Planning Board

************************************************************************************* TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD MINUTES Meeting held at 15 Summer Street, City Hall, in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers ************************************************************************************* DATE: September 6, 2024 BOARD MEMBERS: Anthony Abreau, Chairman Brian Carr John Reardon, Clerk Dennis I. Ackerman, Vice Chairman Kelly Dooner George Moniz William A. Fitzgerald, Jr. ADVISORS: Kevin Scanlon, City Planner Michael Patneaude, City Engineer _______________________________________________________________________________________ Roll Call: Reardon, Dooner, Ackerman, Abreau, Moniz, Carr and Fitzgerald. City Engineer Mike Patneaude also present. Meeting opens at 5:30 PM Kelly made motion to approve 8-1-24 minutes, seconded by Bill, All in favor. NEW BUSINESS Cont’d. Public Hearing – Special Permit/Site Plan Review - Richmond St, parcel I.D. 71-44 -from Section 440 Attachment #2 of the Zoning Ordinance for the construction of 34,380 sq. ft. gravel storage area with a 16 foot wide access drive, submitted by Jason Branco Eric Dias, P.E. Strong Point Eng. and Jason Branco was invited into the enclosure. Eric said last month the discussion was mostly on the driveway access. They provided updated plans & explanation on changes. The proposed entrance to the site has been widened and shifted as far northward as feasible to accommodate the turning radius required by tractor trailer delivery product to the sit and increase the queuing length to Rte. 44. Trailer tractor sized flat beds may delivery product to the site approx. once per month and even then only seasonally. There will be no change to Vernon Street. They will put signage directing traffic back to Rte. 44. This type of business is low traffic volume with once a month deliveries. Eric mentions other uses that could go in here by right under the zoning ordinance like recycling facility, light industrial, restaurants. Those uses will be a much higher demand type of business. The landscaping is a class 5 and they will be asking for a 50% reduction of which the coordination meeting (former DIRB) didn’t have an issue with./ The proposed 20 foot wide natural vegetated screen of mature trees, and they are proposing to install a 6 foot tall stockade fence around the perimeter of the primary storage area,. The site is abutted by industrial uses to the north and east, the prior owner to the west, and a 2 family residence to the north. The Board can gran the reduction of the landscaping to 50%. Eric thinks they meet the intent of the ordinance. George asked what is the width of the driveway ? Eric answers 24 feet wide to 16 wide of which he ran it on the truck turn template. George thinks it needs to be a lot wider. Eric stated the radius is 50 feet wide on that side. George asked if there will be fencing around the entire property and Eric answers fencing will be on 3 sides, not along the stormwater portion. Brian asked what type of business is this and it was answered storage for pre-fab fiberglass swimming pools (bowls). Brian asked if the applicant bought the property next door? No 661 Richmond Street is owned by Mr. Richmond. Mr. Branco stated the goal now is for storage only and Mr. Richmond owns the house next door. Bill stated they showed the reason they are asking for the 50% landscaping buffer and he’s ok with the request. Brian made motion to open Public Input, seconded by George. All in favor. No one in favor or opposed. 1 Brian made motion to close public input, seconded by George. All in favor. Kelly suggests taking separate votes on SPR & SP. Dennis made motion, seconded by Kelly, to approve Site Plan Review with the following conditions: Condition #1) That the plans dated June 21, 2024 and revised on August 29, 2024 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 completion of work on site 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 commencement of work on site Condition #6) Dumpsters shall be kept closed at all times, be located on a concrete pad, be emptied regularly and be enclosed in a fenced area with a 6ft stockade fence or equivalent and shall be shown on the plan Condition #7) Demonstrate compliance with landscaping requirements Condition #8) Show 3 parking spaces on the plan Condition #9) Add a gravel swale on the north east and west side of the gravel area channeling water south side Condition #10) A conforming Landscape buffer plan shall be submitted that conforms to 440-702 class 5 with a 50% waiver as requested for width as shown on plans. Vote: 6 In favor Anthony Abreau YES Dennis I. Ackerman, V.C YES John Reardon YES George Moniz YES William A. Fitzgerald, Jr. YES Brian Carr YES Kelly Dooner NO Dennis made motion to approve the Special Permit from Section 