Planning Board

************************************************************************************* TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD MINUTES Meeting held at 15 Summer Street ************************************************************************************* DATE: December 1, 2022 BOARD MEMBERS: Anthony Abreau, Chairman Michael Monteiro Bob Campbell John Reardon Manuel Spencer, Clerk Dennis I. Ackerman, Vice Chairman Brian Carr ADVISORS: Kevin Scanlon, City Planner Michael Patneaude, City Engineer __________________________________________________________________________ Roll Call: Ackerman, Campbell, Reardon, Spencer, Carr, and Monteiro present. Meeting opens at 5:30 PM Manny made motion to accept minutes of Nov. 3, 2022, seconded by Mike, All in favor. Public Hearing - A Special Permit/ Site Plan Review -Robert W. Boyden Rd. - parcel I.D. 18-43 - for the construction of a 7,500 sq. ft. building for an innovative custom repair & restoration company with 10 parking spaces and related site improvements. Roll Call: Carr, Spencer, Monteiro, Reardon, Campbell and Ackerman present. Hearing opens at 5:31 PM. Josh Borden, Arthur Borden & Assoc. on behalf of owner. Dept. comments were read into the record from DIRB, Eng., Commission for Individuals with Disabilities, Cons. Comm. And Water Dept. Josh states they went to Conservation and ZBA and received waiver of landscaping and setback variance. They are proposing to build a 7,500 sq. ft. building and will be outside buffer zones. He has no issue with the DIRB recommendations. The snow storage will be pushed on adjacent lot of which owner owns or if significant amount of snow it will be removed off site. Bob asks if the access is off the existing driveway of 34 Robert Boynton Rd. and if there is an easement? Bob pointed out the grading plan prohibits them from using it. Josh stated they will look into possibly having another access for 34 Robert Boynton Rd. Public Input: No one in favor or opposed. John made motion, seconded by Bob to grant the Special Permit/Site Plan Review with the following conditions: Condition #1) That the plans dated September 9, 2022 shall govern with the following additional conditions; Condition #2) Lighting shall not illuminate any portion of abutting properties Condition #3) The site shall be kept clean and clear of debris Condition #4) Two sets of as-builts shall be submitted upon occupancy for all work on site and shall include design engineer and land surveyor certification notes stating the development has been built according to the approved plans. Plans will show all construction of buildings, utilities, grades, setbacks etc Condition #5) Two sets of updated plans shall be provided that conforms to this decision prior to Building permit Condition #6) No parts storage or display outside Condition #7) No unregistered vehicles stored outside on site Condition #8) Any vehicles waiting to be worked on or picked up shall be stored in the rear of the building Condition #9) A hazardous materials permit is required Condition #10) Compliance with Conservation Commission Order of Conditions #3017 is required Condition #11) The high water table shall be established prior to building permit 1 Condition #12) Compliance with ZBA Case #3677 is required Condition #13) Easements for the access shall be recorded prior to building permit Condition #14) A landscaping plan conforming to ZBA Case 3677 and zoning ordinance section 440-702 is required prior to any building permits Notes Note 1) DPW permits are required including city licensed contractor, road opening and trench permits. Plans shall be submitted to DPW for water services, fire service line, gate valves and curb stops Note 2) DPW specifications shall apply including backflow devices, pressure testing, materials, installation, inspection and approval and prior notice is required before any city water work is to be performed and inspections are required prior to backfilling Vote: 6 In Favor Dennis I. Ackerman YES Robert Campbell YES Manuel Spencer YES John Reardon YES Michael Monteiro YES Brian Carr YES Anthony Abreau absent Cont’d. Public Meeting- A Roadway Improvement Plan – Maynard St., Hunter St. and Little Street – located off Williams St. – Improvements consisting of 26 foot pavement width for a length of 1,121 feet for future development of Map 80, parcels. 