Planning Board

The Planning Board reviewed several site-specific applications, preapplications, and administrative modification requests. The Board approved two revised sign packages (Sunoco at 108 Macy St. and Phoenix Café at 19 Main St.), determined and approved a minor modification for the MA State Police generator installation at 89 Powwow St. with conditions (Fire Department sign-off and verification of noise compliance), and approved a minor modification for 13 Merrimac St. incorporating Design Review Committee recommendations. The Board also reduced the Bailey’s Pond performance bond to $61,250 and accepted a change-of-use request to allow a juice-bar/commissary-type use at 21 Water St.

On substantive hearings, the Board considered the Historic Preservation Special Permit/subdivision proposal at 201 Elm St.: members reviewed revised plans, retaining wall designs, drainage updates, and circulation changes and voted to accept the six requested dimensional waivers (4-0-2) and to request a draft decision for the next meeting that incorporates outstanding stormwater/peer-review conditions (5-0-1). Several preapplications were presented (38-40 Prospect St. historic preservation permit; 26 Friend St. mixed-use with a parking waiver), and the Board discussed traffic, sightline, and stormwater concerns. Public comment raised neighborhood opposition to the Elm St. proposal, citing the Brown Hill Overlay District, deforestation, driveway safety, and stormwater/runoff impacts; staff and the applicant responded that stormwater review and public-safety signage/conditions will be addressed as part of the outstanding review items.