440 Attachment #2 of the Zoning Ordinance, seconded by Kelly. Vote: 7 In favor Anthony Abreau YES Dennis I. Ackerman, V.C YES John Reardon YES George Moniz YES William A. Fitzgerald, Jr. YES Brian Carr YES Kelly Dooner YES Hearing closed at 5:46 PM 2 Public Hearing - Proposed Zoning Change - Lot 29-14 Prince Henry Drive to re-zone from Open Space to Industrial District. This parcel was recently declared surplus by vote of the Municipal Council. Need to forward recommendation to Municipal Council – Letter from Council to withdraw - petition withdrawn Public Hearing - 521 Tremont St - A Special Permit from Section 440 Attachment #1 of the Zoning Ordinance for the Renewal of an Accessory Dwelling Unit. Roll Call: Dooner, Ackerman, Reardon, Abreau, Moniz, Carr and Fitzgerald. Hearing opens at 5:45 PM Dept. comments from B.O. H., Water Dept., City Planner, Conservation Commission, and City Engineer were read into the record. Brian & Lauren Haen and Patricia Smith were invited in the enclosure. They stated nothing has changed. Mrs. Haen asked why do we need to renew it? It was explained that under the current zoning you must renew every 5 years. Dennis stated there was a new State law recently passed that will be effective Feb. 2025 and then you won’t need to renew it. Kelly made motion to open public input, seconded by Bill, All in favor. No one in favor or opposed. Kelly made motion to close public input, seconded by Bill. Kelly made motion to grant Special Permit, seconded by John. Vote: 7 In Favor Anthony Abreau YES Dennis Ackerman YES John Reardon YES George Moniz YES William A. Fitzgerald, Jr. YES Kelly Dooner YES Brian Carr YES Hearing closed at 5:53 PM Documents used as part of meeting were comments from Bd. Of Health, Engineer, Water Dept., Conservation Commission, and City Planner. Cont’d Public Hearing - 60R Court St. - Special Permit/Site Plan Review from Section 440 Attachment #1 of the Zoning Ordinance for a mixed use building having 7 residential units and one commercial unit (545 sq. ft.) in the Central Business District . Hearing opens at 5:53 PM - Roll Call: Dooner, Ackerman, Reardon, Abreau, Moniz, Carr and Fitzgerald. Chris Coute, 108 Field St. was invited the enclosure. Dept. comments were read from Coordination meeting, City Engineer, Conservation Commission, Fire Dept., Water Dept. and Commission for Individuals with Disabilities were read into the record. Letters from abutter Raymond Sidor, Law Dept. and Chris Coute were also read into the record. Dennis responded to Chris’s letter relative to his position on possible conflict of interest. Dennis stated he was part owner of Victory Realty with Wayne Berube and they reported and paid taxes on commission from sales of Pinehurst St. and Run Brook Circle project. He was surprised Chris would acknowledge he runs a betting ring, Dennis admits he contributed but Chris ran it. Dennis states Chris and several city officials are trying to embarrass him. He can vote on the case impartially and that is what he was elected to do. Bill states it’s not this Board’s job to determine if a conflict of interest exists. 3 Chairman Abreau asks Chris to move forward with the presentation. Chris says he’s proposing to put 7 residential units and 1 commercial space in his property at 60 Court St. He will be have 22 parking spaces which is more than enough. He has owned this space for 9 years and has had his offices there and it was previously the home of Hayward Boynton & Williams Eng. He is proposing three 1BR units on 2nd floor, 2 studio apartments on 3rd floor and 2 units with 1 BR & 2BR and commercial space on first floor (545 s. f.) The building will be sprinkled. Chris says his track record includes taking old dilapidated properties and revitalizing them. Projects include 9 Washington St., 5 Cohannet St., 7 Cedar St., 377 Bay Street and various subdivisions and 2 restaurants. He stated the City has low demand for office space. Boston has an incentive program for doing residential downtown and thinks Taunton should look into that. He showed slide slow listings of over 800,000 sq. ft. of office space for rent. There are 42 listing of office space for rent throughout Taunton & Raynham. There is very little demand for office & retail space. The old Taunton Catholic Middle & property in back of the Old Colony Historical Museum is all housing. He stated rents are high because the demand is high. Bill asked if there would be any changes to the building? Chris answers no just put grass where sign is and add few picnic tables. He will need to bring in new fire line for sprinklers. Brian states he’s not a huge proponent of housing and for the past 9 years on the Board has always been worried about overcrowding the schools. He’s a proponent of downtown development with commercial on the first floor. He has seen in the past year people doing renovations to the