HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - PB - 01/01/2007 (22) Planning Board Meeting 1 of 3
July 11,2007
COHASSET PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
DATE: WEDNESDAY,JULY 11,2007
TIME: 7:00 PM
PLACE: COHASSET TOWN HALL— SELECTMEN'S OFFICE
41 HIGHLAND AVENUE, COHASSET,MA 02025
Board Members Present: Alfred Moore, Chairman
William Good,Vice Chair
Stuart Ivimey, Clerk
Robert Sturdy
Board Members Absent: Mike Westcott
Recording Secretary Present: Stuart Ivimey, Clerk
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT: 7:10 P.M.
7:10 P.M. 230 SOHIER STREET (FORMER COOK ESTATE)RESIDENTIAL CLUSTER
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT APPLICATION CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING, APPL: ABBOTT
DEVELOPMENT, date stamped: March 7,2007. In attendance to represent application-Attorney Richard
Henderson;Abbott Development: Robert Durant,Lee Bloom; Coler&Colantonio: Dale Harris, Steve Campbell;
Stantec/Geller DeVellis: Joe Geller,Deb Michener.
Steve Campbell: Distributed new Lotting Plan. Met with John Modzelewski several times to implement all his
comments. Internal Traffic circulation issues: met with fire dept. to make sure that turning radius(35' roundings
on both sides to also accommodate large 45' tractor trailer trucks)works at entrance and exit of the site for trucks
without having to turn into other lane on Sohier St.—turning radius works—margin of safety has been built in.
John Modzelewski is not convinced the model program is presenting realistic scenarios and suggests actually
testing it when base coat is in and if it doesn't work, increase it more. Member Sturdy would like to see a
significant margin to accommodate larger trucks from other towns and future sized trucks—asks John Modzelewski
to contact suppliers and ask their opinion as to required turning radius. Drainage Questions: Have designed to
Stormwater Management Policy and are treating to water quality volume. All storm water coming off impervious
surfaces will be treated with storm septor type system which will remove the TSS. Although not in any buffer
zones,Abbott did present to ConComm and told ConComm that applicant will set up fund to pay Paul Shea to
inspect erosion control prior to construction,periodically inspect the site during construction and, inspect after
construction to verify that all storm water features are where Abbott indicated they would be and that the site is
cleaned prior to Abbott's departure. Administrative review was done and approved by ConComm so as far as
Abbott is concerned, ConComm issue has been addressed. Infiltration: took infiltration out of all calculations—
because it was so small, it did not have impact. Submitted summary sheet to J. Modzelewski showing if infiltration
capacity was zero,it still works. Standard practice in town is to look at 6.8"of rain—Abbott has looked at it in
terms of up to 8.5"of rain. Have also assumed all driveways are impervious in the calculations for the design of
the storm water infiltration system. Test pits and groundwater: Originally included plan showing all test pits on
site. All basins are above high groundwater at the final grade. Amended basin near abutter's parking lot—added
detention basin to capture water and reroute it—very minimal water going into wetland.No impact on Jacob's
Meadow. Will submit construction detail design to Board for endorsement. Also willing to make Homeowners'
Assoc.responsible for any erosion that might occur although they do not anticipate any erosion. Other final, minor
details: could be dealt with in a final set of construction plans submitted for endorsement which J. Modzelewski
can have final say over prior to endorsement. Modzelewski wants pipe sizing—Campbell indicates that info is
coming. Modzelewski reviewed his list of comments -is generally satisfied at this stage. Letters from Merrill
Assoc. and Carr Research Lab were just received today—Modzelewski not prepared to address at this meeting.
As result of requests by public,plans have been modified to include a fifth, one-story, smaller(2000 SF) design
house which will fit on the foundations of existing plans.
Planning Board Meeting 2 of 3
July 11,2007
Open to public comment: Ava Heggie,206 Sohier St.—concerned about low lighting from back of homes
impacting her home, length of construction,landscaping to shield. Projection is 2 years of construction.
Jack O'Leary,Merrill Assoc.—again questioned how lots across Sohier St. can be included in calculations.
Attorney Henderson referred Mr. O'Leary to past cases presented in past meetings.
Wenjun Cas, Carr Research- shares concerns of Mr. O'Leary; feels the design of basin A and basin B are
ineffective; also expressed concerns about capacity of swales,treatment of flows offsite and erosion control—much
has already been addressed by Coler& Colantonio earlier in meeting. John Modzelewski to review some points.
Public hearing continued to August 1,2007.
8:30 P.M. BEECHWOOD ST.PARCEL FORM A& COMMON DRIVEWAY APPLICATION,
APPLICANT: COHASSET LAND FOUNDATION, date stamped: 06/06/07. Form A already approved.