65, 66 and 67, submitted by Eastside Development LLC John DeSousa, NorthCounty Group, Marc Mason and Brian Corpin were invited into the enclosure. This was continued from last month. John submitted a plan showing number of lots as one option. Under the zoning they will be able to build triplexes, duplexes , go another route and increase lot size. John said the neighborhood consists of single and duplexes. Vice Chairman Ackerman stated he’s not comfortable with triplexes, he would rather see duplexes. He stated that would be too much traffic for the area. John stated these roads were part of an older subdivision but never built. Once the roadway improvements are made then they will a Form A plan creating the lots. John stated the Board is only approving the improvements not what is going on the lots. Bob clarified this Board’s job is to determine the proposed improvements are suitable for the intended use so we need to know how many units/lots will utilizing the road. As part of the approval the Board will determine the improvements are suitable for a certain number of units. Vice Chairman Ackerman pointed out that Bob is the former City Engineer and has years of experience and he relies on his expertise. Brian asked what other route was he referring to? John D. stated they could possibly do single family, duplexes, 12 units per acre or a 40B . John stated these roads were part of subdivision in the 1980’s but never built. He does not know what was approved but he knows they changed the name of the streets. Bob pointed out back then you would have had to have sewer in the URD in order to build or have a bigger house lot. Manny stated John D is being argumentative and John D stated he didn’t mean to come across like that but the Board can do what they want. It was asked how big the lots are? John D. stated the biggest lots are between 16,000 sq. ft. to 17,000 sq. ft. but the NEW requirement is 10,000 sq. ft. Manny stated this Board was not in agreement with reducing the lot size to 10,000 sq. ft. A few board members voiced their concern with triplexes. Marc asked if they could do half duplex half triple and a few board members were not in support of that. He asked if he reduced it to duplexes would it be 2 approved tonight? A few members were in favor of duplexes. Mike asked if they could turn the houses to face the street? John D. stated could look at that, the proposal tonight shows triplexes so a duplex would be a smaller footprint. Brian requests putting fencing around the detention basins. Mike asked who maintains the drainage and John answers the Homeowner’s Association will be responsible for the drainage & access to street. Bob stated last month he asked for the profile of Steve Drive ? John explained the drainage. Bob asked about the turning curves and he suggests changing the lot configuration. Bob suggests eliminating Little Street and emergency turnaround. Bob asked about the corner site distance? John D. stated they have 14 feet beyond the edge of travel area and 32 feet back from the center line. He stated it shows 211 feet from street on the revised plans. It was noted he did not submit the revised plans. Bob made some suggestions regarding moving catch basin back, include curb ramp and limit the amount curbing for each driveway so as not have the entire front yard paved for parking He suggests limited it to 24 feet total to preferable to sides of house if can. Also to have homeowner’s association docs filed with P.B. Public Input: Teresa Robbins, representing her parents Joseph & Maria Moitoso, 60 Steve Dr. They would like a privacy fence and wants to make sure no water flows onto their property. Vice Chairman Ackerman stated the City Engineer is the one who reviews drainage to make sure that doesn’t happen. Bob made motion to approve the Roadway Improvement Plan is suitable for 14 dwelling units (maximum 2 units per lot) with the following conditions: The Board voted (6 members in favor, 1 member absent) to approve the Roadway Improvement Plan with the following conditions: Condition #1) Move the proposed utility poles to back of sidewalks and away from intersections. Condition #2) The SMH details need to be changed to solid bases. Condition #3) Show the locations of all proposed curb ramps. Condition #4) The curb ramps will need to be constructed with vertical granite curbing instead of sloped edging for constructability. Condition #5) Add Professional Land Surveyor stamp to lotting page. Condition #6) Need test pits in the vicinity of the proposed detention basin areas to determine water table. Condition #7) Move the catch basins out of the curb radiuses. Condition #8) Maintenance access must be a minimum of 15 feet wide around detention basins. Condition #9) The applicant will be required to file a Notice of Intent with the Conservation Commission for the proposed detention basin capturing stormwater runoff from Maynard and Hunter Streets. Condition #10) City water is available for the proposed 8” DI pipe from the existing 12” city water main on Williams Street Condition #11) DPW permits are required including city licensed contractor, road opening and trench permits. Plans shall be submitted to DPW for water services, fire service line, gate valves and curb stops Condition #12) DPW specifications shall apply including backflow devices, pressure testing, materials, installation, inspection and approval and prior notice is required before any city water work is to be performed and inspections are required prior to backfilling Condition #13) Drainage shall be provided at back of the abutting Steve Drive properties so as to not block existing runoff patterns. Curbs or berms along Maynard Street shall be sufficient to contain water in roadway and direct it to drainage structures. Condition #14) Limit curb cut openings for driveways to no more a total 24 feet per lot, preferably two 12- foot openings spaced to provide green space for the full width of the house except garage entrances. . Condition #15) Enlarge turnarounds to accommodate for fire trucks and trash trucks Condition #16) Provide fencing around detention basins. 