HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin of planning brd 4/1/1998PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
April 1, 1998
Present: H. Thomas French, Jr., Chairman; John D. Sullivan, Jr., Clerk; Bernie J. Dolan;
Marydee Flynn; Scott A. Frank; Thomas P. McShane; and Kenneth H. Torman. Also
present was Shaun P. Burke, Director of Planning and Development.
Meeting called to order at 7 :00 p.m.
John D'Agostino, Town Manager, was present at the invitation of the board to share his
vision for the project and present an update on its status. He noted a committee,
comprised of a cross - section of interested parties, has been formed and will be meeting
Friday morning for the first time. At this point the project is still fluid and will be changing
over time. $1.7 million has been designated for the design of the station, which may also
include a portion of some acquisitions of properties abutting the station. An individual
will be hired to work in the capacity of an urban design architect. The project
encompasses more than a train station. Additional parking, to be capped at 1,600 spaces,
is proposed. He believes the Town has a good chance of getting Brownsfield grant money
to complete the assessment of the Hatheway Patterson site, which may be included in the
project. His vision also includes the possible acquisition of the Clemmey Tank property.
The committee will also be looking for a study to be conducted by GATRA to deal with
transportation access from Route 106 to the Downtown Business District. The nearby
intersections will be redesigned to accommodate increased traffic flow without being
routed through the nearby neighborhoods. The proposal calls for the reuse of now vacant
commercial property to get it earning income and be put back on the tax rolls.
Mr. D'Agostino addressed the issue of busses, noting the proposal has taken on a life of
its own and will be evaluated separately from the train station project. Mr. Sullivan stated
there has been concern about the facility becoming a regional transportation center with a
parking garage. Mr. D'Agostino said that is not the intent, with parking capped at 1,600
spaces. He cited the need for limited transportation routes in relationship to the elderly
population. The facility would be regional with regard to its link to the bike path and
some bus transportation, and the bus component would be predicated on a needs
assessment separate from the train station project.
Mr. French asked what the total cost of the project would be. Mr. D'Agostino said we
would not know until we get a preliminary design. The first step is to request proposals to
develop the Clemmey Tank and Hatheway Patterson property. The Town will facilitate
the RFP process, but will not own the property, and the developer's role will be defined by
the RFP process. He stated the process calls for the preliminary design architect selection
to be done by the end of June. From there design charettes will be set up with permitting
boards, parties of interest, and the business community.
Minutes of April 1. 1998
Mrs. Flynn asked if the developer would have to buy into the design. Mr. D'Agostino
explained that the criteria for the final design would be established for the RFP. Mr.
Sullivan asked who will be in charge of the architect. Mr. D'Agostino said it would be the
committee, with GATRA providing the funds. Joe Ditchman, who presented a previous
proposal, will have a role through the RFP process if he so chooses. The process is
intended to be inclusive to be sure an individual has the resources to do what he is
proposing.
Mr. Dolan asked if any consideration would be given to the couple who have been running
the train station coffee shop for many years. Mr. McShane noted they now lease the
concession from the META and never know what's going to happen from year to year.
Dr. Torman asked what is envisioned as a retail component of the project. Mr. Dolan
asked if it will meet the Town's landscaping and screening requirements, noting the need
to do the project right. Mr. French asked if the Hatheway Patterson property has access
to the station.
Mr. D'Agostino stated the designer would be looking at a number of options and getting
input. The final design would not be available until January or February. Traffic, road
improvements and signalization are issues that will be assessed and addressed. Mr.
D'Agostino said he believes the train station will be up by the end of 1999. The project
will be phased, with the first component being the train station, along with parking and
access roads which will be done in conjunction with the train station.
Mrs. Flynn noted there was discussion about busses going to Great Woods and the
Country Store and asked if that would be based on need. Mr. D'Agostino said the actual
bus issue will be based on the needs survey and the criteria will be established by what the
committee feels is acceptable and the routes, if any, wil'. be decided by the needs
assessment.
Mr. French thanked Mr. D'Agostino for meeting with us. Mr. D'Agostino said he would
like to come in from time to time and keep us updated, and stated board members are
welcome to come to any of the meetings.
