DUNBARTON PLANNING BOARD

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2003

TOWN OFFICES – 7:00 PM

 

The regular monthly meeting of the Dunbarton Planning Board was held at the above time, date and place with Chairman James Marcou  presiding.  The following members were present:

 

                James Marcou, Chairman

                George Holt, Co-Chairman

                Alison Vallieres, Secretary

                Kenneth Swayze, Adm., Planning and Zoning

                Brian Nordle

                Carter Higginbotham

                Steve Kennedy, Selectman

                Michael Poirier, Alternate

                David Breault, Alternate

 

The Chairman verified with the Secretary that the Public Meeting Notice had been posted in a timely fashion in three places throughout the Town according to the State RSA and published in the Concord Monitor for one day. 

 

Approval of Previous Month’s Minutes:

 

MOTION:

 

A motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously that the May 21, 2003 Meeting Minutes be approved as written. 

 

CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING – ZABADEE DEVELOPMENT, LLC (I4-2-4) (JOSEPH ALBERTELLI, MANAGING MEMBER) PROPOSED NINE LOT SUBDIVISION LOCATED ON GRAPEVINE ROAD IN THE LOW DENSITY DISTRICT IN DUNBARTON, NH

 

Kenneth Swayze presented a Status Report of the Zabadee Proposed Subdivision.  (attached)

 

The following members will be the Voting Members for this application:

 

                James Marcou

                Kenneth Swayze

                Brian Nordle

                Alison Vallieres

                George Holt

                Carter Higginbotham

                Michael Poirier, Alternate

 

Tim Bernier, Surveyor, appeared before the Board on behalf of his client.  He addressed the Current Activity/Requirements as follows:

 

  1. Stated he had discussed road and drainage engineering requirements with Don Mayo and plan would be in conformance with Don Mayo’s recommendations.

 

  1. Stated he had discussed Fire Pond design with the Fire Chief.  K. Swayze noted that the Fire Chief preferred asphalt apron instead of gravel.   There will be a 6’ chain link fence around pond. 

 

  1. Ken Swayze noted that the surety and bonding issue had been worked out with a cost of $150 per foot plus 10% for off site improvements ($9,000)  and $22,500 for the fire pond.  (attached)

 

  1. Wetlands Permit has been issued.  Site Specific should be received within the next two weeks. 

 

  1. Applicant has agreed to renovate drainage/ditch lines of Grapevine Road  (as noted on the final plan). 

 

  1. Applicant has certified the Line of Sight at Grapevine Road Intersection.  Tim Bernier stated that he will make sure the sight distance is above and beyond what is required.  Tim Bernier stated the shrubbery planting is carried on the bond list.

 

  1. The Board noted there is an error within the subdivision regulations as to asphalt thickness.  Applicant will conform to the correct specs i.e. 2”  base course pavement with 1” of final coat of asphalt. 

 

  1. There was a Board discussion regarding the enforcement of the shrubbery planting across the road on a house currently listed under separate ownership, but believed to be legally related to the Zabadee proposal.  .

 

Several suggestions were made, one of which was the planting should be done as soon as possible and not wait until such time as the house were sold, etc.  

 

Michael Poirier suggested that the plan not be signed until such time as the planting was completed. 

 

The consensus of the Board was that the shrubbery should be planted immediately in order to avoid any problems in the future.

 

George Holt asked where the line for the separation of the phases was.  T. Bernier stated it was shown on the plan.  The plan used for the presentation was the two phases combined, etc.  The road construction  phasing will be 5 lots the first year and four the next year.  Building permits shall be issued per zoning regulations (and shown on plan). 

 

James Marcou – Stated that he wanted to make sure the Board was aware that there will be no Regional Impact.  The Town of Bow has been notified for every meeting.  In addition, Regional Impact has been addressed several times at the previous meetings.

 

Tim Bernier stated that one of the owners in Bow had called the Town Office this week and stated that he had owned the property for some time, and had not been notified.  T. Bernier stated he called the new owner. When  the subdivision application was accepted  the original owner was correct.  Since that time, the property had been sold to the new owner.  (Donald Lefevbre, 27 Long View, Bow, NH)  Mr. Bernier stated he had spoken with the new owner and answered any questions and concerns. 

