BILLERICA PLANNING BOARD
Town Hall
365 Boston Road Billerica, MA 01821
978-671-0962
978-670-9448 Fax
Vincent D. MacDonald, Chairman
Robert W. Casey, Vice Chairman
Marti Mahoney, Secretary
David A. Kinsella
Patricia C. Flemming
Gary DaSilva
Matthew K. Battcock
A Meeting of the Billerica Planning Board was held on March 14, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. at
Town Hall Room 210, 365 Boston Rd. Billerica, MA. Present were Chairman, Vincent D.
MacDonald, Chairman, Robert W. Casey, Secretary, Marti Mahoney, David A. Kinsella,
Patricia C. Flemming, Gary DaSilva and Matthew K. Battcock. Christopher Reilly Director
of Planning was also present.
Vin MacDonaldWe start our meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank You.
I would like to thank Robert Casey and David Kinsella for their many years of service to
the town being on this board.
Chris ReillyWe would like to present members Casey and Kinsella with a plaque for their years of
service to this board and the town.
OPEN MICROPHONE
Marti MahoneyIs there anyone here tonight for open microphone?
Bob StantonI have a few questions about the last solar project at 65 High Street. Do they have
permission to take down trees on the other side of the street when it’s not their
property?
Chris ReillyWe have also just found about this. We are looking into it to see what is going on.
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Planning Board Meeting
March 14, 2015
Bob StantonIt just so happens that there is a convenient hole in the buffer now. There is a big void
there now.
Chris ReillyIf that is the case they would need to replace the trees.
Bob Stanton –
What is going to be done with the driveway in the front right now it is being
conveniently used for overnight parking by trucks?
Chris ReillyThe driveway is part of their property and the project and it will not be used for parking.
It will be re-vegetated when the project is complete.
Bob StantonIs there a deadline for the project?
Chris ReillyThey are in the demo phase right now and also going through permitting you will start
to see the construction phase soon.
Bob CaseyIs Beta the peer review consultant still on the project?
Chris ReillyYes they are and will be throughout the project.
Matt CrowleyAs far as the tree removal several trees were discussed with Conservation and the BOH
with the contractor.
ANR PLANS
Marti MahoneyDo we have any ANR Plans tonight?
Chris ReillyNo we do not have any ANR Plans tonight.
Matt Battcock –
I motion that we approve the minutes of February 16, 2016
Gary DaSilva- Second
6 in Favor
2
2 Abstain
Bob & Pat
Minutes
Planning Board Meeting
March 14, 2015
TREBLE COVE PLAZA – LOWELL GENERAL URGENT CARE- S.P.S.P. PUBLIC HEARING
MINUTES 3/14/16
Gary DaSilvaI motion that we open the hearing and waive the reading of the notice.
Matt BattcockSecond
6 in Favor
1 Abstain
Dave
Lauren Macomber –
Good evening tonight we are here to present our project to the board we have some
team members here and also property managers of Treble Cove Plaza, also our engineer
from RJ O’Connell and reps from Lowell General.
Bill Wyman –
I am with Lowell General Hospital and we are excited to be coming to Billerica with an
urgent care facility. People want health care in the community. We have met with Mr.
Curran and the town departments. There will be no ambulances coming to the site as
this is not an emergency facility. However we will be transporting out by ambulance if
necessary. We are very excited about this project.
Steve Glowacki –
I am the engineer from RJ O’Connell we have had several meetings with town
departments. We have had some comments already and plan to address the fire
hydrant placement with the Fire Department and Conservations comments on a
guardrail and an Operations & Maintenance plan. We will also address anything from
the water department and DPW throughout the project. This project consists of removal
of the exterior skin of the building, site work and additional parking. There are 458
parking spaces on the site and our intent is to increase that. The urgent care facility will
require 31 spaces so we will bring the total to 495 spaces. We will be adding catch
basins and provide a storm water and landscape report. We will also be planting along
the building and outer edge. The utilities will be served through the back of the building
and we will relocate the gas line.
Mark Perriera –
I am with Woodard & Curran the peer consultant for the board. I have already
submitted our first review and have four minor concerns. We will need a lighting plan,
size of parking spaces which are currently 18’ and need to be 19’. The applicant is
requesting relief on parking. There are also signage and storm water calculations &
recharge requirement levels. We would like them to address that before we do our final
review.