downtown buildings. His big concern is the overcrowding of schools. Brian asked about North Walker Street project. Chris says he has 4 commercial units and sold one to an attorney and has 3 vacancies. There is no demand. George says the traffic is horrendous in this area and the city cannot sustain the increase housing. He says there are a lot of people who hang around this part of the city. George asked the square footage on first floor and Chris answers 3,000 sq. ft. and it has 2 stairways. Dennis stated he has supported many projects by Chris, some modified, some good, some he’s embarrassed to say he approved. Dennis read Article 5 of the City of Taunton Zoning Ordinance relative to Central Business District. We have specifically done what the ordinance relates to. Dennis states the owner of Bobby’s Place was forced to put commercial on first floor and residential on upper floors. Dennis states we have had some successful projects that has commercial on first floor and residential on upper floors. He said the Old American Legion on Cedar Street is all residential and shame on us for not requiring commercial on first floor. Dennis points out his proposal is in the Central Business District and it’s very important to him to keep with the character of the downtown. He has no problem with commercial on first floor and residential on upper floors. Dennis stated if anyone thinks the zoning should be changed then go to Council to get it changed. He says we only have one downtown and he wants to protect it. Kelly states her generation is struggling to obtain homeownership. The prices are too high. Chris says just because it’s the way it’s always been done doesn’t mean it makes sense now. There are many vacancies to prove that. Chris says he’s going to spend 1.2 million to outfit the building and the city will benefit from the taxes. George says Bobby’s Place was forced to put commercial on first floor. Chris stated he was the biggest advocate of residential on first floor on that project. He reached out to John DeSousa who was working on the plans for that site. He invited John DeSousa to come up. John DeSousa confirmed Chris was an advocate for housing on first floor but it didn’t have the council votes. Dennis says there is a process for zoning change and he suggests they do it. However; now he will follow the master plan and the zoning ordinance. There are some exemptions. Brockton his booming with commercial on first floor and residential on upper floors and he hopes Taunton will be too. He said the City is selling everything tapping on their free cash. He reiterates he’s a strong believe with commercial on first floor and residential on upper levels. Dennis says Chris is innovative guy and has good luck with restaurants and suggests putting a restaurant on first floor. Chris says there is mechanism for putting residential in CBD and it’s a special permit before this board. His property may be in the CBD but he’s the last property in that district. He’s as far away from the Green and down as you can be. He agrees is makes sense if his building right downtown but it’s not. He says 10 out of the 15 closest properties is all multifamily and he forget to include the former 4 medical building right next door is vacant. Kelly asked if the first floor would be ADA accessible and Chris answers yes. She is in favor of provide accessible units. Brian says this is a tough one and he thinks anyone watching will want to add residential. He wants to protect the development of the downtown. Brian says the commercial industrial pays the bills for the city through taxes. He states the amount of housing going in through the City has his worried. Chris says 7 Cedar Street has 8 units and it’s a huge success. Brian says Court Street is a very busy street with the court house and Boy’s Club. Chris says if the Board prefers vacancies over housing then they can vote as such. Chris says there is an influx of people looking for housing. Brian asked who pays the bills for all the children in these homes, and police and fire services? Chris says the tax rate. Brian is concerned about the housing boom. George says the downtown is loaded with commercial uses. Bill wrote the ordinance for the CBD and the intent was written around 6 Weir St. It will no set a precedent if granted. The intent was not to never have housing on the first floor of downtown properties. The board can issues a special permit and he thinks this fits the intent of the ordinance. Kelly made motion to open public input, seconded by Brian. All in favor. Marlice Leitao, 30 Steve Drive says there is a need for housing. She works for a housing authority and she is concerned with the increase in development and the impact it will have on schools. She says the amount of children in a classroom is ridiculous and says Chris is in it for himself and asks him if he’s