PB Minutes 12.10.2005

APPROVED

TOWN OF PELHAM

PLANNING BOARD SITE WALK

December= 10 2005

The Board began the Site = Walk at 9:00 am.

PRESENT:

Bill Scanzani, Gael Oue= llette, Paddy Culbert, Christine Medeiros, Alternate Bob Yarmo, Planning Director Jeff Gowan

ABSENT:

Peter McNamara, Robin B= ousa, Selectmen Representative Victor Danevich, Alternate Ken Dunne

Map 29 Lot 7-44-1 A= twood Road, Over 55 Development

Also present for this Sit= e Walk was Mr. Peter Zohdi, Edward N. Herbert & Associates and Dave & Alic= ia Hennessey, members of the public.

Mr. Scanzani reviewed the= plan currently before the board for consideration/approval and referenced a prev= ious plan submission by the same applicant on this same location. The present pl= an is for fewer buildings but does not cover any more space than the previous plan. CLD had performed the review of the previously accepted plan under the elderly housing requirements as it was designated as 62 years and older. The currently proposed plan is for only 20 units not 40 (original plan) and designated as 55 and older community not 62 (elderly).

Mr. Scanzani began the di= scussion by looking at the proposed locations for crosswalks and sidewalks. Mr. Gowan made the board aware of the Safety Committee’s preference for a cross= walk at the crown of the hill crossing over Atwood Road from the site location. After walking this area from the Rite Aid intersection to the top of the hi= ll, the board agreed with the crosswalk location. With an electric pole already= at this location it was desired by board to have some type of lighting placed = on this pole to illuminate this crossing and make drivers coming in either direction aware of this crossing. Proper signage was also desired by the bo= ard referencing “Elderly/Senior Crossing” or “Pedestrian Crossing” in some fashion in both directions. Mr. Culbert said he kne= w of a location using this type of signage and would take pictures and present t= hem to the board at the January meeting.

The board then crossed ov= er Atwood Road to the opposite side to view the slope with regards to possible location of a sidewalk. It was felt for safety reasons that a sidewalk shou= ld be installed. Mr. Zohdi made the board aware that in the coming week he wou= ld be bringing a plan into the planning office for the property whose frontage would include this sidewalk area (doctor’s office looking to expand).= He suggested the board may wish to consider the sidewalk as part of this second site’s conditions of approval. The site would include a sidewalk runn= ing from the current parking lot south on Atwood Road and turn left onto Living= ston Rd. along the property line for a short distance. A second crosswalk could = then cross Livingston Rd. to the Pelham Plaza. Mr. Scanzani asked for a consensu= s of the board present to look at this proposal for additional sidewalk and crosswalk placement as part of the intended doctor’s office plan submission and it was agreed upon unanimously. The board also looked at and agreed that a continuation of this crosswalk area would enter the Pelham Pl= aza through the currently bark mulched area into the parking lot area by the po= st office. This crossing area would be clearly marked and maintained.

The board then discussed = the positioning of lighting from the pole on the Rite Aid side to illuminate the crossing area across Livingston Rd. to Pelham Plaza. It was felt that prope= rly downward angled lighting could be achieved to safely light this area from t= he already in-place pole. Mr. Scanzani also showed the board the approximate location of the sidewalk as drawn on the plan coming south along Atwood Rd. along the frontage of this site to the Rite Aid parking lot.

Mr. Scanzani asked if the= re were any other issues needing to be addressed on site at this time. Mr. Yarmo wa= nted to be sure the applicant understood that the board had placed as a conditio= n of approval the installation of protective fencing/hay bales along the 100' bu= ffer zone prior to any construction. He also asked for reflagging of this buffer zone prior to removal of trees or any construction. Mr. Zohdi agreed to this request on behalf of the applicant.

Mr. Hennessey asked about= the trees to be removed or remain - how was this to be determined? Mrs. Henness= ey reminded the board of Dr. Richardson’s comments and suggestions when = he reviewed the site a few years ago. He suggested having a forester walk the = site and help determine the trees to be removed and those to remain and how best= to preserve and protect the site. Mrs. Hennessey suggested Mr. Dan Cyr, a local forester who is familiar with the Pelham area. The board agreed that a fore= ster would best serve the need to determine the tree “value” on this site. Mr. Scanzani asked for a motion. He announced Mr. Yarmo would be voti= ng in Mr. McNamara’s absence.

MOTION:

(Culbert/Ouellette) To = have Dan Cyr, a forester, review and evaluate the site and determine the trees to = be removed and those to remain.

VOTE:<= /u>

(5-0-= 0) The motion carried. =

Mr. Zohdi agreed to this condition on behalf of the applicant, his client.

Mr. Hennessey reminded th= e board of the zoning ordinance requiring proper landscaping to allow peaceful enjoyment of the developed site. He felt after his review of the current pl= an that more shrubbery was needed along the Atwood Rd. frontage to help quiet = the traffic noise/ lighting from cars in accordance with the zoning ordinance. = The board agreed and Mr. Zohdi agreed to mitigate as best he can in accordance = with the ordinance.

Mrs. Hennessey asked abou= t the area on the plan to the east of the well. Was that to be landscaped or left= in the natural state? Mr. Zohdi explained that it was to left in its natural state.

Mr. Scanzani asked if the= re were any further issues. Hearing none he asked for a motion to adjourn.

MOTION:

(Ouellette/Culbert) To = adjourn the site walk. =

VOTE:<= /u>

(5-0-= 0) The motion carried. =

Site walk was adjourned at 9:40am.

Minutes recorded and subm= itted by:

Ms. M. Gael Ouellette

= &nb= sp;