7:00 we'll call to order this meeting of the town of Southwood Planning Board. Today is Tuesday, October 21st, 2025. We're holding this hybrid meeting in person at the South Town Hall at 454 College Highway as well as open for participation on Zoom.
We'll do a quick roll call of those present. >> Good evening. Alvin Allen, town planner. >> Good evening, Secretary. >> Jessica Thornton, planning board chair. Dave Spina, vice chair. >> Diane Job, member. >> Jason Reynold, member.
>> Marcus Phelps, member. >> Just a quick note that Giovani Alip, our associate, is not present. Evening. >> Uh, first on the agenda, town planners report. >> Okay, planners report. We have no no new
public hearing items for the next meeting, which is November 4. However, we did receive a mention from our Le um Associates. Uh that matter will go on for November 18th. That is 6 South Lumis Street. So, they're looking to amend the
special permit that they received at the beginning of this year in January. um they received a special permit for um two estate lots on one common driveway on for for five lots which triggered uh
the fire department's sister policy. So they would prefer to amend their special permit to allow for the two estate lots on one common driveway for four lots instead. So therefore they can work around the the system and policy.
>> That's pretty much it. >> Yeah, do we have anyone here present for public comment on something not already listed on the agenda for the evening? Anybody online with the public comment?
Hearing none. We are a little early for our first public hearing, but um we can call Mr. Salt Narot. Moving ahead to discussion item, the planning board review and revaluation of subdivision infrastructure security for
noble steel steed. So little update from last meeting. We uh poured another 75 ft of sidewalk um on the west side of the crossing and uh continued graveling the roadway
area for that to be paved and we shaved the right hand side of that sidewalk that we poured. So that's ready to be lomemed um around the curved area for the west side of the crossing area. And then um
we also uh uh had Ally come out. We did our three uh test areas. Yep. The course. Um and uh um that was actually today. Um and uh
Rich Bozac was out there from the DPW too. And um everything looked good. We had, you know, our 2 in of asphalt and um a minimum of 15 in of gravel in each
hole that we did. And then I marked out the station points for paving. Um so we're in the next few few weeks, we're on track to be paving out there. Um the the entrance with >> So we've confirmed what's there and know
how much you need to add and then it can get done. >> Yeah. Correct. Yeah. >> Anything to add? >> Oh, and then one other thing. Oh, are there is there some scheduling conflicts with John? I guess >> I do.
>> We the moved our uh two week meeting to Wednesdays. So, we'll be meeting to tomorrow. Yeah. Okay, >> maybe we can walk the schedule so that your Wednesday meeting falls on like the Wednesday
before our meeting so that >> Well, I'm do I go every is it >> every week? You go every every Yeah, maybe I should switch it. So, >> yeah, we can >> So that way we have the freshest update from Correct.
>> all three of your perspectives. Yeah, this all transpired in the day. So, >> right >> this time. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Very good. Any other questions with the numbers? >> No. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Have a good night. >> All right. It is now five >> and I will read the notice of public hearing into the record. Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of master law chapter 4A
section 11 in the town of south of bylaws that the planning board will hold a hybrid public hearing on October 21st 2025 at 7:05 p.m. via Zoom and in the town hall at 454 College Highway on an application by JNN Selma Family Limited's partnership for a special
permit modification and site plan approval to allow for limited site improvements related to site lighting at property located at 497 College Highway in the business restricted zone. The property is shown on current accessorories map 089 parallel 007.
