WELLESLEY PLANNING BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2007, 7:30 p.m.
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE - TOWN HALL
MINUTES
Present: Mr. Frisardi, Ms. Donahue, Mr. Chan, Mr. Meade ………………….Mr. Brown
Don McCauley, Mark Bourgeois, John Dederian.
1. Unaccepted Street Review
15 Columbia Street
The Board met with Mr. Bourgeois to discuss his project to build a house at 15 Columbia Street (an unaccepted way).
The Board received a report from the Engineering Division recommending work to be done to cold plane and install an overlay pavement along the frontage of this lot and estimating the cost of this to be $9,116 including contingency. Mr. Bourgeois indicated that he is aware of the cost. In discussion he asked about the process, work verification and release of the bond.
Subsequently the Board moved, seconded and voted unanimously to find this portion of Columbia Street adequate provided the work identified by the Engineering Division is completed; and to establish the bond at $9,116.
2. Zoning Board of Appeals Petitions
The Board reviewed and commented on cases coming before a March 8, 2007 ZBA hearing as follows:
ZBA 2007-10
951 Worcester Street
Dunkin Donuts
Special Permit Renewal
A special permit has been granted and has been renewed since 1995. The Planning Board had concerns about the drive through use. The Board noted that queuing from time to time extends out into Route 9 creating a hazardous situation. The Board recommended that consideration be given to requiring an analysis of the parking and vehicular flow through the site. The Board believes the conditions imposed under the last permit were important protections to address concerns, and noted that the applicant has not provided any documentation of compliance with the conditions stated in the Special Permit decision. The Planning Board recommends that this renewal not be granted until your board is satisfied that the conditions are being met and that the drive through will operate in a safe manner.
ZBA 2007-11
453 Washington Street
Exxon Mobil Corporation
Special Permit Finding& Variance
The Design Review Board has reviewed the proposed signage plan. After reviewing several modifications it approved the plans with the knowledge that the both special permits and several variances would be needed. The total number of signs far exceeds the special permit threshold for total area. The 16 new pumps were installed without review by the DRB and were quantified for the first time in this application. The number of internally illuminated signs is excessive given the location of the station and the proximity to residential neighborhoods. There is no visibility issue with this business or this site.
The Planning Board agrees with the Design Review Board in that the requested signage is excessive and further feels that there is no justification for the issuance of sign variances. In fact other Exxon Mobil stations in Town have been willing in recent applications to comply with the Sign Bylaw.
ZBA 2007-12
36 Brook Street
Frank S. Bae
Special Permit Renewal
A special permit has been granted and has been renewed since 1993. Although there is no objection to the renewal of this request, since there have been concerns raised by abutters, the Planning Board urges the inclusion of and adherence to conditions 1 through 13 contained in the expiring decision.
ZBA 2007-13
53 Sheridan Road
William Karas
Special Permit/Finding
The Planning Board had no objection to the granting of this request. The proposed dwelling meets all setbacks. Mass and bulk do not appear to be an issue and the new dwelling is within the 20% maximum lot coverage allowed.
3. Street Acceptance
The Board deferred action on making recommendations on acceptance of Burnett Lane, Woodside Avenue and Sabrina Road.
4. Zoning Articles
Article 40 Definitions
There was some discussion revising the motion so that definitions of terms are consistent throughout all sections of the Zoning Bylaw. It was noted, however, that this would go beyond the scope of the advertised article. After some further discussion the Board decided to move the new definition of structure and separately move to amend the definition of Floor Area Ratio. There will be no motion concerning the balance of the article.
Article 43 500 foot frontage rule.
Mr. Derderian, 12 Cornell Road, asked to speak with the Board about the article. He explained that his project for adding a garage and a room above may be affected by the amendment. He showed the Board plans of his project. The Board also examined the Town Atlas sheet showing his property in relation to others in the area. After a brief discussion the Board felt that the set back of the adjacent house to the east should allow him to proceed with his project. Mr. Brown explained that under the Building Department interpretation of the 500 foot rule the adjacent house could not be considered because its address is on a different street. It was felt that needs to be clarified with the Building Department.
Article 41 Off Street Parking, Article 42 PSI Traffic, Article 44 Air Conditioners, Article 45 Exempting Inclusionary Housing, Article 50 Yards in Commercial Areas are to be moved as previously discussed.
The Board decided to meet on Saturday, March 31, 2007 at 9:00 AM in the Planning Board office to discuss presentations.
The Board will meet with the Board of Selectmen, Monday, March 12, 2007 to discuss Article 53 - 65 Washington Street at Hillside Avenue.
The Board will make a report on the status of Mansionization control and the rationale for deferring action on the Mansionization package of articles.
5. Membership
The Board welcomed Mr. McCauley to the Board. Mr. McCauley offered to assist with the Town Meeting presentations noting that he has followed the background and development of the articles while a member of the Advisory Committee.
The Board thanked Mr. Meade for his willingness, past experience and knowledge as he filled the vacancy on the Board prior to the election.
Next Meeting: March 12, 2007 with Board of Selectmen
March 20, 2007 Regular Meeting
Meeting Adjourned: 10:00 p.m.
Approved: 3/20/06
Richard H. Brown, Planning Director
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