Mashpee Planning Board
Minutes of Meeting
October 19, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Mashpee Town Hall
Approved 3-0-1 on November 16, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
The Town of Mashpee Planning Board meeting was opened with a quorum in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at Mashpee Town Hall by Chairman Waygan at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Planning Board Members Present: Chairman Mary Waygan, Clerk George Petersen, Dennis Balzarini, David Kooharian
Absent: Vice Chair Joe Mullin
Also Present: Tom Fudala-Town Planner
RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE
-Release of $1000 landscape bond for Duck Pond LP self-storage project-Mr. Fudala reported that a $1000 bond had been held for landscaping. Mr. Fudala completed the inspection and noted that trees had been installed in the gap. All landscaping matches what appears on the new site plan and Mr. Fudala recommended that the landscape bond be released.
MOTION: Mr. Balzarini made a motion to release the $1000 bond to Duck Pond LP for the self-storage project. Mr. Kooharian seconded the motion. All voted unanimously.
Planning Board members signed the release.
CORRESPONDENCE
-Douglas Storrs Mashpee Commons greenway sketch-Mr. Storrs forwarded to the Board a plan for the Mashpee Greenway. Chairman Waygan inquired about the land bank property and whether or not a path could be placed on the property. Mr. Fudala responded that there was a deep kettle hole wetland located behind Stop & Shop, adding that crossing Rt. 28 could be problematic.
Mr. Kooharian recommended expanding the green spaces. Mr. Balzarini recommended connecting to the Mashpee River. Mr. Kooharian stated that he liked the effort to connect the areas and recommended trail markings and recreational facilities in the area near the library. Mr. Kooharian also recommended the possibility of utilizing the area near the Fire Station but Mr. Fudala stated that the area was under ZBA permits. Mr. Kooharian emphasized the benefits of bringing recreational activities to the area and the Chair agreed that it could be a win/win situation.
There was discussion about the need for playgrounds as a family friendly activity at the end of a nature trail. Mr. Balzarini indicated that a playground would be a liability so the Town would need to take it over. Mr. Kooharian added the importance of integrating playgrounds into a downtown area so that the adults feel connected to the area while children have a place to play. Chairman Waygan indicated that Mashpee Commons was receptive to considering playgrounds, but that they would need to transfer ownership to the Town. Mr. Balzarini also suggested the addition of a hat shell for musical performances. Mr. Kooharian stated that what made the park he visited in North Carolina so great was that the recreational facilities were not isolated, but integrated and convenient to the rest of the
town. Mr. Kooharian emphasized that the Mashpee Commons project offered an opportunity to be creative to integrate recreational activities along with shopping opportunities. There was discussion about the variety of playground facilities now available, integrating playgrounds with a gazebo type facility that could offer musical performances. Mr. Balzarini emphasized that, as the town center, Mashpee Commons must provide opportunities for all members of the Town. Mr. Kooharian added that recreational facilities would dramatically increase the value of the location with little expense. Chairman Waygan added that an agreement could be developed allowing Mashpee Commons usage of the area.
Mr. Kooharian also suggested a jogging path along the trails featuring small green areas to allow additional fitness, such as sit-ups, to create a more enjoyable experience. There was discussion about the limited availability of green areas in the existing plan. Mr. Kooharian suggested adjusting the green areas, with a path down the middle for pedestrians to be separated from the traffic. Mr. Balzarini inquired about the bike path and Mr. Fudala responded that it switched back and forth between the north and south side, crossing the road. Mr. Kooharian emphasized that Mashpee needed other activities beyond high end shopping. The Chair also noted the importance of acquiring properties with CPA money if CPA money was to be used to purchase equipment.
It was determined that the ideas discussed would be shared with Mr. Storrs. The Chair noted that the Cape Cod Commission would be looking for these kinds of additions. Mr. Balzarini emphasized the need to also address infrastructure issues.