 

Abutters were read as follows and it was noted that all had been notified by certified mail:

 

Marjolaine J. Hebert – Not Present

Lahajji Development LLC – Not Present

Steve/Angela Amesden – Not Present

Conrad/Karen Wesselhoeft – Not Present

Douglas/Tommy Garcia – Not Present

Steve Brennan – Not Present

Richard Burchell – Not Present

Craig/Lucia Williamson – Not Present

Ravi Vig Revocable Trust – Not Present.  At this point in the public hearing, the new owners of the property stated they were present.  (Donald Lefebvre)  Mr. Lefebvre stated they had spoken with Mr. Bernier and he had answered all their questions concerning the proposed subdivision. 

Joan Segal – Not Present

Timothy/Tara Edes – Not Present

John/April Fay – Not Present

Joanne Heapes – Not Present

Richard/Karen Geary – Not Present

                Timothy/Deborah Dugal – Not Present

Ignatius/Eleanor MacLellan – Not Present

Thomas Dickey, Jr. – Not Present

Paul/Nany Zahenski – Not Present

Charles/Caroline Pellock – Not Present

Lee Richmond – Present.  Stated he had one concern about the proposed fire pond.  Stated he walks past there every day and is aware of the ecosystem that is there.  I understand the need for a Fire Pond but where can I go if I am not happy with the way things turn out with the Fire Pond, etc.

 

The Board noted that the Fire Pond has a Wetlands Permit and this can be reviewed at the Town Clerk’s Office.  Mr. Richmond stated he was just wondering if there was some kind of eco system that will be destroyed when the pond is built, etc.  The Board also noted that the Conservation Commission also looks at these, and Mr. Richmond could talk to George Holt, Conservation Commission.  At this point, George Holt stated they went and looked at the area and no mitigation was necessary.  He stated there would be a public benefit with the Town having a Fire Pond.

 

Other Members of the Public:

 

Ron Slocum, Tenney Hill Road – Stated he has sat in on a lot of Selectmen’s Meetings and he felt that the shrubbery issue should be addressed immediately at the beginning of the project and  before such time as there is a new owner of the home,  and he doesn’t want to do it, etc.  Stated that the Board should have something in writing from the Fire Chief stating that a 14’ pull off width is adequate.  In two years, if there is another Fire Chief and there is nothing in writing to fall back on, there could be a problem. 

 

Ken Swayze noted this will be part of the approval process.  

 

T. Bernier stated that the Fire Chief had signed the Wetlands Application for the Fire Pond in addition to writing a letter.  The Fire Chief felt there was a need for the Fire Pond.  In addition, this plan will be filed at the Registry of Deeds. 

 

MOTION:

 

Kenneth Swayze made a motion that the Dunbarton Planning Board approve the proposed subdivisdion of ZABADEE DEVELOPMENT LLC (Joseph Albertelli, Managing Member) of Tax Lot I4-2-4 consisting of a 9 (nine) lot subdivision on 51 acres, including approximately 3,000 feet of new town roadway located in the Low Density (5 acre) District to be known as “One Stack Estates” and “Zachary Drive” subject to the following conditions:

 

1.       Submittal of a final, technically accurate and graphically correct plan-set in full compliance with all current subdivision regulations and incorporating any and all additional requirements established during deliberations with the Board (per minutes).

 

2.       Approval and receipt of all other required local, State, or Federal Permits, including, but not limited to N. H. Wetlands and N. H. DES Site Specific.  There shall be no change(s) to the base plan(s) without re-consultation with the Board, as a result of such other permit approvals.

 

3.       Payment of all fees and costs associated with the Dunbarton Planning Board application process.

 

4.       Posting of a surety in the aggregate amount of $485,250, plus 10% escalation factor ($533,775 total), for the construction of roadway(s) and off-site improvements, for the entire project.  Or:  at the option of the applicant, post separate and successive sureties representing Phases I and II as shown on “One Stack Estates” Phase Plan dated 5/02/03.  Phase I to be in the amount of $271,500 + 10% ($298,650 total); Phase II to be in the amount of $213,750 + 10% ($235,125 total).

