Planning Board meeting April 15, 2020

Town of Princeton, Mass.     --     Remote Participation hosted by Ann Neuburg via Webex and conference call

PLANNING BOARD   Public Hearings & Meeting Minutes

--– April 15, 2020      7:30 PM

Present were:  Chair John Mirick, Tom Sullivan. Ian Catlow, Rud Mason and Ann Neuburg. Residents included: Patricia Roy, Ryan Ingui and Bryan & Adrienne Patrone

7:30 PM  Opened meeting. Board voted all in favor to approve minutes of April 1, 2020.

Site Plan Review at 149 Wheeler Road-- Chairman John M. opened site plan review for Ryan and Samantha Ingui of 149 Wheeler Road. A draft version had been discussed at the last meeting.  John M. began by asking if Ryan had any comment about the draft plan. Ryan cited the letter dated April 2 that his attorney, David Wojcik, provided that took issue with adding hours of operation to a site plan. John M. had a different opinion about what a site plan can or should address, noting the definition in the Zoning Bylaw that mentions “minimizing adverse effects” and protecting abutters.

John M. asked the only abutter present, Bryan Patrone, for any comments and Bryan asked about the dual primary uses—if the P.B. had agreed with the interpretation of Atty. Wojcik that the way the zoning code was worded did not prohibit dual use. John M. noted that he had done some case law research and contended that prohibiting dual use would probably not hold up in court. Deferring to John, the board accepted the Wojcik interpretation although Rud called it a “(loop)hole” in the zoning.

John M. then read aloud each “Finding of Fact” and each condition in the draft plan, since call-in participants were unable to read the document on a monitor. He asked for comments on each item. All Findings of Facts were accepted as written with minimal discussion, making one word change in #5—“direction” to “recommendation.”

Condition #1 outlined how to screen the property line next to 151 Wheeler Road (Patrones). After extensive discussion, the original condition for Ryan to install 12 arbor vitae trees on his property was supplemented by a planting of extra evergreens on the Patrone property, materials to be purchased by the Patrones and installed by Ryan. Both parties agreed to this compromise.

Condition #4 was the standard used for exterior lighting—that it is directed downward and not into abutting properties. Bryan P. asked about limiting height of a light pole/fixture but there was no agreement about that concept so the condition remained as written.

Under Condition #5 the group discussed hours of operation, as Ryan had requested 7 AM to 9 PM seven days/week because of seasonal needs (especially snowplowing). The draft plan referred to 7 AM – 7 PM, Monday – Saturday with exemptions for weather events and the board agreed that this was reasonable.

The board voted all in favor to approve the Site Plan as amended and also authorize the chairman to sign the final decision on behalf of the board--to conform with social distancing in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Amendment to Site Plan at 194 Worcester Road--Michael Watkins of Monti’s Farm & Deli requested a site plan amendment to his site plan which was approved a year ago. He was not present but had emailed an explanation of his plan to use an existing window for take-out ice cream sales. There were no material or physical changes to either interior or exterior of the site. Marie forwarded the email to board members during the meeting and the group voted all in favor to approve the amendment to the site plan dated April 4, 2019 and to authorize the chairman to sign it on behalf of the board.

Housing Survey—The group considered the Housing Survey aimed at senior citizens and discussed some feedback—mainly regarding concerns about density of housing units and maintaining rural character. The results will be forwarded to a planner at Central Mass. Regional Planning Commission in Worcester, who can provide support and oversight in the P.B. goal of opening local housing options for seniors.

9:20 PM. Adjourned

Respectfully submitted:   Marie Auger, land use coordinator

Referenced Documents       Draft site plan and correspondence for 149 Wheeler Road; Site Plan at 194 Worcester; Housing Survey