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Mr. Burke advised the board that they have a letter from Michael Trowbridge requesting
the hearing be continued for four weeks and a site walk scheduled in the interim. Mr.
Sullivan said that review of his notes indicates there are other important issues to be
addressed. such as the intersection offset situation. Mr. Burke suggested the board grant
the continuation and set up a site walk, and he would advise Mr. Trowbridge to have the
traffic engineer present for the site walk.
Dr. Torman asked if there wasn't also a concern about the way the land dropped off. Mr.
Burke again suggested the request be accepted and a site walk scheduled, at which time
2 Minutes of April 1. 1998
board members could see what the property looks likes and where houses would be sited.
Mr. Sullivan said there were many issues raised that have not been addressed and he
believes a site walk is premature at this point. Mrs. Flynn suggested that perhaps he is
trying to explain to the board why its advantageous to have open space. Board members
continued to discuss the wisdom of a site walk prior to having other issues addressed.
Motion: To continue the hearing to May 6, 1998 at 8:00 p.m., with the applicant to have
all the requested information to the Planning Board by April 29, 1998, and to schedule a
site walk at the continued public hearing if the Board deems it necessary. The Board
finther grants the continuation with the understanding that the time period to make the
decision is extended by five weeks.
(Torman - Dolan) 6 -0 with Mr. Frank not present. PASSES
x Minutes of March 18, 1998
page 5, middle of page: Mrs. Flynn said she was not concerned about Bertucci's
not coming before the Board for approval, but stated they didn't have to because
they are not changing the building by more than 15 percent.
page 11: Mr. Dolan noted that he voted to approve the Special Permit "for all the
above reasons."
Motion: To approve the minutes as amended - PASSES
(Dolan - Flynn) 5 -0 -1 with Mr. Frank not present and Mr. French abstaining
x ZBA Applications
Variance requested from Section 4.2.1 of the Zoning By -law, sideyard setback
requirements, at 23 Sandy Hill Road in the R -1 Zone: Mr. Burke suggested a
negative recommendation. Mr. Dolan said he looked at it and doesn't see any
problem because it's going toward the street, is not imposing on any neighbors,
and is not going to affect sight distance.
Motion: To send a positive recommendation to the ZBA.
(Dolan - Torman) 4 -3 with Mr. Sullivan, Mrs. Flynn and Mr. Frank
opposed. PASSES
Variance requested from Section 3.8.1a of the Zoning By -law, accessory uses,
yards and coverage, at 199 Oak Street in the R -1 Zone: Mr. Burke suggested a
negative recommendation. Mr. Dolan noted the existing garage is only 2.3 feet
from the property line and, in attaching it to the house, the requirement would be
25 feet.
Motion: To send a negative recommendation to the ZBA.
(Sullivan - Torman) 7 -0 PASSES
Mvtr - a'. (I Public FIeiYllig
The hearing was re- opened at 8:00 p m with correspondence received from Motorola
3 Minutes of April 1. 1998
dated March 30, 1998 being read into the record. Attorney Larry Kaplan reviewed
information which was requested at the last public hearing.
Jackie Slaugher of Omnipoint said they are presently located on the Nextel tower on West
Street between 120 feet and 130 feet. They need to be at 150 feet to get the coverage
they treed. They are slated to be at 170 feet on the proposed tower, with CellOne at 180
feet. The only other feasible tower in the area is the BellAtlantic site, which doesn't work
for them because CellOne is on a different frequency block and they have to be covered
within the county. If the proposed tower is approved, they will withdraw their pending
application for a tower on Reservoir Street near the airport upon the expiration of the 20-
day appeal period. Mr. McShane asked if they've looked at other sites, such as church
steeples or the water tower. Ms. Slaga said they spent a day driving around town looking
at sites and none of them are high enough. They are low at their current location, which
results in coverage gaps. Mr. McShane asked who else will be looking for 150 feet.
William MacFarland of CellOne listed carriers currently in the area, totaling seven. He
said the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is talking about another lottery for
two more. He said at 150 feet on the tower, you are at the same height as the top of the
water tank, according to geographical maps. They need to get on the other side of the
water tank. The only other site in town at 150 feet is the monopole. They also have a
tower on Route 123 that is 180 feet, which is the closest point to this proposed tower.
