BELLINGHAM
(508) 966-0991; FAX
(508) 966-2317
PlanningBoard@bellinghamma.org
August
23, 2007 Meeting Minutes
·
Present at the meeting:
Brian J. Sutherland
(BJS) Chair
Glenn C. Wojcik
(GCW), Vice Chair
David Brown (DB)
Secretary
Thomas J. Guerin
(TJG),
Stephen Bartha (SB)
(absent)
Patricia Buckley
(PMB)
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 sign minutes of
GCW: Second.
Vote 4-0 Approved.
DB: Motion to sign the vouchers.
GCW: Second.
Vote: 4-0 Approved.
High Ridge Estates Extension Request
SJW advised the Board that hey had a meeting last week and
that with the DPW Con Com Town Counsel and Planning.
Tim Jones stated that they had agreed on deadlines and that
the roadwork was close to being done. And the main goal was to finish paving
the list 1200 feet of roadway which should be done in the next week or so. He is waiting for the paving company to show
up. PB asked that Mr. Jones keep them
informed of the dates.
The Board reviewed the punch list to be completed and M.
Jones felt it would all be done by September 30. He is giving his priority to any issues that
would affect public safety. GCW asked
about the drainage problems some residents were experiencing. Mr. Jones responded that he did not build
those houses and could not give a definite answer. Approximately 4 of 99 homes had this
problem. SJW advised that residents
connected to the drainage system with authorization. Once the project is complete and Don DiMartino
has accepted it the road will be on the next Town Meeting warrant and the land
turned over.
PB: Motion to extend or High Ridge Estates Subdivision
Permit to
DB: Second.
Vote: 4-0, Approved.
BJS opened the public hearing for Pulaski Blvd Overlay
District zoning hearing
GCW: Motion to waive the reading of public notice
DB: Second
Vote: 4-0, Approved.
Cedar Hill
Estates informal discussion
Scott Medeiros, Andrew Survey and Engineering, wanted to
discuss submittal on Cedar Hill Rd-4 lot with cul-de-sac. SJW had mentioned in prior meetings that the
Board would like to consider some low impact development techniques. He reviewed some of his ideas for the board
including reduced curbing and grass swales.
SJW added that this would be a good opportunity to begin to utilize
these techniques. He also stated that he
had spoken to Don DiMartino regarding his views. Don told him that he had no objection, and
that it would be most likely a few years before the Town had a formal set of
LID guidelines.
The Board agreed that they would be inclined to waive some of the existing
storm water management requirements in lieu of more low impact techniques where
fitting.
Emil Gareau appeared to request a continuance for this
hearing. The engineering peer review
comments have not yet been addressed.
GCW: Motion to
continue the public hearing for Brookfield Estates to October 11 at
DB: Second.
Vote: 4-0, Approved.
GCW: Motion to accept a request for extension of decision
for Brookfield Estates to
DB: Second
Vote 4--0, Approved
Pulaski
Blvd Overlay District
MC delivered a slide presentation. This is the same article as was submitted in
May with a few slight changes to clear up the language.
Seth Smiley, 21 Main St-asked if the Town owned area would
be affected.
Karen Moore, California Ave stated concerns about subsidized
housing. She was advised there is no
affordable component in the bylaw. She
expressed her opinion that undesirables would move into the community. Judi Barrett, consultant who wrote the bylaw,
stated that the density allowed in the
bylaw is too restrictive and her concern is understandable but not
valid.
Ron Lussier stated that he was in the process of developing
properties and reducing curb cuts on
Roland Laprade mentioned that the numbers Mr. Lussier stated
were not accurate as the neglected to account for driveways, parking areas and
open space requirements. He insinuated
that the Planning Board would allow tenements to be built on Pulaski.
Guy Fluette spoke about continuous attempts to attach the
label of subsidized or affordable housing to the overlay. This bylaw was not written to create affordable
housing, but to stimulate development and that there were those who purposely
colored the topic to promote bad feelings.
John Murray spoke about vehicle traffic on
Judy Barrett replied that the state is promoting mixed use
areas in areas with public transpiration. However, there are a lot of
communities that have adopted mixed us with public transportation. She suggested that Mr. Murray Commercial strips that redevelop closer to
the street and it provides
JS stated that there were residences on
Karen Moore asked what role the MAPC would play once the
overlay was passed. She was confused by
the MAPC website and what their role would be.
BJS told her that the MAPC had nothing to do with the overlay district
itself. Judi Barrett explained that this project was organized. The MAPC was
responsible for running a couple of public meetings to get a sense of what type
of architecture people of
Dawn a property owner is concerned that vehicles cannot park
in front of building. Guy Fluette suggested that side parking creates
visibility from the street and that it also creates a safer exit from a property. The business will also be more visible.
She also suggested that certain types of industry such as
research and development or light manufacturing should not be prohibited. Judi Barrett suggested that there was merit
in her comments and the Board discussion suggested that should the Overlay be
passed at this meeting, they would look at adopting some amendments to the
overlay
Steve Wojokowsi business owner on Pulaski spoke in favor of
the overlay.
Jerry Mayhew, committee member, former BOS, stated that
there were more positive aspects than negative aspects to the overlay. He stated that the Board has listened to both
the opponents and proponents of the overlay while drafting this bylaw.
Ron Lussier suggested that snow removal will be an issue
because it may not be as easy to clear a parking lot if business and
residential parking are in the same lot.
He went on to say that the reduced parking requirements would encourage
on street parking.
Mr. Lussier commented that there was a member sitting on the
Planning Board, John Sexton, who stands to make a fortune if the overlay goes
through and he should not be allowed to vote.
BJS advised him that JS was not a voting member of the Board and is able
only to offer comment.
GCW: Motion to
recommend the Pulaski Boulevard Overlay District as submitted.
PB: Second.
Vote: 4-0, Approved.
Ronald Lussier advised the Board that the article he
sponsored was flawed and not ready for town meeting. He advised the Board that his intent was to
pass over the article at town meeting.
He asked the Board for direction and input from the Planning Board. BJS advised Mr. Lussier to advise the
Financial Committee in writing of his intent to have his article passed over.
There were questions from the Board on what would happen if
there were two overlay districts for the same area. Judi Barrett advised that the applicant would
choose the bylaw under which they would develop and comply to that bylaw.
DB: Motion to pass over the
PB: Second.
Vote: 4-0, Approved.
SJW asked that the Board have more representation at the FinCom
hearing.
She also, advised that there would be an open house at the
old town hall and a memorial to former town Clerk, Bert Remilllard.
.
DB:
Motion to adjourn.
GCW:
Second
Vote:
4-0, Approved
Minutes
Accepted on: _______________________
______________________________________
(date) (prepared
by: Mary Chaves)
__________________________________________ ______________________________________
Stephen
Bartha Brian J.
Sutherland
__________________________________________ ______________________________________
David
Brown Glenn
Wojcik
__________________________________________
Patricia
M. Buckley