Infirmary 2007 Planning Board minutesThe Northampton Planning Board
Minutes of Meeting
March 22,2007
, , , Council Chambers 212 Main Street Northampton MA
Members Present: Time
III Chair, Francis "Frandy" Johnson 9:25 PM
III Vice Chair, George Kohout
III Keith Wilson
Kenneth Jodrie
III Jennifer Dieringer
III Stephen Gilson
III David Wilensky Left at 10
III Paul Voss, Associate Member
III George Russell, Associate Member
Planning Director, Wayne Feiden
Senior Planner, Carolyn Misch
7:05 P.M. George Kohout opened the continuation of the joint hearing with Ordinance Committee on the
proposed changes to WSP. (Bardsley and Richards sitting for Ordinance Committee)
George Kohout introduced Catherine Skiba from MA Dept of Environmental Protection from the Source
Water Protection division. Skiba discussed water resource protection issues and history of water supply
protection throughout the Commonwealth.
Wayne Feiden described the zoning changes, the existing constraints in the area and finally the economic
impact.
Marianne LaBarge spoke against the rezoning and read a letter from John Skibiski in opposition. She
suggested a 50,000 square feet minimum lot size as a compromise.
Glendale Road resident spoke against the landfill expansion.
Ellen Tobias Park Hill Rd. spoke against the expansion of the landfill.
Glendale Road resident asked questions about the landfill licensing.
Joanne Besette, Turkey Hill Road spoke about potential impacts of the landfill and state policy relative to
landfill expansion. She argued that the Board could effect the landfill permit by opting not to change the
zoning.
John Omasta spoke about the impacts of development on the ground water supply and its effects on his
irrigation. Then stated he wanted a smaller lots size so he could develop.
Boards discussed issues raised and actual effect of various minimum lot sizes. The Board separated the
discussion between the landfill licensing and the zoning for source protection.
Upon motion by Jennifer Dieringer and second by Keith Wilson, the board voted 6-1 to close the hearing
(Paul Voss voted against).
Upon motion by Keith Wilson and second by Jennifer Dieringer the board voted 5-2 (Paul Voss and
George Russell against) to recommend to City Council that the WSP be adopted with the updated
codification and with lot size as 80,000 square feet for water supply protection. The vote included a
statement that this was not an endorsement of the landfill expansion.
Francis Johnson joined the hearing.
9:25 P.M. Francis Johnson opened request by William R. Walker for Site Plan approval to construct a
common driveway to serve three lots on Westhampton Rd, Map IDs 41-53,54.
Mark Reed of Heritage Surveys described plans.
Staff gave update on status of stormwater application and the need for a further continuance.
Upon motion by David Wilensky and second by Paul Voss the board voted unanimously to continue the
hearing a continuation to April 12 at 7 PM.
9:30 P.M. Francis Johnson opened a request by Deborah Eaton, to convert a structure to 3 townhouse
units at 32 Round Hill Rd, Northampton, Map ID 31 B-63.
Eaton described the project.
The Board discussed comments from letter submitted by Anne Alexander (on Langworthy Rd.)
Douglas Hinckley, property owner of the former Clarke Infirmary asked about the parking area and
existing lighting on site.
The Board discussed conditions:
1. No Dumpsters are allowed on site.
2. An evergreen screen of 3' height should be planted along the northwest boundary of the parking
area.
3. All water and sewer connections shall be done in conformance with Department of Public Works
standards.
4. As offered and to conform to zoning for traffic mitigation, prior to issuance of a certificate of
occupancy for the 2nd and 3rd unit, a payment of 2,000 for these units (1 ,OOO/per unit) shall be
made to the City of Northampton.
5. Commercial style lights should be eliminating. All other lighting shall conform to zoning.
6. No expansion of existing paved area is permitted.
Upon motion by David Wilensky and second by George Kohout, the board voted unanimously to close the
hearing.
Upon motion by Keith Wilson and second by Paul Voss the board voted unanimously to approve the site
plan with waivers and conditions discussed.
9:55 P.M. Francis Johnson opened request by Coolidge Northampton LLC for site plan approval for
installation of a drive-up bank and construction of a 14,700 square foot pharmacy/drive-up with
associated site development with shared parking and special permit for off-site parking at 225-243 King
St, Northampton, Map IDs 24B-66, 32A-263.
Staff noted that stormwater permit was not yet issued and the hearing would have to be continued.
Chris Wall, representative for Berkshire Design Group, described the project.