Mr. MacFarland said the proposed tower could hold up to six carriers, with multiple users
other than cell carriers. The number of cell carriers is used to determine the strength of
the steel to be used.
William Booth of Motorola stated three large paging companies could also make use of
the tower, as well as the Town's police, fire, and public works departments, which would
all have better coverage on this tower. Mr. Dolan asked what that would cost the town.
iMr. Booth said they would supply the tower and it would cost the town $200 /month. He
stated they are not allowed to give the space away, but they can make an attractive offer.
Mr. MacFarland said he has talked with Bill and the people at Omnipoint. If the Town of
Mansfield is interested in being located on the proposed tower, CellOne and Omnipoint
would be willing to split the Town's monthly cost and provide the space at no charge as a
public service. Mr. Frank asked if another carrier would have to be eliminated from the
tower to make room for the Town. Mr. MacFarland explained the Town's antenna would
be attached to a pipe on a corner and raised up to the height needed to get service. The
design load is calculated for the cell platforms and four to five whips.
Mr. McShane asked if there are other carriers the Board should be aware of Mr. Booth
said there are paging companies, multi -data, two -way radios, taxis and commercial
operations. Mr. McShane asked if there are any electromagnetic issues in terms of
conflict. Mr. Booth said that with the minimum separation requirements, it is not likely
they would encounter any problems.
r
4 Minutes of April 1, 1998
A photographic rendition of the proposed tower showing the microwave dish was
presented. The microwave dish would be used by CellOne for emergency backup and
lcannot be put on a monopole because the pole moves too much. Mr. Sullivan asked what
height the dish is proposed at. Mr. MacFarland said it may be higher or lower than
shown and has to be located in a direct line of sight, which is why it can't be located on
the monopole, which sways between six and eight feet. Mr. Sullivan said the pole could
be strengthened with the addition of more steel.
Mr. MacFarland noted that if the tower only goes to the 150 foot level, both he (CellOne)
and Omnipoint will be back looking for another tower because there will be open gaps.
He stated BellAtlantic, Nextel and Sprint are on the West Street monopole, so it's unlikely
that they'd be looking for another location in the near future.
Dr. Torman pointed out the obligation of the tower's owners to remove them when they
are no longer its use. He noted that commercial satellites would eventually eliminate the
need for towers and asked what their plan is to remove them. Mr. MacFarland said he
hasn't discussed it with Motorola but, when Town's determine it's necessary, they can
require a bond to be posted to cover the cost of removal if the tower becomes unusable or
an eyesore.
Mr. McShane said he's aware that towers can be removed very quickly and asked how we
can be sure they are replaced as technology changes and new tower designs are less
obtrusive. Mr. Booth said technology is not going to make antennas less obtrusive. Mr.
MacFarland said all satellite ventures have failed at great cost because the technology is
not there. Cellular and personal communication systems (PCS) are very close, but it's the
equipment that has changed and the towers haven't.
Mr. Booth addressed painting the tower blue at the suggestion of the Board. He said they
use galvanized steel and do not usually paint the towers, with the exception of the red and
white required by the FAA. Paint chips, however, in various shades of blue were
presented.
Mr. Burke suggested to the Board that most of the information they requested has been
presented. In talking with Town Counsel it has been determined that, for the Planning
Board's purposes, the variances granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals are legitimate
and should not be a consideration in making their determination on the special permit
application. He said that after hearing the discussion and seeing a graphic area of
coverage, it is his opinion he would rather see one tall tower than many small ones. He
advised against painting the tower. He agreed the tower will have a visual impact on the
Town and stated it's the Planning Board's decision whether or not to grant the special
permit. With regard to landscaping, he suggested there is little that can be done to screen
something that's above the tree line.
Mr. Dolan noted the whole problem is coverage and if this tower is permitted, Omnipoint
ihas said it would withdraw their application. He said lie would not like to see any
5 Minutes of April 1, 1998
advertising or signs on the tower and doesn't think it should be painted. He further stated
i his concern about the visual impact, but noted that 150 feet is allowed and 180 feet won't
be that much difference, particularly weighing the other benefits of providing coverage to
the Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments at no cost to the town. He stated he is in
favor of granting the special permit.
