will handle the flow. Planner Bonda asked about the ownership questions. Mr. Clemmey said he was working with the other owners. She asked if Cobb Street was a public or private way and was told it is public to the end of the pavement. Planner Bonda asked if the developer would consider a second means of egress out of the subdivision. Mr. Clemmey said he had been negotiating with Mr. Connor and would try to work something out. Planner Flynn said she was concerned there be a second entrance and remembered the board had discussed going out to Branch Street with Mr. Clemmey. She said she would like to discuss with Mr. Burke hiring an outside consultant at Mr. Clemmey's expense to address the drainage issues. Planner Flynn was also concerned about open space lots and the several retention areas, some of which seemed too close to the property lines. She asked who would pay for land takings if Cobb Street were widened. Mr. McKenzie said he did not think that would be necessary because of the land in the right of way. Planner Flynn asked if the developer would commit to abandoning the paper roads. Mr. McKenzie said there were other land owners who would all have to agree. Planner Flynn said if there are other owners of the property and they did not sign the application for subdivision, perhaps the application was not submitted properly. Motion: To continue the public hearing to February 22, 1995 at 8:30 P.M. ( Bonda- Flynn) All in favor. PASSES 4. Public Hearing - Christopher and Elizabeth Matoian (Webb Auto) Special Permit The clerk read the legal advertisement. Ralph Maloon, RIM Engineering, represented the applicant for a special permit to use a residential apartment on the second floor of the existing building at 1 Mansfield Avenue. Mr. Matoian explained the apartment is existing but has never been used. He hopes to use the first floor as an office and said there is adequate parking. The site is on sewer from Crocker Street. Department Head Comments The clerk read a memorandum from Mr. Burke. Board Comments Planner Flynn said it seemed to be a legitimate use for the area and asked if the applicant did use the first floor as an office, would he need to present another plan? Chairman McClanahan said he would not. Planners Bonda, French and Trombetta all agreed the use was acceptable. Motion: To close the public hearing (French - Flvnn) All in favor. PASSES Motion: To approve the special permit with the draft as read (French-Flynn) Flynn - Yes - The application is within the rules and regulations of the Zoning By -Law Bonda - Yes - For the above reason French - -Yes - For the above reason Trombetta - Yes - For the above reason McClanahan - Yes - For the above reason All in favor. PASSES Correspondence 1. Memo from Dan Clifford RE: partial release of bond for Maple Hill Estates Motion: To release $2,750 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Planner Flynn requested copies of the above memo. Motion: To discuss Mr. Swanson's proposal at the next meeting (Flynn - French) All in favor. PASSES Memo from William Williams RE: IDC meeting Memo from William Williams to Shaun Burke RE: Mansfield Planning Workshop Memo from Shaun Burke to William Williams RE: survey Memo from William Williams to Shaun Burke RE: survey Letter from Folkman & Zola Bldrs to Weaver Lane residents Memo from William Williams RE: FinCom meetings Memo from William Williams to John Larch RE: meetings Memo from Emil Giordano Minutes January 4, 1995 Motion: To approve the (Flynn - Bonda) Under the discussion requested "which would passable at all times, RE: MBC rep minutes as amended of Jameson Farm, Planner Flynn leave at least one half of the road which he said could be included on the plan" be added to the second paragraph. Four in favor. One abstention. PASSES 17. Request for release of remaining funds on Erick Road Motion: To release Planning Board interest and return all remaining funds in the Erick Road account (French- Ronda) Four in favor. One abstention. (Flynn - Trombetta) Four in favor. One abstention. PASSES 2. Memo from Bertram Cook RE: surplus material removal 1399 East Street Motion: To send the Building Inspector a favorable recommendation for the removal of 150 cubic yards of excess material at 1399 East Street (Flynn - Bonda) All in favor. PASSES Chairman McClanahan excused himself from the meeting. 3. Form J Release from Covenant form Cedar Ridge 4. Memo from Joan Cutillo RE: surety posted Cedar Ridge Motion: To table the Form J until the 1/25/95 meeting (Bonda- Flynn) All in favor. PASSES Chairman McClanahan returned to the meeting at this point. 5. Memo to Shaun Burke from William Williams Re: parking lease cost survey ¢. Memo from William Williams RE: zoning article 7. Memo from Bob Swanson RE: zoning article 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Planner Flynn requested copies of the above memo. Motion: To discuss Mr. Swanson's proposal at the next meeting (Flynn - French) All in favor. PASSES Memo from William Williams RE: IDC meeting Memo from William Williams to Shaun Burke RE: Mansfield Planning Workshop Memo from Shaun Burke to William Williams RE: survey Memo from William Williams to Shaun Burke RE: survey Letter from Folkman & Zola Bldrs to Weaver Lane residents Memo from William Williams RE: FinCom meetings Memo from William Williams to John Larch RE: meetings Memo from Emil Giordano Minutes January 4, 1995 Motion: To approve the (Flynn - Bonda) Under the discussion requested "which would passable at all times, RE: MBC rep minutes as amended of Jameson Farm, Planner Flynn leave at least one half of the road which he said could be included on the plan" be added to the second paragraph. Four in favor. One abstention. PASSES 17. Request for release of remaining funds on Erick Road Motion: To release Planning Board interest and return all remaining funds in the Erick Road account (French- Ronda) Four in favor. One abstention. PASSES 18. Draft letters regarding Harrington and Matto (Pheasant Hollow) Motion: To send correspondence to the developer, bank, town counsel, town clerk, town treasurer informing them the developer is in default as of January 18, 1995 for failure to complete the required improvements within the time frame given. (Flynn - Bonda) All in favor. PASSES 6. Public Comment Peter DeTrolio told the board he had met with Representative Barbara Hyland to discuss the day care center issue. She suggested that while she look into the issue, the Planning Board contact other boards in the area and inform them of the situation. Planner Flynn suggested the board discuss the issue when Mr. Burke returns. 7. Around the Table Planner Flynn said the information sent the board for the Growth Management Seminar was from 1978 and requested updated information. Motion: To inform the sponsors of the seminar the Planning Board would like updated material, if available. (Flynn - Bonda) All in favor. PASSES Acting Clerk French suggested tentatively scheduling a site walk for Saturday, January 28, 1995. .1 8. Adjournment Motion: To adjourn at 11:30 P.M. (Flynn - Bonda) All in favor. PASSES Date of next meeting: Wednesday, January 25, 1995 at 7:30 P.M. 01/1 Date of Approval