DRAFT
TOWN OF SHARON
PLANNING BOARD
Minutes of a meeting of the Planning Board held on May 5, 2004, at 8:00 p.m., in the Town Offices.
PRESENT: JOEL TRAN, CHAIR
SAMUEL SOLOMON, VICE CHAIR
REGINA MANISCALCO, CLERK
ELI HAUSER
PETER O’CAIN, ASST. TOWN ENGINEER
Business Transacted:
I. Meeting called to order.
II. LAKEVIEW SIDEWALKS/SCENIC ROADS CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
As there were several suggestions made at the original public hearing that needed to be addressed, the hearing was continued to this date.
Mr. Tran asked if there were any additional feelings or opinions about the setbacks on the road – had anyone volunteered to give easements to move the sidewalk further away from the road? Mr. O’Cain answered that the money for the sidewalks was not approved at Town Meeting so that means that there is no rush to get this project moving this year, so the Engineering Department hasn’t pursued this issue. He would actually like to spend more time looking at other alternatives.
Also, in the interim, he has spoken with the gas company to see if they would be willing to move the gas line over so that there would be more room in the street for the sidewalk. Mr. O’Cain said that
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Administrative Assistant
Minutes of Meeting Page Two May 5, 2004
He would like to move the sidewalk away from the people who didn’t want it on their property. The gas main prohibited moving the sidewalk at certain areas. In speaking with the gas company, the gas company said that they would move the entire gas main as they want to replace it with new plastic pipes.
Mr. Tran asked if they might also pay for resurfacing that part of the street that they would be tearing up. Mr. O’Cain said that they only put a new strip over that part that they tear up. They would not pay for the entire street and sidewalk.
Mr. Solomon explained that give the fact that there is no money to do this project this year, it makes sense to re-examine how the sidewalk is to be designed and how it will affect the trees and everything else.
A resident of the area said that most of the residents were in support of the sidewalk as there are 12-15 small children living there.
Mr. Kramer of Beach Street said that he doesn’t see the over all project as greatly impacting the trees. He does feel that some trees can still be saved without compromising the project.
Mr. Tran asked Mr. O’Cain that prior to this project again being brought before the Board for consideration, that all trees that are to be removed be marked and that the street be staked somehow to show where the sidewalk will be.
Mr. Solomon advised the residents that if they really want this project to go forward next year, they should pay attention to the capital outlay process when it starts next winter and how it is treated by the Finance Committee. The Capital Outlay Committee approved this project this year, but it was the Finance Committee that voted for it not to go forward.
Minutes of Meeting Page Three May 5, 2004
Mr. Solomon then moved to take no action on the Lakeview Street sidewalk/scenic roads issue at this time. Seconded by Ms. Maniscalco and unanimously voted.
Mr. Solomon further moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Ms. Maniscalco and unanimously voted.
III. SIGN REVIEW
18 Pond Street, “The Black Opal,” applicant Kerry Andrews of Sharon. The applicant was replacing the existing sign. The new sign was to be 12”x72”, made of wood, black with gold letters. Since the building was on a corner, there were to be two signs on each street and one additional sign on the Marquis. Mr. Solomon moved to approve the application, seconded by Ms. Maniscalco and unanimously voted.
Sharon Coop. Bank – The Bank wanted to put up a temporary banner over its door and at their drive up window, and were seeking the Board’s input as to whether or not this constituted a sign and needed sign approval. The sign would be made of vinyl, and would be blue with gold letters. Mr. Tran asked how long this banner would be in place and the Bank representative answered that it would probably be a couple of months.
Mr. Solomon said that he thought this was something that should probably be reviewed by the Board. It would be changing the façade of the building. Also, the sign by-law allowed only one sign and others that have applied for more than one sign, even if it is temporary, have not been allowed to do so. He suggested it would be better to follow through on the sign process. Mr. Tran suggested that some type of time restriction be added, as it would make it more of a temporary sign and not a permanent one. The Bank’s representative said that they would file officially and come back for Board review.
Minutes of Meeting Page Four May 5, 2004
IV. OTHER BUSINESS
· Mr. Arnold Kublin wanted to advise the Board that it would be receiving a letter from HESCO, the organization that deal with elderly issues in the area. They will be holding a meeting to discuss elderly issues, especially housing. This meeting was to be on June 8 at the Pond Meadow Community Center in Wrentham, and he was asking that someone from the Planning Board attend.
· Mr. Solomon, on behalf of the entire Board, wanted to acknowledge the exceptional work that Mr. Tran has contributed to the Board over the past five years.
V. There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was
adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
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