Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLANNINGbrd_12172014Planning Board Minutes December 17, 2014 RECE_IVE0 l Present: Tom French, Chairman, Mike McClanahan; Don Cleary, Ralpb,'Porift , Alternate Michael Feck Shaun P. Burke, Director of Planning and Development 2215 JAN 30 A ° 14g Motion: To appoint Mr. Cleary acting clerk (McClanahan — Peck) All in favor. PASSES 1. November 19, 2014 minutes Mr. Burke noted the corrections were made to the Dutton Drive sidewalk/curbing discussion and motions. Motion: To approve as amended (McClanahan — Feck) 4 -0 -1 (French abstains) PASSES 2. Meeting notices - Attleboro, Easton, Sharon, North Attleboro 3. The Beacon 4. December 17, 2014 email from Cheryl Collins resigning from the Planning Board. The Board thanked Ms. Collins for her contributions. [Mr. Penney arrived at 7:07pm.] 4. December 3, 2014 minutes Motion: To approve as submitted (Penney- LeBlanc) 5 -0 -1 (McClanahan abstains)PASSES The board discussed the Dutton Drive sidewalk/curbing issue. At the November 19, 2014 meeting, the board agreed to allow the developer to use cape cod berm rather than granite. The developer will return to a future meeting to discuss the sidewalk waiver issue. None [Town Manager William Ross carte into the meeting room and directed Mr. Burke to leave the room during the 7:15 p.m. discussion with Mr. Clermney. Mr. Burke left the meeting at this time.] William Clemmey and Karl Clemmey were present for the discussion. Mr. K. Clemmey explained his property at 175 Essex Street consists of 50 acres of land and he would like to rezone it for 55 and Over housing. He said if this project were approved, he would give the Town 6 -8 units. He said the conceptual plan is to put 70 -80 units on this property as a mixture of townhouses and condos and asked that the Planning Board work with him. He noted the site already has water, sewer and gas and said the property would be large enough to accommodate 15 -18 single - family homes. Mr. McClanahan commented that housing for the elderly is needed. Mr. K. Clemmey asked the members of the Planning Board to view the property. He went on to 12/17/2014 say that he does not feel the neighbors would be opposed to his plan, but noted that he had not yet gone to the neighbors to discuss this proposal. In response to a question from Mr. French, Mr. K. Clemmey explained the proposal would be a mixture of single cottages and larger buildings with multiple units, similar to Willow Crossing. He added the property would need to be rezoned; Mr. Cleary noted a special permit would be required. Mr. K. Clemmey said he met with Michael Forbes from the Mansfield Housing Authority and he is thrilled with the possibility of having more 55+ housing. Mr. Penney asked Mr. K. Clemmey to have Mr. Forbes write a letter and explain how the arrangement with the Town for the 6 -8 homes would work. Mr. French questioned how this project would fit in an area that has predominantly single family homes. Mr. Cleary noted that it is well off the road. Mr. Penney asked what the barn would be used for and W. Clemmey said that it could be used as a function facility. Mr. Penney and Mr. French expressed concern about having this in the RI zone. Mr. French asked the Clemmeys to put a rough plan together of their proposal for a future meeting. Mr. W. Clemmey also noted the following: • He and his father would like to have a discussion with the Planning Board about drive - throughs in the B4. • They brought over water and sewer to the lot on Copeland Drive next to Benny's and are considering mixed use for that area. • He reminded the Board that TOD passed at Town Meeting and is on the books. He said that the final BETA study recommended a higher density for residential. He asked if there will be follow- up meetings with the Planning Board on the study's recommendations. • Mr. K. Clemmey said that the major project should involve Route 106, as traffic and congestion is getting worse in that area. He offered some suggestions about how to remedy the traffic, particularly during the evening commute and when trains let out. Mr. McClanahan noted that he brought up at an earlier meeting that they need to look at the total area. • Mr. K. Clemmey said that something needs to be done about the intersection at School Street/Route 140. Mr. Penney noted that the state did the ramp on the south side of Route 140, but asked if Mr. Clemmey is suggesting adding a ramp on the north side of Route 140. Mr. K. Clemmey said he believes that the ramp would be beneficial and an access road could run alongside it to allow access for the DPW garage instead of going through the Hall Street neighborhood. Mr. K. Clemmey said he believes money should be coming from SRPEDD for these projects. Mr. Penney noted that that the Planning Board asked for short and long term solutions and that the Board of Selectmen has taken over, as they are Road Commissioners. 