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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning 11/03/1076MANSFIELD PLANNING BOARD AGENDA November 3, 1976 1) Call to order (7:30 P.M.) 2) Clerk's Report a) Correspondence b) Minutes of October 20, 1976 3) Warrant 4) Visitors Agenda 5) Old Business a) Status of Plans Rumford River Estates - Preliminary Sub. - So. Main St. - 12/19/76 b) Lot Release - Spruce Acres c) Board of Appeals 1) Boro Sand and Stone 2) Janice Barrows d) Comprehensive Planning Program 6) New Business a) 9:00 P.M. Public Meeting with Downtown Development Committee, Board of Selectmen regarding Mansfield House of Pizza b) Bublic Discussion c) Date for Next Meeting d) Around the Table 7) Adjournment MANSFIELD PLANNING BOARD MINUTES November 3, 1976 Present: Chairman Parsons, Clerk Tighe, -1- Planners: Mulcahy, Lesuer, Hartmann, Mahana* Planning Director Maurer 1. Letters were read from the following: SRPEDD to Planning Board regarding office sites for SRPEDD Commission Cooperative Extension Service Rural Development for September, 1976 Massachusetts Department of Community Affairs Newsletter September/October 1976 Building Construction Report for Month of October, 1976. Recreation Commission to Executive Office of Environmental Affairs re. Town of Mansfield Application for Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Funds. Recreation Commission to Board of Selectmen regarding application for Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Funds. Executive Office of Enrironmental Affairs to Recreation Commission regarding application for Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Funds. Planning Director to Great Woods Study Committee regarding Hallett Property/ Earth Removal Board of Appeals decisionon the application of Donald Titus - granted Board of Appeals decision on the application of Walter Day - granted Board of Appeals decision on the application of Rhode Island Hospital Trust National Bank - granted Board of Appeals decision on the application of Carl A. Secher.- granted Board of Appeals amendment to the decision for Richard G. Craffey Planning Board to Board of Appeals regarding application of Town of Mansfield. Planning Board to Gene J. Ceccarelli regarding Peters' Park Subdivision Planning Board to Mansfield Housing Authority regarding Peter's Park Subdivision. Planning Board to Electric Light Department regarding preliminary plan for Rumford River Estates Planning Board to Board of Health regarding Preliminary Plan for Rumford River Estates Planning Board to Fire Chief regarding Preliminary Plan for Rumford River Estates. _2 - Minutes November 3, 1976 Planning Board to Conservation Commission regarding preliminary plan for Rumford River Estates Planning Board to Department of Public Works regarding preliminary plan for Rumford River Estates Board of Health to Planning Board regarding Rumford River Estates Town of Norton Planning Board to Planning Board regarding Bay Street Interchange for I-495. Building Inspector to Robert Chavaree regarding Cabot Pond Section II Planning Director to Planning Board regarding status of approved subdivision plan - October 1976 Mansfield Cooperative Bank to Planning Board regarding Spruce Acres 2. Motion: To approve the minutes of October 20, 1976 as presented. (Tighe-Lesuer, all in favor) VOTED 3. Motion: To pay the warrant of November 9, 1976 in the amount of $206.02. (Mulcahy -Tighe, all in favor) VOTED Clerk Tighe questioned why the office supplies could not be purchased in town. It was noted that the cost would be considerably higher. (Planner Mahana entered the meeting at this time.) 4 Board reviewed the preliminary subdivision plans for RumfordlRiver Estates. Planning Director Maurer noted that the Planning Board reviews the preliminary plans as to the general location of the roadways and the utility systems. He noted that tentative approval of a preliminary plan does not mean that they are obligated to approve the definitive plan. It was noted that the plans show the drainage of the property running into the Rumford River. Planning Director Maurer noted that he is concerned about the amount of cut in the roadway. It was noted that the approval of the subdivision plan would give approval to remove the gravel without any guidelines for restoration of the property. Planning Director Maurer noted that back in 1971-72 the Board has looked at plans as to whether it would be a subdivision andinot a gravel removal operation. It was noted that the removal of the gravel is not necessary to achieve the drainage designed. Planning Director Maurer recommended that Mr. Gray be required to go for a gravel removal permit under the Zoning by-law. It was noted that if the subdivision is approved the gravel could be removed without any guarantee of the construction of the subdivision. It was noted that there is a possibility that this subdivision could be land locking the property of New England Realty Trust, and possibily land of Karl Clemmey. It was noted that it is the practice of the Planning Board to wait until they have received all of the comments from the department heads and then write a letter to the applicant requesting all the additional information. It was noted that Karl Clemmey does have frontage on south Main Street, however, he would have to cross the river to get to it. -3 - Minutes November 3, 1976 Planner Mahana felt that there is no logical reason for cutting away 15 feet of gravel in the roadway then he could not approve it. Planner Lesuer questioned if they could disapprove this for esthetic reasons. Planning Director Maurer noted that there are some long and narrow lots that may be impossible to build on. Motion: To acknoweldge the letter from the Board of Health and advise them that the Planning Board will contact them when Mr. Gray is scheduled to