The applicant proposes to install additional light pole fixtures within a Dunkin Donuts restaurant parking lot at the subject property in accordance with the code of Southwood zoning bylaws chapters 185 sections 9 10 17 and 30 with Zoom meeting information is
provided. A copy of the application materials may be inspected by contacting the town planner Alvin Allen at his phone or email. Any person interested or wishing to be heard on the matter should appear at the time and manner designated justice for and chairperson of the planning board for
good evening. uh probably remember me from a couple weeks ago for the minor site plan amendment. Um so we are here or I am here tonight uh representing the applicant Jan Simma um for the special
permit amendment application um just to um sort of revise the special permit that the site is currently under for the installation of site lighting which includes some parking um some sight lighting holes. One out front here in
the front island, one over by the property line to the north. Uh, one in the island behind the U menu board and just off the back side of the curb there as well as the u the wall pads on the on
the building itself. Um, what is being proposed is downcast LED lighting. Uh, probably back in 93, you know, there was just, you know, general flood lights at the time. they didn't have the LED technology that is there today. So, one of the uh the way it's worded is no
lighting shall be directed at the adjacent property. Um we have provided a phototric plan that has the foot candle distribution across the site and that uh you know demonstrates um the you know where the light is being um projected
onto the property. And that's really um that's really it. It would be an amendment to the existing special permit for the site lighting. Um site lighting is is really intended to bring it up, you know, to modern standards, some safety um you know, just safety
conditions on the site. Um starting to get dark now and you know, especially now in the winter around 4:00. Um and so, uh if there's any questions, that's what we have for the board.
Any comments, Mr. Clair? >> No, no particular comments. Sam, >> I think it's pretty straightforward. >> Any questions, comments from board members? >> Uh, the other thing was the relocation
of the dumpster. >> Yes. >> So, that's all set up. Uh, I don't remember. Yes, that's uh seeing it there. But it's enclosed and all all that what we normally require, I guess.
>> Yeah. So, it's it's more it's straight on in the drive aisle where before it was kind of facing, you know, you'd have to come in through the the middle. It's called the middle curve cut to get to it. And now it's just straight on from that last curve cut.
Jason, >> I'm good. >> I don't have any questions. It seems like the application provides that the existing site meets all current special permitting standards. So,
have any issue with that? Great. Do I Are there any comments from town officials either in person or online? No, >> I've not received any comments.
>> All right. Are there any public comments on this application? Online. Any comments? Hearing none. Do I hear a motion to close the public hearings? >> Dave Spina still moved.
>> I just second. Roll call vote. Jess I >> I just I >> Jason Gwald I >> Marcus Phelps I >> do I hear a motion to grant the modification for the special permit and site plan approval to allow for the
installation of additional light poles as provided in the application. >> Dave Spina so moved. >> Diane Jba second. We'll call vote. Just I Diane Jazba I. Jason Cornwall. Marcus Phelps. I >> we don't have a decision ready at the
moment. Next week we'll vote on it officially, but we have the perfect >> you. Next on our agenda is the continued public hearing for 157 feeding house road crepes teeth house request to
modify the special permit. Um as in a better mildly abstaining the matter however Mr. Allen >> I can report to the board that the petitioner has requested another
continuence to the next available meeting which will be November 4th. Do I hear a motion to continue to 7:05 p.m. on November 4th? >> Dina so moved. >> Do I hear a second? Jason Cornald second. >> A roll call vote. Jessica Thornton. I
>> Dina I. >> Jason Cornald I. Marcus Phelps I [Music] on our agenda we have 159 Birkshire A stom water management and our site plan
modification request >> and we'll see Mr. Hail going. Okay, that's fine. Um, at our pri just prior to our last meeting, we have received correspondence
from John Goddard, our assistant DPW director and stormwater management coordinator. >> Sure. >> With some final items and uh our response was received by Mr. Hale agreeing to the majority of those
those comments were reviewed by Mr. Goddard and he is okay. We are good. So we have a motion here. Everybody should have copy of it in the packet >> and I will read it in its entirety.
proposed um that we will be motioning to approve the addition to allow the applicant the soft changes to the storm water EMP best management practices utilized at the basin wear at 159 Bergkshire Avenue as a
minor site plan amendment as specified on the submitted site plans and written correspondence that is attached and subject to the following conditions. Condition one, plan sheet 1.1 of the BMP shall be revised and resubmitted with a new label reading key rip wrap 24 in
wide by 24 in deep into subgrade at 12 slope for embedment and score protection. Cond condition two plan sheets 1.0 1.1 and 1.2 shall be updated and resubmitted to reflect revised stone sizing and thickness extended rip raff limits and
clarified key trench detail. All remaining unaltered conditions and of any previous planning board for decision prior to October 21st, 2025 for 159 Brookshire Avenue shall remain in effect for the original terms of the decision.