Common driveway to be addressed tonight.
• Responded to John Modzelewski's comments and has been signed off.
• Fire truck clearances—met with Capt. Trask. Turning template demonstrates that there is adequate turning
radius going into driveway and into cul-de-sac. Trask did ask that entrances into individual homes be
realigned to provide easier access for fire trucks—done for two driveways—could not be done for third so
the curb radius was increased to 10' to give truck more turning area. Applicant to contact Capt. Trask and
ask him to put his approval and sign-off in writing.
• Water pipes -Glenn Pratt,Water Commissioner explained that 8"mains cannot be used because the water
won't turn over enough with just three houses—4"is required for hydrants. Hydrants on Norman Todd and
Beechwood St. would be used to respond to fires. Fire Dept. indicates there is adequate flow.
James Donovan, Ross Engineering, brought new mylars reflecting the changes on sheet 1,4, and 5.
Member Ivimey reviewed the submitted Homeowners' Association and compare to others approved in the past—he
indicated that what they have proposed in the Homeowners' is fine.
MOTION: by Member Sturdy to approve the plans as submitted
SECOND: Member Ivimey
VOTE: 4—0 MOTION CARRIES
Applicant will provide new copies of signed mylars with new pages.
9:00 P.M. ANGUS JENNINGS, CONCORD SOUARE DEVEL.,VILLAGE PROJECT UPDATE
EDC submitted application for supplemental grant funding through the priority development fund—approval was
finalized, so resources are now available to partner with Carr,Lynch and Sandell—agreement has been worked out.
Still on track to make recommendations at fall town meeting.New marketing consultant is on board now—Frank
Mahaetti. Time line for deliverables pushed out toward mid/late August to accommodate new members of team.
Scope broken into phase I and phase II. Phase I is substantially complete at this point. Team believes they have
accurate numbers now as to number of parking spaces,housing units (29+ 15 temporary), infrastructure etc.
Handed out maps locating housing etc. (date stamped 07/11/07). All team members will review draft bylaws to
make sure everything matches what they see as the potential. June 19 meeting was well attended by about 30
people including business and property owners. Some discussion about whether some of the figures gathered made
sense—some will be further studied.
Member Sturdy noted that business at dry cleaners,bank,hardware,bakery etc.will not use town parking lot and
walk over with laundry etc.—town parking lot should be for employees.
July 19— meeting with Housing Partnership to discuss affordable housing issues.
July 25 - will attend Planning Board meeting
August 1 -will attend Planning Board meeting
August 18 -Village Design Workshop
August 20—zoning bylaw draft
August 29- will attend Planning Board meeting
Planning Board recommends that a draft is sent Town Counsel for review as soon one is available.
Member Sturdy would like Planning Board to oversee whatever permitting will be required so applicants are not
bounced between boards.
Mike Milanoski, 171 So. Main St.—more property owners than anticipated indicated they were looking to do
something different with their property—redevelop their property. Timing of this project seems good and public
Planning Board Meeting 3 of 3
July 11,2007
outreach is important. Parking issues tend to be a perceived issue—there is actually ample parking for this village
for the square footage available. Issue might be how to manage it better.
9:30 P.M. DAVID CALHOUN—DISCUSSION ABOUT ZBA HEARING RE: 2 SHELDON ROAD
David Calhoun: what is set back of an accessory building if it is not in the backyard? Member Sturdy says it must
meet requirements of any building and be 30' on the front. ZBA said that respectfully they reserve the right to
make their own determination as to what is a street or way. Att. Sullivan noted that under Section 81I, it is the
Planning Board that will make the decision. Will Board file a report in accordance with 811 as to the status of
Sheldon Road that it does not meet the town standards of or definition of a street? Member Moore reluctant to do
as there are many roads that meet the same situation and without a broad study,this might be sensitive to do.
9:55 P.M. ADMINISTRATION
• VOTE TO ACCEPT JUNE 20,2007 MINUTES AND EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
MOTION: by Member Ivimey to accept June 20,2007 minutes
SECOND: Member Good
VOTE: 4—0 MOTION CARRIES
MOTION: by Member Ivimey to accept June 20,2007 Executive Session minutes
SECOND: Member Good
VOTE: 4—0 MOTION CARRIES
MOTION: by Member Ivimey to adjourn
SECOND: Member Sturdy
VOTE: 4—0 MOTION CARRIES
MEETING ADJOURNED AT: 10:00 P.M.
NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2007 AT 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES APPROVED: STUART IVIMEY, CLERK
DATE: JULY 25,2007