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Planning Board Meeting
March 14, 2015
Vin MacDonaldIs this under review with the Board of Health?
Chris ReillyIt would be through this board because they are not expanding impervious.
Marti MahoneyWill there still be access to the back?
Steve Glowicki –
Yes there will still be access.
Marti MahoneyWhat will happen with the medical waste?
Bill Wyman –
That is a certified process and will be bagged and taken off site.
Marti Mahoney –
What kind of signage will you have?
Steve Glowicki –
We will have panels just like the rest of the plaza.
Pat Flemming –
How about handicapped parking?
Steve Glowicki –
There are currently some but we will be adding several more. There will be a marked
space for an ambulance if we do have the need.
Bob CaseyAs far as the parking you said you will be adding more spaces?
Chris Reilly –
Yes but they also have a waiver before the board and the request is reasonable for this
type of project and could be waived.
Bob CaseyI do agree with the waiver for less parking and more green space. However if it’s needed
they can put them in. Could you explain what kind of patients the urgent care facility
will be taking?
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Planning Board Meeting
March 14, 2015
Bill Wyman –
Colds, fever, sore throat, x – rays, broken bones, and things like that so you wouldn’t
need to go all the way to the hospital.
Vin MacDonald –
Will the drainage be on the side of the building?
Steve GlowickiWe have mitigated and will have clean water from the roof and will drain to the south
side of the property into the system we will also increase pervious area and have less
impervious area.
Vin MacDonaldWill you have new pavement?
Steve Glowicki –
Yes within the limits of the project.
Vin MacDonaldHow about Fire truck access? The car traffic does go around that corner pretty fast and
it is a blind corner.
Steve Glowicki –
They will have a good turning access and the pedestrian traffic will also be fine. We have
adjusted that corner we think it will be fine.
Vin MacDonald –
What will the façade look like?
Jim Dean –
I am the architect for the project. We will follow the existing façade with the plantings
and windows which will soften the look of the building.
Vin MacDonaldDoes the audience have any questions?
The audience had no questions.
Marti Mahoney –
Where will the employees be parking?
Steve Glowicki –
They will be parking along the back.
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Planning Board Meeting
March 14, 2015
Chris ReillyI don’t believe that there will be anymore testimony so you can close the public hearing
I will get a decision together. They did submit a traffic report as well.
Vin MacDonaldCould you also look at the corner of the building people fly around that corner I think it
will be a safety issue.
Matt Battcock –
I think it’s a good project.
Marti Mahoney –
Could you add the signage to the conditions?
Chris ReillyYou would need to add it I will do that. We have had no concerns from the residents.
Gary DaSilva –
I motion that we close the public hearing.
Matt Battcock –
Second
6 in Favor
1 Abstained
Dave
Marti MahoneyI motion that we approve the waiver for parking to provide no more than 31 spaces.
Matt BattcockSecond-
6 in Favor
1 Abstained
Dave
Matt BattcockI motion that we approve the project with conditions and amendments tonight.
Pat FlemmingSecond
7 in Favor
ZACKNEY ESTATES – DISCUSSION ON COMPLETION – Minutes 3/14/16
Michael BonafantWe are still waiting on the engineer for the asbuilts. Steve Dresser has found that the
bounds are only 4” and should be 6” he is making progress on the asbuilts we should be
ready for your next scheduled meeting in April.
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Planning Board Meeting
March 14, 2015
Marti Mahoney –
I have a question about the granite curbing. One of the residents called me and
informed me that it should be all granite. It is mostly Cape Cod berm. For the house
prices in the 500K’s they should be granite can you speak with Mr. Poor about that?
Michael Bonafant –
I have reached out to Mr. Poor and he doesn’t recall that but I will check with him again.
And I will also reach out to the residents.
Marti MahoneyI motion that we continue this to April 11th at 7:08 P.M. for asbuilts.
EMD SERONO – 45 A MIDDLESEX TURNPIKE S.P.S.P. PUBLIC HEARING Minutes 2/16/16
Gary DaSilva –
I motion that we open the hearing and waive the reading of the notice.
Matt Battcock –
Second
7 in Favor
Taylor Dowdy – BSC Group
We would like to briefly go over this project with the board and also answer questions
for you.
Tony Meenahan –
I have been here before you many times. EMD Serono has quite frankly changed the
face of research & development. We are near a cure we are getting there. We would
like to add a modest addition to our campus that would be two stories and add
approximately 30 new positions we are too cramped at the moment. We do partner on
many things in the town. We are respectful to our neighbors. We will also be adding
many more trees and shrubs and will be proactive.