going to build a school for all these children? Kelly made motion to close public input seconded by Brian. Kelly says the City purchased the old Coyle Cassidy building for potential new school. Kelly stated the City’s EOCD Director Jay Pateakos has been working diligently to get businesses to come to Taunton. George asks what are the rents? Chris answers 1 BR $1,250 – $1,450, 2 BR – $1,800 and studios $1,100. Bill stated he talked with Jay and he had no problem with the proposal. Dennis made motion to approve commercial on first floor, residential use on 2nd& 3rd floors, seconded by Brian. At this time Bill says what is being proposed is the full intent of the ordinance. He was the one who wrote the ordinance under the TRA. He thinks it’s a case by case basis and it’s not setting a precedent. Chairman Abreau states it’s a discretional special permit and it’s on a case by case basis. Vote: Ackerman, Reardon, Moniz, Brian….Yes Dooner, Abreau, Fitzgerald…………..No Motion does not pass. Kelly made motion to approve as presented, seconded by Bill. Vote: Dooner, Abreau, Fitzgerald……. Yes Ackerman, Reardon, Moniz, Carr….No Motion does not pass. Dennis stated he wouldn’t want Chris to not get anything so he presses his original motion. Kelly says she would rather have it granted as presented but doesn’t want him to walk away with nothing so she will support it. Dennis made motion to approve with commercial on first floor, residential use on 2nd & 3rd floors with dept. comments, seconded by George with dept. comments: Condition #1) That the plans dated May 14, 2024 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 5 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) Dumpsters shall be kept closed at all times, be located on a concrete pad, be emptied regularly and be enclosed in a fenced area with a 6ft stockade fence or equivalent Condition 7) Show an ADA compliant parking space on the plans Condition #8) Show doors on the plans Condition #9) A striped fire lane access adjacent to space #1 will be required for fire department connection. Condition #10) Handicapped parking provided per ADA/ADA codes (signage, location) Condition #11) Signage for accessible parking spaces (international Symbol of Accessibility) per 521 CMR 41.00 Condition #12) Commercial use on first floor ONLY, residential use on 2nd & 3rd floors. Vote: 7 In Favor Anthony Abreau YES Dennis Ackerman YES John Reardon YES George Moniz YES William A. Fitzgerald, Jr. YES Kelly Dooner YES Brian Carr YES Hearing closed at 7:15 PM Documents used as part of meeting were comments from Coordination meeting, City Engineer, Conservation Commission, Fire Dept., Water Dept. and Commission for Individuals with Disabilities, Letters from abutter Raymond Sidor, Law Dept. and Chris Coute. Cont’d. Public Meeting Roadway Improvement Plan Modification - Maynard, Hunter, Little Street - The proposed modifications are: Prepare a revised profile of Maynard & Hunter Street, Provide a baseline & structure number on plans, Adjusting the revised design to provide a 5 foot sidewalk throughout the entity of the site, Ensuring that all utility structures meet the 4 foot clearance requirements, Providing the appropriate details that reflect the installation of a constructed wetlands system as approved by the City. Relocating structures DCB-3 and DCB -4 so they are no longer recessed within the sidewalks/curbing Brian Dunn, President of MBL Land Dev. & Permitting, Dashaya Toney, MBL Land Dev & Permitting, and owner Marc Mason were invited into the enclosure. Brian said the majority of the questions from last month was the discussion on fencing. They are proposing a 4 foot high chain link fence with privacy slats. They made all the minor changes and think the fencing on top of retaining wall will be sufficient. Chairman Abreau stated that’s not going to work he suggests a 5 foot high fence. Dennis stated this project was approved and there were changes and the original approval had a lot of conditions. Brian explains what happen to warrant these modification. He stated the previous engineer submitted plans but didn’t do their due diligence to make sure it actually worked. He met with the outside consultant from Field Eng. and went 6 over all the conditions and realized the sidewalk on top of the retaining wall could not be built. Dennis stated they did a great job in explaining but he understands the abutters concerns with privacy. They do not want people driving and looking over into their property. Dennis states he doesn’t want anything to happen, god forbid an accident with a child. Brian D. stated he spoke with Marc and part of their design needed a guard rail in addition to the retaining wall. They think a 4 foot fence with privacy slats will ok. Chairman Abreau stated he and George visited the site and he thinks a 5 foot fence would be better. He suggests they