Planning Board
Town of Princeton, Mass. -- Town Hall Annex
PLANNING BOARD Meeting Minutes--– Oct. 3, 2019 7:30 PM
Present were: Actin Chair Tom Sullivan, Ann Neuburg, Rud Mason and Ian Catlow. John Mirick was absent.
7:30 PM Opened meeting in Town Hall Annex
Consider ANR plans –
George Beckner has submitted a new lot plan on Laurel Lane surveyed by Brian Szoc. It showed over 225’ of frontage and two acres, but the board had questions about the remaining land on the plan he submitted at the Sept. 19 meeting. The new plan included more detail and it met the board’s satisfaction. A check for $100. was received with the Form A. George arrived later in the meeting and picked up the signed Mylar.
7:36 PM The board voted all in favor to endorse George Beckner’s ANR the plan as shown.
Ed Carlson, his Atty. Josh Smith, and Doug Andrysick were in to continue discussion on a 4-lot ANR plan for his property on Old Mill Road abutting the Rutland town line. The applicant supplied maps and historical references to the road now known as Old Mill Road.
Eric Brown from Worcester Water—Reservoir Division was in to observe.
7:38 PM Tom S. submitted a “Disclosure of Appearance of Conflict of Interest” form as he had offered consultation service about a forest management plan to Ed C. about a year ago. The document is to confirm that there is currently no conflict of interest.
Tom S. outlined a meeting earlier in the week with Town Counsel Tom Mullen and provided a 3-page letter from Atty. Mullen a few hours before the meeting which was shared by all. The letter reviewed the historical evidence that had been presented by Ed C., et al, and stated in conclusion: “I believe that the portion of Old Mill Road between the Rutland town line and the intersection with Lovers Lane/Reservoir Road is a public way. I express no opinion concerning so much of Old Mill Road as lies between the said intersection and Ball Hill Road.” He also noted that “adequacy of access” as outlined in case law was per the judgement of the Planning Board and would not offer his opinion on “access” as he had not viewed the way.
Tom also pointed out that “public way” is not the only issue—adequacy of the way is the other major issue, as the current condition of railroad tracks crossing the roadbed may be seen as a physical barrier rendering the access as “illusory.” Also, a gate at the end of Lovers Lane, blocking Old Mill Road, was installed around 1980 by the water department. It was understood that the gate could be removed at any time and as he owns land beyond the gate, Ed C. has a key. Ed also presented a wall-map with all roads in the town survey of roads done in 1818 that included the footprint of (what is now) Old Mill Road, and it has never been discontinued or abandoned by the town.
Ian pointed out that Ed. C. purchased the land two years ago for $200,000 and wants to sell as conservation land to Worcester Water Dept. Most surrounding parcels are owned/protected by Worcester Water or DCR as they surround Quinipoxet Reservoir and its tributaries. Ed C. claimed that he had a previous offer from Worcester Water which he declined as it was too low. He and Rud noted that there were downsides to either action, whether the ANR was endorsed or not, associated with Old Mill still being a town road that has not been maintained since at least the 1950s. There was discussion about risks, including financial, to the town, which Atty. Smith insisted was not relevant to adequacy of the way.
Tom S. asked Ed C. to clarify his position and Ed stated his contention that the road in its current condition provided actual access for his needs.
8:15 PM The Planning Board voted all in favor to endorse the four ANR lots on Old Mill Road as presented. A check for $300. will be delivered on Monday by Ed C.
8:25 PM Anthony Parrinello from Evergreen Strategies came in to discuss the concept of a cannabis growing facility using a 10,000 (and up to 20,000) square foot all-organic greenhouse, using mostly natural light and recycling water. It would be a vertically integrated operation with no retail on-site. The structure would not need much more than an acre for a footprint. Such a facility, as considered under agriculture, is allowed in any zone with a special permit as per the latest amendment in Princeton’s Zoning Bylaws. There was discussion about the evolution of Princeton’s bylaw, and Mr. Parrinello recounted his experience in other communities and cited other, similar projects, noting Ceres Cultivation. He has not yet investigated properties that may be available in town but will be in communication as a special permit is required.
Minutes - The board voted all in favor to approve minutes of Sept. 19 as written.
9:40 PM Meeting adjourned
Respectfully Submitted: Marie Auger, admin. assistant
Referenced Documents: Research materials/maps regarding status of Old Mill Road from Ed Carlson; Letter from town counsel outlining opinion on road status; “Disclosure of Appearance of Conflict of Interest” form