Taylor DowdyI am with BSC Group back in 2001 Lexigen submitted a plan that was approved and then
became EMD Serono and changed to campus style buildings. This will be a 26K sq. ft.
addition we will be at about 60% of our build out since 2001 it will be located on the
south side. We have a link bridge built into the hillside and 16 parking spaces will be
impacted. There are 4 ADA spaces that will also be impacted but will be relocated.
Utilities, sewer, roof drain will all be new connecting to the main system. The traffic will
increase by 30 to 40 more people. The landscaping will be pretty full plan. We will
relocate 14 trees and add 18 more new trees and 50 new shrubs and plantings.
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Planning Board Meeting
March 14, 2015
Mario BontoThis project will be a continuation & expansion of what is already there with parking and
a more common entrance for all people. It will be a metal and glass building the
entrance will be 4’ lower than the existing building. All of the trees and shrubs will
screen the buildings. Inside the 1st floor will be a spacious lobby entrance and office
space. The second floor is an open plan and design and will also connect to the existing
building. The basement level will be for storage space.
Taylor DowdyWe have received Beta comments and DPW comments regarding sewer flow but this
will only be office space for employees. Not an extension of Lab.
Vin MacDonaldWill this building be where the modular trailers are now?
Taylor DowdyNo they will remain there until 2019 according to the last decision.
Matt Crowley –
I am with Beta Group the consultant for the board. We sent a memo on March 9th and
there will be minimal impact to the abutters. We do have several minor comments we
need more information for the height of the building, Illumination plan, the traffic
information, and the roof top mechanical equipment.
Vin MacDonaldWe received a letter from an abutter this area was green space. They are concerned
about landscaping and lighting.
Chris Reilly –
The concerns are minor and related to screening they will be doing additional
landscaping for screening.
Vin MacDonaldDoes the audience have any questions?
John Recino –
I have a few concerns I picture a silver building as being very shiny I am amazed that the
building is being put there. My house is 40’ above them. They will need significant
treescaping.
Chris ReillyThey can do 12 to 14’ trees that are mature and will survive well such as spruce so it will
be year round screening.
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Planning Board Meeting
March 14, 2015
Taylor Dowdy –
Some of the trees we were going to relocate could be put there they have a 5 year head
start. We also have maple, hawthorn and beech that are pretty large to install.
Vin MacDonaldThey have a good landscaping plan and will work with you.
Taylor Dowdy –
As for the illumination there will be no additional lighting. The entrance ways will be lit.
The rooftop equipment will have an acoustical mechanical screen. That will also hide
the noise and we will have pedestrian pathways. We can also look at the lighting after
done to make some adjustments.
Matt Battcock –
They are a great partner with the town supporting many things. The only thing I am
concerned with is the abutters screening. I am sure they will work with the residents.
Gary DaSilva –
I am also concerned with the residents in that area. I would like to see mature trees.
Marti MahoneyI have no questions.
Bob CaseyGray metal materials and windows where this is the back of the building can we tone it
down for the neighbors.
Mario BentoIt will be a muted gray not like the silver. We can tweak that for the abutters.
Bob CaseyCan you consider automatic interior shades for the windows?
Mario BentoWe will be studying the windows and look at the lighting. We always strive for minimal
light levels. The lights are to focus on the task at hand. We can also try shading the
windows.
Pat Flemming –
It seems like they are trying to work with the neighbors. If there is a problem I feel that
they will work it all out.
Dave KinsellaCan they put the replanted trees at the top of the slope???
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Planning Board Meeting
March 14, 2015
Taylor DowdyWe can talk to the landscaper to find that out.
Abutter 2 Corcorcoran –
There are a few trees that are dead because of the salt when plowing.
Taylor DowdyWe will be happy to work with you on the trees.
Tony MeenahanWe will do what we need to do before, during, and after the project with the residents.
Marlies HendersonI have visited EMD Serono however I had my bike and there are no bike racks?? Maybe I
missed it.
Taylor DowdyThere is a very big bike rack.
Chris ReillyAll of the departmental information is in and I believe the board is ready to proceed to
the next hearing I will prepare a draft decision for April 11th 2016.
