The Raynham Planning Board meeting of May 31, 2007 opened at 6:10 p.m.
Board members present: Daniel Andrade, Burke Fountain, John Canto, Chris Gallagher and Henry Ellis
Also present: Town Planner Richard McCarthy, Administrative Assistant Maureen McKenney, John Schmid of Nitsch Engineering
6:01 p.m. – Public hearing for Battery Engineering/Greatbatch Site Plan was reconvened. The hearing was then adjourned to later in the meeting.
6:02 p.m. – Town Planner update: Mr. McCarthy discussed correspondence, dated April 25, 2007, that he received from residents of Whippoorwill Drive along with photos showing drainage and water problems at Whippoorwill Estates. Mr. McCarthy explained the matter was looked into and it was discovered there was an obstruction clogging a drainage pipe, which caused the water problems. He noted a grate will be installed near the drainage pipe to prevent the problem from reoccurring in the future. Mr. McCarthy informed the Board that he has contacted the homeowners who sent the letter and photos.
Mr. Schmid discussed other drainage concerns in the subdivision and what was being done to correct problems in three areas of concern. Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Schmid advised that Intoccia Construction has been advised of the concerns and they will be addressing the matter.
No action was taken by the Board.
6:08 p.m. – Battery Engineering/Greatbatch Site Plan public hearing was reconvened. Eric Bazzett, P.E., Beals and Thomas, Inc., and Mike Valent of Battery Engineering were present. Site Plan Review correspondence, dated May 30, 2007, was received from Nitsch Engineering. Correspondence dated May 25, 2007 was received from Eric Bazzett, Beals and Thomas, Inc. Mr. Schmid summarized what was being done with the plan and the drainage concerns in the Hill Street culvert. He noted that Sitec was working on the drainage study at Hill Street and it has been determined the Hill Street culvert is undersized for two-year storms although the ten-year and 100-year storms are being detained. Mr. Schmid explained that he felt the funds needed for an on site detention system for
Battery Engineering site might be better spent to address the Hill Street culvert problems but because of regulations that must be followed, Battery Engineering must do on-site mitigation for the two-year storm event. He noted the present plan mitigates the two-year storm event and the application complies with the Board’s regulations but as a result of the money needed to implement this plan, no money would be available towards Hill Street. Discussion followed regarding the Hill Street culvert issue.
Mr. Canto noted that one option for correcting the drainage issues at Hill Street would be a betterment fee for property owners in the park. Mr. Fountain stated a betterment would not work because the improvements would not be bettering the owner’s properties; Mr. Ellis agreed. During discussion, it was noted the cost of improvements to be made in the Hill Street area is approximately $200,000.
Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Schmid explained that they have been engaging in dialogue with Paramount Woods developer regarding the drainage matter.
Mr. Schmid informed the Board that only minor edits are needed to the site plan. Board members discussed the waiver requests. Signage was discussed, traffic circulation was discussed, trees were discussed. After discussion, Mr. Fountain moved to approve the requested waivers from Sections 4.14; 4.15; 4.20; 4.22; 5.3; 5.4; 5.6.2; and 6.0 subject to conditions as discussed; second by Mr. Gallagher; motion passed by unanimous vote.
After discussion, Mr. Fountain moved to approve the plan entitled “Manufacturing/Office Facility, Raynham Woods Commerce Center, Paramount Drive, Raynham, Massachusetts,” dated April 10, 2007, revised through May 25, 2007, with conditions; second by Mr. Gallagher; discussion of conditions followed; motion passed by unanimous vote.
6:56 p.m. – Finch Farm Bond Release – Letter dated May 24, 2007 was received from Thomas Armitage, Senior Project Manager, QBI Homes, requesting release of the remaining funds being held for Finch Farm subdivision. It was noted the roadways in Finch Farm were accepted as Town roads at the recent Annual Town Meeting. After discussion, Mr. Fountain moved to release the balance of monies in the snowplow account and release all the monies in the road bond account except the monies recommended to be held by Nitsch Engineering in the amount of $34,791 for grass and trees; second by Mr. Gallagher; motion passed by unanimous vote.
7:03 p.m. – Aspen Hollow subdivision: Developer Mark Perron, Easton, MA, appeared before the Board to discuss the surety bond amount. It was noted that in correspondence dated December 21, 2006, Nitsch Engineering recommended a surety bond amount of $151,859. During discussion, it was noted Mr. Perron will be using a tripartite agreement as surety.
After discussion, Mr. Fountain moved to accept the $151,859 bond amount recommended by Nitsch Engineering; second by Mr. Gallagher; motion passed by unanimous vote. It was agreed the tripartite agreement will be reviewed by Town Counsel.
