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PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES
July 12, 2007
Members Present: Mike Czarnowski, Bob Davis, Ed Harrop, Jim Throckmorton, Stan Widak (8:35)
Also Present: Amy Love, Town Planner
The Plainville Planning Board held its meeting on Thursday, July 12, 2007 at the Senior Center.
Motion to open the meeting at 7:05 p.m. by Jim Throckmorton, seconded by Bob Davis, approved 4-0-0.
Motion to open the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. by Jim Throckmorton, seconded by Bob Davis,
approved 4-0-0.
Public Hearing - 25 Taunton Street - Site Plan
Present: Dave Simmons and Carl Boardman, Angle Tree Consulting
George Jung, Owner
This site was previously approved for a hotel, but due to economic conditions, the owner never went forward. The new plan calls for a 15,000 sq. ft., one-story building in a similar "L-shaped" layout that is dictated by the topography of the site. No tenants have been secured but they are looking at 4-5 spaces of specialty retail, a high turn-over restaurant (not fast food; no drive thru) and/or a convenience store. The site is located 600 feet north of the intersection of 106 and 152 on the east side. There is a wetland to the rear which drains to a large pond. The buffer had been cleared previously and an Enforcement Order for a restoration plan was issued. The applicant went before the Conservation Commission last week and they will mostly likely issue a new Enforcement Order. The
Commission also requested that the building be pulled forward a few feet away due to concerns about grading machinery so close to the buffer. Mr. Boardman spoke to the drainage. He said there would be an increase of paved area from .83 to 1.09 and increased storage from 12,000 to 18,200 cu. ft. over the previous plan due to the additional parking (60 total spaces). Most of the water flows to the rear into the wetland now. With the new drainage system, there will be virtually no flow to the street; the water will be discharged through a level spreader to the wetland. Mr. Simmons noted that this is similar to what was previously approved. The site has deep ground water and good soils. Retaining walls will be built at the back of the building. Mr. Davis asked how high and Mr. Simmons said it changes with the grade: 12 feet at the highest point, with an average of 6-7 feet. The edges of the site will have treed buffers
and there will be grass in the front; the building will be set back 90 feet from the street, at the closest point. The lighting will be a typical commercial shoebox, cut off fixture so there will be no spill off site. There would also be a covered walkway with security lighting on the building. A drive aisle for emergency access in front would provide access to three, almost four sides. Since a full traffic study was done for the hotel and other projects in the area, one was not done specifically for this project. A trip generation analysis was done based on the types of potential uses. If a convenience store was part of the mix, projections range from 600-1200 trips/day. Current volumes of 15-16,000 vehicles/day will increase approx. 5% in each direction with Lowe's. Mr. Davis asked about peak drive times. Mr. Simmons responded based on use: specialty retail 40/hr., restaurant 139, and store 200-300. Earth Tech will
review the documentation and recommend if a full traffic study is warranted. Tenny Nevins, 29 Taunton St., an abutter, requested a buffer of dense plantings in the back corner near her property. Mr. Simmons said they would add more trees and a stockade fence. Ms. Nevens said she didn't like that type of fence. Ana Tenreiro, 28 Taunton St., asked about signage and hours of operation. Mr. Simmons explained that the Board still needs to consider this but given the potential uses, it would likely be no later than 11 p.m.
Motion to continue until August 23, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. by Bob Davis, seconded by Jim Throckmorton, approved 4-0-0. Mr. Mullally, Earth Tech, said he could get his comment letter to Mr. Simmons by August 10th.
1 Washington Street - Site Plan - Dental Building
Present: Dana Clow, Advanced Engineering
Dr. Dean Buxton, applicant
Motion to open the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. by Bob Davis, seconded by Mike Czarnowski,
approved 4-0-0.
