Town of Kensington
Planning Board Minutes
November 20, 2007
Approved January 15, 2008
In Attendance: Chair Joan Whitney, Steve Wilson, Bob Solomon and Stefanie Johnstone, Selectmen’s representative. Meeting called to order at 7:34 pm.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Continued - Davlynn Development, LLC Revision - (Hudson Heights Subdivision) – Proposing a revised road entrance profile by adding a ditch line for drainage and removing the curbing (curbing approved Aug. 21, 2007). Attorney Woiccak and Chris Albert of Jones and Beach Engineering attended to discuss the current status of the subdivision. Although a report was received from Christian Smith, the town’s engineer, dated November 5, 2007, Board members felt it was inconclusive as to approval of the changes. Chris Albert explained that they had returned to using rip rap as he was not able to obtain the specs on the newer proposed materials and eliminated the detention pond because it wasn’t serving the purpose. He said he would contact Christian Smith, go over everything and have a favorable letter by the next meeting. Steve Wilson moved to approve a certificate of occupancy for one house in the subdivision, subject to a favorable well testing report, certificate of state septic inspection, and the driveway meeting town specs. Joan Whitney modified the motion to include clarification of approval by Bill Grant. The motion was seconded by Joan Whitney with 3 voting in favor and 1 opposed. Steve Wilson stressed that approval of this certificate of occupancy was the only approval being granted at this time. This public hearing was continued to December 18, 2007.
Senior Housing Ordinance – Fire Chief Charles LeBlanc said that the buildings were too close together with regard to fire suppression. Donna Carter commented that the density allowed is not adequate and the developer would be better off doing an open space subdivision. Joan Whitney said that attaching the units, such as condos, would reduce the developers’ costs. Bob Solomon commented that the earlier version had included fire walls. Joan Whitney moved to continue the Senior Housing Ordinance Public Hearing to the next meeting of December 18, 2007, seconded by Steve Wilson with all in favor.
Ron Ouellet – Site Plan Review for 210 N. Haverhill Rd., M17, L22 – current office to be converted to a 3 bedroom apartment. Chief Charles LeBlanc said that if approved the Fire Department needed to check the unit for safety features and Mr. Ouellet would need to arrange an inspection. Members agreed that they wanted to make sure they are making the change legally, since it’s a non-conforming situation. Joan Whitney moved to continue the Public Hearing to the next meeting of December 18, 2007, seconded by Steve Wilson with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chief Charles LeBlanc – Payment for hours worked during installation of the Hudson Heights cistern. A letter requesting payment will be sent to the developer.
Arthur Wiggin, Jr. – Status of incidental excavation off Amesbury Rd., M3, L17-2 – Mr. Wiggin presented an update and requested an extension as there is more to be done. Bob Solomon moved to extend another two years under the same conditions to Jan. 5, 2010, seconded by Steve Wilson with all in favor.
Preliminary Consultation – Paul Nichols re: Russell Hodges property, Stumpfield Road – Mr. Nichols presented a proposal for a 9 lot subdivision on a parcel of 51 acres, designed with three conventional lots and the remainder as open space lots. The plan would retain frontage on Stumpfield Road for the back land and there would be a small access road off the end of the 1,030 foot cul-de-sac. Members explained that the town’s regulation for open space development is based on a conventional yield which would yield only 4 or 5 lots. Mr. Nichols will review the town’s regulations.
Site Plan Review Regulations – Discuss revising Article 3, paragraph 1 to more closely mirror the language in RSA 674:43 – postponed.
OLD BUSINESS:
Lot Line Mergers – Kensington Leadership Center Trust –
Map 8, lot 40, 58 Cottage Road, and lot 40-1, 56 Cottage Road
Map 5, Lot 11, 199 South Road and lot 11-3, 203 South Road
Bruce Cilley presented plans and explained that on Map 5 they were putting the building lot, which is vacant, with the back lot. On Map 8, the KLCT owned lot 40 and recently purchased lot 40-1 and would like to merge them. Bob Solomon moved to accept both lot line adjustments as proposed, seconded by Steve Wilson with all in favor.
Driveways – Proposed regulation changes – postponed.
Proposed Wind Energy Conversion Systems Zoning Ordinance – Mr. & Mrs. Carpenter attended to learn more about what is being proposed. The members did not discuss this ordinance as Mr. Merrill was not able to attend. The Carpenters will review the current proposal.
Lot Dimension – Continuing discussion – postponed.
Any other business properly brought before the board.
Joan Whitney moved to adjourn at 9:35 pm, seconded by Steve Wilson with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant