CITY OF GLOUCESTER

 

          PLANNING BOARD MINUTES                     

                          MONDAY, APRIL 10 at 7:00 PM

                             Kyrouz Auditorium, City Hall

 

 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT                   MEMBERS ABSENT          STAFF PRESENT

Paul Lundberg, Chair                     Mary Black                            Gregg Cademartori, Planning Dir.

Wentworth Williams, Vice Chair                                                   Ellen Preston, Assistant Planner

Jeneth Fahey                                                                                     Lisa English, Recording Clerk

Marvin Kushner

Henry McCarl

Michael Rubin

 

 

I.          BUSINESS

            A.  Call to order with Quorum of Planning Board. 

            B.   Introduction of Planning Board Members and Staff.

           

II.        APPROVAL OF MINUTES

            A.  Meeting of March 27, 2006

                  MOTION:      Mr. McCarl moved to approve the minutes of March 27, 2006 as amended.

                  Second:           Mr. Rubin

                  Vote:               6-0; Motion carried.          

                             

III.       PUBLIC COMMENT

Barbara Lambert, 27 Vine St., Chair of Riggs Pt Neighborhood Association, submitted a memo to the Planning Board dated April 10, 2006.  In the memo she states that the submission of a site plan for a proposed ORSD project by Symes Development is legally premature.  She urges the Planning Board to not discuss this issue.  She states the owner paid no taxes for 18 years and in the process has abated back taxes for 8 years.

 

IV.             CONSENT AGENDA

            A.  Continued Form A Application:

                  1.   Applicants Mark Hubbard and Anthony & Marcia Ciarametaro to divide one lot into 3 lots at 11 Keystone Road.  (Assessors Map 237, Lot 112).  Plan of Land prepared by American Land Survey Associates; dated March 6, 2006.  

                        Mr. Lundberg is in receipt of a letter from Applicant asking for a continuance until April

                         24, 2006.

 

            B.   New Form A Applications:   There are none.

                                                                       

C.  Chapter 91 Recommendation:

                 1.  Waterways License Application Number W06-1560 by Candida Marshall to maintain

          an existing pier at 89 Wheeler Street in and over flowed tidelands of the Mill River.

 

 

 

           

Mr. Lundberg is in receipt of a memo from Shellfish Warden Dave Sargent dated April 6, 2006.  Planning Board received verbal comment from the Harbor Master that project is not detrimental to any navigational course.

 

MOTION:      Mr. Williams moved that the Planning Board recommend that the Waterways License Application Number W06-1560 by Candida Marshall to maintain an existing pier at 89 Wheeler Street in and over flowed tidelands of the Mill River is not detrimental to the public rights and it serves a proper public purpose.

            Second:           Mr. McCarl

            Vote:                6-0; Motion carried.

           

 

V.        CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING

            In accordance with the provisions of MGL Chapter 41, the Planning Board to consider a

            four lot subdivision, entitled "Olde Beach Road Estates" on Bass Avenue (Assessors Map

            50, Lots (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, & 29).  Plans prepared for Applicant Richard Cretarolo

            by Dewsnap Engineering Associates; dated August 19, 2005.  

 

            Mr. Lundberg received a letter from the Applicant’s attorney dated April 5, 2006 requesting a

            continuance until May 8, 2006.

 

            MOTION:      Mr. Williams moved to continue the public hearing of a four lot subdivision, entitled "Olde Beach Road Estates" on Bass Avenue (Assessors Map 50, Lots 22,

                                    23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, & 29). 

            Second:           Mr. Kushner

            Vote:                6-0; Motion carried

 

VI.       CONTINUED PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT

Pursuant to Ordinance Section 5.9.3, a Preliminary Cluster Development Plan entitled “Annisquam Woods” has been submitted by applicant Carrigan Enterprises, LLC, for 33 acres of vacant land on 7 & 11 Hutchins Court and 14 Tufts Lane (Assessors Map115, Lot 30; Map 125, Lots 71 &22).  Preliminary Cluster Index Plan prepared by Hayes Engineering, Inc.; dated February 27, 2006.         

 

Michele Harrison, Attorney would like to comment on some recommendations that the Board of Health has made to the Planning Board.  The first recommendation is that the Planning Board incorporates in the definitive plan the request for some nutrient loading studies.  Applicant does plan on doing this.  Applicant is willing to monitor wells prior to construction.  Post construction, a nutrient loading studies will be done at the outfall of all the detention basins.  Applicant will agree to this condition as well.

 

The next suggested stipulation is to not allow title to any unit or parcel pass until evidence of required operation and maintenance with the storm water collection and detention system.  Ms. Harrison is not sure what the Board of Health is looking for.  This stipulation would make it very difficult after the definitive stage as part of a Special Permit to get the necessary mortgage lending and have sales.  The Applicant would like the Planning Board to rework that requirement when it gets to the definitive stage.

