Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board meeting addressed several property-level actions and ongoing development reviews. The Board approved a storefront sign for The Fruitful Fig at 57 Main St and endorsed an ANR plan splitting 135-145 Main St into two lots. A pre-application for Sunrise Bagels at 46 Elm St was presented for feedback: the applicant sought waivers for items tied to a change of use, and staff and Board members were generally supportive while requesting additional details on landscaping, lighting, and signage. The Board approved a Definitive Subdivision for 14 Maple St with four conditions tying the subdivision to the previously issued site plan and special permit, including covenant and preservation-restriction requirements.

The large Rocky Hill Development (multiple Elm Street parcels) was discussed in detail; the applicant and engineer reviewed the proposed road and lot layout, stormwater, and conservation review status. Board members and staff described remaining technical and permitting items, and the applicant reported progress on peer review responses and Conservation Commission conditions; the site plan and definitive subdivision hearings were continued to the September 14 meeting. A member of the public asked the Board to require sidewalk widening along Elm Street to improve trail connectivity; the request prompted discussion about project limits, right-of-way ownership, available impact fees from a development agreement, and coordination with City and MassDOT work. Administratively, the Board endorsed mylars and a covenant for 29 Water St while waiving the erosion bond due to a city license agreement, and established a cash surety erosion-control bond of $4,220 for 102 Kimball Rd. Several other public hearings (12 Oak St, 28 Haverhill Rd, 4 Lake Attitash Rd, 2-4 Elmwood St) were continued to the next meeting.