July 1, 2008
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: |
Doug Moglin, Chairman |
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Roz Terry, Vice Chairman |
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Sam Santaniello |
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Cal Chunglo |
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Richard Utzinger, Associate |
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ABSENT: |
Bob Johnson |
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OTHER: |
Marcus Phelps, Town Planner |
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mr. Moglin.
TOWN PLANNER'S REPORT: 7:00 p.m.
1. Revised the text of the Planning Board decision for the modification of the conditions of approval of the amended definitive subdivision plan for Lexington Circle.
2. Received an opinion from Town Counsel that a proposed development of three new buildings located on Hudson Drive is a prohibited use in the Wellhead Protection District, 185-22, F., (1). The bylaw prohibits metal fabrication or manufacturing unless the use generates less than six gallons per month of hazardous waste.
3. Participated in a meeting at R. Levesque Associates office in connection with an urban self help grant application for the development of Whalley Park to be located at 38-42 Powder Mill Road. Ann Capra from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission is coordinating the preparation of the grant application for $500,000.
4. Researched a request from Ron Humason for continuation of a junkyard use on property located at 58 Sam West Road in connection with the transfer of a Class III motor vehicle license. Mr. Humason has an appointment to appear before the Board on July 15 for a Site Plan Review.
5. Reviewed Approval Not Required (ANR) plans for 90 Point Grove Road (Pattijoe Real Estate) and 334 Granville Road (Winifred Zarichak) in preparation for Planning Board action on July 15.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: 7:05 p.m.
Gary Schlichting of 12 Meadow Lane inquired if a traffic study was done for Williamsburg Estates Mr. Moglin said that the Board did follow up and the result was a traffic study was not required.
Gary Schlichting asked if the name Meadow Lane would be changed. Mr. Moglin said that the Board of Selectman are in charge of naming streets and once it is an accepted road the name is official.
Gary Schlichting also asked if there was going to be a traffic light on Sunnyside Road and College Highway. Mr. Moglin said that there is no plan for a traffic light. Mrs. Terry said that the state would decide. A traffic study was done on College Highway last year because of the Tractor Supply store. That study did not meet the threshold required to install a traffic light at Tannery Road and College Highway.
Gary Schlichting also commented that the Town committees and boards do not meet and inform each other about what they are working on.
Gary Schlichting asked what roads the construction vehicles were using. Mr. Moglin informed him that they are to use the Sunnyside Road.\ and Hickory Lane entrance.
Gary Schlichting asked if there were gas lines going to Williamsburg Estates. He was told that there were none on the plans.
WORK SESSION:
Zone Change
Mr. Moglin received an Email form Karl Stinehart, Chief Administrative Officer of the Board of Selectman, informing the Board that Mr. St. Pierre told the citizens of the Town of Southwick that the Sunnyside Road and College Highway zone change that had been voted down at Town meeting could not come before the Town meeting again. The zone change can come before the Town meeting again, by law, since it had a favorable recommendation by the Planning Board.
Community Preservation Committee
A MOTION was made by Mrs. Terry and seconded by Mr. Chunglo to nominate Mr. Bob Johnson to represent the Planning Board on the Community Preservation Committee. The vote was unanimous.
Accessory Buildings By-Law Review
Mrs. Terry led a discussion about the Accessory Building By-Law.
Discussions included:
How is an accessory building defined in the by-law?
What is the difference between a structure and a building?
What is the size limit of an accessory building?
Where can it be placed on an individual's property?
Does the building require a building permit?
Does it require a foundation?
What should be the set back from the road?
What uses are allowed in an accessory building?
What about temporary structures used as a permanent structure?
Can the structure cover more than 25% of the property?
Can accessory building and/or structures be placed in all Zones?
Mrs. Terry will continue to research the accessory building by-laws of surrounding towns.
Sign By-Law:
Mr. Moglin led the discussion on the Sign By-Law.
Discussions included:
Temporary signs
Should they be permitted for a limited time period?
Should they be taken in at night?
Who would enforce the temporary sign by-law?
What size are they allowed to be?
What about the quality of the sign?
Where can they be placed?
Who is exempt from the by-law? (Non-profit, elections, community events, etc.)
What about banners?
Shopping Center
Requiring a Multi use business ( plaza) to provide a sign space for each business on a pylon sign.
What about lettered trucks parked on property?
Retail vs. Business
Is there a difference in the rules for Retail vs. Business?
The Board wants to invite the Economic Development Committee to attend the meeting to discuss signage on July 29
AC Zoning
Mr. Chunglo led the discussion on the AC Zone.
Fencing required: He took out "horses and cows" and replaced it with livestock.
A dog kennel should be 400 and not less than 300 feet from any property.
The minimum lot size for a single family residential home shall be 5 acres.
Permitted use combinations of all structures, buildings and driveways would cover no more than 20% of the lot
Lexington Circle Decision
The Lexington Circle decision was signed and certified.
Being no further business to be brought before the Board, A MOTION was made by Mrs. Terry, SECONDED by Mr. Chunglo to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. Vote was unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Preston
Recording Secretary
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