increase to a 5 foot to give neighbors privacy George suggests the fencing needs to be along the entire length of the wall. Brian C asked if the detention basin will be fenced and Brian D. answers yes that was part of the approval. Bill made motion to open public input, seconded by Kelly. Marlice Leitao, 30 Steve Drive stated she’s the only one who doesn’t have a fence. The area still floods and what they are showing you is not what is out there. Her shed has never flooded before and after this it has and it ruined her patio furniture and refrigerator. She stated the developer has not been nice to the neighbors or his employees. Bryan Batista, 10 Steve Dr. says the property is wetlands and doesn’t understand how this was approved. Anderson Construction was not very nice to him and says in his opinion is a “micky mouse” operation. They have no experience and they are going to be put 7 duplexes in here. He’s very frustrated with the whole process and they never keep the dust under control. Saint Lot Island, 20 Steve Drive says her fence was bent and they are changing the landscape. She was told in 2006 nothing would be going in there. The street is higher and there is no dust control, they have been dealing with dust every time they work out there. They have to deal with dust in their pools and on fence, etc. Mr. Batista’s pool is full of dust from the construction. Carmen Batista, 10 Steve Drive stated this was approved and the old engineer had issues. Now they have new engineer and she asked why did they change it? She says the contractor is shady and doesn’t truest any of them. The dust control is not sufficient. Brian D. stated that everything is not fully constructed so that’s why there is flooding and drainage issue, it’s still under construction. George made motion to close public input, seconded by Kelly. All in favor. Bill made motion, seconded by George, to approve modification with the following conditions: 1. City Water is available from the proposed 8” DI pipe from the existing 12” city water main on Williams St. 2. DPW Permits are required including City Licensed contractor, road opening, and or trench 3. Plans are required and need to be submitted to DPW for the proposed water services, fire services, fire hydrants, gate valves and curb stops. 4. DPW Specifications apply including pressure testing, hydrant flow test, materials, installation, new water meter with an updated radio frequency unit, inspection and approval. 5. DPW specifications apply including any backflow devices must be inspected by the Plumber Inspector or City Inspector. 6. Prior notice is required before any city water work is to be performed and inspections will be required before backfilling. 7. All AAB/ADA requirements met for accessible curb cuts regarding ramp widths, slopes, cross slopes. 8. Provide a 6 foot chain link fence with privacy slats along the entire length of the retaining wall. 9. Extend the 5 foot bituminous concrete sidewalk to the last residential driveway on Lot 7. Vote: 7 In Favor Anthony Abreau Yes Dennis Ackerman Yes John Reardon Yes 7 Kelly Dooner Yes Brian Carr Yes William Fitzgerald, Jr. Yes George Moniz Yes Public Hearing - 562 Winthrop Street - Special Permit/Site Plan Review from Section 440 Attachment# 2 of the Zoning Ordinance - to allow the existing 1,200 sq. ft. garage to be used for light manufacturing (building shed walls) (Statewide Shed Co.) with a 5,000 sq. ft. outdoor storage area in conjunction with the existing group home, submitted by Gideon Shurtleff, owned by Moose Pond, LLC. – Letter from applicant requesting to withdraw Dennis made motion to allow withdrawal, seconded by Brian. All in favor Petition withdrew Public Hearing – 90 Washington & 76 Broadway - Special Permit/Site Plan Review modification - to modify the proposed drainage in the previous approval to prevent the need for the removal of the 2 existing concrete pads at the rear of the property, relocate dumpster and modify condition #20 in Special Permit decision to allow a wood stockade fence instead of vinyl stockade fence along 10, 12 & 14 Church Street continuing along the property line of 11 Faith Street. Hearing opens at 8:01 PM . Roll Call: Dooner, Ackerman, Reardon, Abreau, Moniz, Carr and Fitzgerald. John DeSousa, NorthCounty Group and Ramesh Izedian, owner were invited into the enclosure. Dept. comments from the Coordination meeting, City Engineer, Water Dept., Fire Dept., and Conservation Commission were read into the record. John states how they are here for some modifications. They want to keep the concrete pads and make play areas out of them. They modified the basin and re-located the dumpsters. The new basin is larger than the old one and will hold more. They wish to change the fence from vinyl to stockade to match what is out there at the request of the neighbors. They added swale on the northern side