For
Town of Sharon
On
Alternate Members: Walter Newman, Janis Edinburg
The hearing was called to order at 8:10 p.m.
Applicant seeks a Comprehensive Permit under MGL Chapter 40B, Section 20-23 for development of thirty-two town house condominium units, comprised of nine buildings, plus one existing home located at 9 Glenview Road. Property is located off Rob’s Lane, Town of Sharon Assessor’s Map 102-Parcels 87,88 and 92-1 and is zoned Residential B.
Attorney Houston gave a brief review of the case to date. He noted that the development has planned 28 units.
John Rhodes from Norwood Engineering spoke next. He reviewed the findings of the flow testing. He noted that there was some question regarding a valve on Robbs Lane and determined that the valve did not play a factor in the testing. Hydrant at Robbs Lane and Glendale flowed at 188 gal. /minute. He noted that the testing confirmed that there is a low water pressure problem in the neighborhood.
He noted that a possible solution is an underground storage system with dedicated fire lines and sprinkler lines to system. However, in a letter to the Board they pointed out that there may be a similar situation in Brook Road. The letter offers to do further investigation regarding water pressure problems in other streets and to offer a plan to address those problems.
The Board questioned whether the Robbs lane and Brook Road is a looped system. Mr. Rhodes indicated that it is a looped system. Mr. Rhodes noted that there has not been any discussions with town engineer.
Richard asked about the definition of loop system and gates.
Alice Cheyer a resident of Sharon asked what the cost would be for the self contained system. Mr. Rhodes indicated that it is too early to give an estimate.
Mr. Huston a resident of Sharon pointed out that we do not know what the cost would be for upgrading the distribution system. He is concerned on how the Board could be sure that the upgrades are done. The Board responded that it could be a conditional approval.
Ed Abramson of 119 Glendale Road, questioned about if stormwater runoff has been adequately planned for.
There was discussion on flushing of hydrants and how water pressure could be tested when the hydrants are flushed.
Janis asked what the self contained system would do to the water pressure in the area. Mr. Huston indicated that the system would draw off the water at a slow rate as the tank was being filled up.
Richard asked what would be the maintenance schedule for a self-contained system. Mr. Huston indicated that it would probably be an annual event to test the system.
Alice Cheyer, a resident of Sharon, asked about ground water issues ground water mounding.
Nancy Allison of 152 Billings Street, discussed concerns of density and provided diagrams to the Board indicating the impact to the neighborhood and abutting properties, She suggested a 50 foot buffer might serve as a reasonable buffer. She also noted safety problems.
A resident of 115 Glendale Road had questions about the traffic study. Board indicated that there will be peer review of the applicant’s traffic study.
There was general discussion among the Board, applicant’s representatives, and residents on how to proceed with the application, the amount of units etc.
Hearing closed at 9:28 p.m.
The Board went into Executive Session from 9:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m..
#1526 Nextel Communications 149 East Street
Applicant seeks Special Permit approval relative to attaching six panel antennas within existing Sprint flagpole along with a 12 x 20 equipment shelter within existing fenced equipment area. Applicant proposes a Special Use Permit in accordance with Sections 4620 and 6311 of the Sharon Zoning Bylaws. Property is located at 149 East St. and is situated in the Residential B Zoning District.
Hearing opened at 10:30 p.m.
Notice read.
Sitting on case: Dan, Lee John, Walter
Richard recused himself from the hearing due to potential conflict of interest.
Ricardo Sousa, representing Nextel Communications, spoke about the background of the case. Mr. Sousa described gaps in coverage in Sharon and location of existing cellular devices. Mr. Sousa indicated that the new antenna would greatly improve coverage in Sharon.
Michael Hawthorn for Nextel Communications discussed the reason for the current number of slots for antennas. He indicated that having antennas lower on the pole degrade signal quality.
Mr. Sousa indicated that each carrier has its own equipment shelter near the base of the pole.
Walter pointed out that there is a gap in coverage along the rail line used by the commuter rail. There was discussion between the Board and Mr. Sousa and Mr. Hawthorn on possibility of using the water tower on Upland Road to complete coverage of Sharon.
Len Segal a resident of Lyndon Road stated that Upland Road would help for coverage in the center of Sharon.
Hearing closed by Applicant at 10:55 p.m.
Attorney Richardo Sousa will provide draft decision.
Hearing closed at 10:56 p.m.
Next Zoning Board meeting is scheduled on April 13 at 8:00 p.m. in Town Hall.