HomeMy WebLinkAbout1948-07-06PLAMMTG BOARD =MG
July 6,1948
' Presents Cromwell, Worthen, Adams, Burns, Richards, Johnson.
The records of the previous meeting were read and accepted..
Custom B u -i l t Tinme , rnn - f^ring Street Development.
Mr.Charles McLaughlin of Custom Built homes, Inc. with Ialr.W.S.Caouette
as spokesman appeared before the Board to ask why the Planning Board had noti-
fW him that his bond for completion of the second agreement in the Spring
street development would be cashed unless the work was completed before the
expiration date. Lir.Cromwell informed him that the meeting tonight was to
hear his story and any pertinent information. This hearing itself would show
that the Board was willing to reconsider its action.
Lir.McLaughlin said he originally planned to construct 99 houses, but in-
creasing costs allowed the completion of only a little over 60. To finish
houses now to cost less than $1.0,000 would depreciate the value of the present
homes in the area. $12,000 has already been spent towards the completion of
the second agreement. Over $400,000 of assessed valuation has been added by
the construction of the 60 odd homes. h1r.Cromwell asked what if prices con-
tinue going higher, and he received the answer that Lr.McLaughlin would com-
plete the roads and sell the lots. Mr.Caouette said plans for this year were
originally to construct 30 odd additional houses to sell for around $13,000.
' II'.Csouette said costs were so high that it was impossible even to do this.
Present homes were sold at the then ceiling prices - present costs would make
these same houses price at a minimum of X13,000. Mr.Caouette spoke of numer-
our resales of his Follen Hill lots because of extreme rises of building
costs. 11r.1.1claughlin if made now to complete his agreement can either sell
the land, build a cheaper house, or wait the situation out. Mr.Cromwell
stated that everyone is aware of these increases and asked if the cost of
building the road goes up, what about the present bond not being enough. Mr.
McLaughlin said he had spent about $12,000 already and hoped there was enough
left. L7r.Cromwell asked if the work was done later and the cost was higher,
would Lr.T"claughlin put up additional money. Mr.I,cLaughlin asked if he pre-
sented a signed contract for this work by a recognized contractor would it be
all right. Lkr.I:claughlin said he had completed nearly half of his work. Lir.
Richards asked how long the job would take and was answered by Lir.McIaughlin
that it depended on the amount of ledge - probably six to eight weekslus the
time for the ledge. (Time for Town to install water Tape to be added. Lir.
Richards asked if it was feasible to rescind this layout and call the whole
thing off even with the subgrade work nearly completed. Lir.Caouette pointed
out that the Town is very busy now and perhaps could not do the water work.
LTr.LicLaughlin thought rescinding the whole layout was an excellent idea. Mr.
Richards said layout specifications might be changed on resubmission. Lir.
Caouette said Iir.Mc4ughlin had asked for an extension of a year. Mr.Richards
wanted to know why a year. Mr.Adams asked if granted a year what was his pro-
gram. Mr.McLaughlin said that he would go ahead then regardless. Mr.Cromwell
returned to Mr.Richard's question - would he prefer the idea of rescinding.
' i ir.I:IcIaughlin said he would want to know full details of the new subdivision
specifications. Lir.Burns stated that the only real difference was to excavate
40 feet and shape the shoulders. Mr.McLaughlin pointed out that the new speci-
fications would cost double, but further discussion and examination of the
rules and regulations cleared up the matter. 11 -.McLaughlin would be agree-
able to specifications as outlined by the printed rules and regulations. ,
The idea of rescinding the layout would cover all of Woodcliff road, Nor-
mandy road, south from Underwood road, Hudson road, from intersection of
Tbrmandy road to intersection of Woodcliff. There are no built -on lots
on Normandy road from south side of Underwood to Woodcliff, none on Wood-
cliff from Normandy back around to Hudson. (Lots 57-61, 78-82, 85 thru 97,
26, 27, 55, 54, 56, 837 84) - also from lot 7 to Woodcliff road on
northerly side of Hudson road. Custom Built Homes,Inc. are owners of the
above unsold lots and are signers of the bond. Tlr.P'cLaughlin said there
would be no difference to him if the bond was extended for one year, or:"if
was rescinded. rY.Cromwell asked if future cost was higher would he agree
to it. Mr.TlcLaughlin hedged. T1r.Richards asked if there were not four
choices, viz: 1. Leave as is. 2. Extend for three or four months. 3. Ex-
tend for one year. 4. Rescind. Trr XcLaughlin said that extension will cost
$650 anyway. 1:1r.Cromwell asked that hh,.McLaughlin's first choice is not re-
scinding and he answered in the affirmative. 11-.Caouette and Mr.1.1claughlin
left at. 9.10 p.m.
The members of the Board discussed the situation at considerable length.
It was decided to submit the following proposition to 1Fr.14claughliO that
the layout be rescinded provided 1. That he finish Woodcliff road to east-
erly end of lot 83. 2. That he clean up Underwood from Normanby easterly
125 feet and restore original grade. 3. That he clean up Hudson from Nor-
mandy easterly 125 feet and restore original grade. It was moved by Mr.
Johnson and seconded by Mr.7J'orthen to extend the contract for the time
necessary for negotiations by and with the advice of the Town Counsel. It '
was so voted. Mr.Cromwell will talk with the Town Counsel and mrite to
MrJ1cLaughli n.
Se fri d e Agreement.
reemernt .
Mr.Burns asked what had been done about TS'ir.Selfridge's agreement. Re-
ferring to last week's meeting it was found the matter was in Ur.Lynch's
hands. M% Cromwell will write Mr.Sel.fridge a letter.
BIacTnellls Work
Mr -Cromwell reported on a conversation with John Blackwell whd stated
that he believed the work on the outlying portions of the Town is the most
pressing. The Board will do the work on the problem of more business area
in the center. Mr.Blackwell would like to have a photographic enlargement
of -the Lexington Center portion of the aerial survey of Lexington. It was
so voted.
Lbeting adjourned at 10;10 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Alan G.Adams, Clerk 1