Mr. McShane took exception to the premise that allowing one 180 foot tower would be
better than having a series of smaller ones, questioning how we know we won't end up
with three 180 foot towers. Mr. Burke said we don't know that to be true, but the first
thing permitting this tower does is eliminate Omnipoint's tower near the airport. Mr.
McShane said lie doesn't see any evidence that would lead us to the conclusion that
approving one 180 foot tower will insure that all others are smaller. Mr. Burke replied
that none of us can see into the future, but the first priority for sites is along transportation
corridors. All we know right now is that it eliminates the need for one carrier to erect a
monopole and takes care of seven carriers.
Dr. Torman noted people said at this meeting that they need to be at 170 feet because it's
better. Once the top spots are gone, what's to stop someone else from saying they need
to construct another 180 foot tower because they need more 160 to 170 foot levels. Mr.
Burke said there's nothing to prevent that, but given the 90 foot tower's proximity to the
airport and the concern it has generated, there are limited areas heading south on I -495,
from that location where could you put a 180 foot tower which the FAA would approve.
He noted the Zoning Board of Appeals made a series of what, in his opinion, were bad
decisions and they could repeat them. Dr. Torman agreed with Mr. Burke's point
regarding the unavailability of future sites along I -495 for higher towers. He also noted
the Planning Board received a great deal of technical input when writing the by -law and
only now realizes there's a whole other side to the problem that we were not made aware
of
Mr. Frank said , although there are no guarantees, at present it's this tower or five or six
other smaller ones. He noted he's not convinced lie would want one 180 foot instead of
two 120's.
Mr. Sullivan stated lie is concerned about the view of the proposed tower and the higher
you get, the wider the base needs to be. After looking at other towers, he has a hard time
trying to see how this is going to fit in with the surroundings.
Mrs. Flynn said site drives those streets all the time and has a problem with the visual
impact on the area. Although the proposed site is in an industrial zone, it abuts a
residential zone and she would prefer to see a 150 monopole. She stated the height of the
proposed tower and the type of construction bothers her.
Mr. French noted we heard tonight that the microwave dish can't go on a monopole
because it sways too much. He stated that if the microwave dish is required as a backup
for Town equipment, he believes it is a reason to allow the lattice -type tower.
6 Minutes of April 1. 1999
Mr. Dolan asked for clarification as to what Town Counsel's opinion was. Mr. Burke said
it is Mr. Mangiaratti's opinion that by virtue of the Zoning Board's granting of the
variances, our Zoning By -law in this instance has already been amended to allow 180 foot
lattice towers without the required setback. Mr. Sullivan noted that there is, however, a
provision in the tower guideline that says all wireless facilities shall be sited in such a
manner that the view be as limited as possible. Mrs. Flynn noted that as a Special Permit,
the Planning Board has to consider whether it creates an impact on the welfare, health and
safety of the neighborhood character or natural environment, and to her that's important.
Mr. French agreed that it's not a great location aesthetically, but it's a better place because
it's in an industrial area near the highway and in a hollow. -
Mr. McShane said he is looking at the page of the by -law that says no Special Permit shall
be approved unless we find the benefits of the project outweigh the detriments. If he
could be confident that we'd only see one big tower and no others, that would do it for
him, but we don't have that assurance. He said he has also heard from the applicant that
the existing structures in town cannot support their needs, but doesn't know that they are
unable to locate on the water tank to accomplish their needs, which would have minimal
visual impact aesthetically.
Mr. French asked what board members would suggest to lessen the impact. Mr. Sullivan
stated that's for the proponent to decide. Mr. McShane noted we tried to lessen the
impact through the Zoning By -law, but apparently failed.
Mr. Booth responded, saying if there was any way to minimize the visual impact through
landscaping, they could do it to a certain level. He noted there's a visual impact even at
150 feet and that there's no possible way to minimize that. He stated it's in an industrial
area, which is what the by -law provided for; they've documented how they've met every
special permit requirement and have eliminated the need for multiple towers by eliminating
Omnipoint right away. They are also providing space for other carriers which eliminate
the need for them to build additional towers and have 160 feet and downward to offer.