3 Condition #17) Provide ADA accessible curb ramp at the intersection of Maynard St .& Williams St. Condition #18) Show the existing drainage infrastructure coming from Steve Drive to this parcel on the plans. Condition #19) The Board encourages and endorses that all units face the street. Condition #20) Provide a copy of the Homeowners’ Association documents to the Planning Board. Homeowners’ Association shall be responsible for the maintenance of the detention basins. Condition #21) The developer is encouraged to not construct Little Street as it is not needed to provide frontage for the lots. Also the name” Little Street” is already in use. Condition #22) The Board finds the proposed roadway improvements are suitable for a maximum of 14 units, no more than 2 units per lot. Vote: 6 In Favor Dennis Ackerman YES Manuel Spencer YES John Reardon YES Michael Monteiro YES Robert Campbell YES Brian Carr YES Anthony Abreau absent Public Meeting - Site Plan Review - Joseph I. Quinn Rd., Parcel I.D. 9-2 -0 to allow a 1,344 sq. ft. free-standing illuminated sign on a vacant lot with 2 gravel parking spaces and a request for a 50% waiver of landscaping buffers for front, side and rear, submitted by J & J Outdoor Media., owned by Reva Realty Norton, LLC Atty. Brianna Correira, Eric Dias, P.E.,StrongPoint Eng. and Jenish Patel, J & J Outdoor Media were invited into the enclosure. They are here tonight for a free-standing message board (billboard) on a vacant lot. They went to ZBA and received zoning approval and conservation commission approval. The lot is 15,321 sq. ft. and it abuts Rte. 495 and the closed residence is in Norton across Rte.495. The intention is to attract businesses to advertise on this. They will partner with the State Police to post Amber alerts. There won’t be any traffic associated with this use. They provided a few parking spaces for vehicles if the need to go there for maintenance. They have no issues with the DIRB conditions. Brian asked if there are any standards for advertising? Atty. Correira stated she’s not aware of any on the local level. Brian wants any advertising to be morally correct. Brian thinks it’s a good draw. Mike stated it’s a great location and he asked who manages the emergency report? Mr. Patel answers the police has access to it so they can post Amber alerts asap. Bob asked if they had State permit yet and Mr. Patel answers no, that’s next. That is the next step after this approval. Public Input: No one in favor or opposed. John made motion, seconded by Bob to grant the SPR with the waiver of the landscaping as shown on plans, with dept. comments & conditions: Condition #1) That the plans dated October 28, 2022 and revised through November 3, 2022 shall govern with the following additional conditions; Condition #2) Lighting shall not illuminate any portion of abutting properties Condition #3) The site shall be kept clean and clear of debris Condition #4) Two sets of as-builts shall be submitted upon occupancy for all work on site and shall include design engineer and land surveyor certification notes stating the development has been built according to the approved plans. Plans will show all construction of buildings, utilities, grades, setbacks etc 4 Condition #5) Two sets of updated plans shall be provided that conforms to this decision prior to Building permit Condition #6) Compliance with the Conservation Commission Order of Conditions #3023 Condition #7) 50% Waiver of landscaping for front, side and rear is granted as presented. Vote: 6 In Favor Dennis I. Ackerman YES Robert Campbell YES Manuel Spencer YES John Reardon YES Brian Carr YES Michael Monteiro YES Anthony Abreau absent Public Meeting - Site Plan Review - 5 Hill St. & a portion of parcel I.D. 66-551 – for a Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning business to add 16 parking spaces, dumpster area, 1,500 sq. ft. outdoor storage area, submitted by James Dorsey, Jim Dorsey & Son Inc. Jim Dorsey was invited into the enclosure. Jim stated he filed a Form A plan which showed the purchase of a piece of the adjacent property from Dr. Areias of which has been used for parking for years. There is existing parking in front and they will have some storage in back. They will put stone down for the 1,500 sq. ft. of outdoor storage area. He stated the TMLP’s parking lot is adjacent and the former owner Jack Kostka is the other neighbor on other side and he watches the property. They will be putting 6 foot fence up, lighting