WELLESLEY PLANNING BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING
with Board of Selectmen
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
WELLESLEY HIGH SCHOOL - LIBRARY
MINUTES
Present for the Planning Board: Mr. Frisardi, Ms. Donahue, Mr. McCauley…….Mr. Brown
Present for the Selectmen: Ms. Babson, Mr. Himmelberger, Mr. Dugan, Mr. Mills …… ……… ………………………………………………………...Mr. Larsen, Mr. Robinson
Article 53 - Hillside at Washington Rezoning
Ms. Babson explained that the proponent, Mr. Connolly, has agreed to the requested payment of $310,000 (.20 per unit x $400,000) - $10,000 which is the plan revision cost to convert from the four unit project to the five unit project. The payment is to be made to the Town Housing Trust Fund for the purpose of producing affordable housing. This Fund is under the authority of the Housing Development Corporation.
Mr. Frisardi indicated that Mr. Chan was not able to attend. He suggested that the other Planning Board members present be allowed to voice their views on the rezoning proposal.
Ms. Donahue emphasized that the Planning Board does not want to leave the Selectmen exposed on this matter but there it has reservations about a development agreement that appears to be assisting a developer out of an unwise land investment. She mentioned her concerns regarding this development on a site with such extreme topography.
Mr. McCauley said that although it is not a perfect outcome he has no serious objection to the four unit project. He felt that the Town should move forward as a united front.
Mr. Frisardi felt that the process has gotten off track and has run away from us. He said that the neighborhood's rejection of the five unit option was high handed. He feels the Town in moving away from the five unit option has taken two steps back. He stated his opposition to the development agreement that appears to be "zoning for sale," precedent-setting and wrong policy.
Ms. Babson said that the two boards had a meeting and she felt were in agreement. She emphasized that the Selectmen would never have pursued this course without believing that the Planning Board was of like mind.
Ms. Donahue felt that a minority position could be worked into the report to Town Meeting.
Mr. Frisardi felt that it impossible to make a report without having more detailed plans and a completed development agreement.
Mr. Robinson agreed with this and indicated that there is a second draft of the development agreement. He said that he has not had a chance to review it but will nevertheless will circulate it to everyone for comment.
It was noted that the Design Review Board is scheduled to review, with the applicant, the four unit project at its meeting tomorrow evening.
Next Meeting: April 10, 2007
Meeting Adjourned: 7:30 p.m.
Approved: 5/1/07
Richard H. Brown
Planning Director
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