 

 

 

 

 One suggestion would be to have a condition of the Special Permit that the condominium documents have a requirement that all operation and maintenance issues be met.  That way the Planning Board will be assured that the O & M will be done because it is part of the condominium documents that will ultimately be recorded.  Operation and Maintenance is a very important issue for this cluster development.  Not only the storm water management, but also the issues of sewer that have been raised.  The Condominium Association will own all the component parts of the Step System and will be responsible for its maintenance.  The Condominium Association will also be responsible for maintenance and snow removal for all roadways in this cluster.

 

Lastly, the Planning Board has suggested in a previous discussion, that the Applicant have a thoughtful O & M consideration for all of the open space in the cluster development.  This will be a phase development and therefore not everything will be done at the same time.  This is another reason that the language that the Board of Health suggested may have to be reworked prior to the Definitive Plan.

 

The Board of Health is also concerned about the control of mosquitoes.  It may be necessary when we get to the Definitive Plan to have the Applicant obtain a recommendation from a mosquito expert.  Not all standing water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.  The detention basins are designed so that they do not hold standing water for more than 72 hours.  Ms. Harrison also questions whether the Board of Health has the authority to give jurisdiction to the Conservation Commission and state that the Conservation Commission must approve the mosquito control plan. 

 

The Applicant has listened carefully to the two reviews by the Technical Advisory Group, the comments by the Planning Board staff, the review of the Board of Health and those will be incorporated into the Definitive Plan.  The Applicant anticipates that the Definitive Plan may be reviewed by a third party reviewer for some of the more difficult aspects of the plan.  Ms Harrison is asking for the Planning Board’s encouragement to go forward with the Definitive Plan.

 

Mr. Kushner asked if, at the time the Definitive Plan is submitted, the Condominium Documents will be available for review and would they be able to be changed if necessary.

Ms. Harrison responded that, yes the documents will be submitted and the Applicant would be open to changes that may be necessary.

Mr. Lundberg asked where the Tufts Lane entrance road relative to the cluster development is.  Also where is the existing driveway to the Tuft’s property?

Ms. Harrison and Mr. Carrigan showed this information on the site map.  Road improvements are all along the road out to Revere Street.

Mr. Lundberg asked will the traffic study show the impact of traffic to Tufts Lane, Hutchins Court, Revere Street, and North and South Bennett Street

            Ms. Harrison responded yes

Mr. Williams stated that he has traveled Bennett Street and is pleased that there will be appropriate attention paid to the roads.  His major concern is the possibility of proceeding down the lane and then connecting with the development in through driveway B.  When that was brought forth by the Conservation Agent and possibly the City Planner there were some statements that this was not a good idea.  He wanted to know why it did not seem like a good idea.

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Carrigan: While all solutions have their challenges, one of the major purposes was to stay out of the buffer zone.  This way would be less disruption to the topography.

            Mr. Williams:  I think that it still requires considerable looking at.

Mr. Lundberg received a memorandum from the City Engineer, David Knowlton, dated April 7, 2006, with some concerns.  The Planning Board is also in receipt of the Board of Health memo.  The Planning Board will also study the recommendation about title passing without a required Operation & Maintenance.

 

MOTION:      Mr. Rubin moved to approve, with comments from the Planning Board, the Preliminary Cluster Development Plan entitled “Annisquam Woods” as submitted by applicant Carrigan Enterprises, LLC, for 33 acres of vacant land on 7 & 11 Hutchins Court and 14 Tufts Lane (Assessors Map115, Lot 30; Map 125, Lots 71 &22).  Preliminary Cluster Index Plan prepared by Hayes Engineering, Inc.; dated February 27, 2006.       

            Second:           Mr. Kushner

            Vote:               6-0; Motion carried.

 

 

VII.     REPETITIVE PETITION

According to MGL Ch. 40A, Section 16, applicant Angelo Polizzi requests the Planning Board to consider that specific and material changes have occurred in the conditions upon which previous unfavorable action by the Zoning Board of Appeals was based at its January 12, 2006, meeting regarding his proposal for an Auto Body Shop at 475R Western Avenue (Assessors Map 194, Lots 82 & 51).

 

Robert Coakley stated the facts of this case.  Mr. Polizzi had rented space in a commercial building, thinking his business was permitted.  It was not.  He tried to apply for a Special Permit and was overwhelmed by the process.  The major concern was the emissions coming from a spraying facility he wished to have.  Mr. Polizzi still has a lease on the property.  He would like to go back to the board and ask for another Special Permit, this time without the use of the spray booth.  Mr. Coakley feels that this is a specific material change and therefore Mr. Polizzi should be able to go back to the Zoning Board for another request.

 

            Mr. Williams asked does this mean there will be no spray painting if I had a fender repaired.