of the property. They moved the dumpster closer to the caretaker’s residence. Kelly asked if the drainage was on the hospital side and if the City Engineer approves it? Mike P. stated it’s further away from the homes and he is ok with it. Bill says if we approve it would be contingent on the City Engineer being satisfied. Brian asked about the issue they had with water running across Broadway and near Colonial Donut Shop. Mike P. answers if they constructed it the way it was supposed to it should have worked. He said it wasn’t built the way it was approved. Public Input: Larry Quintal, 80 Broadway passed out some pictures to the Board. He states 90 Washington St. is the old St. Mary’s School and 76 Broadway is the old nun’s home. He showed pictures with a 35 foot wide swale and then it narrows to 30 feet wide with a berm. Larry said he had water in his basement because of the wet spring & summer. He stated the landscape of this property hasn’t changed and he walked the site with Kevin Scanlon & Mike P. He doesn’t want this historic property ruined and asks the Board vote in favor of the modification. Brian made motion to close public input, seconded by Kelly. All in favor. Kelly made motion to approve the Special Permit/Site Plan Review modification with dept. comments, seconded by George. All in favor. Condition #1) That the plans dated August 1, 2024 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 8 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) Dumpsters shall be kept closed at all times, be located on a concrete pad, be emptied regularly and be enclosed in a fenced area with a 6ft stockade fence or equivalent Condition#7) An 81X plan shall be recorded combining the parcels into one parcel prior to any building permits for the caretakers house or convent building. A new address shall be assigned for the convent Condition #8) Show required ADA curb cuts at the end of all sidewalks and in front of all handicap parking Condition #9) The drainage plan shall be approved prior to any occupancy permits for the caretakers house or convent building Condition #10) Contact number be available to the Police & Fire Dept. in case of any emergencies. Condition #11) Property Manager to be on-site as presented at hearing. Condition #12) Taunton Residents shall be offered first choice for residency. Condition #13) The applicant make every effort for the residential units to be market rate Condition #14) A solid Stockade 6 foot tall fence shall be erected along the property lines of 10, 12, and 14 Church Street continuing along the property line of 11 Faith Street. Condition #15) The grounds must be maintained and trees trimmed and pruned along the property lines of 10 & 12 Church Street. Plantings be trimmed to avoid any obstruction. Condition #16) Add pedestrian access from Church Street and show on the plan. Condition #17) The caretaker’s building shall be commercial only with no residential units Condition #18) A stormwater report demonstrating that the proposed drainage basin will contain stormwater is required before any building permit or occupancy permits. Condition #19) The proposed grass swale on the north side of the property shall also be added to the west side to direct stormwater to the proposed basin Vote: 7 In favor Anthony Abreau YES Dennis I. Ackerman, V.C YES John Reardon YES George Moniz YES William A. Fitzgerald, Jr. YES Kelly Dooner YES Brian Carr YES Hearing closed at 8:31 PM Documents used as part of meeting were comments from Coordination meeting, City Engineer, Water Dept., Fire Dept., and Conservation Commission, and plans by NorthCounty Group. Public Hearing - 350 Myles Standish Blvd. - Special Permit/Site Plan Review from Section 440 Attachment #2 of the Zoning Ordinance- to allow 13,000 s. f. previously approved office use to be converted to retail use in the Industrial District., submitted by Joseph Iantosca, President 9 Letter from Field Eng. requesting a continuance to next month, and waives the time frame. Kelly made motion to grant continuance, seconded by George. All in favor. Continued to Oct. 3, 2024 Public Meeting- Site Plan Review – 425 John Quincy Adams Rd. - to allow the re-development of site with a new 65,000 sq. ft. warehouse facility with associated parking, utilities, stormwater management and other site development features. Atty. Dan deAbreu, Garrett Horsal, P.E. and Andrew Makin were invited into the enclosure. Dept. comments from the coordination meeting, Conservation Commission, City Engineer, Water Dept., and Fire Dept. were read into the record. Atty. deAbreu states this site was approved for office space and now they want to demo the building and build a new 65,000 sq. ft. distribution warehouse building. They have 600 parking spaces, 20 for trailers, 19 loading docks and they are asking for a 50% landscaping reduction as shown on plan. They