Mr. Clow provided abutter notification cards and provided an overview of the project. He said the site is located on the North Attleboro/Plainville town line. The lot is 20,768 sq. ft. with 12,050 in North Attleboro. Mr. Clow said he has notified the North Attleboro Planning Board but is not required to file a formal application as no improvements are planned for that section. The parcel is zoned CB and the 255 ft. frontage meets zoning requirements. It is an unimproved, wooded site and the seasonal high ground water presents a development challenge. Mr. Clow submitted three months of records (until mid-June) showing it 2-3 feet from the surface. A 6 ft. steep embankment will have a retaining wall that ends at the driveway. The applicant has two applications with Mass Highway for driveway
access and water and sewer connections (across the street). The parcel also abuts power lines. Mr. Harrop asked how close and was told 47 feet. Mr. Czarnowski told Mr. Clow to find out the voltage from National Grid. A single-story 2500 sq. ft. dental office is planned. The ZBA has granted waivers for parking (from 25 to 22 spaces) and side yard setbacks (power lines). The entrance has a planted buffer as required when abutting a residential use. There is a 34 ft. radius in 22 ft. gutter to gutter, and a 24 ft. radius out - because the end curb can't extend past the property line without an easement from National Grid. Mr. Harrop asked why there couldn't be 30 feet on both sides and Mr. Clow responded that they would lose parking and be unable to meet the open space requirement. A trip generation analysis was done of 80-90 vehicles/day. A lot of grading will be necessary: 1600 cu. ft. cut and 1200 cu ft. fill - most will be used
on site. They plan to depress the ground water locally through an interceptor below the detention basins located under the parking lot. Mr. Davis asked where the water ultimately goes and was told the Ten Mile River. Mr. Davis expressed concerns about increased flow and volume. Mr. Clow said the water would only move more quickly for a brief period of time before it reached a point of stability. Earth Tech will review. John Tetreault, 37 Bugbee St. (and also a Water & Sewer member) said they would look into whether industrial pre-treatment would be necessary and if it would affect the use agreement with North Attleboro. Mr. Tetreault, also speaking for his neighbors, would like to soften the impact of the views with landscaping and said he was pleased with the design and color of the building (as compared with the Pediatric Dental building). Ms. Love noted that the plan does not meet town line setback requirements. Mr. Clow
said he has a letter from John Emidy stating he only has to meet property line setbacks. Mr. Harrop requested a copy of the letter and would also like Town Counsel to review Mr. Emidy's opinion. The Board would also like to see no left turn out - and signage to this effect. Mr. Czarnowski noted there was no dumpster on the plan and asked that one be added. He also would like the applicant to make an informal presentation to the North Attleboro Planning Board. Mr. Harrop asked Ms. Love to also follow up as a courtesy. Robert Bartlett, 563 N. Washington St., North Attleboro, expressed his concern about water and light coming onto his property and also sight lines from his driveway. Mr. Clow explained that there would be lantern style lighting, as well as security lighting on the building but that none would spill off site. (Hours of operation are only until 5 p.m.) Mr. Barlett would also like the tree buffer extended to fill the
corner by his property. The Board would like the white pines on the landscaping plan replaced with another species.
Motion to continue until August 23, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. by Jim Throckmorton, seconded by Bob Davis, approved, 5-0-0. Mr. Mullally, Earth Tech, said he could get his comment letter to Mr. Clow by August 10th.
General Business
A site walk with the Conservation Commission will take place for Plainville Commerce Park next Thursday, July 19th at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Love will call Dave Simmons and Gerry Lorusso to get permission and see if they want to attend. Ms. Love will confirm with all.
Motion to allow any one member to endorse an ANR plan if the deadline wouldn't allow it to be approved at a regular meeting and in this instance, the member will contact the other members if anything appears unusual before it is signed by Jim Throckmorton, seconded by Bob Davis, approved 5-0-0.
Mr. Harrop requested Ms. Love to write a letter on behalf of the Planning Board to John Emidy regarding the deteriorating condition of the concrete wall around the dumpster at Papa Gino's.
Sherry Norman resigned her position as recording secretary. She agreed to stay on through August to give the Board time to hire a replacement.
Motion to adjourn at 9:35 p.m. by Mike Czarnowski, seconded by Stan Widak, approved 5-0-0.
Next Meeting: July 26, 2007 at the Senior Center
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Norman, Clerk
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