Town of Kensington

Planning Board Minutes

August 5, 2004 Meeting

Amended and approved September 2, 2004

In Attendance:  Steve Wilson, Chair, Bob Solomon, John Sargent, Rob Garneau, Michael Schwotzer, alt., Stefanie Johnstone, Selectmen’s representative and Jill Robinson, Rockingham Planning Commission Circuit Rider

The Meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm.

Approval of July 1, 2004 minutes – M. Schwotzer moved to accept the minutes of July 1, 2004 as presented, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.

NEW BUSINESS:

Driveway permits – Bill Grant – Mr. Grant presented three driveway permits:  1) Nadeau, 16 Rose Petal Lane; 2) Renillard, 4 Rose Petal Lane and 3) Holt, 53 Cottage Road.  M. Schwotzer moved to approve the first two driveway permits as presented and the third to be considered with the Site Plan Review, seconded by John Sargent with all in favor.

Expedited Review - Boswell/Perreault – 2 lot subdivision off West School Road – At the applicant’s request, the Board members agreed to postpone this review to the next Planning Board meeting scheduled for September 2, 2004.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Site Plan Review - Holt, 53 Cottage Road, for Indoor Riding Arena – M. Schwotzer recused due to being an abutter.  Carolyn and Richard Holt presented their plan to build an in-door riding arena, which includes giving riding lessons and boarding horses.  They would like to add a driveway from Trundle Bed Lane as there is not enough parking through the Cottage Road access, it is difficult for trailers to turn and there are deed restrictions regarding cutting trees.  M. Schwotzer commented that Trundle Bed Lane is a thru-trucking road and could accommodate horse trailers better than Cottage Road.  The Holts agreed to hold a pre-construction conference with Bill Grant to review the sloping of the driveway, width, creating a circle or T for turning, and erosion controls through the construction process.  Abutters of 19 and 22 Trundle Bed Lane expressed concerns with increased drainage since they said their properties currently have drainage issues along the road.  John Sargent moved to accept the application as complete, seconded by Bob Solomon with all in favor.  John Sargent moved to accept the Site Plan Review application as presented, seconded by Bob Solomon with all in favor.

Six Lot Subdivision - Kensington Leadership Center Trust, 199 South Road, includes boundary line adjustments – Kurt Therrien, representing the Lewis Family Trust, and Harold Bragg explained that the reasons for subdivision were two fold; 1) estate planning for the Lewis’ children to either live on or sell the house lots, and 2) to create a larger parcel in back for conservation and education through the Sawyer Foundation.  Although the plan is to take out the frontage lots, the remaining land is being combined with another parcel to create an even larger conservation area of approximately 81 acres of permanently protected open space with 70 feet of frontage on South Road so they would abut the Town Shed parcel.  The Board members expressed concerns that this would create a non-buildable lot, but Mr. Bragg replied that there could be deed restrictions. 

Jill Robinson’s detailed memorandum was reviewed.  Mr. Bragg explained that the state limits the number of driveways but the final plan would show the state approved driveways.  He also said they wanted to review the plan with the Board before applying to the Department of Environmental Services for subdivision.  Fire protection was discussed and although there are two ponds on the property access to them appeared to be a problem and there was no documentation to indicate that the ponds remain filled.  M. Schwotzer suggested having the center lot, which has an existing building, remain with the back parcel which would not only make it a conforming lot with adequate frontage, but would allow access to the ponds.  Mr. Bragg and Mr. Therrien agreed that this might be a viable solution.  M. Schwotzer moved to accept the application as complete and continue the Public Hearing to the next meeting, seconded by Rob Garneau with all in favor.  M. Schwotzer motioned that the Trust consider removing the back lot line, tax map 5, lot 11, from the plan for resubmission, seconded by Rob Garneau with all in favor.

OLD BUSINESS:

Scenic Roads - continued discussion – Board members agreed to not continue this matter at this time.

John Sargent motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 p.m., seconded by M. Schwotzer with all in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Denise Gregson

Administrative Assistant