Planning Board meeting Sept. 19, 2019

Meeting date: 
Thursday, September 19, 2019

Town of Princeton, Mass.     --     Town Hall Annex

PLANNING BOARD   Meeting Minutes--– Sept. 19, 2019      7:30 PM

Present were:  Chair John Mirick, Tom Sullivan, Ann Neuburg, Rud Mason and Ian Catlow.

7:30 PM  Opened meeting in Town Hall Annex

Consider ANR plans –         

George Beckner was not present but he had submitted a new lot on Laurel Lane surveyed by Brian Szoc. It showed over 225’ of frontage and two acres, but the board had questions on several dimensions notated on the plan, and a dotted line indicating common ownership of abutting lots involving two deeds. They decided to hold off until they received an explanation.

Ed Carlson, his Atty. Josh Smith, and Doug Andrysick were in with a revised ANR plan for his property on Old Mill Road to the Rutland town line.  The revised plan showed only four lots, and so did not trigger the Open Space – Residential Development section of the Zoning By-laws.  There was a lengthy discussion about historical references to the road now known as Old Mill Road.  Town Counsel had reported to the Town Administrator that Town Counsel could not determine from the material provided by Ed whether Old Mill Road was a public way, but the Town Administrator considered the letter communicating the details for that opinion to be a confidential attorney-client communication.  Ed provided additional information, including typewritten transcriptions of portions of some of the early 19th century hand-written town records.

John M. had reviewed the materials, and questioned some of the historical documentation being used for “town road” evidence, such as 1818-era road surveys which did not include their purpose, or any results.

At the Select Board meeting on September 17, 2019, Ed had advised the Select Board that his attorney would not meet with Town Counsel to review the historical information.  Ed told the Planning Board that he was mistaken, and that his attorney was willing to meet with Town Counsel.

John observed that it was not clear whether Town Counsel had been able to read the earlier photocopies of town records and urged Ed and his attorney to meet with Town Counsel so that the historical record could be examined.  While the Planning Board was willing to act, he pointed out that it would be to the advantage of everyone if the meeting resolved the public way issue.  After a recess to confer, Ed’s attorney agreed to a meeting, and asked that John be present.  John stated that he was willing to attend, but that his participation probably required permission from the town administrator, and said that he would seek permission. He agreed to request that town counsel meet with them and advise as to whether Old Mill Road is a public way and does it provide (adequate) access.

Tom stated that he had questions concerning the railroad crossing, which is now posted as a private crossing.  If it is only a private crossing, it could be a barrier to actual physical access to the property.  Ed related his efforts to work with the railroad on the crossing. Also, a gate at the end of Lovers Lane, blocking Old Mill Road, was installed around 1980, apparently without (official) permission from the town. It would be helpful to get town counsel’s guidance on this issue as well as on the public way issue, John noted.

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.

Several residents attested to the status and use of Old Mill Road. Roger Brooks described the road’s existence from 1785 and that it provided access for several properties. Deb Cary noted that it had been an issue several years ago when the Parks & Rec Committee supported the town’s keeping it public –at least for recreational access.

With Ed’s agreement, the request for an ANR endorsement was continued to the next meeting of the Planning Board, on October 3, 2019.

9: PM  George Beckner came in and was advised of the questions the board had concerning his ANR plan. He agreed to have Brian Szoc clarify the issues and come back for endorsement at the next meeting.

Minutes -   The board discussed adding some comments from Ed C. to the minutes of Sept. 5 and the board voted all in favor to approve those minutes as amended.

The board agreed to postpone discussion on zoning issues – “Short-Term Rentals” and language in Sect. VII, 2. (A) & (B) to a future meeting.

9:45 PM   Meeting adjourned

Respectfully Submitted:   Marie Auger, admin. assistant

Referenced Documents:     Research materials regarding status of Old Mill Road from Ed Carlson.