BELLINGHAM
(508) 657-2892 FAX
(508) 966-2317
PlanningBoard@bellinghamma.org
January
10, 2008 Meeting Minutes
·
Present at the meeting:
Brian J. Sutherland
(BJS) Chair
Glenn C. Wojcik (GCW),
Vice Chair
Stephen Bartha (SB)
Secretary
David Brown (DB)
Patricia Buckley
(PMB)
John Sexton (JS)
Associate Member
Other officials: Stacey J. Wetstein, (SJW) Town Planner
Amy Cook, (AC),
Commission on Disabilities
Mary Chaves,
(MC) Coordinator
BJS opened
the meeting at
DB: Motion
to approve minutes of
GCW:
Second.
Vote: 5-0,
Approved.
GCW: Motion
to approve vouchers.
Second: DB.
Vote: 5-0,
Approved.
Cedar Hill Estates Definitive
Subdivision
Scott
Mederios, project engineer, updated the Board on their process. They are in the final stages of engineering
details and dealing with the engineering peer review. Scott met with Steve Sylvan of Graves
Engineering and reviewed the comments are now seem to be in agreement.
They
initially wanted to use low impact design principles but the Board voiced
concerns about pedestrian safety. As a compromise they have developed a hybrid
pedestrian walkway
Bruce
Langley of
Scott said
that if they would allow them to grade onto their property, they would not
require the retaining wall and they could work together to resolve the issue.
Dave
Davies,
Jackie Chapel,
40 Cedar Hill is concerned about groundwater displacement. She was informed
that water would be directed to an area with better soil conditions for
drainage
The Board
asked when they expected to have their engineering completed and discussed a
continuance date.
GCW: Motion
to continue Cedar Hill Definitive Subdivision to
DB: Second.
Vote: 5-0,
Approved.
Master Plan-Concept for Mechanic and
Dan Mills,
traffic engineer with MDM, presented a design for the intersection of Mechanic
and Maple/South Maple Streets. The plan would require land acquisition on
Mechanic, South Maple and Maple Streets. Dan explained that even with proposed
projects in the area were developed, the level of service rise from an E to a
D. He reminded the Board that this was
only a concept plan and was still in draft.
This section of roadway is under the jurisdiction of
Attorney
Richard Cornetta, Don Neilson of Guerriere and Halnon, a traffic consultant
from VHB appeared for the applicant. Don reviewed the updated plans showing
area for easement for turning lane and also showed side walk as they turn south
towards
BJS asked
that there be a sidewalk connecting to the walkway, enough for a landing by the
proposed stop light in the new roadway plans.
They will
raise the walkway on their site to control traffic and provide safe passage for
pedestrians
Don also
stated that although not shown on the plan they intended to have a right
in-right out egresses. They will provide both existing conditions and future
conditions to get a feel for the intersection after it is engineered.
BJS asked
that they follow the 15 foot line and provide a landing spot on their property.
GCW asked
about morning analysis and the applicant had responded that this was not
relevant because the businesses that may reside there would not be open in the
AM. GCW asked the applicant if they
would agree to hour restrictions in the decision. Attorney Cornetta responded that they did not
wish restrictions in the decision as they were unsure of who would occupy the
spaces. After some discussion, MC asked if would not be easier to provided the
analysis since they had the traffic counts already.
GCW voiced
concern that the level of service will be less once the project is built and
that the applicant is doing nothing except offering a 15 foot easement to
mitigate their impact. Don Neilson
replied that they felt that the easement has great value. SB suggested they
look at the timing and see if it would be affordable to adjust that when they
open. SJW stated that any changes would
have to go through
After some
discussion it was agreed that SJW would work on providing an estimated value
for the easement and that the applicant would look into the cost of retiming
the signal and provide am traffic analysis.
GCW: Motion
to continue Calarese Professional Building Development Plan Review to
DB: Second.
Vote: 5-0
Approved.
GCW: Motion
to continue Calarese Professional Building Special Permit for a Drive Through
to
DB: Second.
Vote: 5-0,
Approved.
Planners Report
SJW asked
what the Board wanted to address at WS Hearing.
The Board decided they would continue with traffic as they told the
public they would have their chance to speak about traffic at the next hearing
Thundermist
Carwash- Ron Lussier has decided to use town water instead of well water. SJW
asked the Board if they felt he needs to come in to discuss the change. BJS stated he did want to see where the tie
in is and that they wanted to get an update on the left turn lane on to
SJW advised
the Board that it was time to look at the Master Plan and revise it. She had spoken with Denis Fraine and there
are no funds available to go outside for a consultant. She gave the Board a copy of the old plan and
asked that they review it and decide how to proceed. The Board decided to hold a March 20th
meeting to discuss strategic plan for the updating of the master plan.
DB: Motion
to adjourn.
GCW:
Second.
Vote: 5-1
Approved.
.
Minutes
Accepted on: _______________________
______________________________________
(date) (prepared
by: Mary Chaves)
__________________________________________ ______________________________________
Stephen
Bartha Brian J.
Sutherland
__________________________________________ ______________________________________
David
Brown Glenn
Wojcik
__________________________________________
Patricia
M. Buckley