TOWN OF SHARON

PLANNING BOARD

Minutes of a meeting of the Planning Board held on December 14, 2005, at 7:30 p.m., in the Town Offices.

PRESENT: REGINA MANISCALCO, CHAIR

ELI HAUSER, VICE CHAIR AND RECORDER

WAYNE BRADLEY, CLERK

ARNOLD COHEN

PAUL LAUENSTEIN

PETER O’CAIN, ASST. TOWN ENGINEER

Business Transacted:

I. Meeting called to order.

FORM A PLANS

1075-1125 Gen. Edwards Highway. This was a reconsideration of a lot submitted a few months back. The problem then was that the lot coverage would exceed the allowable coverage limits. The ZBA issued a variance to allow the 28% coverage. The drawing as presented does not include a 150’ perimeter to the site. However, an aerial view was provided. Moved by Mr. Cohen to accept, seconded by Mr. Hauser and unanimously passed.

SIGN REVIEW

None.

II. HOUSING PRODUCTION PLAN

The Housing Production Plan has been resubmitted this past week for the third revision. Phil DiMartino in the State Department of Housing and Community Development indicated it looks good at this point and will confirm back with Ms. Maniscalco at week end.

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Administrative Assistant

Planning Board Minutes Page Two December 14, 2005

III. EXTERNAL CONSULTANT PLANNER

Ms. Maniscalco led a discussion on the need for an external planner consultant to assist with tracking and advising on housing development in Town, and in facilitating dialog amongst the Town boards. Funding would be sourced from the Kendall funds. Ms. Maniscalco will review the scope of work and return to the group for further discussion.

IV. WARRANT ARTICLES

The group discussed items to bring forward to Town Meeting in the Spring or Fall sessions.

Discussion re: Conservation Subdivision Regulations (CSD). Mr. Bradley expressed an interest in making changes to the CSD. He recommended creating a focus group to solicit and develop any recommendations. Among the changes that might be examined are: buffering requirements; traffic impact assessment requirements; grading guidelines or limitations; and changes to the incentive bonus structures. A discussion ensued on the composition of the focus group, with suggestions for participation from ConCom, Planning Board, Board of Health and citizens at large, in order to obtain multiple perspectives on needs and concerns. A suggestion to have two representatives from each was made. Mr. O’Cain suggested we obtain the regulations from those cities or towns that have a successful reputation with CSD development for review.

Mr. Cohen expressed an interest as being the Planning Board designee to this group.

It was agreed that Mr. Bradley would continue his efforts to form this group to work on the CSD changes.

Discussion re: South Main Street Commercialization. Interest raised to re-examine the South Main Street area to rezone for mixed use – commercial/residential use. It is currently zoned residential. In thinking about access to the area, it is unlikely that the State or Federal government would create a new exit off of Route 95. Interest has been expressed for mixed use, which would entail both commercial and residential above exiting property. This could help in obtaining the affordable units we are in need of for

Planning Board Minutes Page Three December 14, 2005

40B compliance. For comparison purposes, Shaw’s plaza is on about 12 acres, while Sharon Heights is on approximately 2.3 acres. When reviewing the possible areas to rezone, there is a 5-6 acres set of parcels right on South Main Street, with a 10 acre parcel behind and to the left, and then another roughly 10 acre parcel further in. A question was once again raised on the interest level by the current owner and developer for this type of investment on their part. Mr. Hauser was nominated to contact Mr. Intoccia to discuss their interest level.

V. OTHER BUSINESS

---Citizen Report on Construction Question Regarding Buffer - Mr. Bradley presented an email form Jill Katz, who lives on Park Road, parallel to Pond Street at Ames. She raised a number of concerns regarding the new house which has been constructed behind her property on Pond Street. Particular concerns included the siting of the house on the lot and the removal of buffer trees between the two properties. The house was designated as an historic site; however, this designation was “delisted” by the Historic Commission upon review. The lot is a conforming lot, so the house construction did not come before the Planning Board. Mr. O’Cain remarked that Joe Kent, Town Building Inspector, can only enforce Building Codes and Regulations, and that the lot and proposed building were conforming. However, Section 6132B discusses permit issuance and notification of abutters when abutters are affected by a reconstruction, which is what concerned Ms. Katz. Mr. O’Cain took an action item to review this regulation.

---Water Banking Discussion – Mr. Lauenstein reported that he has accumulated sample water banking regulations and policies from several other towns, and has interviewed water department officials from Weymouth and Waltham about water banking. Water banking is a system whereby developers pay a fee that pays for conservation of more water elsewhere in town than their development is designed to use. He has also contacted the Department of Environmental Protection in regard to water banking. He reported that a bill has been filed, SB 543, which explicitly grants cities and towns the authority to enact water banking by-laws. He said he would present a draft water banking by-law at the January 11 Planning Board meeting.

VI. Meeting moved for adjournment at 10:05 p.m., by Mr. Cohen and unanimously approved.