(There are to be separate line items in Phase I for miscellaneous off-site improvements @ $9,000 and Fire Pond Construction @ $22,500)

(See:  “Bond Proposal” as submitted) (Detailed, itemized “Description” categories are not to be recognized as a precise surety-reduction mechanism, but rather as a guideline to value of completed work.)

 

5.       Preparation, submittal and filing of all Deeds, legal instruments, and/or other documents required or intended to be filed at the Merrimack County Registry of Deeds; in such content and form acceptable to the Town.

 

6.       Requirements of the Town of Dunbarton Fire Department with regard to current design and construction standards of a fire pond in accordance with (both) the subdivision regulations and per plan submitted by the applicant.

 

Brian Nordle seconded the motion.

 

Discussion:

 

Steve Kennedy asked about the shrubs.  He stated the shrubs need to be in place prior to the construction beginning.  T. Bernier stated that no building permits could be issued until such time as the shrubs were in place. 

Brian Nordle stated he felt the shrubs should be in place prior to construction starting. 

James Marcou stated that “time is of the essence” and the shrubs need to be planted immediately. 

Ken Swayze stated that there could be a requirement that the shrubs be planted prior to September 1, 2003.  He stated that the screening is important. 

George Holt stated that we should make this a part of the motion to approve. 

Michael Poirier stated the shrubs should be planted prior to the signing of the mylar.

 

Amendment to the Motion:

 

Ken Swayze made the following amendment to the Motion:

 

7.       To require that the shrubs specified on the plan be planted prior to the signing and filing of the plan. 

 

Michael Poirier seconded the amendment to the motion.  The amendment passed by unanimous vote of the Board. 

 

The entire motion as amended passed unanimously. 

 

The public hearing was closed.

 

 

CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING – NH TRADITIONAL HOMES (MICHAEL POIRIER ) (G4-1-1) PROPOSED THREE LOT SUBDIVISION LOCATED ON GUINEA ROAD IN THE LOW DENSITY DISTRICT IN DUNBARTON, NH

 

At this point in the meeting, Michael Poirier stepped down from the Board.

 

At this point in the meeting, Kenneth Swayze stepped down from the Board because he was an abutter to the property. 

 

Kenneth Swayze did present a Status Report to the Board on the proposed subdivision.  (attached)

 

The Chairman noted the following members would be voting on the proposed subdivision:

 

                James Marcou

                George Holt

                Carter Higginbotham

                Alison Vallieres

                Brian Nordle

                Steve Kennedy

 

                Jacques Belanger, Surveyor, presented an updated plan showing the proposed subdivision which included existing road layout and bounds.  He stated that this subdivision started out as a multi-family housing project and was revised to be a subdivision. 

 

                He noted the Town  Planning Department had brought to his attention historical road layout information relative to Guinea and Grapevine Roads, and the need for accurate monumentation along these roadways.  Jacques will show this on the final plan accordingly.

 

J. Belanger noted that the project has submitted a Wetlands Permit.  There has been a hold up by the Conservation Commission as they asked for an extension to do a Site Walk of the property. 

 

George Holt stated that the Conservation Commission has scheduled a Site Walk for Thursday, June 19, 2003. 

 

J. Belanger explained the proposed driveway grades to the Board. 

 

Abutters were read as follows and noted all had been notified by certified mail:

 

George/Catherine Farley – Not Present

Sumner/Joann Marshall – Present.  Asked about the location of the first driveway.  Jacques stated it was located at the gateway at a break in the wall.  Pretty much at the crest of the hill.  M. Poirier stated there was a stake where the driveway would be located. 

James Stone – Not Present

Kenneth Swayze – Present.  No Comment.

Schauer Environmental Engineering – Not Present

NH Traditional Homes, Mike Poirier – Present

J. E. Belanger Surveying – Present

 

MOTION:

 

Brian Nordle made a motion that the Dunbarton Planning Board approve the proposed subdivision of N. H. Traditional Homes (Michael Poirier) of Tax Lot G4-1-1 consisting of a 3 (three) lot subdivision on approximately 21.8 acres located on Grapevine and Guinea Roads in the Low Density (5 acre) District in Dunbarton, NH subject to the following conditions:

 

1.       Submittal of a final, technically accurate and graphically correct plan-set in full compliance with all current subdivision regulations and incorporating any and all additional requirements established during deliberations with the Board (per minutes).