12/17/2014 Mr. K. Clemmey asked to come in a few weeks to have a further discussion and thanked the Board for their time. Mr. Cleary noted that they can come to the January 21, 2015 meeting. [Mr. French left the meeting at this time.] Motion: To appoint Mr. McClanahan acting chairman (LeBlanc — Cleary) All in favor.PASSES [Mr. Burke returned to the meeting at this time.] William Buckley, Jr., P.E., Bay Colony Group, submitted revised subdivision plans dated December 5, 2014, a "Willow Street Modification" plan dated November 11, 2014 and a narrative response to the department head comments dated December 9, 2014, Messrs. Walsh, Walsh Brothers Building Co., were also present for the hearing. Mr. Buckley reviewed the major changes to the plans since the last Planning Board meeting. I-Ie explained the major change involves the removal of the parking area near Cabot's Pond. Mr. Buckley said he has been working on the intersection of Marie Drive and Willow Sheet and noted the draft drawing shows some improvements on Willow Street, near the sharp curve. The curve has been flattened, made it much gentler and graded, so a sidewalk could be constructed out to School Street in the future. Mr. Buckley said they are not proposing the sidewalk at this time, but said it could be discussed. Mr. Buckley said Mr. Alves suggested he ask the Planning Board to waive the requirement for vertical granite curbing, then the developer could build the sidewalk down to School Street in lieu of installing the granite. They would have to go to the Conservation Commission for this as well. The developers have talked with the abutting property owner to the west, Mr. Crawford, about buying some land for the sidewalk. Mr. Buckley reviewed the waivers the applicant is requesting: • Sidewalk on both sides — neither Willow Street nor Spring Street has sidewalks and the plan shows a sidewalk on one side of each of the new roadways. • Vertical granite curbing on both sides — the plan shows vertical granite curbing on the sidewalk side and monolithic asphalt berm on the other; neither Willow Street nor Spring Sheet has curbing. Cul -de -sac radius and island — the plan shows a 40' cul -de -sac radius in lieu of the 70' radius with a 30' cul -de -sac as required. The proposal meets the Fire Department's requirement to accommodate their largest piece of equipment and would reduce the amount of impervious surface. Mr. Buckley added that they are investigating the affordable housing component and he believes the cleanest way is for the developer to pay the money. They are investigating purchasing and renovating the existing duplex and turning it over to the Housing Authority, which would be two units that could be immediately added to the town's housing stock. 12/17/2014 Department Head Comments The clerk read memos from Mr. Burke to Police Chief Sellon regarding increased traffic enforcement and from Ms. Merrill regarding the proposed parking area. Mr. Cleary also read a December 12, 2014 letter from Jeff and Jeannine Ceruti, 33 Riverside Drive as well as a December 15, 2014 letter from Jerilyn Farinella, 27 Riverside Drive. Board Comment Mr, Feck said he likes the idea of the lessening the curve on Willow Street and extending the sidewalk out to School Street. Mr. Cleary said he understands the neighbors' concerns with respect to access to Cabot's Pond, but noted that if the Conservation Commission gets this land, they could put parking there. Mr. Penney noted that the neighbors expressed concerns about people walking across their properties to gain access to the pond. Mr. Burke said that this issue went back many years, as there was a construction easement that went around that pond during construction. He said that caused conflict because thought it was a public access easement, but that wasn't the case. The police department did a lot of trespass enforcement after that. Mr. Burke said that some residents have the construction easements on their deeds, which should have been temporary. He said it would require a legal process to remove the easement from those deeds. Mr. Burke advised the residents to call the police if someone is trespassing on their property. Mr. Penney asked if the construction of the parking lot would reduce instances of people from walking through other people's property; Mr. Burke said he does not believe it would help. Mr. Penney asked if the planting list was revised to conform with the Town's revised list of tree plantings; Mr. Burke