He predicted denying the special permit would result in the need for additional towers.
Motion: To close the public hearing.
(Dolan- Sullivan) 7 -0 PASSES
Motion: To approve the Special Permit for Motorola and to direct Shaun Burke to
prepare the decision with the following conditions:
1. There will be no signs on the tower
2. The tower will be limited to what was approved in the variance.
3. The Omnipoint application for the tower near the airport is withdrawn.
(Dolan- Torman) 3 -3 -1 with Mr. French not voting. Special Permit Fails
Minutes of April 1, 1998
Mr. Frank: In favor. Have reservations, but it appears that approving this tower
may eliminate the need for several more in the early future and, despite reservations,
believe the benefit of having fewer towers outweighs the detriments.
Dr. Torman: In favor. Since the Zoning Board of Appeals has granted variances
from the height, type, and setback requirements and we are not allowed to consider
those issues, the benefit of being able to put the Town of Mansfield's antenna on the
tower for public safety purposes at no cost to the Town affords a tremendous benefit
by providing backup emergency service, which outweighs the detriments.
Mr. Dolan: In favor, because Public Safety can use the tower and CellOne will
absorb the cost, allowing the use of the Town's two -way radios if we lose power.
o NIr. McShane: Opposed, because cannot find that benefits outweigh the detriments
and the detriments are much more severe than the benefits. Cannot find that the visual
and aesthetic impacts are minimal; there are no guarantees that this will be the only
tower, no major benefit to the town, such as being located on town property and the
town receiving a new revenue stream.
e Mr. Sullivan: Opposed, don't believe proposed facility is such that its views are
limited as much as possible in accordance with Section 3.6.7.4.5 of the Zoning By -law;
don't feel benefits outweigh the detriments, especially as to the effect on the natural
environment.
e Mrs. Flynn: Opposed, because of the visual impact on the neighborhood as required
under Section 5.5.6.2 of the Zoning By -law
Mr. French: that with three votes in opposition to the Special Permit, the permit is
denied.
Ralph Maloon of RIM Engineering presented the site plan for the proposed Versacare
facility on Branch Street. He reviewed the drainage and parking proposed for the site.
Bob Wilson, Vice President of Operation for Versacare, said they will be providing adult
daycare on doctors' orders. The service provides a better quality of life and prevents pre-
medical placements in nursing homes. Their participants are picked up by bus in the
morning, provided care and medical attention during the day, and go home to live with
someone else during the evening.
Mr. Maloon pointed out the canopy over the passenger loading area and an additional area
1 between the street and a possible future recreation area where vehicles can stop without
blocking the driveway. He also showed room for diagonal parking and expanded parking
g Minutes of April 1, 1998
on North Main Street where they have reached capacity. They are now ready to go into a
site designed for this purpose and will be able to address the needs of patients with
Alzheimer's and behavior problems.
Mr. Frank asked if they are within the 100 foot buffer. Mr. Maloon said they are and have
filed with the Conservation Commission.
Mr. Sullivan read correspondence received from the following: Shaun Burke, Director of
Planning and Development; Water Department; Conservation Commission; Fire
Department. Mr. Maloon reviewed his letter of March 30, 1998 which addressed the
concerns raised by department heads.
Mr. Sullivan discussed groundwater elevations with Mr. Maloon. Mr. McShane asked if
he would look at alternatives to detentions basins. Mr. Maloon pointed out that they are
so close to groundwater, there is no way to infiltrate and would have to pump uphill to let
it flow back down. What he is calling a detention basin is really more like a wet basin.
Mr. McShane suggested that if it's a wet basin it be factored into the landscaping as an
amenity to make the area attractive. Mr. French suggested the area could be seeded with
a wetland seed mix.
