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.
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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.
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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.
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