MM Notes: Planning Board

October 18, 2011

Present: Joe Still , Member
Joe Forte, Member
Jessica Robison, Secretary

Since a full quorum was not reached, the meeting continued as a workshop.

Thorndale Farm, LLC, Site Plan Review, North Avenue and Front Street: Mr. Oakleigh Thorne and his engineer, Mr. Zareck, first appeared before the planning board in September, 2011 in regard to Mr. Thorne’s application to building an office building on the site of the former Country Road store. The building will house 21 offices and 22 parking spaces. Construction is expected to begin in spring, 2012. At the September meeting, the board gave the go ahead for tie-ins to the water and sewer lines and for curb cuts. Mr. Clouser, consultant, presented some issues that needed to be resolved before the planning board could act on the application.

Mr. Thorne and Mr. Zarecki presented updated site plans that addressed some of the issues raised by Mr. Clouser. Items that seemed to have been resolved are the site distance on the road, landscaping, and the need for a sidewalk. Mr. Thorne said he met with Mr. Greenwood, historian. He also removed the islands in the parking lot, allowing him to add one additional parking space for a total of 22 spaces. They continue to work on a storm water drainage plan, lighting, and some additional landscaping details. Mr. Thorne said he held a meeting with the neighbors and they seemed to be quite happy with the design of the building.

Jessica said a public hearing could be held as early as November; however, Mr. Thorne said he would prefer it be postponed until December due to prior commitments. Since the regularly scheduled planning board meeting for December falls only a few days before Christmas, Mr. Still and Mr. Forte said they will consider moving the meeting to December 15.

Jessica Robison announced that her resignation has been accepted by the board of trustees. She generously offered to train the new recruit.

submitted by: Joan Trombini