2008-02-27-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of February 27, 2008 allow only a right turn onto Wachusett Drive. Mr. Lopez showed an alternate plan that would move units towards Marrett Road and leave a larger area of contiguous open space abutting Wachusett Drive. Board Questions and Comments: Mr. Canale asked for information on the historic background of the house, garage and site. Mr. Harrington said the main house was built in 1910 and is in disrepair. The carriage house is now an apartment. These structures are not listed on the historic register; however the site is. The original plan for the property was to be one of several grandiose sites, but that never came to fruition. Ms. Manz asked about the Historic Commission status and if they had imposed a demolition delay. Mr. Harrington said they had to go back next month. Mr. Canale asked about the condition of the guest- house. Mr. Harrington said it was not in good condition. Mr. Canale said the Fair Oaks area included Marrett Road to Spring Street, Outlook Drive, Prospect Hill and Fair Oaks. He could see not putting in a road through the site, but a pedestrian and bicycle access was important and perhaps that the use of a path would help with the grading issue. Mr. Canale asked if they had considered the intensity of the site compared to the surrounding single-family dwellings. Mr. Harrington said the alternate plan had the units grouped closer together and pulled down toward Marrett Road so it should work. Mr. Canale said whether they used the existing bylaw or the proposed one, a total GFA of 28,800 square feet seemed reasonable. With that in mind, he asked what the applicant would use for number and the size of units. The preference would be a varied range of sizes. Mr. Canale asked about the health of the trees that would line the driveway. Mr. Wadd said the trees appeared to be in good condition especially the oak near Marrett Road; at the north edge there were a lot of nice oaks. Mr. Canale said he liked the open space near Wachusett Drive. Ms. Manz said she liked the changes to the plan. She said that the proposed bylaw shows what the Planning Board would like to see and suggested that the applicant start with that. The Board would be prepared to accept greater density in return for smaller more affordable units, although there may be a few too many units. Mr. Harrington asked how many affordable units would be required with 12 units. Ms. Manz said two affordable units.