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June 9, 2011 The Northampton Planning Board Minutes of Meeting June 9, 2011 City of Northampton Council Chambers, 220 Main St., Northampton, MA Members Present: Time  Chair, Stephen Gilson  Vice Chair, Jennifer Dieringer  Francis “Frandy” Johnson  Marilyn Richards Katharine Baker  Mark Sullivan Mark  Debin Bruce, Associate Member Andrew Weir, Associate Member Staff:  Planning Director, Wayne Feiden  Senior Planner, Carolyn Misch 7:00 PM Stephen Gilson opened Continuation of a hearing on the request by Glendale 66 Corp for Definitive Subdivision Approval and special permit for cluster lots and reduction of lot area under 6.3 for Kensington Estates at Westhampton Rd and Glendale Rd, Florence, Map Id 41-32. (NOTE: hearing was continued from 5-12 without discussion) Staff described permits requested. Peter Wells described the project. Mark Darnold went over details of systems/streets with the approach to Westhampton road at 82 degrees instead of 90 degrees to limit impact on lots of 1, 2, 3. There was discussion of bus shelter location options (put sidewalk on street to gain separation and setback for the shelter) Applicant noted that they did meet water flow requirements. Peter described memo regarding the waivers from the subdivision rules. Staff described fire flow requirements and water issues with lots 1-3. Jennifer Dieringer asked why property hasn’t been developed. Steve Wilner noted water pressure was the primary issue in addition to market conditions. Councilor LaBarge asked questions about accommodating residents on Glendale Rd where the proposed street would intersect. Marsha Fellows 123 Glendale Road raised concern about proximity from driveway to proposed roadway particularly how it relates to snow plowing from the street onto her driveway. She stated that snow plowing on sidewalks should be required of association. Albert Champagne, 1194 Westhampton Road noted that there is standing water where houses 1,2, 3 are proposed. Maureen Bohler, 165 Glendale Rd, raised concern about being sandwiched between the dump and a septic field and voiced her opposition of project. She also raised a concern about lack of traffic study and existing speeds on Glendale Road. Bob Moriarty 96 Glendale Rd voiced concern about communal septic system and the lots being too small. Meg Brown 137 Glendale abuts the other side of the proposed street and voiced opposition. Amy Hollick Dunn 183 Glendale Rd.would like to see it developed responsibly but raised concern about cut-through street and about community septic system. She asked who would monitor the system? Staff provided clarification about maintenance of detention ponds and oversight. Maureen Bohler question about pump noise from the septic field? Mark Darnold noted you can’t hear pump unless the back-up generator is running during a power failure. Crystal Kaufman, 1209 WH Road noted that that water pressure not increased with new water. Councilor LaBarge asked about covenant not to sue for new owners. Discussion of street layout and impact of the proposed location of road. Robert Morin, 122 Glendale spoke against location, can’t you put a 90 degree turn in the road to wrap the property boundary in the rear. Karen Morin 122 Glendale originally against locating road to the north because of the active dump. Applicant should review Department of Public Works comments and roadway realignment, water 2 Upon motion by Mark Sullivan and second by Francis Johnson, the board voted unanimously continue until Sept 8 at 7 PM. 9:15 P.M. Stephen Gilson opened the request by Seawink, LTD for Site Plan Amendment (consistent with previously approved ZBA permit) at 52 Maple St., Florence, Map Id 23A-40. Staff gave overview of the permits. Ed Etheredge clarified the reason for coming to Board to retain existing trees that have value and add to those that have grown. Loretta Gougeon, West Center Street noted a concern that the plan submitted is different from ZBA decision. Mark Bird asked for expediency in planting and no continuances. Jennifer Dieringer asked to get this addressed. Upon motion by Francis Johnson and second by Marilyn Richards, the board voted to continue to June 23 at 8 PM.