Hey, time is 7 o'clock. Call to order this meeting of the town of Southwood Planning Board. Today is Tuesday, November 4th, 2025. We are meeting in person at the South Town Hall at 454 College Highway. We are also open for
participation via Zoom. Uh recording of this meeting will be made available online. If you are recording, that is fine. You just need to let us know if you are. First, we will do a roll call of the people at the table.
>> Alvin Allen, town planner. >> Renee Huden, secretary. >> Jessica Thornton, planning board chair. >> Dina, vice chair. Jason Cornwall, member. >> Marcus Phelps, member. >> Joan Alap, associate member.
>> And online, we have >> Diane Jazba, member. >> Thank you. First on the agenda is town planners report. >> Good. Good evening everyone. Uh for the town planners report I have a couple of
new new items that are upcoming. Um for our next meeting November 18th we have six Luna Street. Uh it was a previous approval by the planning board back in January of this year. Uh it was two estate lots that were approved uh with
five total lots and uh sharing one common driveway at least um I I believe three of the particular lots shared a driveway and then there was uh two other lots um that had their own uh particular
driveways. But nonetheless, but the the reason why they're coming back before you guys is because I guess five lots or more triggers uh policy with the uh the fire department. So, they're trying to guess work around that. So, they want to essentially uh reduce the number to four
to not have to be uh you know uh held to those provisions. So, that's the first item. So, the second item, this one will come before you guys in in a meeting December. John and I just have to review the plans, but it's a a storm water plan. Essentially, they want to wave certain provisions of
the storm water storm water management permit um for uh the construction of a single family home. So again, this is a 112 Sunnyside Road and this will come before you guys probably in December.
Lastly, um the so we we've created a working group um of members um which is uh myself uh Jessica uh Nicole Parker um
uh Diane Gale as well as John Goddard uh for the modernization of our our zoning ordinance. So, we've been meeting with uh Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and uh just putting together ideas on how we want to rewrite the uh the new document. And so, uh currently, again,
we're just sort of in the uh the idea stage and trying to, you know, float certain things out there. But essentially, we want to roll this out to the public and sort of get their feedback and get an understanding of, you know, whatever ideas we may have, what maybe we want to sort of rein back
in or what we can actually throw out there. and um you know in in anticipation of our town meeting in and then spring. So Jessica, I don't know if you want to sort of piggyback on that. >> Uh yeah, it was a productive meeting to
get everybody kind of up to date. We reviewed the comprehensive zoning review and the bylaw update that they had delivered to us back in July at the end of that very very long meeting that we had. Um they also kind of shared where they were
at in the process and what we would be looking to do um and accomplish over the next eight or so months as time keeps quickly going by. Uh we're going to look to hold a couple of community meetings to kind of focus on specific areas that
we're going to be looking to update, but really we're going to be uh looking to focus on making a clean legal update uh for passage at annual town meeting before we get too far into the weeds of making major changes. Um so over the
we're going to meet again in early December the 10th >> and then we're looking at a community meeting likely in January. >> Yeah. So, in the interim, I can put your brain caps on and think about um how we
want to handle split zoning. We have a lot of that when it comes to parcels that are half in one zone, half in another where we might want to encourage denser housing or additional business zoning.