Mr. Wilson advised the board that Versacare has been talking with YMCA officials about
the possibility of doing intergenerational activities, noting it's an asset to full -time care
( providers who may need a break. He said the proposed facility will be used by their
current program participants, along with people they have on a waiting list. People are
delivered in five - passenger vans. The facility will serve a total of sixty, fifteen of whom
will have memory disorders. About two - thirds of their current participants are Mansfield
residents.
Mr. McShane asked about medical waste. Mr. Wilson replied any medical waste is
secured in a medical container and picked up monthly. Mr. McShane also asked if there
was any consideration given to putting the building closer to the street with the parking in
the rear. He suggested it would be more conducive to the neighborhood.
Mike Mathias, architect for the project, showed the drawings of the building, with a wood
frame, residential look and a courtyard in the center of the building.
Mr. McShane asked about security. Mr. Wilson explained they have electric doors and a
high staff ratio.
Mr. Maloon noted the entire site is wooded and when it's finished it will be graded about
ten feet from the property line. Mr. McShane said lie would like to see some screening on
the side of residential abutters.
! Mr. Sullivan said lie would like to see parking and the dumpster be put in the back of the
building and would prefer a wooden fence instead of the green -slat fence proposed. He
9 Minutes of April 1. 1998
also asked about exterior lighting at night when the building is unoccupied.
Motion: To send a positive recommendation to the Building Inspector with the following
conditions:
1. staff parking be relocated to the rear or to the other side of the building
2. six (6) foot evergreen trees be planted between the basin and the property
owned by Mattice
3. the dumpster be moved to the back of the property and other side and be
enclosed by a wooden fence
4. the detention basin be seeded with wetland seeding in order to turn the area
into an amenity
Mr. Maloon advised the board that to require the parking lot in the rear would necessitate
pushing the building forward. Mr. Wilson said he believes pushing the building forward
would take away from the artistic design of the building as viewed from the street. Mr.
Sullivan said parking in front would take away from the beauty of the building. Mr. Burke
suggested moving the building forward would overpower pedestrians on the street. Mr.
Wilson stated the natural setting enhances the appearance of the building. Dr. Torman
suggested a middle island in back and keeping part of the parking in front. Mr. Maloon
said the canopy is used in the loading area and without it, the time to unload the bus
would be increased significantly. Mr. Wilson pointed out the need to provide handicapped
parking in the front close to the main entrance to the building. Mr. Sullivan stated the
board needs some sketches provided.
Mr. McShane suggested landscaping between the parking area and the street. Mr. Maloon
noted that Lance Lawson wants it kept low so a sight distance problem is not created.
Amendment to Condition 1: At least one bank of staff parking, the one shown closest
to the road, be moved to the back or side of the property and that area in front be used for
landscaping, or the building be moved forward.
(Sullivan- Frank) 7 -0 PASSES
Planning Board Training Seminar to be held May 18, 1998 from 7:30 -9:30 p.m. in
% Bridgewater. Mr. Burke asked that any member interested in attending let him know
and he would speak to the Town Manager about the town's paying the cost
• Public Hearing Notice - Attleboro Zoning Board of Appeals
• Public Hearing Notices - Attleboro Planning Board
• Public Hearing Notice - Attleboro Municipal Council
• Memo from SRPEDD re: rescheduling of JTPG meeting
• Floodplain Workshop Notice
* Tischier & Associates Fiscal & Economic Newsletter
• The Beacon
10 Minutes of April 1, 1998
* Building Construction Report for March 1998
( * Copy of SRPEDD letter to Board of Selectmen re: GIS mapping data base
* Letter from Dave DeLorenzo, Bureau of Resource Protection re: stormwater
management workshop
* Letter from Pare Engineering re: Fulton Pond Dam project
* Copy of letter to MassHighway from Town Manager re: I- 495/Route 140 interchange
location
* Copy of letter to Bruce Montgomery from Building Inspector re: Great Waves
x ZBA Decisions
1. Variances from Section 3.6.7.2.2, 3.6.7.4.2, and 3.6.7.4.3 to Motorola for
lattice telecommunications tower on West Street in an I -1 Zone - Granted
2. Variance from Section 4.2.1 to Kevin O'Neill for addition to a single family
home at 41 Donegal Way in the R -1 Zone - Granted
3. Variance from Section 4.2.2 and Special Permit per Section 3.10.4.a to Cape
Cod Lumber at 80 Hampden Road in the I -1 Zone - Granted
Mr. McShane reported on the subcommittee meeting which he attended Monday night.
