HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-12-09 Board of Public Works MinutesBoard of Public Works Meeting of December 9, 1982 Page 1
A meeting of the Board of Public Works convened in Room 177
Community Center at 7:30 P.M. Present were Chairman Wood, Board Members
Barker, Polychrones and Griffin and Superintendent E. Roger Louanis and
Assistant Superintendent William R. Bergeron.
Mr. Barker read the Notice of Public Hearing regarding the laying
out as a public way, D Street under the Betterment Act.
Mr. Fallon Joined the meeting at 7:3S P.M.
There were three D Street residents present.
Asst. Superintendent Bergeron gave a presentation outlining the
work to be done to bring the road up to minimum standards, and passed out
a sheet indicating the cost estimates to be assessed to the homeowners for
acceptance of the street as a public way.
Chairman Wood stated the rate of interest has not changed since
last year, it is still 7.2%.
The payment can be spread over 20 years with an annual payment of
not less than $5.00.
P.M.
It was moved, seconded and voted S:O to close the Hearing at 7:52
Mr. Fallon read the Notice of Public Hearing at 8:15 P.M.
regarding the laying out as Public Ways, under the Betterment Act: Chapel
Hill Drive and Terrace Park.
There were approximately 12 residents present from the area.
Assistant Superintendent Bergeron gave a presentation to the
Board and the abuttors on Chapel Hill Drive and Terrace Park as it is now
laid out.
Mr. Overon of 44 Chapel Hill Drive asked if the streets were
installed to the Town's specifications.
Board of Public Works Meeting of December 9, 1982 Page 2
Chairman Wood stated they were.
Mr. Overon stated the grassed areas have declined and are not up
to standard.
Mr. Bergeron stated repairs were made to the grassed areas at
least once, and in some cases, twice.
Mr. Overon asked if part of this Hearing regards drainage, and it
seemed to him that the area should be put into shape by the Developer.
Mr. Littlefield of 32 Thorndike Street stated that he agreed with
Mr. Overon.
There was much discussion regarding the citizens complaints about
the area and Chairman Wood stressed that the Hearing was being held at the
request of a petition from the residents.
Superintendent Louanis stated he felt part of the problem was
that the citizens did not understand the procedure involved in accepting
the streets as public ways and he outlined the procedure for the
residents.
Mr. Overon stated that as a taxpayer who owns some of the lots,
he felt his tax money was not paid out properly.
Mr. Dau Bansal of 47 Chapel Hill Drive asked what the Developer's
responsibility was as far as bringing the streets up to standard.
Mr. George Perry of 230 Franklin Street stated he was never
approached with the petition, however, his property is being assessed for
betterments as he abuts Terrace Park. He also stated that it was his
opinion that Mr. Bergeron was not responsible for the drainage problems in
the area.
Board of Public Works Meeting of December 9, 1982 Page 3
Mr. Robert Holland of 48 Terrace Park gave some input regarding
/ the deterioration of the roadways and the grassed areas and asked what the
Department intends to do about these problems.
Assistant Superintendent Bergeron stated he could look at the
catch basins and see if the actual structures could be lowered.
Mr. Bansal asked when Mr. Fantasia's last bond was released.
Suoerintendent Louanis stated the last bond for the cul-de-sac
was released on December 3, 1981.
Mr. Perry stated perhaps it would behoove us to come up with a
cost figure to fix the drainage problems.
Mrs. Holland of 48 Terrace Park asked if they could get in
writing that Mr. Fantasia pay the total betterments assessed if it would
be acceptable to the Board.
Chairman Wood stated she would have to get a legal opinion from
Town Counsel, and a letter from Mr. Fantasia.
Mr. Bansal asked what is the Town's policy after these streets
are accepted as public ways.
Chairman Wood stated the Town puts the roads on its roadway
maintenance program and can make an evaluation of the priorities.
Mr. Perry stated that Mr. Fantasia owes him 40 feet of woodchips
on a side slope.
Mrs. Overon asked about the lots that are a hazard to children.
Chairman Wood stated they are the responsibility of the Owner.
It was moved, seconded and voted S:O to close the Hearing at 9:10
INWE
Board of Public Works Meeting of December 9, 1982 Page 4
Mr. Fallon read the Notice of Public Hearing at 9:20 P.M.
reqardinq the laying out as a Public Way of Criterion Street under the
Betterment Act as requested by petition.
This was a preliminary Hearing only, and the costs are not final
figures.
Assistant Superintendent
approximately 23 residents pres
to bring the entire roadway up to
the homeowners are based on a per
corner lot exemotions.
Bergeron gave a presentation to the
ent. $31,900 is the estimated total cost
minimum standard. The assessments to
lineal foot basis, with the exception of
Mr. David Melanson of 28 Criterion Street questioned why the Town
of Readinq could not bear this initial cost.
Chairman Wood stated that Criterion Street is not a public way.
It is owned Jointly by the abuttors. Once the Town accepts it as a public
way, all maintenance and costs will be the Town's.
Agnes Buttery of 59 Grove Street asked if the majority of
abuttors are aqainst the construction, would the Board go ahead with the
project.
Mr. Fallon stated that if the majority of the abuttors want the
street accepted and if the Board of Public Works voted it, then an Article
would be placed on the Warrant and Town Meeting would be asked to vote the
funds.
Carol Corliss of 18 Criterion Street asked if the street was
accepted could the abuttors expect higher property values.
Chairman Wood stated that property values have nothing to do with
this Hearing, and this subject should be discussed with the Board of
Assessors
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Board of Public Works Meeting of December 9, 1982 Page S
Frances C. Callant of 23 Criterion Street asked what the initial
payment would be.
Chairman Wood stated the abuttors would pay 1/20th of their
assessment plus the interest which is currently 7.2%.
Mr. Paul Kelly of 24 Criterion Street asked how long it will take
to complete the construction.
Superintendent Louanis stated, assuming it is approved by Town
Meeting, we could have the work completed by November of l983.
Mr. Kelly asked if the abuttors would be required to tie into
Town seweraqe.
Chairman Wood stated there are presently laterals on the sides of
the street.
Assistant Superintendent Bergeron stated that he would review the
age of all water services, and depending on the age of the service, would
recommend replacement.
P.M.
It was moved, seconded and voted 5;O to close the Hearing at 9:45
The meeting adjourned at 9:5O P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
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