and cameras. They will have dumper gated. The snow will go next to dumpster. Dept. comments were read into the record from DIRB, Eng, Cons. Comm. on Individuals with Disabilities, Cons. Comm., and Water Dept. Public Input: no one in favor or opposed. Bob made motion, seconded by John, to approve the SPR with the dept. comments and conditions: Condition #1) That the plans dated November 2, 2022 and revised through November 7, 2022 shall govern with the following additional conditions; Condition #2) Lighting shall not illuminate any portion of abutting properties Condition #3) The site shall be kept clean and clear of debris Condition #4) Two sets of as-builts shall be submitted upon occupancy for all work on site and shall include design engineer and land surveyor certification notes stating the development has been built according to the approved plans. Plans will show all construction of buildings, utilities, grades, setbacks etc Condition #5) Two sets of updated plans shall be provided that conforms to this decision prior to Building permit Condition #6) A hazardous materials permit is required from the Board of Health Condition #7) Oil water separators an floor drains are required and shall be shown on the plan Condition #8) The fence shall be shown on the subject property Condition #9) Outside storage shall be in the defined storage area only Condition #10) Show the doors in front of the building on the plan Condition #11) Shift the parking in front of the building to provide a conforming ADA van accessible space Notes: Note 1) DPW Permits are required including City licensed contractor, road opening, and or trench Vote: 6 In Favor 5 Dennis I. Ackerman YES Robert Campbell YES Manuel Spencer YES John Reardon YES Michael Monteiro YES Brian Carr YES Anthony Abreau absent Public Meeting - Site Plan Review- 397 Winthrop St - to modify existing approval by adding vehicle transportation service with 28 spaces (4,032 sq. ft.) of outdoor storage vehicle/equipment storage , a reduction to 66 vehicle display spaces, 8 customer parking space for an auto sales use. Submitted by Astor Transportation LLC, owned by 397 Winthrop St., LLC Atty. Brianna Correira, Jeff Tallman, Northeast Eng. and Marcy Shannon were invited into the enclosure. Atty. Correira stated they filed a SPR with this Board and also a Special Permit with the Council for a truck terminal as defined by the City Planner. Vice Chairman Ackerman stated this is a new owner and anything previously done was by former owner. He stated there were various issues with the former owner. This petitioner is from Revere and they want to be able to have a car carrier business in back and allow some auto sales in front. Their business is used by people (snowbirds) who want their vehicle transported to Florida during the winter months. They like this location because it’s on Rte. 44 and there are similar uses. In 2018 the previous owner had a Site Plan Review for 104 vehicles and they would like only 66. They met with DIRB and been in touch with Hyde Paving to have a contract for annual agitation of the parking area. The only issue they have with the DIRB is they suggested closing off the 2nd entrance and they would like to keep both entrances. The DIRB thought Mass Highway did not permit that entrance but Jeff stated they did. They are also asking for a 50% reduction of landscaping. They will be planting arborvitaes in back and the condo development back there will also have their own landscaping. Jeff states the second entrance is physically there. Manny asked if they would be closing off the 2nd entrance and Atty. Correira stated that is what the DIRB suggested but they would prefer to have both He would prefer to have 2 openings. Brian asked if the transportation company would be selling vehicles and Atty. Cosa answers no they would lease that part out. Jeff stated the trucks would come in the easterly entrance and exit from the westerly exit. They do want to know if the camper on site can remain. It’s their owner personal camper, no one lives in it. Atty. Correira states she has heard the previous owners has some issues but her client will be a good neighbor. Mike asked if they would be doing any maintenance or repairs and it was answered no. Bob asked if there is a bathroom in the building and Jeff answers yes. Bob asked when was it connected to city sewer? Jeff wasn’t sure. Bob pointed out that their landscaping is on an adjacent parcel.? Jeff explained how a strip of land was conveyed to owner in back so sewer can run back through instead of ripping up North Walker Street. It was stated the space was initial gravel and they had to be ADA compliant. So they provided a little paving for a walkway and parking area. Bob remembers it always being gravel so there was no need for drainage. It’s a large site without any water quality and drainage. Bob stated he doesn’t like the idea of agitated the lot and he would keep it as is but he’s in favor of water quality. Jeff stated they have the ability to put in a swale. Dept. comments were read into the record from DIRB, Conservation Commission, City Eng., BO.H., Commission for Individual with Disabilities. Public Input; no one in favor or opposed. Atty. Correira asked the Board to keep the meeting open and continue to next month. . Manny made motion to continue to Jan. 5, 2023, seconded by John. All in favor. 