PUBLIC HEARING
7:10 Applicant: Ashers Heights Homeowners Association
Location: Ashers Heights subdivision
Request: Modification of special permit to eliminate water quality monitoring program and limit on lawn size. (Continued from September 21, 2011)
Mr. Fudala reported that Ashers Heights had requested another continuation to November 16th since an additional easement was needed from a resident who had left for Florida. Attempts were being made to locate the resident to acquire his signature on the easement. Chairman Waygan read for the record Mr. Wilcox’s email.
MOTION: Mr. Balzarini made a motion to continue the public hearing for Ashers Heights Homeowners Association until November 16 at 7:10pm. Mr. Kooharian seconded the motion. All voted unanimously.
7:30 Applicant: Paul Janaway / Mashpee Investors LLC owner
Location: Corner of Charles and South Streets, SouthCape Village
Request: Modification of special permit to revise the applicant’s list of allowed uses to add those uses described in Section 174-25.B.(14) Outdoor recreation facilities, to allow a proposed temporary miniature golf course on site of proposed Building G.
An email was received from Mr. Janaway regarding the withdrawal of his request due to unforeseen obstacles to proceeding with the Modification of the Special Permit.
MOTION: Mr. Balzarini made a motion to accept the withdrawal. Mr. Kooharian seconded the motion. All voted unanimously.
There was some disappointment expressed about the withdrawal. The Chair inquired whether any fees could be refunded, as requested in the email. Mr. Fudala responded that the $300 review fee may be eligible for refunding.
MOTION: Mr. Kooharian made a motion to return the review fee of $300 if possible. Mr. Balzarini seconded the motion. All voted unanimously.
MOTION: Mr. Balzarini made a motion to close the public hearing for Paul Janaway, Mashpee Investors LLC owner. Mr. Kooharian seconded the motion. All voted unanimously.
7:45 Road name hearing to rename the portion of Amos Road within the Stratford Ponds Condominium property to “Court Lane”.
The Chair opened the public hearing and read for the record the request. Mr. Fudala reported that Amos Road featured irregular numbering and that the Fire Department expressed concern about other departments’ ability to locate Stratford Pond’s pump house in an emergency. It was recommended that a separate name, Court Lane, be used. There was no public comment.
MOTION: Mr. Balzarini made a motion to close the public hearing for the renaming of Amos Road in Stratford Ponds to Court Lane. Mr. Kooharian seconded the motion. All voted unanimously.
MOTION: Mr. Balzarini made a motion to change the name of the portion of Amos Road within Stratford Ponds Condominium property to Court Lane. Mr. Kooharian seconded the motion. All voted unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES October 5, 2011
Mr. Fudala requested that “decisions” be changed to “conditions” on page 1.
MOTION: Mr. Balzarini made a motion to accept the minutes as written except for the correction on the first page. Mr. Petersen seconded the motion. All voted unanimously.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Continuation of Review of Draft Economic Development Element Update
Board members reviewed the final page of the Economic Development Element draft. There was discussion about the simplicity of Policy 5, Action A and it was changed to read, “Help promote public awareness and support the role of business in the community and the importance of a strong economy.” Action D was changed to read “Encourage and support the efforts of the Cape Cod Commission to promote the expansion of job opportunities.” There was discussion about the need to include assessments, but not annually. Action E was amended to read “Conduct regular assessments of the Town’s economic development programs at least every three years and modify the strategy and time frame as needed.” Board members discussed the offerings of 4-year degrees through Cape Cod Community College. The benefits
of establishing a residential 4-year college on Cape Cod was also discussed. Mr. Petersen suggested the possibility of a 4-year institute that could focus on the many aspects of tourism. Action F was changed to read “Support the establishment of a 4-year College on Cape Cod and/or a 4-year technical institute.”
BOARD ITEMS
Old Business
New Business
-C. Rowley Expense Vouchers-None at this time
WATERWAYS LICENSE
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Mr. Balzarini made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Kooharian seconded the motion. All voted unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer M. Clifford
Board Secretary
LIST OF DOCUMENTS
-Mashpee Commons Greenway
-Paul Janaway Email
-Draft Economic Development Element Update
-Plan for Amos Road/Court Lane
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