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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-05-08 Board of Survey Minutes Board of Survey Meeting of May 8, 1984 Page 1 ' A meeting of the Board of Survey convened in the second floor conference room of the Reading Public Library at 7:00 P.M. Present were Chairman Barker, Secretary Hampson, Board Members Polychrones and Griffin, Superintendent Anthony V. Fletcher and Assistant Superintendent William R. Bergeron. Secretary Hampson read the Notice of Public Hearing at 7:05 P.M. regarding the approval, disapproval or modification of plans for the extension of Lilah Lane located off Mill Street and Sanborn Lane. There were five abuttors present as well as Jack Rivers, Developer, William Jones of Dana Perkins Engineering and Attorney D. Bradley Latham. Chairman Barker introduced the Board members and members of the Department. Attorney Latham stated Phase I of this Subdivision was approved a few months ago. At that time there was extensive discussion of the turn-around and the locus of the subdivision. We are now submitting to the Board a Definitive Plan of Phase II. Basically, the plan as proposed tonight does provide a connection of a standard roadway from Mill Street to the back lots on Sanborn Lane. The subdivision shows six (b) single family house lots as well as an additional parcel which does have certain restrictions. Mr. Jones stated this subdivision begins at the cul-de-sac in exactly the same location as the 50 foot utility location. Lot 4 which was previously approved was made part of this subdivision. Lots 1,2,3,5 and b are not part of this subdivision, but are part of the original subdivision. The sewer line was constructed as part of the first subdivision as shown on the plan. The water line will be carried Board of Survey Meeting of May 8, 1984 Page 2 ' through to this location as part of this development. Drainage will flow down to a proposed set of catch basins into a drain manhole and out onto a lot which is not a building lot into a stilling basin prior to flowing into the Flood Plain. We will be doing no work in the Flood Plain Zone. Mr. Griffin asked if the drainage from the road would create any problems on Sanborn Lane. Mr. Jones replied no, the flow coming down to those catch basins is minimal. Mr. Polychrones asked what about the erosion of the hill in that area? Mr. Rivers replied from the high point of the layout down there was some discussion as to how that might impact on the westerly side. There really is no erosion potential in that area. Mr. Polychrones asked do you intend to do any digging? Mr. Rivers replied no. Mr. Hampson asked why don't you continue your new road right up to Sanborn Lane? Mr. Jones replied we can not continue the roadway entirely on our property because of future projections. Up until very recently we have not had the right to do that. If you bring these lines along anywhere else you would be infringing on the property of others. Attorney Latham stated we now have a contract to acquire those rights from a third party. ' Mr. Jones stated a new roadway would be expected to project 50 feet southerly, without infringing on the Flood Plain. The rights to infringe on the Cedar Glen property have been obtained. Board of Survey Meeting of May 8, 1984 Page 3 ' Mr. Hampson asked what is the timing for extending this? Mr. Rivers replied we do intend to come in with a preliminary plan for the further extension into the area. Attorney Latham stated within 30 days these rights will be secured and at that point a filing will be made to continue on. Mr. Polychrones asked what about the washout of the gravel? Mr. Rivers replied the plan is so designed that this is not going to happen. Attorney Latham stated the responsibility for this will be taken on by the developer. Chairman Barker stated I would like a full explanation of the basin to be installed. Mr. Jones replied this is not a retention or a detention basin. This is a stilling basin which takes the water and spills it out. Rather than flowing off the property in one defined location it will flow overland across a 40 foot area. Chairman Barker asked what about the Flood Plain? Mr. Jones replied based on field survey the Flood Plain is at elevation 75. We are about 7 or 8 feet from it. Chairman Barker asked if there are any similar situations to that type of pond in Town. Superintendent Fletcher stated I see no problem with it. These are self-maintaining. Asst. Supt. Bergeron stated it is the best and most effective way to make a retention area. This would be very maintainable by the abuttors. Board of Survey Meeting of May 8, 1984 Page 4 ' Mr. Rivers stated I intend to file immediately an Phase IIT and intend to go directly into construction. Chairman Barker stated I wonder if for the benefit of neighborhood peace of mind, we could not get binder in there. Attorney Latham stated if the Board wishes to impose this as a condition of the Covenant, we have no problem with that. Chairman Barker