Scheduled:  
7:00 PM Spring Subdivision Review Process
7:05 PM Ridgewood Crossing Request for Extension of Time of Completion
7:30 PM Stephens Way Request for Extension of Time of Completion
7:45 PM  Report of Zoning Permit Study Committee
8:30 PM Old New Business
        _____________
Present: Planning Board Members, Paul Healey, Chair, Sarah Corey, Clerk, Susan Murphy,
Judy Sneath and Gary Tondorf-Dick.  Also present was Planner Katharine Lacy.

RE:  Spring Subdivision Review Process
Ms. Lacy reported that her goal was to have all subdivisions that need extensions come before the Board for an update in the spring (after Town Meeting) before the construction season gets going. To that end, the next few meetings would include all outstanding requests for time extensions.

RE:  Ridgewood Crossing Request for Extension of Time of Completion
The deadline for the completion of this project was November 2007. Alan Perrault came before the Board to request the extension and provide a project update. They are requesting an extension to May 1, 2009. According to Mr. Perrault,  they are making fairly steady progress selling lots and building out the project. At this point 22 of the 31 units are built. There is no bond for this project, as there are no lots to release because it is a condo form of ownership. There is, however, a signed and executed covenant.

It was moved, seconded and SO VOTED, to extend the period for completion of the Ridgewood Crossing Flexible Residential Development Subdivision to June 1, 2009.

RE:  Stephens Way Request for Extension of Time of Completion
This deadline for the completion of this project was May 1, 2008, and the current bond will expire on June 15, 2008. Carl Erickson and Jim Bristol are requesting an extension for the time of completion to May 1, 2009. Carl Erickson reported that 4 of the eight houses in the subdivision have been built, and another is currently under construction. The roadway and utilities are in place, as are the light bases for the street lights. Board members noted that they liked the fact that these houses were moderately sized.

It was moved, seconded and SO VOTED to extend the period for completion of the Stevens Way (formerly Fresh River Landing) Subdivision to June 1, 2009, subject to the following conditions:

1. The applicant shall provide evidence that the security bond of $107,292 will remain in effect until the completion of the project;

2. The applicant will inspect and correct, as needed, all Stormwater Management BMPs including street sweeping to remove sand and silt; replacement of hay bales; and clearing all catch basin to ensure that they are fully functional.

RE:  Report of Zoning Permit Study Committee
The Zoning Permit Study Committee, created by the 2005 Town Meeting, was created, in part, to identify "growth management" goals for the Town. Victor Baltera, Dick Cook and Don Pinto came before the Board to review the progress that they had made, and "brainstorm" with the Planning Board about potential zoning changes that the committee had identified in their discussions to date. Mr. Baltera noted that while the initial year of the committee's existence was focused largely on clarifying the modifications to the Site Plan Review process voted at the 2005 Town Meeting, this past year the group has been less clear in their direction.  That said, many of the items that they had discussed were directly related to zoning, so they wanted to get input from the Planning Board on how they could coordinate their efforts.

Ms. Murphy pointed out that, in fact, several of the amendments to the Zoning By-Law put forth by the Planning Board at the last two years stemmed from recommendations put forth by the committee. Other members of the Board noted that, while the didn't want the committee to keep meeting if they really didn't want to, that it has been very valuable to have an outside group
focusing on issues related to growth management. Judy Sneath wondered if it would be useful to meet with this group 2-3 times over the next few months as the Board developed concepts for potential zoning changes for next year's Town Meeting. The following concepts and activities were identified that might be explored by the group:

• 3 story height limit vs. 2.5 story height limit downtown (current limit is 3 stories)
• Lot coverage requirements for residential districts
• Modifying requirements for FRD so that it is used more often instead of conventional subdivisions
• Design Standards (commercial and residential buildings)
• Modification of lot size, house size requirements for subdivisions in Residence C, such as Gardner Terrace
• Corridor Studies, such as the one created for Beal/Fort Hill street
• Public Meeting for input on growth management concerns
• Joint meeting of all land use boards to brainstorm and share info on growth management issues
• Identification of state planning directives that mesh with Town goals

Old New Business
 
Minutes/Bills
The Board VOTED to approve the Minutes of April 7 and April 17, 2008

Boston Golf Minor Modification  Vote to Waive Requirement for Public Notice
Ms. Lacy reported that the Board was scheduled to meet with the ZBA on Thursday May 22 for a joint hearing on a proposed modification to the Special Permit A2 for Boston Golf. The modification entails the construction of a 6,000 of office building to accommodate office space and a caddy waiting room. These uses were originally planned to be located within the clubhouse, but were taken out to make the clubhouse smaller. Based on the fact that a quorum of the Board would not be available on the 22nd, Board members agreed to waive the requirement for public notice and, hopefully, hold the Site Plan Review Hearing on May 22, 2008.

It was moved, seconded and SO VOTED in accordance with Section I-I (5) to waive the requirement for public notice for the public hearing on the proposed modification to the Boston Golf Club as outlined in the application submitted to the Board on April 11, 2008.

3 Otis Street
Ms. Lacy reported that the ZBA is holding a hearing on the appeal by John Perette of the Building Commissioner's determination regarding 3 Otis Street on May 22 at 7:30 PM. Because the appeal pertains to a Planning Board determination that there is insufficient parking for the marina use, some members of the Board should plan on attending the hearing on the 22nd at 7:30. The Board voted to send a memo to the ZBA including background information related to the enforcement order and ensuing appeal.

Ms. Lacy reported on a variety on ongoing issues, including

• Proposed Location of Shipyard Guard House adjacent to Building B
• Hidden River-cost-to complete in progress
• New fence design completed for Bradley Park abutters to Hingham Shipyards required by Special Permit
• LIP Application for Back River is underway

Election of New Officers
Board members voted to make Sarah Corey Chairman, and Judy Sneath, Clerk, for the upcoming year. Board members thanked Paul for his service this past year.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Katharine Lacy
Town Planner