1. The Board of Selectmen made it clear that they are not going to support any of
the five options proposed by SRPEDD and they will state that in writing if the
report is submitted
2. Norton Board of Selectmen are not in favor of getting an access road through
the Great Woods or Mansfield conservation land.
3. A strong edict was issued from Bill Madan to Dan DeMarco to meet with the
Conservation Commission and Natural Resources Trust to begin discussion
and to include BankBoston.
4. Bruce Campbell, traffic engineer for Campanelli, presented an eighth option
showing additional options that have not been put forward by SRPEDD.
Mr. McShane stated that SRPEDD wants to bring the matter to a close with their original
five options and he is concerned the project will take on a life of its own and asked them
not to do that. They were not receptive to the suggestion and he believes they will go
ahead with their plans. Mr. Campbell made it clear that they are looking to submit a draft
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) by the end of this month. The Norton Board of
Selectmen made it clear they want access to I -495 and also want to protect the citizens of
Norton and the traffic issue should be the State's to solve and not theirs. The South End
Neighborhood Association is not happy about the letter from the Board of
Selectmen/Planning Board and believes we're endorsing the two options outlined in our
letter. Mr. McShane offered to draft a letter to MassHighway clarifying our position. Mr.
Sullivan suggested the time to do that would be if and when SRPEDD files the report.
Mrs. Flynn reported that their response to the suggestion that Campanelli use their own
land was it would be a convoluted road. Mr. McShane said the option for the interchange
proposed by Bruce Campbell would put the ramp in the middle of the golden triangle,
11 Minutes of April 1, 1998
Sullivan suggested the time to do that would be if and when SRPEDD files the report
Mrs. Flynn reported that their response to the suggestion that Campanelli use their own
land was it would be a convoluted road. Mr. McShane said the option for the interchange
proposed by Bruce Campbell would put the ramp in the middle of the golden triangle,
which we have always viewed as one of the few areas left in Mansfield for prime
commercial and industrial development. Mr. Burke noted that the owners of the land
should have input and suggested that the board could write a letter stating they have
reviewed the five options presented by SRPEDD and implore them to explore other
options to meet the goals of the community. Mr. McShane said he would still like to do a
letter to try to respond to the high level of anxiety of the South Main Street residents
before we write to SRPEDD. Mrs. Flynn said she would like to appease the South Main
Street residents who were offended. Mr. Sullivan said he thinks it would be more
appropriate to wait until the report comes out. Discussion concluded with the agreement
that Mr. McShane would draft a letter and the board would then decide whether to send
it.
A Form A plan was submitted dividing an 8.36 acre parcel of land on Gilbert and Balcom
Streets owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River into five lots. Mr. Burke
recommended endorsement.
Motion: To endorse the plan. (Dolan - Torman) 7 -0 PASSES
Mr. Sullivan asked if the Planning Board is going to appeal the Zoning Board of Appeals'
decision granting Motorola three variances now that their Special Permit has been denied.
Discussion followed as to the process and relevance of the ZBA's decision, the expense to
the Town for legal representation, and the possible outcome of an appeal. Mr. McShane
noted the three things established by the Zoning By -law were height, type of construction
and setback and Motorola was granted variances from all three.
Motion: To appeal the Zoning Board of Appeals decision on each of the
variances granted.
(Sullivan- Frank) 7 -0 PASSES
Mr. McShane asked if there has been any communication from the Building Inspector as
to the landscape buffer provision in Section 4.3.4.0 of the Zoning By -law. Mr. Burke said
he has discussed it with Mr. Cook and that Mr. Cook is in agreement.
Motion: To send a letter to Mr. Cook asking him to apply this provision to Old
Colony Motors
(McShane - Sullivan) 7 -0 PASSES
12 Minutes of April 1, 1998
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 11:30 p.m.
( (Frank - Torman) 7 -0 PASSES
Signature of Clerk Date fo Approval
13 Minutes of April 1, 1998