read a letter from the Conservation Commission regarding this construction into the minutes (attached). After a very lengthy discussion concerning the naming of the new roadway, Chairman Barker instructed the Department to review the legal implications of naming of streets, abandonments, etc. and make a recommendation to the Board. It was moved, seconded and voted 4:0 to close the heari.ng at B:00 P.M. Secretary Hampson read the Notice of Public Hearing at 8:05 P.M. regarding the approval, disapproval or modification of plans for a subdivision located off Avalon Road within an area approximately bounded by West Street, Whitehall Lane, Pine Ridge Road, Oak Street and Countryside Lane. Present were Peter Ogren, Engineer, Aurele Cormier, Developer and Mr. Kimball., Attorney. There were approximately 40 ahuttors present as well as Lt. Silva of the Reading Police Department. Chairman Barker stated this is a continuation of a very difficult ' process and I ask Peter Ogren to explain what has happened since last week. Board of Survey Meeting of May 8, 1984 Page 5 ' Mr. Ogren stated I believe it is fair to say there are two major issues left unresolved; roadway alignment and drainage. He stated the Board met on April 26 and May 3 at which time there was extensive discussion and at which time the Police Chief made himself available. The members of the Board took opportunities to personally observe the area for several hours. The plan that you see before you this evening shows just that. This plan has a different feature in that the entrance has moved southerly 75 or 80 feet. It appears this does allow more time to observe traffic. This is also a safer intersection. The plan has precisely the same number of lots. I suggest this is responsive. to some of the traffic problems indicated. The second area of concern was the permanent ponding area. We submitted two designs to the Board, (l) a "wet pond" and (2) additional new pipe constructed to lower the water surface of the permanent pond. The "dry pond" which we are proposing would be to create an area so that it had the ability to store and reduce the rate of downstream runoff. This is a pond that would have pond characteristics only during periods of high rain. The developer is prepared to go forward with the exact same configuration, but would grade the pond down the center with a stream. We see this as an improvement to the drainage system in the neighborhood. This feature is also offered as part of the plan. We would like to receive some kind of a decision from the Board tonight. Chairman Barker stated I think Mr. Ogren has done an excellent ' job. Mr. Sch].otman of IB Whitehall Lane thanked the Board for listening to the public. Board of Survey Meeting of May 8, 1984 Page b ' Pauline Harris of 79 West Street stated the road proposed as it enters West Street is very close to the top of the hill. Just before that point the speed limit drops from 40 to 30 mph. I think you will be throwing any traffic right into the path of major accidents. The prior hearing on this issue was preceded by two major accidents the weekend before. I don't know how you can propose to put a roadway there on West. Street. We are concerned for the individuals who are going to be clobbered in addition to the accidents that already orcured there. Mr. Polychrones stated the Chief of Police stated the accidents that occured were mostly at night and were not related to speed but were related to alcohol or drugs. ' Mr. John Harris of 79 West Street stated that road enters West Street right at the area where accidents occur. Sharon Burr of 35 Avalon Road asked has an Oak Street access been discussed since the last meeting? Chairman Barker replied the Town can not force a developer to buy a piece of property. Asst. Supt. Bergeron stated there are two substantial trees in this area that will be removed. This will assist in increasing the sight distance over what was originally proposed. Mr. Ogren reviewed the drainage design. He stated there currently exists a 12' pipe. What has changed is that initially we proposed to have a wet. pond. That will be filled in to the level of the t flow line of the pipe. This will probably grow wetland type plants. This will not be a ponding area, however. Board of Survey Meeting of May 8, 1984 Page 7 ' Mr. Churchill Franklin of 106 Oak Street stated I would like to make it clear the pond idea was mine, not the developers. I stillfirmly believe this would enhance the development. The reason I feel the pond makes a good deal of sense is the improvement of property values. It would replace the existing swamp. I think the pond would solve the water problems we all talk about. I feel the developer has done a very extensive job of offering alternatives. I would like to go on record as being very much in favor of a wet pond. A resident requested of Mr. Ogren whether or not they were aware that there were pockets or small areas of flooding between West Street and the project and what effect would this