6 Public Meeting - Site Plan Review - 122 Winter St & Prop. I.D 48-49, 48-50 56-2 - for the construction of a 4-story mixed use building with 36 residential units and one 600 sq. ft. commercial/office space , submitted by JLJ, LLC Bob Campbell excused. John DeSousa, NorthCounty Group, 4 Court St., was invited into the enclosure. He stated they are proposing 36 apartments with parking garage with elector and handicapped access. There will be a fire land across the front with 2 curb cuts. They have gone through Conservation Commission and ZBA twice the most recent for having 4 stories instead of 3 allowed. There will be a mix of 1, 2 & 3 bedrooms units on the second & 3rd floors. The attic floor will have a few units too. The backside of the building will be enclosed with a gym, gaming room and function/community room. They will have an open roof top area. The laundry will be on the 3rd floor. The site currently has sewer and they will bring it across the entire property and leave a manhole with 2 water lines. They will have a fire hydrant and building will have sprinkler system per building code. There will be underground utilities and the drainage system will have 2 storage units and outlets to control the drainage next to structures. The Conservation Commission agrees there is an intermittent stream and not in the River’s Act. Manny was impressed with all the amenities included. Vice Chairman Ackerman stated Bob Campbell excused himself because the MBTA is a former owner and there could be some possible mitigation. John stated the cars will be in basement garage area (34 spaces) and he asked if they were planning on putting any charging stations? John D. stated they have not looked at that yet. Manny asked about the ownership of the railroad property ? John D. answers if the MBTA is interested in the property they would work it out with the current owner. They state gave them first right of refusal and they signed off and now they want it back. So if they do they will have to negotiate with the current owner. Mike asked since there is extra parking to the rear are they planning on putting in nay interior walkway? John stated they could do that. Brian asked about the MBTA giving up property? The MBTA took it by eminent domain and MBTA sold it in the early 1980s’ and they in the early 2000’s gave it up and now they want it back? Brian asked if there was any plans for outside recreation area. John stated there is plenty of room on the 5 acres but they didn’t include ne. It was noted there is a ballfield right up the road. Public Input: No one in favor or opposed John made motion, seconded by Mike, to approve the SPR with the dept. comments and conditions: Condition #1) That the plans dated March 14, 2022 and revised through August 23, 2022 shall govern with the following additional conditions; Condition #2) Lighting shall not illuminate any portion of abutting properties Condition #3) The site shall be kept clean and clear of debris Condition #4) Two sets of as-builts shall be submitted upon occupancy for all work on site and shall include design engineer and land surveyor certification notes stating the development has been built according to the approved plans. Plans will show all construction of buildings, utilities, grades, setbacks etc Condition #5) Two sets of updated plans shall be provided that conforms to this decision prior to Building permit Condition #6) Compliance with Conservation Commission Order of Conditions #2983 Condition #7) A sewer extension permit is required for a sewer service in the city layout Condition #8) Add an interior walkway from rear parking area to the building. Notes Note 1) DPW permits are required including city licensed contractor, road opening and trench permits. Plans shall be submitted to DPW for water services, fire service line, gate valves and curb stops Note 2) DPW specifications shall apply including backflow devices, pressure testing, materials, installation, inspection and approval and prior notice is required before any city water work is to be performed and inspections are required prior to backfilling 7 Vote: 5 In Favor Dennis I. Ackerman YES Manuel Spencer YES John Reardon YES Michael Monteiro YES Brian Carr YES Anthony Abreau absent Robert Campbell excused 2022-2029 Open Space & Recreation Plan - Review and acknowledgement The planning Board has reviewed and accepted the open space recreation plan. FYI: Notice from Tetra Tech – Phase I Initial Site Investigation Report & Tier classification - 580 Myricks St. – RTN-4-29027 – Auto Auctions. Inc. Placed on file Meeting adjourned at 7:26 PM 8