conducted traffic study and found there will be a reduction of traffic due to the use. They are also reducing impervious area. Garret explains the drainage, there will be 2 curb cuts and they received conservation approval. They will reduce impervious area by 14,000 sq. ft. and they have conducted a full stormwater analysis. They will have an Operation & Maintenance Plan through the life of the project. Brian asked if they had a tenant? It was answered no they will close on property of September and will market it. Brian asked if they knew the estimated taxes and Atty. deAbreu answers no but now it’s vacant. John asked about the condition of no dumpsters? Andrew answers they have their trash contained and taken away so they don’t need dumpsters. Atty. deAbreu stated they weren’t proposing any dumpsters. Tony asked what is the plan for the footpath? Andrew answers no plans now but it has 17 acres but a majority of it is wetlands. Kelly asked them to explain landscaping waiver? They were asking for a reduction to 50% on sides & rear.. They will provide adequate landscaping and most is built out so she will be fine with this waiver. Bill asked what the footpath was used for and it was answered they used to test HumVs. Brian made motion to open public input, seconded by George. All in favor. Kelly made motion to approve Site Plan Review with dept. comments including 50% waiver reduction of landscaping , seconded by Brian. All in Favor. Condition #1) That the plans dated July 25, 2024 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 Dumpsters Condition #7) A conforming Landscape buffer plan shall be submitted that conforms to 440-702 class 5 with a 50% waiver as requested for width. Retain as much existing plantings as possible Condition #8) Compliance with Order of Conditions #3097 Condition #9) Prior to building permit, establish the high groundwater elevation and demonstrate that it is 2 feet below drainage system Vote: 7 In Favor Anthony Abreau YES Dennis Ackerman YES John Reardon YES George Moniz YES 10 William A. Fitzgerald, Jr. YES Kelly Dooner YES Brian Carr YES Documents used as part of meeting were comments from Coordination meeting, City Engineer, Water Dept., Fire Dept., and Conservation Commission, and plans by Kelly Eng.Group. Public Meeting – Roadway Improvement Plan – Rocky Woods St. – propery I.D. 74-23 - proposal is to improve 425 feet in length at a width of 24 feet wide (for 3 future lots) along property I.D. 74-23 Arthur Borden, PLS and Steve Figueiredo were invited into the enclosure. Dept. comments were read into the record from Conservation Commission, City Planner, City Engineer, Fire Dept., Water Dept. and Bd. Of Health. Arthur says it’s a simple proposal with the improvement of 425 feet of Rocky Woods Street to match the existing road, width is 24 feet wide. They are proposing low impact drainage (country drainage) and will have turn around for fire trucks. They will be put new water main in and hydrant. They will be going to Conservation Commission on Sept. 9th for approval. This roadway is for access for 3 lots. Dennis asked him if they have enough frontage for 3 lots? Arthur says they will be doing one retreat lot and 2 conventional lots. Chairman Abreau asked if they did any test pits for road and Steve answers no. He did say they did test pits at intersection and they were good. Bill asked about the water main and it was stated by the Water Sup. There is a 12” main. George made motion to open public input, seconded by Kelly. No one in favor or opposed. Kelly made motion to close public input, seconded by George. Kelly made motion to approve the roadway improvement plan with dept. comments. seconded by George 1. City Water is available from the existing 12” city water main on Rocky Woods Street. The Water Dept. requires extending the main to service the lots. 2. DPW Permits are required including City Licensed contractor, road opening, and or trench 3. Plans are required and need to be submitted to DPW for the proposed water services, fire services, fire hydrants, gate valves and curb stops. 4. DPW Specifications apply including pressure testing, hydrant flow test, materials, installation, new water meter with an updated radio frequency unit, inspection and approval. 5. DPW specifications apply including any backflow devices must be inspected by the Plumber Inspector or City Inspector. 6. Prior notice is required before any city water work is to be performed and inspections will be required before backfilling. Vote: 7 In Favor Anthony Abreau Yes Dennis Ackerman Yes John Reardon Yes Kelly Dooner Yes Brian Carr Yes William Fitzgerald, Jr. Yes George Moniz Yes Documents used as part of meeting were comments from City Engineer, City Planner, Water Dept., Fire Dept., and Conservation Commission, and plans by Arthur Borden & Associates, Inc. Meeting adjourned at 8:43 PM 11 12