Pat Flemming –
I motion that we continue this hearing to April 11, 2016 at 7:20 P.M.
Matt Battcock –
Second
7 in Favor
Bob Casey –
You will need to make sure that all five of the current members are here for the next
meeting as you will have 2 new members.
ROADWAY & OPEN MEETING TRAINING SESSIONS
Chris ReillyOpen meeting law has been updated there are 3 separate times to make it easier for
people to attend. It is just general information we need to be aware of all the changes.
The roadway acceptance training is for Planning Board members and staff to firm up our
procedures. If a project is complete then the town could take it over and maintain it.
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Planning Board Meeting
March 14, 2015
ZONING DISCUSSION FOR RESTAURANTS & HOTELS
Chris ReillyRob Anderson the Economic Development Director and I have been working through all
the zoning by law priorities. He has some good ideas and he will present them to you
tonight.
Rob AndersonI have been here about a year now there are certain things that we would like to see
happen for Billerica. There is a big desire for new Restaurants here in town. Burlington
and Lowell seem to have plenty of them going in. All of the restaurants say we like the
community but the parking is an issue can you take a look at it. Currently the by law is
that you need 1 space per 2 1/2 seats so for a seventy seat restaurant you would need
38 spaces. If you look at the requirements of other towns it’s very different.
Marlborough is 28 spaces and Burlington is 24. So we need to adjust our zoning. We do
have smaller lots in town that would work for nice restaurants but not enough room for
all the parking that is required. If we made just a slight change from 38 spaces to 28
spaces for a 70 seat restaurant then we would attract more of them to town. Less
parking means less pavement and storm water costs. It would be just 10 spaces less.
Changing the zoning slightly would be a great change and an easy change and also a
great for the town.
Bob CaseyI think that this is a better way to address a zoning change instead of a committee it’s a
very good way to go about it. I certainly hope that the board and town leadership team
will be behind you. It will also be a great way to approach town meeting. Companies like
EMD and others will help the restaurant business. We certainly do need more attractive
businesses on Boston Road.
Pat FlemmingHow is handicapped parking figured into these 28 spaces? I do admire your energy.
Rob AndersonPart of the 28 spaces would be handicapped. For instance we have the Mobil site that
could receive development which would be more attractive.
Dave KinsellaColocation could also happen with this reduction.
Rob AndersonWe did touch on that but we do need to do this one simple section at a time.
Bob CaseyI motion that we recommend this article to town meeting.
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Planning Board Meeting
March 14, 2015
Gary DaSilvaSecond
7 in Favor
Rob Anderson –
Now if we could turn to Hotels. Billerica currently has 3 hotels with 486 rooms and there
is a need for more. Again the zoning restrictions are limiting this. We do have the ability
to attract class A hotels but right now zoning requires 10 acres with a minimum of 100
rooms and that number is huge and perhaps outdated. We don’t have very many 10
acre parcels left in town that could be used for a hotel. They can be located in industrial
and general business areas. So again we are suggesting that we lower the acreage
amount. We could also go up on the green space and setbacks.
Dave KinsellaWhat are other communities doing?
Rob AndersonI looked at 9 communities with 100 rooms which is 22 hotels in the area that turns out
to be 30 rooms per acre of property. I would like us to be more competitive and require
3 acres.
Marti MahoneyYou will need to reiterate that multi times at town meeting. Any history on the 10 acres
was it to isolate us and make it more difficult? This is also another very good Idea. Thank
you for presenting it to us.
Pat FlemmingBut we wouldn’t want cheap motels or hotels.
Rob AndersonThis would mostly be for extended stays for business people.
Marlies HendersonWould there be any wording that you can put in the article so we don’t get a motel 6 or
something like that.
Rob AndersonWe definitely have a need for high end hotels. I don’t think that we can limit a certain
quality of hotel.
Bob CaseyI motion that we submit this Article to town meeting.
Gary DaSilvaSecond
7 in Favor
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Planning Board Meeting
March 14, 2015
Matt BattcockI motion that we adjourn.
Gary DaSilvaSecond
7 in Favor
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Planning Board Meeting
March 14, 2015
I, Marti Mahoney, Secretary of the Billerica Planning Board, do hereby certify that the
foregoing is a correct and true copy of the Planning Board meeting held on March 14,
2016.
______________________________
Marti Mahoney, Secretary
March 16, 2016
______________________________
Kathleen Vogan, Secretary/ Clerk
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