 

2.       Approval and receipt of all other required local, State, or Federal permits, including, but not limited to N. H. Wetlands.  There shall be no change(s) to the base plan(s) without re-consultation with the Board, as a result of such other permit approvals.

 

3.       Payment of all fees and costs associated with the Dunbarton Planning Board application process.

 

4.       That all specified work and improvements at the site, as specified by the Land Subdivision Regulations, be completed prior to the signing and filing of the mylar (i.e.; survey monumentation and related); or a surety be posted in favor of the Town, in an amount adequate to complete such work as required.

 

5.       Driveway design and construction  off Grapevine Road to be subject to Road Agent’s and Building Department’s  approval.

 

6.       50’ No Cut Buffer included (shown) on plan (at Marshall’s boundary).

 

George Holt seconded the motion. 

 

Discussion:

 

At this point in the discussion, Steve Kennedy, Selectman, asked how often do members recuse themselves from the Board to do subdivisions, etc. 

 

James Marcou stated that he had recused himself when he did a subdivision for his family, etc. 

 

Steve Kennedy stated that he has a psychological issue with this if it is a regular thing, but this is a very complex thing. 

 

James Marcou stated that he would take exception to this statement because any time there is a conflict Mike Poirier has stepped down from the Board and the Board does need his expertise on the Board.  Everyone has a right to subdivide their land.  If there is problem, you can call in the Ethics Board.  In addition, Mike Poirier has been kept at the “alternate” level and automatically does not get to vote on every matter. 

 

Carter Higginbotham stated this discussion was not appropriate at this time.

 

Steve Kennedy stated he felt it was necessary for him to discuss this issue because he would be voting on this subdivision this evening.  It might affect his vote, etc.   He questioned several times “Is this a repeat thing (with Mr. Poirier?”)

 

George Holt stated that he not only sits on the Board but also has ties with parties that are doing subdivisions, etc.  (like surveyors).  His mother also sits on a Planning Board in her Town and has had to recuse herself from decisions because she has had these parties employed at that time, etc.  We expect anyone to step down when there are conflicts. 

 

George Holt noted that this was a Scenic Road and we are not requiring any off site cutting of trees.  This was affirmed.

 

The motion passed by a majority with all members voting in the affirmative with the exception of Steve Kennedy who abstained. 

 

The public hearing was adjourned.

 

Michael Poirier and Kenneth Swayze stepped back onto the Board. 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

Stillwater Properties, LLC .

 

At this point in the meeting, Steve Kennedy and Kenneth Swayze stepped down from the Board because of a conflict of interest. (Abutter status). 

 

 

1.  Request for reduction in Surety; Road Construction “Tucker Hill Road”  (attached)  ($76,000 total)

 

Ken Swayze noted that it was Planning Board Policy not to release funds unless work is completed at 100%.  

 

. 

 

His letter further  states that the drainage culverts and structures are 100% complete.

 

DECISION:

 

James Marcou asked the Planning Board members if they wanted to give authority for fund releases to the Selectmen or keep it within the Planning Board authority.  The Board reached a consensus that the Planning Board should keep the authority.

 

Based on the above, the Planning Board reached a consensus that they should release $36,000 in surety to Stillwater Properties, LLC for the Drainage and Drainage Structure.

 

 

b) Request for minor modification to road engineering design at intersection of Everett Road and Tucker Hill Road: and Town Garage. 

 

It was noted that Everett Road is a Town Road but this has to be signed by the Selectmen.  They have had a Site Walk of the property along with Mrs. Zeller, abutter and Mr. Abram which Ken Swayze, Charles Graybill, Selectman, and Don Mayo, Town Engineer, were all present.  All changes and modifications have been accepted by Mrs. Zeller.  Brian Nordle asked if this change raises the access to the Class VI road.  The answer is yes.   It was noted that Stillwater would be putting in a retaining wall to protect the property line all.   

 

Ken Swayze noted that Stillwater has put in a culvert 4 feet deep and about 100 feet long. 

 

Selectmen have agreed with this minor modification

 

The Planning Board reached a consensus that the minor modifications to road engineering design at intersection of Everett Road and Tucker Hill Road and Town Garage as presented were okay with the Planning Board. 