project have on these areas. Mr. Ogren stated we are aware of pockets of water subject to flooding in this area. It is a requirement that we have a swale along the ' entire northerly boundary of this plan. That grading has been indicated on the plan. Richard Shellenbach of 12 Whitehall Lane stated assuming the pond could have an immediate fill from a large storm, what kind of drain down time are you talking about. Mr. Ogren replied our numbers indicated the whole thing would be over in about 5 or b hours. Mr. Shellenbach stated I would like to see some pert tests done in the area. Mr. Ogren stated I have done some observations in that area, that is why we are going to lower this pipe by about 3 feet. In this particular case, we think it is appropriate. This should result in a general improvement in this area. Harry Simmons of 17 Pine Ridge Road stated I like the plan as it is now proposed, however, I would only suggest that the drainage construction be done first. Board of Survey Meeting of May 8, 1984 Page 8 ' Chairman Barker read into the record a letter from the Conservation Commission dated May 2, 1984 (attached). Mr. Griffin asked when will the drainage be done? Mr. Ogren stated the applicant would be willing to accept the condition that the drainage be addressed immediately. Mr. Griffin stated I would like to see most of the construction come in from West Street. Mr. Ogren stated I request the Engineering Department name the street after E. Roger Louanis. It was moved, seconded and voted 4:0 to close the hearing at 9: 10 P.M. Mr. Hampson moved that conditional approval be given to this new subdivision based on these requirements; Drainage work to be done first, and Trucks (for construction) enter from West Street rather than Avalon Road. The motion was seconded. Mr. Griffin moved to amend the motion to add a "dry pond" be constructed as opposed to a "wet pond". The main motion as amended was voted 4:0. Mr. Hampson stated I think there is great concern by the abuttors of accidents on West Street. The Police Department supports the access on to West Street and the Department and Board investigated the sight distances. ' The meeting adjourned at 9: 15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Se�rl��%�� CONSERVATION COMMISSION F 52 SANBORN STREET, ROOM 1 READING, MASSACHUSETTS 01867 942-0500 x44 May 2, 1984 Mr. Douglas Barker, Chairman Reading Board of Survey RE: Avalon Road Subdivision Dear Mr. Barker: As stated previously, the Conservation Commission favors the use of a "dry pond" in the Wetland Protection District on this subject property. In an effort to create the best possible design for this project, I offer the following comments: 1. Determine the lowest possible outlet elevation. Design a normally dry basin with a permanent stream channel through it. The bottom of the basin should be at an elevation and grade so that it will be free- draining and can be mowed during the dry periods of ' the growing season. A vandal-resistant control struc- ture should be installed to allow flooding, if desired. Vegetation management, by controlling water level, could then be possible. One foot of water impounded during the winter months would provide a safe facility for ice skating. Provisions for periodic removal of road sand and debris should be incorporated in the plan. 2. The condition and location of the existing drainage pipes carrying runoff from the property should be determined. If the pipes do not meet present day standards, their replacement should be considered. Maintenance easements should be provided to the Town. 3. During the construction period, erosion and sedimenta- tion should be controlled. The storage basin could be used as a temporary sediment trap by constructing a filter berm across the inlet. Haybales are not considered to be functional filter berms for continu- ous flow conditions. I hope these comments are constructive, and await a formal fil- ing of a Notice of Intent on this project. Sincerely, Charles T. Costello Administrator Cormier cc: Aurele Cormier CONSERVATION COMMISSION 52 SANBORN STREET, ROOM 1 READING, MASSACHUSETTS 01867 992-0500 x44 May 7 , 1984 e�A�°°kSa",j9e� Mr. Douglas Barker, Chairman Board of Survey Town of Reading v�QF RE: Sanborn Village Subdivision ®y Dear Mr. Barker: - The Conservation Commission offers the following comments in reference to the above-referenced proposal: 1. The project comes under the jurisdiction of the Commission and will require, at least, a "Request for Determination ' of Applicability to the Wetlands Protection Act" . 2. It would appear the developer has taken care to mitigate the relatively small impact the surface drainage directs toward the Ipswich River floodplain. The Commission would be interested in erosion and siltation prevention measures that would prevent construction-related damage. The Commission thanks you for this opportunity to comment on this project. 1(SSiin^c^erre , �.YIW�1R.o'� Charles T. 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