appear before the Board and to also advise that the plan is a preliminary review for the Planning Board and also being reviewed by other department heads. (Tighe -Mulcahy, all in favor) VOTED Planning Director Maurer noted that if there is any information that the Board of Health is going to require they should know about it ahead of time. Motion: To table further consideration on the Rumford River Estates preliminary subdivision plan until the various department heads have returned their comments. (Tighe -Mulcahy, all in favor) VOTED 5. Board discussed the lot release for the Spruce Acres subdivision. Motion: To accept the Passbook #502531 from the Mansfield Cooperative f. Bank in the amount of $5950.12 for the purpose of posting performance bond guarantee on the balance of construction on Juniper Drive pertaining to lots 6 and 7. (Mulcahy -Tighe, all in favor) VOTED Motion: To release lots 6 and 7 within the Spruce Acres Subdivision. (Tighe -Mulcahy, all in favor) VOTED 6. Planner Mahana noted that the Great Woods Study Committee is meeting and that they have asked him to attend as the Planning Board's representative. It was the consensus of the Board that he attend the Great Woods Study Committee meeting. (Planner Mahana left the meeting at this time.) 7. Board reviewed the Zoning Board of Appeals application for Boro Sand and Stone, Inc. for the renewal of an earth removal permit. It was noted that when this was originally applied for in August that the Planning Board had recommended againt the renewal until the excavation within the 100 foot buffer zone was restored on the esaterly side of the property line. Planning Director Maurer advised that this restoration has taken place. Planning Director Maurer further noted that there is a report from Whitman and Howard that the earth removal operation would not hurt the water system in that area or any other future wells. Planning Director Maurer felt that the operation should continue as long as it conformed to the present controls. It was noted that there is a $30,000 bond on the first 10 acre section. -4 - Minutes November 3, 1976 Motion: To recommend to the Board of Appeals that the special permit for Bora Sand and Stone, Inc. be granted provided that it be issued for a one year period only and that the permit be issued on the first 10 acre segment of the site and thAtprior to commencing the second 10 acre segment that the applicant be required to restore the first 10 acre segment. (Tighe-Hartmenn, all in favor) VOTED 8. Board reviewed the Zoning Board of Appeals application of Janice Barrows. It was noted that 2 weeks ago it was the consensus of the Board that Mrs. Barrowsdid not employ anyone the variance would not be needed. However, if she did hire someone it would be needed. Motion: That if it is not intended to be used in accordance with the present zoning regulations that the variance for Janice Barrows not be granted because it would derogate from the purpose and intent of the Zoning By-law. (Tighe -Hartmann, all in favor) VOTED 9. Board discussed the Comprehensive Planning Program. It was noted that there was discussion on Business Zoning that prompted the Board to go back and look at the Comprehensive Planning Program, however any items could be discussed on it. Clerk Tighe suggested tabling discussion on the Comprehensive Planning Program until the next meeting and if the members are ready then. a date could be set for discussion. Planning Director Maurer felt that they should set a date now. It was the consensus of the Board to meet on November 17, 1976 and be prepared to discuss the last section of the Comprehensive Planning Program, Development Policy. 10. Board discussed the letter from the Town of Norton Planning Board regarding the plans for the Bay Street interchange for 495. Planning Director Maurer noted that the inaccuracies in the paper referred to the fact that they indicated that the road would go through the site for the sewerage treatment plant. He noted that they have been in contact with the State DPW Director and the consultants with regard to this. Motion: To send a letter to the Norton Town Planner thanking her and noting that they would appreciate any further information. (Tighe-Lesuer, all in favor) VOTED 11. Board discussed the letter from the Building Inspector to Robert Chavaree regarding the removal of earthee material from Cabot Pond Section I1. It was noted that it is just for the property owned by Mr. Chavaree. Board reviewed the accompanying plans. 12. Mrs. Jellinek advised the Board that there is going to be a Public Hearing in Boston on the new well site and that there is a plan compiled since October 18th to the Water Commissioners and she wondered why the Planning Director has never presented the plan to the Planning Board. She noted that she wanted a reasonable answer as the Board is not that busy that they could not have reviewed the plans. Planning Director Maurer noted that it was a plan that was prepared around the time of the last Annual Town Meeting because the - 5 - Minutes November 3, 1976 articles for the Town Meeting were written off the plan. He noted that it was just an oversite on his part for not presenting the plans to the Board as it is not a project in which he is involved. Chairman Parsons questioned if this was an item that has had alot of attention from the Planning Director and the Town Manager. Planning Director Maurer noted that last winter he walked the site with the appraisers only because the Town Manager was not in Town at the time. He noted that he has not been actively involved in the contracts for the survey. Chairman Parsons felt that the Planning Board should be aware of things in Town that are town responsibilities as well as private one, and that he hopes that when the date of the hearing is known that the Planning Board will receive some kind of notice, and that it is proper advertised in the newspaper. Planning Director Maurer noted that he could not be blamed for not advertising something that is not his responsibility. It was neted that before the land can be acquired that they have to have approval from the Department of Public Health. 