 

Kenneth Swayze and Steve Kennedy returned to the Board. 

 

2.       Subdivision regulations:  Official notice and discussion regarding asphalt thickness.

 

It was noted for the record that there is a typographical error in the regulations that lists asphalt incorrectly.  It should read as follows:  Require 2” on the base course of asphalt and require 1” on final coat of asphalt. 

 

The Planning Board reached a consensus to reaffirm the DOT Standard for asphalt requirements of 2” base coat with 1” final coat of asphalt. 

 

3.       Correspondence:  Receipt of Corrected Plan for Jacques Belanger, LLS re:  Marie Ange Audet (Simon Audet) Twist Hill Road, Tax Lots B7-1-7, B7-1-8.

 

The Dunbarton Planning Board noted no action was needed.  This is a corrected plan for information only for Town Files. 

 

SITE PLAN REVIEW:

 

ROBERT/DOROTHY PERRY (D6-3-11) PROPOSED MULTI FAMILY CONSISTING OF FOUR BUILDINGS OF FOUR UNITS EACH AT HIS PROPERTY LOCATED ON MORSE ROAD IN THE LOW DENSITY DISTRICT IN DUNBARTON, NH AND

 

ROBERT/DOROTHY PERRY LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT OF PROPERTY LOCATED ON MORSE ROAD IN THE LOW DENSITY DISTRICT IN DUNBARTON, NH

 

Kenneth Swayze presented a Status Report for the Robert/Dorothy Perry Multi-family proposal (attached).  He stated the applicant has specified it as “Elderly Housing Multi-Family”.  In addition, he presented a letter written by Don Mayo, Town Engineer, regarding the project.  (attached)  Don Mayo is of the opinion that the road will be a “tough build” and will need to be watched carefully during construction. 

 

Kenneth Swayze also presented a copy of a report done by the Chief of Police regarding the project.  (attached)

 

Kenneth Swayze stated that he had contacted NH Central Regional Planning Commission regarding their help in reviewing the project.  As of this date, they have declined because they felt it was beyond their scope of expertise. 

 

It was reported that there is a petition objecting to the project signed by 51 neighbors.  The petition should be given to the Selectmen. 

 

Trevor Towne presented a plan showing the proposed project along with the layout of the proposed buildings.

 

He addressed the Current Activity/Requirements as follows: 

 

1.                   Permits noted as submitted: 

 

Trevor Towne stated that New Hampshire Site Specific has been applied for.  Should get a response by next meeting.  Have had to apply for condominium subdivision through the State of New Hampshire.  State has reviewed the project and given their comments. 

 

It was noted that the Planning Board will also have comments on the septic plans.  In particular, the Board will require tandem tanks in series. 

 

Trevor Towne stated that there is no impact on Wetlands on the site therefore no Wetlands permits required. 

 

2.                   Fire Protection and Life-safety requirements and traffic flow.  Recommend applicant retain professional engineering  consultant acceptable to Board, etc. 

 

The Board agreed that it would be acceptable to hire only one engineer that is acceptable to both the applicant and the Board who is experienced in these issues and would certify that fire protection and other issues are addressed. 

 

At this point in the discussion, Steve Kennedy stated that the proposal is supposed to be an “adult community 55 and older”.  He believes this has been written in the condo documents.  At this point in the meeting, Attorney Pat McNicholas stated that he had given the State and Federal Regulations to the Town and had assumed the Board had seen them.  He stated this would be referred to as “Housing for Older Persons”.  This goes through State and Federal regulations as to how the ownership relates to the older, etc.  According to the State and Federal regulations, 80% of the buildings must be owned or rented to a family with at least one person over the age of 55.  There is no other criteria for other people living in the unit.  They are proposing 90% “adult/55” ownership (which will be written in the deed).

 

Steve Kennedy noted that there would be services that the Town needs to be prepared to have available with regard to elderly housing.  He stated he did not think the Dunbarton Fire Department should have to be prepared to meet these needs. 

