Weston Planning Board Minutes: 2 May 2018 Approved 25 July 2018 Board Members Present: Alfred Aydelott, Susan Zacharias, Anthony Flynn, Stephen Oppenheimer Staff Present: Imaikalani Aiu (Town Planner), Kathleen Broomer (Assistant Town Planner), Dave Conway (engineer) At 7:30 p.m. Oppenheimer made a motion to go into Executive Session. Flynn seconded. Oppenheimer, Zacharias, Flynn and Aydelott each voted aye. The Board came out of Executive Session at 8:02 p.m. Meeting called to order at 8:05 p.m. Public Comments: None. Topic: Public Hearing for New House Type: Site Plan Approval Amendment Address: 123 Newton Street Main Presenters: Jim Rissling, architect Stated that owners seek to replace existing house. Stated that owners wished to build in rear of property but wetlands issues prevented that siting. Stated neighborhood context of 2.62 acre lot. Stated planned RGFA 7,396 sf, existing house is 2,564 sf. Stated lumen count of 15,300. Jason Lavoie, The Jillson Company, engineer Stated that existing house was sited in setback. Stated that Con Comm had allowed construction of a retaining wall within no disturb area. Stated septic would be in front of house because of B.O.H. and wetlands issues but that umbrella pine tree would be saved. Stated that no stone walls on property were changed in plans. Steve Cosmos, landscape architect Stated planned buffer plantings within existing trees. Stated plantings added at MWRA driveway per Turner. 1
Documents: Documents Author Last Revised Title Sheets General Civil Engineer: The Jillson Company, Inc. Architect: LR Designs, Inc. Landscape Architect: Cosmos Associates 04/04/2018 Property Data (Zoning) Table 1 03/27/21018 Existing Conditions 1 of 5 04/09/2018 Site Development Plan * (includes erosion control) 2 of 5 05/02/2018 Plot Plan 3 of 5 03/27/2018 Detail sheets 03/27/2018 Story Above Grade Calculations 1 03/27/2018 Maximum Ridge Height Calculations 1 04/27/2018 Existing Conditions Images 4 of 5 5 of 5 EX0.1 Neighboring Properties Diagram Z0.1 Site Sections Z0.2A Z0.2 RGFA Calculations Z0.4 Ground Floor Plan A1.0 First Floor Plan A1.1 Second Floor Plan A1.2 Roof Plan A1.3 Front Elevation A2.1 Right Elevation A2.2 Rear Elevation A2.3 Left Elevation A2.4 Exterior Lighting Plan * 05/01/2018 Landscape Plan * 1 EA1.1 2
Specifications Lighting The Jillson Company, Inc. 03/27/2018 Stormwater and Erosion Control Report Manufacturer s cut sheets for lighting fixtures 1 9 Site Photos Applicants 16 Abutter Testimony Address Date Name 125 Newton St 05/02/2018 Gordon Whitman Discussion: Issue: Aydelott asked if house were in front yard setback. It would not be. Issue: Aydelott asked that setback line be clarified and stated that several corners were encroaching into side yard setback line, although proposed house encroachment was less than current house. Issue: Zacharias asked if ZBA had opined on setback issues. Applicant stated that Con Comm and ZBA had been consulted before approaching Planning Board. Issue: Aydelott asked if a finding from ZBA were required. Applicant stated that a variance was required. Aydelott asked what hardship existed. Applicant stated that wetlands were hardship. Issue: Zacharias stated that applicant sought to put a very large house that required a variance on a lot that was largely unbuildable. Stated concerns about amount of grading manipulation required by plan. Suggested pulling house perimeter back and lowering ridge height. Issue: Oppenheimer stated his agreement with Zacharias comment and that house was almost twice the size of neighboring houses. Stated approval of garage location in the basement, which reduced house footprint. Issue: Aydelott asked if ZBA sought Board input. Aiu stated that Board decision would go to ZBA before their decision. 3
Issue: Aydelott stated that fitting house on lot was a struggle and that Board would have to deliberate on conditions to communicate to ZBA. Stated that house would be one of the largest in the neighborhood on one of the smallest amounts of buildable land. Issue: Zacharias stated that applicant could reduce setback encroachment and eliminate need for variance, and also increase plantings. Asked what percentage of lot was actually buildable. Issue: Oppenheimer stated that lot density calculation was misleading because of lot conditions. Asked if Board could say house had to stay within lot setback. Issue: Aydelott stated that Board decision could state that impacts of house were too great if allowed to encroach on setbacks. Issue: Flynn asked if Town counsel should be consulted and about the order of Board review. Issue: Aydelott stated that instead of issuing a decision, Aiu should analyze application relative to Board standards and criteria, for future review by Town counsel and Board. Issue: Oppenheimer and Flynn asked about process. Flynn stated that Board could issue decision later if requested by ZBA. Issue: Oppenheimer asked about square footage calculation of basement. Architecture Issue: Zacharias asked about depicted windows in basement shown on rear elevation. Architect stated that windows were in bonus room. Zacharias asked about not including that space in RGFA calculation. Issue: Aydelott stated agreement with calculation because basement was only partially above grade. Issue: Aydelott asked about planned ridge height above average grade. Applicant stated height of 36.2. Engineering Issue: Conway stated that storm water plan was fine and that relocated driveway greatly increased sight distance. Aydelott asked him if there were a stone wall along that area, which there was not. 4
