Planning Board minutes 1989-09-25

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Minutes for the Meeting of September 25, 1989 3 planning to do. He questioned whether a conventional subdivision could be done on the site. He also questioned whether the requirements for usable open space could be met. At Mr. William's request, Mr. Larson reviewed the cluster plan filed. He noted this cluster has individual house lots, and all the lots contain at least 15,500 sq. ft. , with the lot containing two dwelling units having in excess of 31,000 sq. ft. ; and that it conforms to the usable open space requirements. In response to an additional question from Mr. Williams as to why they did not prefer the conventional plan, Mr. Larson felt less damage was done to the site with the cluster plan, and the conventional plan was not as responsive to the contours, as the wall would be lost, and the grading required to site the houses would do more damage to the site. Mr. Sorensen commented that some of the driveways were too steep, and ques- tioned whether there was enough usable open space. Mr. Larson located the usable open space on the plan, noting there was 5,000 sq. ft. within 300 feet of the houses. He added, in response to an additional question from Mrs. Wood, a neighborhood association would probably be responsible for the maintenance of the detention pond, the island in the turnaround and the open space at the rear of the site. IIn response to a question from Mrs. Uhrig, it was agreed by the Board that the problems with the illegal apartments had not been resolved. Leo Neumann, 9 Woodpark Circle, expressed concerns about the safety of the water tower on land off the site near his home which might be more dangerous if the contours are changed on the site. Michael Appleman, 164 Wood Street, had pp , questions about the impact of the development on surrounding properties. He stated that the "swimming pool" is about five feet above the grade of the neighboring property, and asked if there were any plans to alter the grade. Mr. Larson said no, since they want to retain as much of the plant material around the pool as possible. Mr. Larson also said there would be little or no difference, between the conven- tional and the cluster plan, in the impact on the existing trees along Wood Street. Martha Paulson, representing Gus Schumacher, reported he hoped the barn could be preserved. Ms. Vilasi noted they were preserving the barn. Fred Rosenberg, 165 Wood Street, expressed concerns about the future of the illegal apartments. Mr. Higgins noted they considered it two parcels, and outlined their reasoning for this opinion. Mr. Sorensen said the Zoning By- Law does not allow any division of property that results in either lot being in violation with the provisions of the Zoning By-Law, and that no permits may be issued on the other lot until the lot in violation is brought into confor- mance with the Zoning By-Law. Eleanor Neumann, 9 Woodpark Circle, expressed concerns about difficulties cars have in exiting from that area. She also questioned the closeness to the lot