 

James Marcou stated that it doesn’t matter who is living there, there will be four units in one building, and we need to know what we will need for fire suppression.  Do we need outlets in-house, or sprinkler system inside, etc.  How do you put out a fire in a four unit building?  We need to know who is going to live there.  Part of the debate is requirements for Town Services.  Also, what will the burden be on our school system.  If 90% of the units are rented to families with only one person over the age of 55, what happens to the rest.  It was noted that it is against the law to discriminate against renting to families with children, etc.   Attorney McNicholas stated that the law says you have to have at least 80% owned/rented to families with at least one person over 55 years of age.  We have gone a step further and said there will be at least 90% owned/rented to families with at least one person over 55, etc.  Because of difficulties with financing, etc., there has to be a minor degree of flex. 

 

The Board noted there could be up to two of the 16 units with all persons living there under the age of 55 and the various units could also include school children.

 

The Board also noted that a “grandmother” over age 55 could be living in a unit and have a daughter with two school age children living with her in any of the units.  This is a possibility and the guidelines do not prevent this from happening.   The Board noted this is not exactly how this proposal is being presented. 

 

The Board noted there is a “supposed” maximum (or more) of four people living in a unit.. 

 

Attorney McNicholas stated that it was not their intent to have this happen. 

 

The Board stated they needed to know how it would be prevented.   The Board noted the other side of the issue was this could be an 8 or 9 lot subdivision instead of 16 units.  The subdivision might have 20 children.  The Board needs to distinguish this in actuality. 

 

The Board stated the requirements are that 90% be 55 or older but there appears the possibility that any unit could have a 60 year old adult with three children.  The answer was yes, this is a possibility but not the intent of the project.  The project cannot say “No Children” in this building. 

 

J. Marcou asked if they must reserve two units for children. 

 

Brian Nordle asked if they plan to phase the construction of the units. 

 

Robert Perry stated that he probably would be building the first one this year, and then build three units next year according to the way the project was proceeding.  The question was asked if there was any consideration of giving any land to the Town such as a Conservation Easement.  The applicant noted the intent is that the remaining land be a part of the development.  In addition, it is considerably wet. 

 

3.                   Status of road engineering design per Don Mayo comments.

 

Trevor Towne stated he had addressed most of Don Mayo’s comments within “a letter”. 

 

The Board noted that the letter had not even been received by the Planning Board until June 17, 2003 and didn’t know how all the points could be addressed, etc. at this point. 

 

4.                   Require survey plan set showing accurate property and road outline including easements, other dedications, boundary adjustment.

 

Board noted this was a high intensity use in this area.  They want to make sure there are increased setback, limited lighting, adequate wells.  These are all requirements of the Site Plan Review process.  Need to see relationship of property to other adjoining properties and where neighbors wells and homes are located, etc. The Board noted a concerned abutter had mentioned impact on his well.  This should be addressed by the applicant.   The Board will be looking for what the impact will be on adjoining properties.  Board needs to know how they will be lighting the units, etc.  

 

At this point, Robert Perry stated there would be one outside light for each unit with a spotlight on a sensor for each carport.  There will be a secondary light between the walkway entrance to the house. 

 

The Board stated they will need an Illumination Plan showing all lighting within the project. 

 

Robert Perry stated each dwelling has its own access. 

 

The Board asked if the parking area extends into the setback.  The Board asked how far it is from the closest point of construction.

 

Robert Perry stated he had an aerial photo of the area that he would blow it up for the Board to see which shows adjoining properties, etc. 

 

Kenneth Swayze stated the Board will need an updated full set of plans. 

 

Trevor Towne stated drainage calcs have been submitted. 

 

Robert Perry stated they were planning on putting in sprinkler systems.  Have already spoken with Jon Wiggin, Fire Chief. 

 

Board stated this has to be presented formally within the plan. 

 

5.                   Planning Department has design recommendations re Septic Design.

 

Board will have recommendations for septic design, 2 tandum tanks instead of single tank, etc. 

 

6.                   Need to show development of sight-line at Morse Road, certification required as part of plan.

 

7.                   Easement filing (MCRD) required for line-of-sight cutting and future maintenance of Morse Road.  (from abutter)

 

8.                   Need to schedule Site Walk.

 

Site Walk scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 6:00 p.m.

