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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