The Raynham Planning Board held a regular meeting on Thursday, June 17, 2010, at Raynham Veterans' Memorial Town Hall. Chairman Andrade opened the meeting at 6:07 p. m.
Board members present: Daniel Andrade, Burke Fountain, Christopher Gallagher, Russell Driscoll and Henry Ellis (6:14 p.m.)
Board members not present: (All present.)
Staff present: Marilyn Whalley, Town Planner; Maureen McKenney, Administrative Assistant
6:07 p. m. - Aspen Hollow subdivision (located off North Main Street: Request for surety bond reduction for Aspen Hollow was received from developer Mark Perron. (Mr. Perron was not present.) Construction Cost Estimate, dated June 17, 2010, was received from Nitsch Engineering.
In their correspondence, Nitsch recommended a bond amount of $140,494 be held for Aspen Hollow. Board members noted that amount is higher than the $139,307 amount currently being held by the Aspen Hollow surety bond.
Mrs. Whalley noted minimal work has been done at the subdivision as of late. Mr. Gallagher noted the last house in the subdivision is done.
Mr. Gallagher moved to not reduce the current bond amount; second by Mr. Fountain. During discussion of the motion, abutter Gerald Smallhoover, 415 North Main Street, spoke of concerns he had with a section of land in Aspen Hollow adjacent to the roadway. He noted that recently top soil and seeding was done except for a small section. He presented photos of the area in question. (Mr. Ellis arrived.)
Mr. Andrade explained that the sidewalks still need to be put in place, and when the sidewalks go in, the rest of the work in the area should be completed. He noted there is a bond in place for the Town's protection but the developer is still falling within the rules and regulations. Mr. Andrade explained that the Board will not be releasing surety funds until their consultant informs them all work is done.
Mr. Smallhoover noted he assumed funds would be held as surety but he wanted to be certain. He also advised the Board that because of property tax concerns, he no longer wants to accept a parcel of land adjacent to his that the developer was going to deed to him. Mr. Andrade noted that is a private matter between the Smallhoovers and the developer and the Town is not party to it.
Mr. Gallagher noted the land swap may be part of the Certificate of Action for the subdivision. It was agreed the matter will be researched.
The Board suggested Mr. Smallhoover could check with the tax collector and assessors' office to determine the taxes associated with the parcel in question.
Vote was taken on the motion to not reduce the Aspen Hollow surety bond: four in favor of not reducing; Mr. Ellis abstained.
6:25 p. m. - DePuy, 325 Paramount Drive: site plan and special permit public hearing was opened. Mr. Gallagher read the hearing notice. Michael Dryden, Sr. Project Manager, Waterman Associates, was present as applicant's representative along with Jeff Prince, Architect, Dacon Corp.
Francis McIntire, 144 Hill Street, addressed the Board, noting he is an abutter and he has concerns with traffic in the Hill Street area.
Mr. Dryden explained the proposed project. He stated an 80 ft. by 25 ft. loading dock and service area is proposed, and the project will have minimal impact on the 43-acre site. He explained that four handicap parking spaces will be displaced by the project and several standard spaces will be re-striped. A special permit for reduction in required parking spaces is being sought because of the end result of the loss of five standard parking spaces. Mr. Dryden noted there is still a “vast” amount of parking on the site available.
Mr. Dryden explained that the new loading area is being constructed to allow easier access for the new education center on site. Mr. Prince noted the new dock area will service the education center and the bistro area for employees. He noted they have met with the fire department and discussed access for the area.
Mr. Dryden noted he received the Nitsch Engineering comments today and has revised the plan accordingly.
Nitsch Engineering comment No. 13 regarding trailer truck access for the loading dock was discussed. Mr. Dryden explained that issue has been addressed on the revised plan, and he demonstrated how trucks will be able to negotiate and access the area. He noted the dock has been designed for a 45 foot trailer truck. After discussion, Board members agreed to a condition restricting access to the dock area to 45 feet trailer trucks. Mr. Prince stated that was acceptable.
Mr. McIntire asked if the new addition was a regular production facility for day-in, day-out use. Mr. Dryden stated no. Mr. Prince stated the dock area would be for loading/unloading x-ray machines, exam tables, trash, etc.
Mr. McIntire informed the Board he has been studying traffic visibility at intersections throughout town and finds it often difficult for drivers. He noted shrubbery at intersections often impedes vision, making conditions dangerous. Mr. Fountain explained the Board has rules and regulations in place for such issues.
Waiver requests for the site plan were discussed. It was noted a waiver from photometric plan is being sought. Mr. Dryden explained the plan proposes to reuse existing bollard lighting. Mr. Prince stated applicant would like to reserve the option to add wall paks in the future if needed. Mr. Dryden read aloud the note on the revised plan detailing the proposed wall pak lighting.
It was noted that Nitsch Engineering was not opposed to the requested waivers. Mr. Ellis moved to approve the requested waivers listed as No. 1 through No. 9 on the plan; second by Mr. Gallagher; motion to approve passed by unanimous vote.
Mr. Gallagher moved to approve the special permit as requested for reduction in the number of required parking spaces; second by Mr. Andrade; motion to approve passed by unanimous vote.
Mr. Gallagher moved to approve the site plan “DePuy Institute – Fit Up 325 Paramount Drive,” dated May 27, 2010, revised date June 17, 2010, with two conditions: no trucks with greater than 45 foot wheel base will be allowed to access the proposed loading dock, and no site lighting other than what is shown on the plan will be allowed without further review and approval by the Planning Board; second by Mr. Ellis; motion to approve passed by unanimous vote. Certificate of Action will be issued.
General Business: Mr. Fountain moved to waive the reading and approve the minutes of May 20, and June 3, 2010; second by Mr. Ellis; motion passed by unanimous vote.
Town Planner update: Mrs. Whalley explained that the market/rail study presentation scheduled for tonight is tabled and will be rescheduled to a later date. She noted that South Coast Rail Group, which is overseeing the rail project for the State, would like to have a representative present for the presentation. Mrs. Whalley noted the State is “disappointed” that Transit Oriented Development residential use was not embraced by the study that is being presented.
Mrs. Whalley informed the Board she spoke to Town Counsel Marc Antine regarding the South Main Street/King Philip Street open-space/Form A submittal, and he felt clearly the submittal does not meet the intent of the open-space by-law. She noted Mr. Antine suggested the applicant or attorney present their case in writing.
Mrs. Whalley noted she spoke to Highway Superintendent Roger Stolte regarding the Hall Street submittal, and Mr. Stolte expressed concerns with the area because severe drainage problems. (Mr. Gallagher left.)
Board members discussed the concept of one-lot subdivisions and whether or not to continue to allow them as they have in the past. The idea of retreat lots as an alternative to one-lot subdivisions was briefly discussed. It was agreed these issues need to be addressed. Mrs. Whalley will research the matter.
There was no further business, and the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christopher J. Gallagher, Clerk
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