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February 23, 2012 Minutes The Northampton Planning Board Minutes of Meeting Feb 23, 2012 City of Northampton Council Chambers, 210 Main St., Northampton, MA Members Present: Time  Chair, Stephen Gilson  Vice Chair, Jennifer Dieringer  Francis “Frandy” Johnson  Marilyn Richards  Debin Bruce  Katharine Baker  Mark Sullivan  Andrew Weir, Associate Member Associate Member Staff: Planning Director, Wayne Feiden  Senior Planner, Carolyn Misch 7:00 P.M. Stephen Gilson opened the continuation of Kensington Estates noting that no final action can be taken due to lack of stormwater report. Peter Wells, design consultant for the applicant gave brief overview of project since the last hearing. He described concerns at last hearing and changes. Mark Darnold, project engineer described low impact design elements used: less /narrow pavement, cluster of units. He noted that they looked at impermeable pavement. DEP wouldn’t allow because of proximity to Landfill. Various other reasons were described as to why they couldn’t accomplish and LID system. Andrew Weir asked about bituminous curbing. Peter Wells stated that this was a cape cod instead of type 2 bituminous. Staff confirmed that this requires a waiver and that curb must be granite. Stephen Gilson asked about lots 1 and 2? Wells sated that building will be outside of buffer and conservation restriction will be on the 2 lots. Ward Councilor LaBarge asked about the details of lot 10 and arrangements for land swap to the abutters. She noted her opposition to the project and asked why a traffic waiver should be granted. She raised concern about impacts to wildlife. 1 Al Champagne 1194 Westhampton road asked about snow storage and how the owners association would work? Marsha Fellows 123 Glendale Rd. stated concern about drainage onto her driveway from the new street and possibility of flooding. Peter Wells noted that granite curbs will be installed in the curb and drainage will go to underground pipes to detention pond. Ed Etheredge, attorney for applicant, clarified that lot 10 is the area that abuts Fellows and the applicant has agreed to mitigate issues by this lot. Mimi Odgers 97 Glendale Rd. voiced concern about intersection with Glendale Road and the lack of a sidewalk. Brigitte Holt, 126 Glendale Road stated need for accurate placement of proposed landscaping to address the headlights. Peter Wells stated that the trees could be hand located to best protect owners. Ruth Holich, 183 Glendale Rd. said that a visible delineation of property line in rear should be installed. Darnold clarified that they have mimicked the water flows that exist now and the system is designed to accept Glendale drainage into the site. Maureen Bowler 165 Glendale Rd, spoke against the project and stated interest in seeing garages for owners to store vehicles. Blake Simmons 1095 Westhampton Road asked about impacts to drainage and the wetlands and noted that the site is wet and will likely force more water onto abutting lots. He stated that lots 1 and 2 would have the greatest impact. Jim O’Dell 109 Glendale voiced issues about impacts to wildlife and privacy. He ask for fencing along his property to delineate property boundary. Meg Brown 137 Glendale, noted that cars may enter her driveway instead of the street. Lyn Simmons 1095 Westhampton Road asked whether sump pumps were planned and noted that the water in the area is high and will affect the lots. She raised a concern about public access to the open space Stephen Gilson clarified that sump pumps will drain to proposed drainage system. Upon motion by Francis Johnson and second by Katharine Baker, the board approved continuation to April 26 at 7 PM. 2 8:50 P.M. Stephen Gilson opened the continuation of subdivision at Hospital Hill for extension of Ford Crossing, Village Hill and Olander. Alan Delaney for MassDevelopment introduced the project team. John Perry, consulting engineer, described project and changes. Stephen Gilson asked who would be building the shared driveway. Delaney stated that MassDevelopment would be building it to base course. Stephen Gilson clarified comments from Department of Public Works. Staff noted that the stormwater permit has been issued. The Board discussed all draft conditions and revised them based on revised plan sets. (see submission of 2/23). Jonathan Wright, Wright Builders, spoke in favor of subdivision. Upon motion by Francis Johnson and second by Jennifer Dieringer, the board voted unanimously to close the public hearing Upon motion by Francis Johnson and second by Katharine Baker, the board voted unanimously to approve subdivision with waivers and conditions. Upon motion Mark Sullivan and second by Andrew Weir, the board voted to approve 2-9 minutes. 3