Issue: Flynn asked about new retaining walls. Heights vary from 2 to 8. Issue: Aydelott read letter from Turner. She stated concerns with MWRA roadway screening, suggested altering retaining wall to preserve specimen umbrella pine, and asked that two large dogwoods be saved in front yard. Applicant stated that first two conditions were met but that driveway location would not allow dogwoods to remain. Aydelott asked if that could be reconsidered. Landscaping Issue: Zacharias asked about raised planters. They are intended to save some trees. Public Comments: Commenter Issue: Flynn asked about visual impact on neighboring house. Applicant stated that house was pulled back from existing and screening was increased. Issue: Zacharias stated that screening trees would grow taller and density near house might be too much. Stated that planned 10-12 plantings were too small. Issue and Resolution Gordon Whitman, 125 Newton Street Issue: Reviewed neighborhood context and compared largest house shown and its very different orientation to the street. Stated that applicants had pushed for maximum size and impact on Scenic Road would be negative. Asked Board to resist. Aydelott stated that Board could not deny application but that setback encroachment required a variance. Stated that encroachment was less than before but impact was greater. Continued to 23 May meeting. Topic: Public Hearing for Behn Overnight Sports Camp Type: Day and Overnight Camp Special Permit Address: Regis College, 235 Wellesley Street Main Presenters: Grant Elliot, SB Sports Partners, LLC Stated plans for 2 night camp for 40-42 girls, 7 staff, 21-24 June. Stated maximum camp size reached due to gym size limitations. 5
Documents: Documents Discussion: Camp Narrative Campus Map Issue: Aydelott asked about Town s camp chart. Aiu showed chart and count was verified. Aydelott stated that weekend camp was better. Issue: Flynn asked age of campers. They would be 9-12. Issue: Aydelott asked about future years and if camp growth were expected. Gym size prevented growth at Regis. Issue: Aydelott stated that 3 year permits were typically granted. Action: Decision to be reviewed at 5/23 meeting. Public Comments: None. Continued to 23 May meeting. Topic: Public Hearing for Hammel Tennis Camp Type: Day Camp Special Permit Address: Rivers School, 333 Winter Street Main Presenters: Phil Parrish, Longfellow Tennis and Health Club Stated plan to expand camp from Longfellow to Rivers School. Stated that Weston High School courts would be unavailable due to resurfacing. Stated 16-24 campers expected per week. Stated that campers would check in at Wayland Longfellow for shuttle over to Rivers to minimize traffic impact. Stated that Rivers camp would not be run this summer, but that Camp Nonesuch would run. Documents: Documents Camp Narrative Campus Map Camp Brochure 6
Discussion: Issue: Aydelott asked about date of previous permit application. Aiu stated that a 3 year permit had been granted in 2016. Issue: Zacharias asked if application were for a new 5 year permit. Issue: Zacharias asked if Rivers campus would be used in the future. Camp expansion would mean use of all campuses. Issue: Oppenheimer used how camp would fit with Rivers School camp. Applicant stated Rivers camp would not run this summer. Issue: Zacharias asked when applicant would return to Board with changes in plans. Stated that traffic impact would be minimal. Issue: Aydelott stated that Board would grant 5 year permit extension and review decision at 23 May meeting. Action: Decision to be reviewed at 5/23 meeting. Public Comments: None. Continued to 23 May meeting. Topic: Public Hearing for New house Type: RGFA Site Plan Approval Address: 45 Willard Road Main Presenters: n/a Documents: None. Discussion: Issue: Aiu stated that applicant asked to continue hearing to 6 June meeting. Public Comments: None. Hearing continued to 6 June meeting. 7
