PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
OCTOBER 5, 2005
PRESENT: K. Hurd (Chairman), R. Domnitz, E. flint, D. Ries, J. Snell
STAFF: M. Whitehead, D. Parkhurst
7:30 BUSINESS
· Members of the Board reviewed and gave comments on the draft State of the Town Report to Mr. Whitehead.
· Mr. Whitehead said he will ask the new D.P.W. Director Chris Bibbo to look at the Hobbs Brook drainage plan.
· The Board will have a business meeting next week (October 12).
· The Board learned that Global Signal purchased the Farrington cell tower site from Cingular and may look to extend the tower to 80’.
8:00 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING- JIM DIGIOVANNI, 300 South Great Road (Map and Parcel 119-19), site plan review for a new residence.
Appearing on behalf of Mr. DiGiovanni was Thomas Falwell, attorney Dan Barton, architect, and Kim O’Hearn, landscape architect. .
Mr. Falwell reviewed the fact that the house will occupy the site of the former “Aunt Sadie’s” a pre-existing farm stand, the subject of a number of Board of Appeals orders and appeals from an abutter regarding expansion of a non-conforming use that has been going on for five years. Mr. Barton explained that the house has been down-sized from its previous presentation before the Board. The overall height and the first floor elevation have both been lowered. Ms. O’Hearn presented an existing conditions plan and the proposed landscaping plan, noting that existing pines and rhododendrons will remain with new plants introduced in and around existing plantings. The driveway is significantly reduced. The driveway will be crushed stone from the street then will be paved as it approaches the
garage. Lighting is only at the entry and doors as required. Less impervious surface indicates that any runoff would be reduced. The Board reviewed the contours on the plans. The hearing was opened to the neighbors. Barbara Peskin said that the added plantings and the nature of the lighting are acceptable. She asked if there would be blasting work, and this is unknown at this time. Deborah Peeples was concerned about the garage and drive adjacent to her property. Discussion turned to the installation of more evergreens along this area, and the proponents said they were happy to add plantings. It was noted that there is an existing sidewalk along the road, but it appears to be entirely within the right of Way. Mr. Ries made a MOTION, Mr. Flint seconded, to approve the site plan as presented with the condition that there shall be a densification of plantings, done in a naturalistic way, along the edge of the driveway
between the driveway and the ledge/hill. The Motion passed unanimously.
8:20 P.M. - ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENT TO LANDSCAPE PLAN – LARRY BRODNEY, Huntley Lane (Map Parcel 101-1)
Larry and Myra Brodney presented a revised landscape plan that showed existing large trees to remain, and new plantings including white pines, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Discussion followed on the function of the plantings and that the existing large trees provide canopy and not screening. A MOTION was made and seconded to accept the landscape plan entitled, “Landscape Plan of Land, dated March 09, 2005,” Schofield Brothers of New England, Inc., .with the additional notation “10/05/05 Proposed Landscape Plan,” as presented. The MOTION passed unanimously.
8:40 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING – JOHN OTTENBERG & GWENDOLYN ATWOOD. 186 Weston Road (Map and Parcel 121-6), Amended site plan review for a new residence.
The applicants presented a revised plan that eliminated the underground garage and the greenhouse. This would move the structure slightly closer to the street, but would remain the same distance from the side lot lines. The proposed new driveway would also be eliminated, and they would use the existing drive. The Board reviewed the architectural elevations and changes. A neighbor, Priscilla Kern, asked for assurance that the screening around the parking area is sufficient. The applicants noted that there is significant natural growth and they have only two vehicles. There was discussion involving the proposed new planting area as well as discussion on the process. A MOTION was made and seconded to approve the plan dated September 30, 2005 as presented. The MOTION passed 5-0.
9:00 P.M. – PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUATION - LEXINGTON ROAD LLP, TIM TAYLOR (ATTY), 118 Lexington Road, ( Map and Parcels 34-4, 34-4.02, 34-4.03, 34-4.04, 34-4.05) special permit and site plan review for an R-1 cluster subdivision.
The applicant has requested a continuance. A MOTION was made and seconded to continue the hearing to 9:00 PM on October 19, 2005. The MOTION passed unanimously.
The Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
Approved November 2, 2005
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