            Mr. Coakley responded yes that is correct.

Mr. Lundberg stated that the Planning Board is in receipt of a letter dated March 30, 2006, from Mr. Coakley with the attached decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals which seems that the major opposition is the spray booth.

Ms. Fahey stated that she agrees that a major change has been made.  She asked whether the painting would be done elsewhere.

            Mr. Coakley replied yes.

Mr. Rubin stated that he thinks it is surprising and regrettable that Mr. Polizzi was discouraged from starting his business. He stated that there are ways of coping with sound issues and all sorts of modern filters and federal standards to be followed so that molecules do not get into the air or water.  He added that he would like to give him the chance to go through the process again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOTION:      Mr. Williams moved that a specific and material change has occurred in the conditions on which previously unfavorable action by the Zoning Board of Appeals was based at its January 12, 2006 meeting regarding the Applicant, Angelo Polizzi’s proposal for an Auto Body Shop at 475R Western Avenue (Assessors Map 194, Lots 82 & 51).

            Second:           Mr. Kushner

            Vote:               6-0; Motion carried.

 

Mr. Lundberg noted for the record that the requirements of the state law are that all but one member of the Planning Board must vote in favor of this in order for it to be referred back to the Zoning Board.

 

VIII.    OTHER BUSINESS

            A.  According to Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Gloucester's OSRD, Section III, C, 2,

                  the Planning Board shall vote to consider the completeness of application for a Site Plan

                  from Symes Associates for 604 Washington Street.

 

Josh Latham, representing Symes Associates, stated that Symes has filed a site plan under the OSRD bylaw and is asking the Planning Board to find the application complete so that they can move forward on submitting a Definitive Subdivision Plan.

Mr. Lundberg asked whether the applicant has filed this under the four step design process.  The site plan has followed all four of those items in 5.1/ 5.3.1?

Mr. Latham replied that is correct.

Mr. Williams was under the impression that the Planning Board stopped consideration of the prior the filing because the original plan was incomplete. We are now in receipt of a memo from Mike Hale dated April 6, 2006, that states the Engineering Department has not determined the accuracy of the information but that the information now completes the Application process. 

Mr. Lundberg asked if we approve the completeness of the plan the next step is to file the application with the City Clerk and start the review process.

Mr. Lundberg and the Planning Board members are in receipt of a memo dated April 10, 2006, from the Riggs Point Neighborhood Association concerning this Application.

Mr. Rubin asked if we ran this by legal staff.

Mr. Cademartori stated that due to the lateness of receipt, no.  Many of the calculations are based upon wetland delineation but at the same time the Conservation Commission approved this line.  The state also approved this line and it is now at the judiciary level being challenged by the abutters. 

Mr. Rubin stated that applicant is aware of pending legal challenge by abutters and is willing to accept risk of a possible adverse decision; therefore, this Board has no reason to vote against acceptance of the application as complete.

Mr. McCarl stated that he feels that it is important to state that by permitting this to go forward does not mean we approve of it but that we are allowing it to go to the next step. 

Mr. Lundberg stated that is correct.

Sara Kylie asked if the application is complete without the DEP letter.

Mr. Lundberg stated yes.

 

 

 

 

 

      Motion:     Mr. Williams moved that According to Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Gloucester's OSRD, Section III, C, 2, the application for a Site Plan from Symes Associates for 604 Washington Street is complete.

                  Second:     Mr. Rubin

                  Vote:         6-0; Motion carried.

 

B.     Adoption of decision for Cape Ann Animal Aid Association Subdivision at 401A Essex Avenue (Assessors Map 228, Lot 43).

Mr. Lundberg stated that the Planning Board was in receipt of a draft from staff all of which was voted on at a previous meeting.

 

      MOTION:      Mr. McCarl moved to adopt the decision for Cape Ann Animal Aid Association Subdivision at 401A Essex Avenue (Assessors Map 228, Lot 43).

      Second:           Mr. Williams

      Vote:               6-0; Motion carried.

 

C.     Endorsement of “The Woodlands Residential Subdivision” plans, revised per Agreement for Judgment. 

      Mr. Lundberg stated that this matter is continued until April 24, 2006.

 

D.    Planner's Report

·        Mr. Cademartori stated that the Planning Board should receive announcement of the next Boards, Commissions and Committees meeting on April 29, 2006 with the topics of new opportunities for access to both healthcare and information and technology.

·        Mr. McCarl wanted to mention that there is a preliminary hearing next Tuesday evening of the subcommittee of the Planning Board to discuss the Demolition Delay Ordinance.

 

            E.   Chairman's Report

                  Mr. Lundberg had no additional comments.

 

IX.       ADJOURNMENT

            Mr. Lundberg adjourned the meeting at 8:15.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Lisa English

Recording Clerk