also resent >> the one of the main things that we have to fix at annual town meeting is the legal issue of our BR zone and the fact that there's only one by right usage on there. So really think about going
forward in the BR zone where it currently exists and maybe with some forward thinking about where we might be looking to expand it to in the future what kind of uses we could put in our chart as a byite usage for that. So
we can then have that discussion within our working group of these are some of the ideas that planning board members have come up with that we can discuss more as a group and see if that's feasible and feed that information over to the gentleman over from PVPC so they can really kind of take a look
at where they can make those updates to the zoning bylaw because again time is running out and we're going to have a few different versions to look at. Um, so the most the more forward thinking we can do today and over the next couple weeks will help make that process go
quicker. And >> did we learn anything from uh court cases connected with the BR zone? Wasn't there an issue at some point? I don't remember exactly. >> The for that particular issue, part of the
issue was the denial itself of that particular application. The other um part of the lawsuit was in regards to the fact that our BR zone only has one by right usage. >> So that that was >> so that and that was
would have very easily moved forward and our whole entire zoning would have been >> thrown out on the end. So thankfully that didn't happen and we we have this opportunity to update it and and make it right. So we will do that. Um,
any other question come in? [Music] >> That concludes the town battery. >> Thanks. >> Um, next on the agenda is public comment for anybody to make a comment on something that isn't already listed on
the agenda for the evening. Ready in person? >> Yes. Uh, this is David Casmirzac. Can you hear me? >> David. Yeah. Uh, can you just spell your last name and give your address, please? >> Okay. My my last name is spelled K A Z I
M I E R C Z A K. And actually our um our business address is 40 Hudson Drive and we're looking to change the signage on the front of our building. >> Okay. Yep. Um we have you on the agenda as a discussion item later on. So this
is for public comment for not something already listed. So we will get to you shortly. >> Very well. Thank you. >> All right. Anybody else online for a public comment? Hearing none. Is it 7:05? It is. All right. Great.
Next on the agenda is a continued public hearing for 157 Feeding Hills Road Creek Prep Tea House for request to modify their special permit and site plan. As an Miss Jezbah is abstaining as a voting member. Mr. Allen, we received some
correspondence. >> Yes, I received an email today. essentially they're looking to um postpone their item till the next meeting uh November 18th. It sounds as though they will likely come to that meeting. They have also sent me
additional um uh information that I'll uh disseminate to you to you all uh tomorrow morning. >> Wonderful. Okay. Then with that, do I hear a motion to continue the public hearing to November 18th at 7:10 p.m. >> Dave Spina? So moved.
>> Do I hear a second? Jason Reynold second. >> Roll call vote. Justin Bon I. >> Jason I. >> Jason Reynold I. >> Marcus Phelps I. >> Good morning. I >> you very much. Next on the agenda is discussion items
for Noble Street Crossing planning board review and reevaluation of subdivision infrastructure security. gave me salt merid. >> You got first >> problem. I we got the report from all
and I emailed it to Alvin. You guys have it >> right in front of us? >> Yep. >> Do you want to summarize it for us? >> Um basically um we meet met all the
requirements for the plan. the 15 in of gravel and the two inches of pavement. There's a little bit of variation. Inch and 3/4 in one spot. We'll be able to make that.
>> Okay. >> And that state report states that. And then um uh since the last meeting, we've fine graded and paved uh the west side of the crossing
from where basically where the crossing starts to back where I had paved before. Um, and then between this week and next week, we'll be installing the curbing there and
looming the vast that area. And that'll be wrapped up. And then we'll be adjusting the manhole covers and paving the entrance with >> which is going to be approximately 800
ft, which is what these test beds were from. Anything to add? >> No, I haven't had a chance to chat with folks from DPW, but um our meeting actually supposed to be tomorrow, though. I think John has pushed that to next week.
>> So that way we're >> catching fresher information. >> Rich um actually Rich is was out there yesterday. Okay. >> From the DPW, >> Mr. Bozac, the new DPW director. >> Is he the good
>> as of last Sunday? So he's he was out there. Rich is he's the one that drives the pickup truck, right? >> They all drive. >> Well, no, I No, I didn't know that. You didn't
know that he was going for it. All right, whatever. Anyways, he was out there. Yeah. >> I'm like, Rich. Okay. Okay. >> Um he's uh he was out there yesterday while we're we're paying. Great.
>> Just he drives through once a week usually. So, but I saw him out there. So, >> any questions from board members? >> Making great comments. >> Thanks. I'm trying >> Diane, you good online?