said it was. Mr. Penney noted that this is a more of a traditional subdivision and that the lot sizes were reduced because the applicant is bringing in sewer. Mr. Penney said he believes the sidewalk on Willow Street is a good thing and would get a lot of use. He said he is supportive of one sidewalk on Willow Street. Mr. Burke noted that each subdivision is unique. He said Willow Street is not in bad shape, but is heavily traveled. Mr. Burke said he agrees with Mr. Penney that a sidewalk is needed on Willow Street. Mr. Penney said he is a strong advocate of sidewalks and would like to see it on both sides, but said there would be more public benefit in constructing one sidewalk on Willow Street than two sidewalks in the new subdivision. Mr. Penney asked how the sidewalk would be terminated if the applicant was granted permission to use the monolithic curbing instead of granite curbing. Mr. Buckley said they are trying to minimize disruption minimal next to the river as much as possible. Mr. Penney read from the subdivision rules and regulations relative to curbing and grass strips, and confirmed that a grass strip would be located between the curbing and the sidewalk within the subdivision. Mr. Penney said he believes the town should take ownership of the pond. 12/17/2014 Mr. Burke said he is pleased that Mr. Buckley has proposed flattened out the curve because it will significantly increase sight distance. He said agrees with Ms. Merrill that the town should own the pond but not develop a parking lot or stairs; it can be passive open space. Mr. Burke said he supports all of the waivers, including the monolithic cape cod berm on both sides. He said he and Mr. Alves have looked at the infrastructure and worked with Mr. Buckley to reduce the number of manholes because eventually, the Town will own the road and this will reduce future maintenance costs in the future, a significant savings to the Town. Mr. Burke said he has spoken with the Building Inspector relative to the house on Lot 3, where the parking lot was shown. Mr. Riccio said a lot needs 150 feet of frontage for him to issue a building permit. Mr. Buckley said that he believes Lot 3 has 50 feet of frontage right now, but said he will address this issue with Mr. Riccio. Mr. Penney asked about frontage for Lot 4; Mr. Buckley replied that lot has sufficient frontage. Mr. Burke said the proposal meets the Fire Department's requirement to accommodate their largest piece of equipment. Public Comment Gene Mastro, 37 Riverside Drive, asked what will happen to the area where the parking lot had been shown. Mr. Buckley replied that the area will be used for frontage. Jeff Ceruti, 33 Riverside Drive, asked about the dead space between Lots 3 and 4; Mr. McClanahan noted that Mr. Buckley will need to meet with staff again to determine lot size. Mr. Buckley noted they are meeting with Conservation Commission on January 12, 2014. He said the developer could grant an easement for maintenance in that area. Mr. Ceruti asked what the process is for the "Town to take ownership of the pond. Mr. Cleary replied that an offer has to be made and accepted by the Town. The current property owner, Mr. Simonelli, presently owns the majority of the pond. Motion: To continue the public hearing to Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 7:30pm (Cleary— LeBlanc) All in favor. PASSES S,.,Pu721►c- Commnn{ . _ ,,;; ', , Mr. LeBlanc said he was concerned about the board waiving subdivision requirements like sidewalks. Mr. Penney agreed. Mr. Burke said that if issuing waivers is not in the town's best interest, then the Planning Board should not approve them. Mr. Penney said he would like to see how these waivers would financially benefit the town; he said granite curbing is very expensive. Mr. Burke said that monolithic cape cod berm, if done right, can last almost as long as granite curbing. Mr. LeBlanc said he was concerned about how future developments will be built if the board continues to approve monolithic cape cod berm. Mr. Burke suggested adding this to a future agenda for a more comprehensive discussion. 12/17/2014 Mr. Penney asked that the Planning Board review potential amendments to the current subdivision rules and regulations. Mr. Burke will add that to the January 21 agenda. Mr. Cleary said he has heard that the developer of the Chocolate Factory property wants to add more units, and that there is a meeting about this topic on December 30. 7 ,Adtouruinent, „ ' ;` Motion: To adjourn at 9:13 pm (Penney) All in favor. PASSES Next Regular f I a ing Board eetmg: '� �„ Signature of Clerk January 7, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. 1-21 -2OIS- Date of Approval 12/17/2014