Planning Board Meeting Minutes

                                

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Board was called to order at 7:00 pm by Mrs. Terry. She stated that the meeting was being recorded and asked if anyone in the audience was recording the meeting. She welcomed a new PB member Marcus Phelps.

PLANNER’S REPORT: 7:00 PM

1. Revised sign permit Requirements.

2. The owner of 46 Will Palmer Road would like to add an addition to a nonconforming home. A Special Permit will be required.

3. There were questions about removing the gate between Depot Square and Southwick Hill when the construction project is complete.

4. Interest has been expressed for a use for parcels 16 & 20 on Mort Vining Road located in a Residential 40 zone (R40) and owned by Paul Gregoire of 233 Mort Vining Road.

5. There is a potential new owner of 55 Hudson Drive who requested information to modify the Special Permit to include light manufacturing, retail sales and possible external storage.

6. Mr. Phillips of Nitor Laser had questions on a modification to the special permit for a retail store at 5 Whalley Way in the Industrial Restricted zone (IR) for a permit for sales of guns and ammunition.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  7:05 pm

 

Mr. Stephen Phillips discussed with the Planning Board the possibility of selling guns and ammunition at his business NITOR Inc located at 5 Whalley Way in the Industrial Restricted zone (IR). The existing business manufactures fire arms, ammunition and accessories. He said the business is heavily regulated. He was inquiring as to whether he needs a special permit to sell firearms at his location. He said he has a Special Permit for assembling firearms. He wants to apply for a dealer’s licenses because of potential legal and liability issues. He said he wants to separate his Firearms License from his Dealers License. He needs something from the Town saying he can sell firearms at his property. He said under his Dash 127 he is permitted to sell firearms. He said he plans on putting the retail space in his office. Mrs. Terry reviewed the original Special Permit that was granted for 5 Whalley Way construction of the building for laser marking and engraving in the Well Head Protected District. She said retail sales are allowed but in the zone Special Permit did not specify for use. She said a modification of the Special Permit is required to include any and all uses he plans for the building. She said the Board would need a site plan for the parking spaces. Mr. Phillips said he is not changing the building. Mrs. Terry said he will still need to show on a plan where his parking spaces are.

 

Mr. Brown submitted on behalf of Freda Brown a letter requesting for a continuation of the Public Hearing for 41 & 51 John Mason Road.

A MOTION was made by Mr. Sutton and seconded by Mr. Doherty to continue the Public Hearing to June 7, 2016 at 7:45 pm The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Baribeau and Attorney Schneider asked if they could be notified if plans are submitted. Mrs. Terry said they would be notified when the plans are submitted. They will be in Planning Board office for review.

 

Mrs. Terry said that Mr. Slessler worked on two drafts of the Town Center Overlay District bylaw. Each Board member had copies. Mr. Slessler said he used a template of a plan he received from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and he also used a copy of the Town of Groton. He added in some items the Board had discussed to each copy and took out or reworded other sections. He said they are similar with some terminology differences. Mrs. Terry asked the Board member to read the two draft documents and make notes where you like the wording and where you do not like the wording or add what you feel is missing. The Board reviewed the two documents. They discussed the purpose, lot sizes, required permits, including the houses on College Highway, and the actual layout of the Overlay Zone. Mrs. Patterson said that the Overlay District is a marketing tool. Mrs. Terry said she is looking forward to the speaker, Kathy McCabe, at the next meeting. She will bring fresh eyes to a project the Planning Board has struggled with for awhile.

A MOTION was made by Mr. Doherty and seconded by Mr. Sutton to continue the hearing to June 7, 2016 at 7:15 pm The motion passed unanimously.

 

A letter from R. Lévesque’s office requested a continuation of the Public Hearing for 625 College Highway. Mrs. Terry requested that Mr. Slessler contact the applicant in regards to continuing the hearing at the next meeting. She expressed concerns about eligible Board voters since the Board has changed since the initial Hearing.

A MOTION was made by Mr. Doherty and seconded by Mr. Sutton to continue the hearing to June 21, 2016 at 7:15. The motion passed unanimously.

 

A MOTION was made by Mr. Sutton and second by Mr. Doherty to accept the minutes of April 26, 2016. The motion passed unanimously.

A MOTION was made by Mr. Sutton and second by Mr. Doherty to accept the minutes of May 3, 2016. The motion passed unanimously

 

Mr. Terry said she wanted each type of sign should have its own application. Mr. Slessler said the Building Department charges the applicant on the square foot amount of the sign and he is fine if we redesign the application. Mrs. Terry said that she wants the application to be really clear as to what is desired. Mrs. Patterson said she would work to improve the sign application to meet the needs of the Planning Board and the Building Inspector.

 

A MOTION was made by Mr. Sutton and seconded by Mr. Phelps to elect Mrs. Terry as Chair of the Planning Board. The motion passed unanimously.

A MOTION was made by Mr. Sutton and seconded by Mr. Phelps to elect Mr. Doherty as Vice Chair of the Planning Board. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Mrs. Terry explained how the Community Preservation Committee received and spent money. She also explained that the meetings were called when they had received an application. Both Mrs. Patterson and Mr. Phelps expressed interest in being the representative.

A MOTION was made by Mrs. Terry and seconded by Mr. Doherty to appoint Mr. Phelps the Planning board representative to the Community Preservation Committee. The motion passed unanimously.

 

A MOTION was made by Mrs. Terry and seconded by Mr. Doherty to appoint Mr. Sutton the Planning Board representative to the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously.

Being no further business to be brought before the Board, A MOTION was made by Mr. Sutton, SECONDED by Mr. Phelps to adjourn at 8:50 pm  Vote was unanimous.

Respectfully submitted,

Ruth Preston

Planning Board Administrative Assistant