Topic: New Business for Finish Attic Type: RGFA Site Plan Approval Amendment Address: 56 Westland Road Main Presenter: Liz Darling, applicant Stated that approved project had not been completed for budget reasons. Showed existing conditions and previously approved plans. Stated that decision had not been recorded at Registry of Deeds. Documents: Documents Author Last Revised Title Sheets General Thomas and Elizabeth Darling 03/13/2018 Letter describing proposed project and project history 1 Plans The Jillson Company, Inc Benjamin Nickerson, Architect 11/30/1999 Proposed Site Grading Plan. First Floor Plan 01/25/2014 Second Floor Plan; 03/12/2018 Third Floor Plan 01/25/2014 Section Specifications Maxim Lighting 05/20/2014 International Dark Sky One Light Outdoor Mount 1 Photos Applicant 03/13/2018 Existing House 5 total Discussion: Background Issue: Aiu stated that applicant had received Board approval more than 2 years earlier but work was not done, nor was decision recorded. Approval had lapsed. Issue: Aydelott asked if site lighting had been previously approved. Aiu stated that cut sheet had been submitted. Issue: Aydelott asked when previous plan had been approved. Applicant stated it had been in May 2014. Issue: Aydelott stated that Board had to approve revision to date of decision. Aiu agreed and also stated that site had not changed. 8
Public Comments: None. Continued to 23 May meeting. Issue: Oppenheimer asked if RGFA number had been exceeded and if additional landscape screening had been required. Aiu stated that RGFA number was reason for application. Applicant stated that all expansion work was interior. Issue: Aydelott stated that Board would approve change in date at 23 May meeting. Topic: Decision for Relocate Septic System and remove 2 additional trees Applicant; James and Nathalie O Sullivan Type: Site Plan Approval Amendment Address: 104 Oak Street Documents: Type Author Date Certificate of Action Assistant Town Planner 05/23/2018 Discussion: Issue: Broomer stated that several small edits had been made and reference to Norway Spruce was dropped. Stated that applicant and attorney had reviewed changes. Issue: Aydelott asked if applicant had approved changes. Applicant stated no issues. Issue: Flynn asked about content of an amendment. Aydelott stated it had to do with grading. Issue: Zacharias asked how many years ago the permit had been granted. Aiu stated that permit hearing had been in 2015. Issue: Broomer stated that hemlocks had originally been included in plan but concerns about their longevity lead to change in species. 9
Issue: Oppenheimer asked about planting changes and for clarification on the plan. Stated conclusions about plan. Broomer stated specifics about increased mitigation plantings. Issue: Aydelott asked if planting plan were correct and stated that decision should reference that plan. Action: Broomer to reference revised landscape plan in text. Public Comments: n/a Oppenheimer moved to approve as modified, Zacharias seconded approval. All in favor, none opposed. Topic: Decision for Expand House Footprint Type: Site Plan Approval Amendment Address: 441 Glen Road Applicant: Marc Kaplan, Sanford Custom Builders. Documents: Type Author Date Approval Memo Town Planner 05/23/2018 Discussion: None Public Comments: n/a Zacharias moved to approve as corrected, Flynn seconded approval. All in favor, none opposed. Topic: Moderator Recommendation for Article 20 Citizens Petition to Repeal Scenic Road Site Plan Approval Type: Zoning Bylaw Amendment Address: n/a Petitioner: Greg Shay Documents: Type Author Date Moderator Recommendation Town Planner 05/23/2018 10
Discussion: Issue: Zacharias asked if report would be read at Town Meeting, and stated that report was a good summary of issue. Aydelott stated that report would go only to Moderator. Issue: Flynn made minor correction. Public Comments: None Zacharias moved to approve as corrected, Oppenheimer seconded approval. All in favor, none opposed. Minutes: 14 March 2018: Zacharias moved to approve as corrected, Flynn seconded approval. All in favor, none opposed. Town Planner Report Discussion: Liberty Mutual Administrative Approval Water Guardrails Issue: Aiu stated upcoming schedule for meetings and site walks. Issue: Zacharias asked about upcoming and summer meeting schedule. Aydelott stated that Board would have to meet soon with Boston Properties. Issue: Aiu stated upcoming meeting with Liberty Mutual. Issue: Aydelott asked what they were requesting. Aiu stated company wanted increased parking relative to DOT ramp changes. Issue: Aiu stated that Turner recommended a tree at 13 Pigeon Hill be removed because of power line issues. Issue: Flynn asked about progress towards water plan. Aiu stated he was still working with MAPC to get District Local Technical Assistance. Issue: Aiu stated that guardrail work was ongoing and site visits had been made by Nitsch Engineering. 11
104 Boston Post Road Issue: Flynn asked for update on 104 Boston Post Road. Aiu stated that issue was in appeal. Oppenheimer moved to adjourn, Flynn seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Meeting adjourned at 9:31 p.m. Minutes submitted by Alicia Primer 12