Planning Board min. 2-19-20
Town of Princeton, Mass. -- Town Hall Annex
PLANNING BOARD Meeting Minutes--– Feb. 5, 2020 7:30 PM
Present were: Chair John Mirick, Ian Catlow, Ann Neuburg, Rud Mason and Tom Sullivan.
7:30 PM Chairman opened meeting and acknowledged Ryan and Samantha Ingui of 149 Wheeler Road, along with several neighbors.
Ryan reported that a survey of his lot perimeter was completed and matched sketches of his house lot (previously submitted). He noted a rear corner had some encroachment of tree clearing and a swing set, but the surveyed line was now marked with boulders and abutter Tim Hammond at 143 Wheeler Road was in approval. Bryan Patrone at 151 Wheeler agreed with locations of the new survey stakes.
Ryan distributed an opinion letter from Atty. David Wojcik which presented an interpretation of the zoning bylaw, stating “Nowhere does the (bylaw) explicitly prohibit either two principal uses or a principal use and another use which is not an accessory use…. Nothing… explicitly prohibits multiple uses on a lot.”
Ryan objected to the building inspector’s enforcement order—citing a letter from Sept. 23—that directs the Inguis to submit a site plan to the Planning Board. He continually points out that he anticipates moving his business to another site within a year or two.
Board members agreed that regardless of any interpretation of the bylaw, a site plan was appropriate. Growth of the business is what is triggering a site plan. John M. asked abutter Bryan P. what a site plan would ideally include. Bryan continued to voice his desire for visual screening and mitigation of noise. It was pointed out that these issues are not so much business-related as stemming from residential landscaping/maintenance and as such cannot be expected to disappear.
John M. outlined key items to address on a site plan including location of parked vehicles and equipment, screening solutions in coordination with abutter Bryan P., etc.
The board asked Ryan to come back with a site plan after conferring with neighbors.
8:15 PM Tom S. distributed a chart showing available acreage in the Business/Industrial zoned areas in town, and appx. 29 – 36 acres are undeveloped and could provide possible sites for energy production facilities. This meets a requirement for the town to gain Green Community status—a detail the Environmental Action Committee has requested. Ian pointed out that the E.A.C. needs a letter that verifies the acreage and also verifies that the town already meets standards for “expedited permitting.”
The group agreed to set March 18 for the public hearing on the zoning amendments set to be included on the ATM warrant in May.
John M. will contact the ZBA about switching the ‘special permit granting authority’ from ZBA to Planning Board for site-related issues.
The group discussed getting a survey to residents concerning senior housing initiatives. Possible to be distributed at the ATM or in a mailer ot the COA newsletter.
Lindsey Champa, a potential buyer, and her realtor were in seeking information on the Clarkes’ 43-acre parcel on Brooks Station Road near the Rutland line. It only has 40’ or so of frontage but the adjoining town-owned lot is soon to be auctioned off and would provide legal frontage if purchased in conjunction and merged with the Clarke property. The board explained why the 40’ frontage made the parcel unbuildable.
Board voted all in favor to approve minutes of Jan. 15, 2020
8:50 PM. Adjourned
Respectfully submitted: Marie Auger, land use coordinator
Referenced Documents: Attorney letter and lot plans from Ryan and Samantha Ingui for 149 Wheeler Road.