 

9.                   Note comments from Police Department Report. 

 

10.                Deliberation re regional impact.

 

K. Swayze noted that this is fairly close to the Town of Bow. 

 

11.                Establishment of surety value (bonding) for road construction.

 

12.                Plan submitted to Central NH Regional Planning Commission.

 

Central NH Regional Planning declined to review plans, etc. because of lack of expertise on this type of project. 

 

13.                Board has received a proposed petition by neighborhood area residents opposing multi-family use as proposed by applicant.  (Petition details a number of legal and technical concerns) 

 

Other Comments:

 

Steve Kennedy stated that condos have association rules.  Does the Planning Board have any input on the rules?  It was established that the Town does not have very much to say with regard to the condo rules. 

 

James Marcou stated the Board was going to make sure someone is going to be caring for the place.

 

Abutters were read as follows and noted all had been notified by certified mail:

 

Josephine Dailey – Not Present

Paul Belyear – Not Present

David/Justyn Constant – Not Present. 

Rudolf/Elizabeth Vallauri – Not Present

. 

Daniel/Kathleen LaBonville – Present.  Stated he had a petition consisting of 51 signatures who were opposed to the project for a number of reasons.  Stated that the regulations have a requirement that a dead end road not exceed 600’.  This road is over 2400’.   This does not meet the requirements of a Low Density District.  The length of the road is a concern.  The proposed road is pretty close to my property.  Every car that goes to this property will have lights coming to my property.

 

At this point in the discussion, Ken Swayze noted that the water draw on this project will be less than for nine homes.  The average per person is 85 to 150 gallons per day.  This project will have less demand per person overall.  Houses have irrigation needs, car washing, swimming pools, etc.  

 

At this point, it was stated that the present Robert Perry four unit has gone through two wells and is on its third well at this time. 

 

What happens if an abutter’s well goes dry?  With regard to density, there will be 12 structures including garages.  There will be four buildings with a car port for each unit.  Also concerned about the impact on emergency Town services.  Concerned about the line of sight distance. 

 

At this point, the Board noted that the entire Town is zoned for multi-family at this time.  The owner has the right within the ordinance to put in four 4-unit multi-family dwellings.  Each dwelling units requires 11 acres.  In addition, this is not a subdivision so the dead end road  in excess of 600 feet does not apply either. 

 

The Board noted they have the right to call in a specialist with regard to specific concerns.  None of the Board members have the specific expertise or time necessary for some of these points.  We will call in experts. 

 

Concerned that there could be 48 kids within this project.  I don’t think this is minimum lighting.  This will affect my peace and quiet and there will be consistent traffic and noise.  I recently cleared the back area for my horses.  Now there will be a road 50’ from my property if this project goes through.  It will affect the value of my property.    Noted the Planning Board Minutes of 12/21/1977 in which there was a written request for Mr. Perry to state what his future plans were with regard to future subdivision.  Mr. Perry stated he would be putting his property into Current Use.  He stated he plans on no further subdivision.  Mr. Perry’s statement was part of the record.  It is about time someone held Mr. Perry accountable. 

 

The Board advised Mr. Labonville to give the petition to the Selectmen.

 

At this point, Steve Kennedy stated that the Selectmen will take the petition, but suggested the petitioners may wish to assess and modify the content material.

 

Labonville stated that when he moved to Dunbarton, he moved because he wanted some privacy.  These buildings are going to be up on a hill behind my house.  My quality of life will be affected.   Asked if this lot is a buildable lot.  

 

Ken Swayze noted that at this point, it is not a buildable lot in its present state but Mr. Perry is putting in a Town Road to create frontage.  This is a non-buildable, non-grandfathered lot at this point. 

 

Robert/Denise Perry – Present (applicant)

. 

Nathan J. Narus  -  Present.  Stated this was a positive land use for the Town of Dunbarton.  These units are for 55 and older and would be good for the Town.  Minimum Town services and I just think it is a positive venture.  As far as the well, I can think of other Towns with smaller lots.  This is 50 acres with two wells.  Don’t see how that would affect negatively. 

 

Richard/Catherine Racca – Not Present.

