BELLINGHAM
(508) 966-0991; FAX
(508) 966-2317
PlanningBoard@bellinghamma.org
April
26, 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),
Roland R. Laprade
(RRL),
Stephen Bartha (SB)
Other officials: Stacey J. Wetstein, (SJW) Town Planner
Amy Cook, (AC),
Commission on Disabilities
Mary Chaves,
(MC) Coordinator
BJS opened the meeting at
TJG: Motion to sign minutes of
DB: Second.
Vote: 5-0, Approved.
High Ridge Estates Bond Reduction
Discussion
Tim Jones
appeared before the Board to discuss a bond reduction for High Ridge Estates. He
is working on the last 2 phases that have approximately 4000 ft of road. He is
scheduled to finish 3rd phase by August or September. There are only
about 1000 feet of roadway left. He has
been working with the DPW to check the work already completed and needs to
review things with Don DiMartino concerning the open lots. Trees, fencing, and as-builts are still to be
done. He and Don worked over the winter
on what is needed to finish project.
He needs
bond reduction to keep going. He has not
asked for a bond reduction for a long while. Don DiMartino suggested withholding $285,000.00,
Mr. Jones asked the Board to release $244,000. Cash flow has been a problem due to the
amount of bond held.
TJG: Motion to grant bond reduction of $244,000.00
for High Ridge Estates with the condition that Mr. Jones comply with the
comment letter from Don DiMartino dated
DB: Second.
GCW asked
that the next time he comes before the Board that Mr. Jones have all the line items
completed.
Vote: 5-0,
Approved.
Informal Discussion,
Scott
Holmon of Cedarwood Development,
RRL asked
about setbacks. The project would
require variances from the Zoning Board for rear and side setbacks. TJG was concerned
about fire safety and would like to see the building sprinkled if fire trucks
could not get around the building. RRL
asked about the landscaping buffer and suggested they get over the first hurdle
which would be the Zoning Board of Appeals before coming to the Planning Board
with an application. The Board agreed that the building appeared to be very
large for the parcel and expressed concern the parking configuration and the
two curb cuts so close to a traffic signal.
Marty’s Auto Development Review and
Special Permit for Water Resource Area Decision Signing
SJW advised
the Board that all the required changes were reviewed by
RRL: Motion
to sign decision for Marty’s Auto Service Development Plan Decision.
TJG: Second.
Vote: 5-0,
Approved.
RRL: Motion to sign Marty’s Auto Service Water Resource
District Special Permit Decision.
TJG: Second.
Vote: 4-1
Approved. GCW Opposed.
EMC Definitive Subdivision Decision
signing
The Board
reviewed the decision and SJW walked them through changes made from the first
draft. In addition, the applicant
requested 60 months instead of the standard 24 months to finish the project.
RRL stated that since the Board was in no hurry to see this land developed that
he would have no problem with the 60 month timeframe. MC asked if a clause to clarify that should
construction be started it should be completed within 24 months as generally conditioned
by the Board. The paragraph was amended
to include that provision.
Jin Dunlea
asked to be recognized and question the lack of input from the general
public. It was explained that the time
for input ended when the public hearing was closed. Brian Hall interrupted and asked if this was
a policy of the Board. SJW replied that
this was MGL (Mass General Law).
RRL: Motion to sign certificate of approval for
EMC Definitive Subdivision as amended.
TJG Second.
Vote: 4-1, Approved. GCW voted nay.
Planner’s Report
SJW advised the Board that the Agenda was
sparse for the next meeting but expected things to pick up when the new Board
members were in place.
BJS thanked RRL and TJG for their service to the Town on the Planning Board.
RRL: Motion to adjourn.
TJG: Second.
Vote: 5-0, Approved.
Minutes
Accepted on: _______________________ ______________________________________
(date) (prepared
by: Mary Chaves)
__________________________________________ ______________________________________
Roland
R. Laprade Brian
J. Sutherland
__________________________________________ ______________________________________
David
Brown Glenn
Wojcik
__________________________________________
Thomas
J. Guerin