For
Town of Sharon
Zoning Board of Appeals
On
Alternate Members: Walter Newman, Larry Okstein
New Case
#1555 Scalzi, Richard 6 Lakeview St.
Applicant seeks two findings and a special permit relative to proposed expansion to a home on a nonconforming lot. Property is located 6 Lakeview St. and is situated in the Rural 2 Zone within the Surface Water District.
Hearing opened at 8:12 p.m.
Notice read.
Board of Health letter dated 4/21/06 read. Stating will not increase design flow. New septic system installed to accommodated a 3 bedroom design. The house is to remain a 3 bedroom house.
Conservation Commission letter dated 4/25/06 read. No objections.
The Applicant described plans to tear down the existing screened porch with a shed roof and replace it with a new foundation to enlarge the kitchen and a new shed.
The Board request a new plot plan and new building floor plans.
The Board requests that the Board of Heath Agent clarify the Title V requirements.
Hearing continued until 5/24/06.
Hearing closed at 8:35 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.
Notice read.
Hearing opened at 9:00 p.m.
John introduced Ralph Wilmer, Mass. Housing Authority who is assisting the Board in this matter and Bill McGrath, Earth Tech (peer reviewer for the project).
Alice Cheyer inquired to the Board if it had received a new project eligibility letter. John responded to date the Board has not received the renewed project eligibility letter. The Applicant stated that he received a copy of the request for the new project eligibility. Attorney Freedman responded that he sent it in and will forward the Board a Copy.
Bill McCrath, from Earth Tech gave an overview of the project and findings. Earth Tech was retained to provide peer review. Mr. McGrath reviewed the traffic study. He noted that they did not have any information for future traffic with the new development. He noted that the sight distance was adequate for the speeds.
Richard asked if grade of the street was considered in the study and if it had an impact. Mr. McGrath grade was not considered, however speed was part of the study.
The Board then opened the meeting up to questions and comments on the traffic study from residents.
Lois Miller, resident of Glendale Road, asked wouldn’t there be greater problems during the winter due to 8 % grade.
The Board indicated concern with sharpness of the turn.
There was discussion about stepness of the grade.
Joanne Douglas, resident of 12 Robbs Lane, said that she has an issue with regards to the stepness in the winter.
Marie Cushman, resident of 107 Glendale Road, wanted to know when the study was done. Mr. McGrath indicated that the study was reviewed. John indicated study was done in June 2004
Paul Skolnik, resident of 174 Billings Road, indicated that he had some issues with the traffic assessment. John indicated that the peer review only reviews the traffic assessment, does not do another assessment.
Ron Langles resident of Glendale Road commented that there would be problems in the winter and problems with cars being able to stop.
Mary Tobin of 120 Glendale Road, asked what is the average accident rate potential on an 8% slope. Mr. McGrath indicated it was calculated as 1.16 accidents per million vehicle miles. John indicated the data was on page 2 of Earth Tech Report.
Alice Cheyer, resident of Sharon, asked about the purpose of the peer review and questioned whether the peer review would get all of the information that is relevant. John indicated that the peer review is too review the report submitted by the applicant.
Resident of Glendale Road testified that during the winter there will be problems in turning.
Ed Abrams of Glendale Road said that the criteria for determining accident rates needs to be reconsidered and question how it can be taken from a handbook.
Board then directed attention to Earth Tech review dated April 20, 2006 concerning engineering and site plan issues.
Mr. McGrath then spoke about the Earth Tech memo. Greg Meister, from Conservation commission spoke about the vernal pools and buffers.
Lois Miller, resident of Sharon, asked how many vernal pools exist.
Alice Cheyer indicated she had issue with statements made by Mr. Freedman.
Mr. McGrath spoke about the peer review and setbacks. He noted that hydrants should be 500 feet apart. Also had issues with drainage. Mr. McGrath went through the peer review report and the major findings.
Mr. McGrath noted that the storm water retention basins have potential to clog and there is no provision for emergency overflow.
John asked John Rhoades if the items noted in the report would be able to be addressed. There was discussion on the booster pump system.
Nancy Allison, resident of Sharon, asked if the site was too densely developed and whether the site should be less dense.
Lois Miller, asked about the septic system. John indicated that there will be separate hearings on Title V for this project.
Ron Langle asked about water retention and the retaining walls.
Jane Hyman of Robbs Lane asked about a fence around the retention basin.
Alice Cheyer, expressed issues with the septic system cutting down all the trees. Also issues with shielding, buffer zone and buffer zone plantings. John’s responded that this will show up on the planting plan and if it is not sufficient. The Board will require additional plantings. Walter stated that if the Board comes to the end of this process and there plan does not have adequate buffer plantings as suggested. Then the Board will require that as a condition of the permit.
Bill Apel, resident of Glendale Road, expressed strong opposition to the development and that it is the worst possible place to put a development.
Greg Meister stated that while applicant has made some improvements however the wetlands still will be impacted. Greg provided the Board with a copy of the Conservation Commission Town of Sharon Bylaws article 23 rules and regulations
Robert Schmelinsky, attorney for the Hyman’s of Robb’s Lane suggested that Mr. Huston’s winter report and letter should be made available to Mr. McGrath.
Hearing continued until 7/14/06
Hearing closed at 10:45 p.m.
Next Zoning Board meeting is scheduled on May 10 at 8:00 p.m. in Town Hall.