13. Planning Director Maurer noted that the Downtown Development Committee is coming up with a preliminary plan for how to improve the downtown and it is basically to improve the visual aspect of the downtown first. He noted that they met with representatives from VISION and are impressed with this program. and that they are hoping to be able to use the House of Pizza property as an example as to how it can be used throughout the downtown. Pl.anning Director Maurer noted that the Committee has even discussed the removing of wires on North Main Steeet and putting them along the back property lines. He noted that in this way they can have more trees along North Main Street. Planning Director Maurer noted that the House of Pizza has agreed to improve their property in conformance with the Board of Selectmen as part of getting their liquor license. Chairman Parsons felt that this could be a key factor to the downtown business zoning also. 14. Board met with the Board of Selectmen, Downtown Development Committee and the owners of the House of Pizza. It was noted by the owners of the House of Pizza that they did not want to get into any detailed discussion wdthout their architect, so another meeting can be set up with the Downtown Development Committee and the architect. Planning Director Maurer noted that it is the consensus of the Downtown Development Committee to work towards the visual improvement of the area and are trying to create an attractive downtown area to Encourage people to come in and shop. He noted that they are working with a consultant and that they will be making a presentation to the Town sometime after the first of the year. He noted that there will be a slide presentation which will show what has been done in other communities. The owners of the House of Pizza felt that they did not feel it was fair to improve their building in accordance with plans and then have their taxes raised. They noted that they did not mind putting money into the building but could not afford extra taxes after such improvements. (Planner Mahana entered the meeting at this time.) (Clerk Tighe left the meeting at this +;mo -6 - Minutes November 3, 1976 15. Planner Mahana reported on his meeting with the Great Woods Study Committee. He noted that the Town now owns Taylor's Hill, however the State wants an appraissal as to how much gravel is in the hill. He noted that the State Highway is going to by-pass this hill and the state Will make a walkable pass to get to this property. He noted that they received approximatley $70,000 back from State reimbusrement from Self Help. He -noted that this goes into the surplus revenue account. He noted that the Great Woods Study Committee is going to request approximately $20,000 for one of 3 small parcels within the great woods from the Capital Improvement Program. 16. Chairman Parsons noted that hev.was disturbed about the plans for the well and the lack of coordination Within the Town. He felt that the Planning Board has a responsibility to know what the Town is doing, as well as the private citizens. He felt that they should be totally aware of what is going on. Planner Mulcahy noted that water is critical in Mansfield. Chairman Parsons requested that the Planning Director keep them abreast of what is going on, what plans are being made, what well sites are being considered, and what hearings are being scheduled. 17. Planning Director Maurer noted that we are in the process of putting together an application for the Public Works Employment Act. He noted that it would involve approximately $650,000 worth of water line extension and installation from the East Mansfield common through to South Main Street. It will be a 12 inch line and will be installed along Mill, Essex, Short, Fruit, Ware Streets to South Main Streit, as outlined in the Whitman and Howard Water Master Plan. He noted that there is only 55 million dollars on a state wide basis and i's;onlyfor communities with high unemployment within an area. It was noted that this project was picked because they have to have a project in which construction can start within 90 days after the awarding of the grant and this does not require any detailed plans. Also included in the application price is the repaving of all those streets. 18. Chairman Parsons noted that the only comment he has is that he gets disturbed with applications for gravel pits becuase too much of the Town is already being carried away, some under permits of the Board of Appeals some under grandfather clauses, and now this one on South Main Street for the subdivision. Chairman Parsons noted that according to Town Counsel grandfather clauses for gravel pits do not exist and since no other department is doing anything about it that maybe the Planning Board should act on it. He felt that they should review the material from the Town, Counsel and the Building Inspector. Planning Director Maurer to gather this information for their review. It was noted that it would be discussed with the Building Inspector before any action is taken but to have the material assembled for the Board's review. Chairman Parsons noted that ther might be some loop holes in the Zoning By-law which may be tightened up. Motion: To have the Planning Director obtain the available information on gravel pits for the Boar"d's review. (Mahana-Mulcahy, all in favor) VOTED 19. It was the consensus of the Board to send a letter to Owens-Illinios expressing the Board's appreciation for the tour. 20. Meeting adjourned at 9/�:45 P.M. %�� Clark %7 n,a