Discussion followed regarding whether or not the special permit granted for Aspen Hollow in 2004 has expired because no building permits have been issued at the subdivision. After discussion, the Board agreed there has been substantial work done on the subdivision so the special permit has been properly exercised.
7:10 p.m. – Form A for property on Hall Street owned by Finnigan was presented by Amy Fitzgerald, Raynham, MA. Proper application and fee were received. The plan was reviewed. Zoning designation of the lots on the plan was discussed. Mr. McCarthy noted the Farm and Forest district runs parallel with Hall Street and the plan was in error. Mr. Fountain noted the lots should be labeled correctly. After discussion, Board members agreed they wanted to see corrections to the plan made before they can approve it. The matter was continued to June 14, 2007, 6:20 p.m.
7:28 p.m.- Central Dodge site plan – Richard Catanese appeared before the Board and requested release of bond monies being held for completion of the site plan. Letter from Mr. Catanese, dated May 21, 2007, re. Central Dodge project was received. John Schmid informed the Board he conducted a site inspection and saw changes from the original site plan. Mr. Schmid explained that an as-built plan was submitted by the applicant showing the changes made to the site plan but a site plan modification is needed so the site plan will correspond to the as-built plan.
After discussion, Board members agreed they needed a modified site plan to be presented before they could approve of the changes. Discussion followed regarding the unloading of cars onto the site from Rte. 44. Mr. Catanese informed the Board that has not been done in a while since he instructed the drivers not to do it anymore.
The matter was then continued to June 14, at 7:30 p.m.
7:32 p.m. – 2 Richard Street Site Plan Modification – Richard Riccio, Field Engineering, Taunton, MA, appeared before the Board with a proposed modification to 2 Richard Street site plan. Memorandum from Nitsch Engineering, dated May 29, 2007, re. 2 Richard Street was received and letter dated May 22, 2007 re. the site plan was received from Richard Riccio, P.E.
Mr. Riccio reviewed the modified plan. He explained there were issues on the site with ADA compliance and the rain garden. John Schmid explained that he was not involved in the original site plan but he recently conducted a site visit and determined that construction was not done according to the approved plan. During discussion, it was noted no occupancy permit was issued for the site.
After discussion, it was agreed that the improvements outlined in the Nitsch memo will be made after which Mr. Schmid will conduct another site inspection.
After discussion, motion was made to approve the minor modifications as shown on the plan entitled “Existing Conditions Plan, Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, 2 Richard Street, Raynham, MA,” dated February 8, 2007, revised through May 21, 207; second by Mr. Gallagher; motion passed by unanimous vote.
7:42 p.m. - Lowe’s Site Plan: Derek Costa, Judson Street, Raynham, appeared before the Board to discuss concerns he has with the Lowe’s site. He explained the screening area is becoming a swamp that is filled with water, vegetation, mosquitos and small animals, the trees planted were not as promised and the fence can be climbed so he is concerned with the safety of his children.
Copy of correspondence dated May 24, 2007 from Town Planner Richard McCarthy to Building Commissioner Rod Palmer regarding violations with the Lowe’s site plan was received. Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Schmid informed the Board they conducted a site inspection to view the conditions. Mr. Andrade noted the Board could ask for additional screening and noise issues can be addressed but some issues such as the basin must be as they are because of regulations. Board members agreed they would do what they can for Mr. Costa’s concerns.
Mr. Costa informed the Board that the noise generated from the parking lot sweepers at Lowe’s is a big problem. He noted they run from 2:30 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. and his family is awakened nightly from the noise. He noted he has called the police but he does not want to have to bother them with that issue. Mr. McCarthy informed the Board that he had previously spoken to the store manager about this problem and the noise stopped for a while. Mr. McCarthy advised that he and the building inspector will return and speak to the manager again.
General Business: After discussion, Mr. Fountain moved to reorganize the Board by keeping officers as they are now with Dan Andrade as Chairman; Burke Fountain as Vice-chairman; Chris Gallagher as Clerk; John Canto as SRPEDD representative and Henry Ellis as TIF representative and Mr. McCarthy as alternate SRPEDD representative; motion second by Mr. Gallagher; motion passed by unanimous vote.
Memorandum from Nitsch Engineering, dated May 30, 2007, regarding Lot 16 Paramount Drive Medical Building was received. No action was taken.
The Board’s summer schedule was discussed. Mr. Ellis noted he will not be present on June 28th and July 12th. Mr. Gallagher noted he may not be present on June 14th.
There was general discussion about the recent Town Meeting.
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Gallagher, Clerk
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