HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - PB - 10/04/2006 Planning Board Meeting 1 of 2
October 4,2006
COHASSET PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
DATE: WEDNESDAY,OCTOBER 4,2006
TIME: 7:00 PM
PLACE: COHASSET TOWN HALL—SELECTMEN'S OFFICE
41 HIGHLAND AVENUE, COHASSET,MA 02025
Board Members Present: Alfred Moore, Chairman
Peter J. Pratt,Vice Chairman
Stuart Ivimey, Clerk
Mike Westcott
Board Members Absent: Robert Sturdy
Recording Secretary Present: Jo-Ann M. Pilczak
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT: 7:08 P.M.
7:08 P.M. PLANNING BOARD SPECIAL INTEREST TOPIC Member Pratt brought up subject of ever
growing need for a planner to oversee projects such as studying the downtown. Pratt introduced Michael
Malinowski—new member of EDC, also certified planner and economic developer. Malinowski suggested the
downtown cannot be looked at by one person—a firm would be better. He also suggested looking at matching state
funds.All agreed that everyone wants to preserve the"character"of the village area and that a study should result
in principles and guidelines for access, affordable housing,build out,parking issues etc. rather than rigid plans.
MOTION: by Member Pratt that the Planning Board recommend placement on the Special Town Meeting
Warrant to request use of available funds and appropriation as necessary a figure not to exceed 50K,for the
retention of a professional consulting firm to development with the Planning Board and all applicable boards
and commissions of the Town,a village master plan.
SECOND: Member Westcott
VOTE: 4—0 MOTION CARRIES
Member Pratt will write this memo to BOS. Member Moore mentioned that the Board may have to discuss tabling
all zoning articles until spring. He also suggested that a CPC application should also be filled out. Member Pratt
will also talk with BOS and Town Manager about considering a town planner in the next fiscal year.
7:40 P.M. COHASSET HOUSING PARTNERSHIP(CHP) —DISCUSSION Clark Brewer and Jim
Hamilton represented the CHP Committee. They felt this meeting was an extension of the Master Plan. Member
Pratt reminded the CHP committee that if Cedarmere goes ahead and builds affordable units(as defined by 40B)
the CHP committee will have to administer the lottery and suggested that they check with BOS about endorsement
of the Master Plan. Member Moore suggested that the term"affordable"is thrown around and that most people
don't know what it means. He would like to see Cohasset's composition in terms of income and net worth and at
what point residents are excluded. He questioned how we provide reasonably priced housing and meet the needs of
the residents who already live here as Cohasset needs to meet this need as well as the state mandated 40B. Member
Ivimey questioned whether Cohasset should even be building senior housing. Member Moore also noted that the
younger population that grew up in Cohasset can not afford to move back as homeowners at the present time and
that this need should be looked at also. Regarding design, it was noted that the design is relatively site specific and
that the CHP keep on top of filings that come before the Planning Board and work as a team with the Planning
Board. Member Ivimey noted that the Board is stressing"green"development more and more. All agreed that the
CHP should periodically touch base with the Planning Board at meetings.
8:20 P.M. HIGHLAND ESTATES,ANTHONY NADER- DISCUSSION Anthony Nader,John
Modzelewski—Civil Designs and Shawn McCarthy—Neil Murphy Assoc. in attendance. It was explained that the
former contractor hired by Nader raised the roadway area about 200' into the site and did not inform Nader.
Contractor subsequently fired.New contractor on site. Nader wanted Planning Board informed of the contractor's
actions. Modzelewski noted that there is no change to roadway layout, only in the grading. No impact on drainage
that will affect town or abutters. Modzelewski is comfortable with the proposed changed plan and would
Planning Board Meeting 2 of 2
October 4,2006
recommend it as a minor change,but will not make recommendation until he reviews a stamped plan. Board agreed
that if Modzelewski approves of the changes,Board is comfortable with it.
MOTION: by Member Ivimey to authorize John Modzelewski to proceed with his recommendation after
reviewing a stamped plan from Neil Murphy Assoc.
SECOND: Member Pratt
VOTE: 4—0 MOTION CARRIES
8:45 P.M. ADMINISTRATION
• MASTER PLAN—Formal hearing needed to accept Master Plan. School figures need to be changed. Member
Pratt suggests adding language that this is an evolving figure(housing plan etc).Would like November 15 Planning
Board meeting targeted as Master Plan discussion/mark-up and Dec. rich as Public Hearing. Planning Board
Members will pull out paperwork and attempt to edit accordingly.
• OTIS AVENUE (not on agenda—brought up by Bob Egan)Egan reviewed situation. Existing roadway
(driveway)built in 1901 does not meet criteria of adequate width, grade. If Kupperstein can prove he has right to
use Otis Ave. extension and bring road up to minimum subdivision standards,Board could approve as adequate.
Board stands behind its original decision and building permit cannot be issued.
• VOTE TO APPROVE SEPTEMBER 13,2006 MINUTES
MOTION: by Member Ivimey to approve September 13,2006 minutes
SECOND: Member Pratt
VOTE: 4—0 MOTION CARRIES
LVOTE TO ADOPT TOD RULES ®S PACKET
OTION: by Member Westcott to adopt the TOD Rules & Regulations as drafted by Town Counsel
SECOND: Member Pratt
VOTE: 4—0 MOTION CARRIES
Planning Board Administrator to file vote and copy of rules ®s with Town Clerk
LVOTE TO ADOPT LHR RULES®S PACKET
OTION: by Member Pratt to adopt the amended Large Home Review Rules &Regulations reflecting
changes suggested by Town Counsel
SECOND: Member Westcott
VOTE: 4—0 MOTION CARRIES
Planning Board Administrator to file vote and copy of amended rules ®s with Town Clerk
SET NOVEMBER&DECEMBER MEETING DATES - Special Town Meeting-November 13
Regular Meetings -November 1, November 15 (for Master Plan), December 6 (Master Plan Public Hearing)
• UPDATE ON STATUS OF ZONING ARTICLES/PUBLIC HEARING—Notice of Oct. 18,2006 public
hearing has been advertised,posted with Town Clerk,mailed to appropriate agencies/people and Town Counsel.
Meeting packet contains copy of ad and of all zoning articles
• CAMPEDELLI APPEAL OF 188 LAMBERT'S LANE FORM A APPROVAL—Members of Board and
Building Inspector were served. Administrator to forward to Town Counsel. Town Clerk has already forwarded.
• PAVING SO.MAIN ST.—Member Ivimey expressed concern about lack of compacting/potential sink holes.
Administrator to write memo to BOS to suggest that more oversight of street cuts and repairs might be
necessary to avoid problems in the future.
MOTION: by Member Pratt to adjourn
SECOND: Member Ivimey
VOTE: 4—0 MOTION CARRIES
MEETING ADJOURNED AT: 9:25 P.M.
NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18,2006, AT 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES APPROVED: Stuart Ivimey, Clerk
DATE: October 19,2006
(Minutes approved at October 18,2006 Planning Board Meeting)