Planning Board Discusses two Commercial Projects, Plus Residential Subdivisions

The members of the Planning Board applied themselves to the details of several projects that came before them Monday night.

Among the matters address was 105 Constitution Boulevard and proposed side plan modifications, a project that had been the subject of much discussion at previous meetings. Planning Board member Greg Rondeau recused himself.

Planner Amy Love provided a brief overview and said that the applicant was well on the way to making all the necessary changes. Matt Crowley, from Beta (a contractor to the town) agreed that substantial progress had been made.

Chairman Anthony Padula listened and said that he had no problem issuing a temporary or partial Form H for the site. “What I am upset about is that I don’t see how through our preconstruction meetings we missed the issue of curbing in the parking lot and that the sidewalk was supposed to be six feet.”

A board member suggested that in the future, details regarding curbing should be summarized on one sheet by applications so that the details are not missed.

The board approved the Form H.

Next, the board held a public hearing regarding a site plan modification for 176-210 Grove St. The plans mostly centered on a desire to increase parking as, the structure, designed as a “spec” building, for multiple tenants, would now have a single tenant, UPS.

The proposed modifications included not only more parking but fewer loading docks and relocation of some entrances, in keeping with the single-tenant configuration. Board members raised questions about whether the correct type of reinforced concrete was being used for curbing, how access gates at the rear of the property would work for emergency access, he adequacy of drainage with more pervious surfaced (engineers offered assurance that drainage was adequate) and potential impact on neighbors.

The applicant had, according to statements made at the meeting, paid for an extensive traffic study showing that their presence would have a significant impact but that this would be mitigated by a traffic signal. And, indeed, a signal on Grove Street is now part of the plan. But still, concerns persisted for some board members, especially about truck noise.

However, the applicant said that while the facility might operate 24/7, truck traffic would occur during much more limited hours. The board agreed to endorse the plans at this stage on the condition that the agreed hours of operation are printed on the forms so that they can be referenced in the future.

Next up was a public hearing on Eastern Woods, a four-lot subdivision off of Summer Street.

Love reviewed the project’s history, which first came before the board in December of 2020 with 9-10 lots and was subsequently revised to the 4-lot configuration. “They are looking for two waivers: no sidewalks on either side and a waiver on a driveway location.

But other issues also concerned the town engineer including access to drainage area, the degree of slope and close proximity between drainage and an unpaved access road, lack of fire suppression (a hydrant) because the homes do not use town water, and very long driveways – one at some 350 feet if approved with a waiver – longer without a waiver.

Amanda Cavaliere spoke on behalf of the project via Zoom. She shared her screen and showed several images to clarify the layout of the property and the amount of space left open. She noted that the project still needed to go before the Conservation Commission. “We would like to get your feedback tonight and will resubmit to you at the same time we go before the ConComm,” she explained.

With the considerable list of concerns shared by the Board in mind, the applicant agreed to return on Oct. 4.

The final matter for the evening was Olam Estates, off of 900 Washington St., which Love noted, had not been before the Board since February. An engineer for the project noted that there had been a change of ownership in the project and that he himself had been in the hospital for some time due to a skiing accident, which further delayed responses.

He said Olam goes before the ConComm on Sept. 23. He asked if he could return to the Planning Board on Oct. 4. This was agreed with a stipulation proposed by Associate Member Jennifer William that abutters again be notified.

The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.

Gallery images below pertain to Eastern Woods.