>> Yes. Thank you. >> People's faces. >> All right. Then um we'll see you back here on the 18th. >> Yep, you welcome. And um so then if there's no meeting, >> I don't believe we have a meeting, but maybe I read the
>> Okay, no problem. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Next on the agenda, we have the application to request an existing wall sign for 40 Hudson Drive, the
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 98 Training Center. >> That is correct. >> Welcome back. >> Welcome back. >> All right. Board members have in front of them a packet of information
showing the existing signage and what we are looking to update it to. >> Correct. All right. Um, Alvin also included for us the findings from the original installation of the
sign back in 2019 explaining that in this area or this zone um the sign is allowed to be 50 ft or 10% of the building facade and the facade has 1440 square ft. Therefore, the allowance
is 144. And this expanded square footage for this new sign falls underneath that plan. >> Wow. >> Are there any add >> So you're saying it's actually not going
to be approved then or >> Oh yeah. >> No no everything is good. Um >> okay. >> Yep. The allowed is the allowed is 144 and you're requesting 99. >> Yeah. >> Okay, perfect. Yeah, because I from the
sign company um we have existing uh 66 square foot and we're going to add on an additional 33. So, um we're in that window. >> Yes. >> Okay, good. >> Yes. Very good. Um were there any questions? >> No.
>> No. I am Am I good to go? Is the the application approved? because realistically I need to hire this sign company. They're kind of on standby until I get approval from the town. >> Yes, I should clarify. Um, were there any questions from board members about the application? We uh Miss Joba, are
you good online? >> I'm good. Thank you. It looks great. >> Wonderful. Then do I hear a motion for a positive recommendation for the request to enlarge the existing wall signage at 40 Hudson Drive? >> Dave Spo. >> Do I hear a second? >> Jason second.
>> Roll call vote. Jessica Thornton. I >> Dave Spina I >> Jason Grimald I >> Marcus Phelps I >> David Jessa I so David you are free >> to hire your sign company and tell them to move forward.
>> Very good. Um I do have some application fees I have to pay. I'll be back in the office. I'm actually on vacation. So um I'll let you take care of the rest of your agenda and I appreciate all your efforts. >> Thank you very much. Have a wonderful evening. >> You too. Happy holidays to everybody. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Great facility. >> Thank you for that. >> Love a good Union facility. >> Have a great night. >> Yeah. You too. >> All right. Next on our agenda is an ANR plan for 13 Salem Road, map 26 parcel
013 and zero River Road, map 26, parcel 012. >> Sure. >> Okay. So, this is um an ANR plan that came before you guys maybe about a month or two ago. Um at the time, I did not feel comfortable signing off because
essentially they were looking to lap off a portion of the triangular lot um to give to the corner lot which would have created a landlock parcel. So, um they went back to the or you guys decided not to approve it and so they went back to
the um uh the land surveyor and um I believe it's maybe u well nonetheless they went back to the land surveyor they uh decided that they're going to give the entire parcel to the the corner lot so that meets our um our required standards.
We're not leaving a errant triangle hanging out there in the middle of nowhere. >> All right. Are there any questions from board members? >> Good. >> No. >> Nope.
>> You good, Diane? >> I'm good. Thank you. >> Wonderful. Then do I hear a motion to endorse >> the ANR plan for 13 Salem Road and zero reve? >> Do I hear a second? >> Jason second.
>> We roll call vote. Jessica Borton. I >> Jason I. >> Jason I. >> Marcus Phelps I. >> Diane Jazba. I >> And that plan is behind me on the table for everyone to sign after the meeting is over. We'll >> do that.
Next on the agenda, we're routine business, the decision for 497 College Highways, Dunkin Donuts, JN Sino Family Limited Partnership for a modification to their special permit and site plan. board members had access to this online
for a few days. Thank you for that. Has everybody had a chance to review and are happy with the decision as it is written? We did vote on it at the last
meeting in the affirmative. So, this is just documenting that. >> Looks good to me. >> Diane, are you all set online? >> Yes, it looks good. Then do I hear a motion to approve the
written decision for 497 College Highway? >> Dave Spina still moved. We >> hear a second. Jason second. >> The roll call vote. Jessica Thornton. I >> Dave Spina. I Jason I. Marcus Phelps I. >> Diane Jazba I. Right along.
