Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
Minutes Jan 6, 2003 PB
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TOWN OF CANTON PLANNING BOARD MINUTES OF MEETING CANTON HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA JANUARY 6, 2003 Members present: Robert MacDonald, Chairman, David Merrigan, Vice Chairman, Peter Pineo, Clerk, Jeremy Comeau and P. Christopher Podgurski. 7:30 P.M. SPECIAL TOWN MEETING ZONING ARTICLE 1 Add to Section 2.15 Limited Industrial District, Section 2. 15.2E Upon a motion made by Mr. Podgurski and seconded by Mr. Comeau, to waive the reading of the article, the Board voted in favor to waive the reading. Upon a motion made by Mr. Merrigan and seconded by Mr. Comeau, to open the Public Hearing, the Board voted in favor. Paul Schneiders, Esq. represents Mr. Barros on his proposal. This article would allow the Zoning Board to apply a recreational use in a Limited Industrial District. Mr. Barros has under agreement, twelve acres of la on 138, Turnpike St. Mr. Schneiders explained that in order to put in a recreational facility here, he would r to go to Town Meeting. They propose three indoor soccer fields. The turf will be able to be pulled up, wher underneath are flooring for basketball courts, tennis courts. The sport could be changed within an hour. A bubble skate park for kids, biking, roller blading, outside skating area in the winter, which would be lighted, a few of what he proposes. A golf range, a "gymboree" aspect, also are proposed. The theme is sports. N Schneiders feels this is a simple zoning article and urges the Board to vote favorably. Mr. Barros would likE be able to build as soon as possible. Mr. Barros will donate a substantial amount of time to the Town of Canton residents. This will be in writing if approved. Mr. Schneiders noted that a Special Permit would bE required from the ZBA. Once the Town makes this an "additional use" through Special Town Meeting, the every petitioner that has a piece of land in an Limited Industrial has to make their case. This was true of tt Irish Cultural Center. Dana Barros spoke to the audience, stated that the peak times are Saturdays and Sunday mornings. He is willing to donate specific amount of hours each of those two mornings. He will be Preference will be given to Town residents. Mr. Pineo had questions pertained to the use to the Town. Mr. Barros addressed that. He stated that the Town would be given first chance at user time of the facility. Mr. Pineo went on to state the use of the word I "recreational use" and how it could mean a variety of uses, including horse racing or dog racing. Mr. Merrig; and Mr. MacDonald feel that the use will be up to the Zoning Board in their issuing of a Special Permit in all instances. Mr. Podgurski reminded everyone that this is just the first tool and this zoning change could go a place in the Town where there is a Limited Industrial District and have a Special Permit granted. These peo have a bigger task when they come in for a specific application to build a building. He feels that the article i~ fine the way it is. Mr. Comeau is uncomfortable with the wording. Carl Lavin stated that he too is uncomfortable with the general terms and feels that the intent is excellent for this article. He would hate to ~ this good use put in jeopardy because there are concerns of individuals who are giving too much authority tc the Zoning Board. Mr. Podgurski suggested to strike the words "but not limited to" to the article by Mr. Schneiders. Jill Hayes of 110 Green Street spoke as representative of the Green St. area. She feels that the words neec be changed.
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Upon a motion made by Mr. Merrigan and seconded by Mr. Podgurski to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Board, with the words "but are not to be limited to" to be stuck from article, the Board voted unanimously in favor. Voted 5-0 in favor. Upon a motion made by Mr. Podgurski and seconded by Mr. Merrigan, the Board voted unanimous I' close the Public Hearing. Voted 5-0 in favor. 7:45 P.M. SPECIAL TOWN MEETING ZONING ARTICLE Amend Zoning By-laws and map. Change from Residential District to Business District ten parcels of land along Royall St. and Davenport Ave. Paul Schneiders. Upon a motion made by Mr. Podgurski and seconded by Mr. Merrigan, the Board voted to open the Public Hearing for the Town meeting article. Voted 5-0 in favor. Upon a motion made by Mr. Podgurski and seconded by Mr. Comeau, the Board voted unanimously waive the reading of the article. Paul Schneiders, Esq. spoke on the article which was proposed by Pinacle Partners, with William O'Brien c Jim Thompson. This location is behind the WD Dugout. The area in question is 2.7 acres consisting of ten parcels. The area around is Limited Industrial and Business. The parcels are Residential C with seven houses, many owned by Instron. He does not know what would go in there. He feels that the Town lacks Business use. Mr. Pineo would like to know what it is going to be used for. Mr. Schneiders did not know. Mr. Pineo feels that what we are doing here is taking a piece of property, bought by speculation, asking the Town to grant rezoning, and then go out and look for a specific tenant. The number one issue before the boards now is affordable housing and the lack of it. This has a 60 year history of rental and housing in an affordable way. Mr. Podgurski asked Mr. Schneiders if those houses apply for affordable housing. Mr. Schneiders said no. He stated that furthermore, once the zoning change takes place, the use is illusory. Jill Hayes, a resident of Green Street, spoke on the issue. Pinacle Partners met with the neighbors last wet First of all, financially, you could take ten houses anywhere in the Town, tear them down, and make then business. Secondly, aesthetically, the houses there are nice houses. In general, she thinks it would be bet if the Master Plan Committee would say maybe we do need this district in Town and look where it should bE located. John Curran of 44 Green Street asked if you rezone to Business, how do you handle traffic in and out of the property. Traffic would come in off of Royall St. A traffic study will need to be done. Mr. Curran feels it is a location for business. Beverly of 58 Green Street stated that the little parcels of homes was there before the other areas changed business or industrial. Mr. Schneiders was asked by Paul Alfano if this area has been purchased already or not. Some of the hou~ lots have been purchased, and some are under agreement. Also asked if Mr. Schneiders family owned an) property there. He stated that his son and Mr. Lenhart own a house. Upon a motion made by Mr. Comeau and seconded by Mr. Merrigan, to postpone indefinilly, the BOe voted unanimously 5-0 in favor of postponement. Upon a motion made by Mr. Comeau and seconded by Mr. Merrigan, to close the Public Hearing, thE Board voted unanimously 5-0 in favor. Brief recess.