HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - PB - 01/01/2007 (14) Planning Board Meeting 1 of 2
April 4,2007
COHASSET PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
DATE: WEDNESDAY,APRIL 4,2007
TIME: 7:00 PM
PLACE: COHASSET TOWN HALL— SELECTMEN'S OFFICE
41 HIGHLAND AVENUE, COHASSET,MA 02025
Board Members Present: Alfred Moore, Chairman
Stuart Ivimey, Clerk
Robert Sturdy
Mike Westcott
Board Members Absent: Peter J. Pratt,Vice Chairman
Recording Secretary Present: Jo-Ann M. Pilczak
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT: 7:00 P.M.
7:00 P.M. SPECIAL INTEREST TOPICS
Member Moore commented that Town Meeting went well, all Planning Board articles passed. Moore also reported
that a bylaw change could be proposed to appoint alternate to Planning Board to fill in for long term absence of a
Planning Board member but the alternate could only sit for special permits.
7:10 P.M. DAVE CALHOUN—INFORMAL DISCUSSION—2 SHELDON ROAD Calhoun explained that
the Planning Board had given their blessing to a modification of his home at 2 Sheldon Road but that the ZBA
denied his application suggesting that he push his proposed addition back 30'. Calhoun was able to modify his
plans and construct the addition 34' back from the property line. Now,ZBA concern is that under 5.2.6,he must
add an additional 20' to the setback so ZBA refused relief. Calhoun's position is that Sheldon Road is private
property, gated,posted as no-trespassing and has never been used by the public—therefore,he does not have to
follow 5.2.6 and only needs to setback 30',not 50'. Calhoun asks the Planning Board position. Board felt that
Sheldon Road does not even meet the standards of a common driveway and has never been dedicated for public
use. Calhoun asked Board to confirm that Sheldon Road is private property.
MOTION: by Member Sturdy that the Planning Board finding is that Sheldon Road is, at best, a common
driveway and does not meet the requirements of a public street or road and,only the rear setback would
apply on the lot line on the Sheldon Road right-of-way.
SECOND: Member Ivimey
VOTE: 4—0 MOTION CARRIES
7:35 P.M. HIGHLAND ESTATES UPDATE Anthony Nader, Sean McCarthy,John Modzelewski in
attendance. Curb cut width for PFD has been widened and resolved. Cul-de-sac radius is OK. Pipe leading from
subdivision across Beechwood St. is on layout provided by Neil Murphy and is OK. Underground utilities are still
an issue as they were not installed underground as per special permit. Nader explained that abutter Kenney will not
give him the easement requested by the utility company and that going underground at this point would be very
costly as they have already paved etc., are ready to install landscaping and, lines that are underground are in the
way. Member Sturdy feels that the standard that utilities are to be underground should be maintained and,that if
there were problems,Nader should have discussed with the Board prior to proceeding contrary to his special
permit. Member Ivimey and John Modzelewski agreed. Modzelewski said underground is doable. Sturdy is also not
happy with the fact that Nader connected the underground to poles on private property even if the Haddads did
grant an easement. Board decided to postpone decision until Nader can provide a professional review of the
situation and a report to the Board. Nader will inform Board when he is ready to be on an agenda.
8:00 P.M. COHASSET HARDWARE—TINA WATSON—INFORMAL DISCUSSION Owners T. Watson
and B. Watson in attendance. Plans are for 2 storefronts on first floor,2 large one-bedroom apts. and 1 studio on
Planning Board Meeting 2 of 2
April 4,2007
second floor and a 1 bedroom apt. on third floor. Footprint to remain the same. To be sprinklered. Handicapped
access off Elm St. 1 bedrooms to be about$1,500.00/month+utilities. Steve May noted that funds have been
approved to do work on Brook and Elm Sts. and that the Watsons might want to get their water work done at this
property at the same time. Planning Board liked the plans.
8:30 P.M. ADMINISTRATION
• VOTE TO ACCEPT MARCH 21,2007 MINUTES
MOTION: by Member Ivimey to accept the March 21,2007 minutes
SECOND: Member Westcott
VOTE: 4—0 MOTION CARRIES
• SELECTMEN VANDERWEIL SUGGESTION—SPRINKLERS IN ALL VILLAGE BUILDINGS
Chief Silvia, Captain Trask in attendance to participate in discussion,noting that the Depot Court fire
was a"wake up call"to the fact that with high winds, the Village area could be destroyed in one fire event.
Board wants to begin the process of preparing article for the fall Special Town Meeting now. Trask mentioned that
an article regarding sprinklers had been on a past Town Meeting Warrant, passed at Town Meeting and then
disapproved by the Attorney General. This disapproval raised questions as to whether Town Meeting is the correct
forum for the issue of sprinklers in the Village Business District. In addition, it was suggested by a village business
owner that the Town provide financial incentives for individuals to invest in the Village Business District via such
things as lower rates by the Water Department for the cost of hookups and connections for sprinker systems etc.
MOTION: by Member Sturdy to refer this to Town Counsel to draft an article for Fall STM
SECOND: Member Westcott
VOTE: 4—0 MOTION CARRIES
Board would like response from Town Counsel for first meeting in May. Planning Board administrator to send
request to Town Manager.
• SET MAY MEETING DATES—May 2 and May 16.
• NATHANIEL PALMER—GIS—Not addressed. Did not receive anything from N. Palmer.
MOTION: by Member Sturdy to adjourn
SECOND: Member Westcott
VOTE: 4—0 MOTION CARRIES
MEETING ADJOURNED AT: 8:45 P.M.
NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18,2007 AT 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES APPROVED: (as amended at April 18, 2007 meeting) STUART W.IVIMEY,CLERK
DATE: APRIL 18,2007