Were there any late ANR submitts? >> Then next we have our meeting minutes approvals. Again, everybody had access to these for a few days. Um, did everybody have a chance to review and submit any edits that they
thought were needed? >> Yes. >> Yes. I uh just had one edit on a set, but it we'll talk about it when it comes up to 23rd September. >> Okay. Uh then do I hear a motion to
approve the meeting minutes for September 9th, 2025? >> Dave Spina, so moved. >> Do I get a second? >> Second. >> Roll call vote. Jessica Thornton. I >> Dave Spina I. >> Jason Rald I. >> Marcus Phelps I. >> Diane Jazpa. I
>> als 23rd, Mr. Phelps. >> Uh the copy I have here uh let's see it's under what page decision 681 College Highway.
Yes, sir. >> The medical marijuana. >> Uh under the motion, the roll call vote was not unanimous. Mr. Grunwall question mark question mark I think maybe just voting nay >> did vote nay to that whole thing
>> yes um it should say voting in the negative >> as it does below see how it says the roll call vote was not unanimous with Mr. run while voting in the negative. >> Okay. So, >> however little mark. >> Yeah, that was
>> like Mario whatever >> that was. So, only >> updated it in live action. >> Super. >> Okay. >> So, that's all I'll just get rid of those. >> Put in
>> put in the text there. Okay. that in a minute. >> Then with that edit made, do I hear a motion to approve the meeting minutes for September 23rd, 2025? >> Dave G. So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call vote. Jessica Thor and I. >> Dave I. >> Yes. Ben will. >> Marcus Phelps. I
>> D. Oops. Sorry. >> Okay. We heard both eyes from Diane and >> All right. Any updates to the October 7th? >> No. Okay. Do I hear a motion to approve the meeting minutes for October 7th,
2025? >> Disable call vote. Jessica Thornton. I >> D I >> Marcus Phelps I >> Ja I have I great >> and um
for the October 7th meeting that you were not here for or not the seventh for the 21st. Make sure you watch the online Zoom recording and when you do that, reach out to Alvin and he will have you sign
off on an affidavit that you have watched it so that you can continue to vote on all the issues that were continued on. But okay, >> what is it? >> The 21st. The last meeting we had when
we weren't here. Yeah. With that, we're on to planning board and staff member comments. >> I sent out a email to everyone kind of announcing the as a heads up. >> Yeah. >> That uh we should expect an invite from the select board to join their meeting
on December 12th where the MPIC will be presenting a report out to the combined select board and fight board. >> And I think That's on a Friday. >> That's a Friday. >> A Friday. >> That's a Friday. >> That doesn't seem right now, does it?
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. I think there was some kind of a thread on the email thread questioning the >> I'm >> the date. [Music] >> Yeah. Do too. Actually, >> it will be
I will take an action to go figure out >> if it's Yeah. Well, I mean, we'll be in December. It'll be December. It was one of the first weeks or two >> first or second Monday >> and or maybe it is Friday. I don't know.
Either way, we'll confirm the date. >> Okay. Well, >> I assume that the select board has not reached out to you saying, "Oh, by the way, >> we're meeting on a Friday." >> Meeting on a Friday or even that we're coming, please come to >> I would think the select board chair reached out to me first. >> You think you can get your members to
show up because I won't be there. Um, in that same vein, Avan and I have met to go over um the planned completion list >> and we will need to share some of that information
with you to both share it with the NPC proper but also kind of just get some guidance on where we're going to put some of these heads officially. Um, but it at the time that we've looked it over, there are six items or actions that are completed or are in the process
that we >> I think that's pretty good. >> Six out of 30. >> I have a 20-year plan. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. Excellent. >> Um, any other comments? >> I do. >> Yes, Miss Tres.
>> Um, I just wanted to thank uh Mr. Alan for um the folders that you send out before meetings have been so helpful. Um it's so well organized and so easy to find everything. So I just wanted to say thank you for that. >> Welcome.
>> Echo that as well. So with nothing else, do I hear a motion to close meeting? >> Dave Spina. So moved. We >> hear a second. J second. >> Everybody in favor say I. I. I
>> evening feel better Diane >> Paul.