 

David/Theresa Glannon –  Present.  Concerns for wells in the area.  Seems like some of the people in the area may have additional concerns.  Concerns about drainage and runoff.  Not sure of how the road is going to be.  What is going to be the water runoff in the wintertime.  Everything is set up for adult housing.  What is in place to make sure that it remains adult housing?  Those are some of the biggest concerns and also it is not something we expected to have and although the petition may not be technically correct, everyone in the area is opposed to the project. 

 

Steven/Karen Elsasser – Present.  Concerned about the school.  Now tonight it is changing.  Could be an apartment.  That is my biggest concern.  The reason he is doing elderly housing is because it is less of a concern, etc. 

David/Beth Sedita – Not Present

David Wheeler – Not Present

Michael Petito – Not Present

W. G. Howard & Associates – Trevor Towne present (for the applicant)

Schauer Environmental Consultants – Not Present

 

Other Members of the Public:

 

Ron Slocum – What guarantee do we have that this remains a 55 year or older complex since there are no actual rules.  What is there that you would be able to do to guarantee that it would be 55 or older.

 

K. Swayze noted it will be noted on the plan when signed by the Board.  If the rules changes, he has to come back to the Planning Board. 

 

John Trottier – Stated that the declarations for the condo association should be reviewed by the Town Attorney before the mylars are filed with the Registry of Deeds.  Don Mayo has mentioned concern about the retaining wall to hold up the roadway.  Again, you approve this with a retaining wall and ultimately it becomes a Town Road. 

 

J. Marcou stated the Board will take a hard look at this.

 

K. Swayze noted that Central Regional NH Planning is in the process of doing traffic studies throughout the Town.  Will discuss traffic study with them in this area. 

 

Penny Fortin, 142 Twist Hill Road.  – Asked if the applicants were bound by this.  Can they change their mind.  Can there be further development off this road.  How big are the units?

 

Robert Perry stated the units are two floor 20’ x 30’ for a total of 1200 square feet with two bedrooms each unit.

 

Carter Higginbotham stated there was nothing preventing them from putting houses in.  Nothing that the Board can guarantee.  Could change the configuration.  The applicant still has that option.

 

Paul Brusga – Referred to the Planning Board record of 1977-78 when Mr. Perry stated there would be no further subdivision of the property.  I personally asked Mr. Perry to get something in writing.  It is binding on him.  It was a long time ago.  This is a condition that runs on the property.  I did hear the Chairman state that this will be taken up elsewhere. 

 

J. Marcou stated that he was not in a position to make this decision.  If we had a filed plan that stated there would be no further subdivision, that would be different. 

 

Paul Brusga – Stated he was not trying to be a wise guy but concerned there could be 48 kids there.  Questioned the voluntary Merger in 1970, etc.  References to condos can change the by-laws and eliminate the 55 and older requirement.   Rules are not going to be enforced.  This requires other members of the association to make rules and becomes very problematic. 

 

Nathan Narus – Stated that about this petition.  I believe it was done in a negative way.  Selective because there were some people who never saw it.

 

Paul ____________ - Stated he was addressing a couple of issues.  Perry is building a new public road.  Another one, there are other new roads that are being built in this Town.  Would rather see the 55 years and older traffic than the young ones with blaring radios, etc.  Made reference to the VanderBogart subdivision.  Those homes are going for $400,000.  The people in Perry’s development will be “blue heads”.  Just flipping the coin the other way. 

 

Pat McNicholas explained how the condo by-laws can be amended.  Must be a 2/3 vote to change them.  If they are changed from the 55 and older,  they must have the approval of the Dunbarton Planning Board.  Noted that this was not a subdivision. 

 

There being no further input, the public hearing was continued until next month.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

 

At this point in the meeting, Carter Higginbotham stated that he felt the discussion with regard to members recusing themselves from the Board, etc., was a wrong time to give Steve Kennedy the answers to his questions.  Carter stated that on a regular basis, members recuse themselves from the Board for one reason or another, or they are abutters, etc.  There is a high level of integrity on this Board.  People step down when necessary.  Other members of the Board concurred with Carter.

 

MASTER PLAN:

 

A motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously to accept the only bid for the Master Plan from NH Central Regional Planning Commission.

 

Workshop Meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2003.  Mike Tardiff will be present to discuss the Master Plan. 

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 pm.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                                                                                                Alison R. Vallieres

                                                                                                                                                Secretary