Are there any questions? No. Any clarifications? No. uh you know something for you guys if you appreciate the language then uh as we move forward >> basically aligns with what I'm tell
>> if Mr. Goddard says we're good. >> No, >> it comes to stone size and rip wrap limit. I confess that's not my area of fees. >> Well, the system hasn't been tested by any huge downpours lately. So,
>> no. >> So, >> we should be good till next spring. >> We'll see. >> Maybe we'll be back. >> Or forever. Maybe >> for another hopefully forever. >> Yeah. Well, hopefully I'll never see this come before me again. Um,
with no motion to change anything, do I hear a motion to give our approval as previously stated? >> Dave Spina moved. >> Diane just a second. >> Do we have to close the hearing? >> There is no hearing. >> There is. Oh, excuse me.
>> That's fine. Thank you for checking. >> Roll call vote. Jessica Thorn and I. >> Jac. Okay. And by >> Jason Gwen will die. >> Marcus Phelps I >> thank you very much. >> On that following this meeting I just
have the um site plans for go along with this decision. So I just need you all to sign. >> We can do that. All right. Next on the agenda is the application for 76 Tannery
Road. A request for a site plan approval for a small scale ground mounted photo voltage system. >> We do have Rob from the >> Hello. Just introduce yourself. >> Hello, it's Rob from Sunron. How are you?
>> Good. How are you, Rob? >> Not too bad. >> Great. Would either you or Mr. Allen like to update the board on the correspondence between you and the fire department firm? Um, Alvin, if you uh have have the
email, I believe uh the fire chief reached out said that we were all set without without having a fence. >> Yeah. So, I'll pull that up on the screen in just a moment. Okay, so it says Alvin, good afternoon. After speaking with the chief about
concerns for the ground mount solar array, I did some research and came up with the following. There is there is no fence requirement for for us. But the regulations state 50 57 I'm sorry 527 CMR 1.11.12.4
4.1 clearances. A clear area of 10 ft around mounted photo voltaile sorry photovoltaic insulation shall be provided. As for the permit application, there will be other concerns I will keep an eye on such as vegetation management
plan and a compliant melting base, but that would be on the installation permit not pertinent at this time. So essentially saying that you have to move forward. >> So are there any follow-up questions or
concerns from board members satisfied with the positioning its distance? >> Um >> we do have the abund letter. Um the 150
ft is being dropped down to 70. So we will be making a waiver of that >> 70 or 65. >> 65 >> 65 73.2 on the other end of it. So I was
kind of >> me in the middle. Um all right. Well, without anything else, do I hear a positive recommendation for the site plan approval for the small scale ground mounted photo voltage system at 76 Tannery Road with the
waiver of the 150 foot condition to allow for a 65 to 73 foot um distance between the abdomin. >> Dave I Dian will die. Marcus Phelps.
>> Thank you very much, Rob. I appreciate your patience and working with us and coming back. >> Excellent. So, uh, we're all set. Approved. >> Yep. >> No. >> Yes. I'll sign off on permanent ice for each month. >> Excellent. Thank you so much. You all have a good evening.
>> You, too. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> If uh Alvin, if you could forward that email from the fire department, that'd be really helpful as well. >> No problem. >> Thank you. >> Bye. semi familiar but completely different related. It didn't matter. Um we have
next on our agenda 282 Granville Road a request for a site plan approval for smallcale ground mounted photovolta name and address. >> Sure. John Manzy, 282 Granville Road, Southwork, Mass. >> Kate Scolion, 282 Granville Road, South
Mass. >> Welcome. >> Thank you. >> Presenting your application yourself, right? >> Yes, we are. >> Okay. that let us know what you have to request. >> Um, so we have submitted the plans and
we are hoping for a permit to be approved so that we can install a ground mounted solar system with uh eight solar panels also um an inverter and a uh battery. We are contracting through uh
different companies locally here to do the work for us. So that we're not really doing much of the work ourselves. Um as you can see by way of the plans which we've submitted um we're actually working Thank you. We're working through a company who did the the specs for us
and um we have contracted with uh a few different people locally in regards to some of the work and particularly um with our electrician who has agreed to uh support us with this and he actually applied for uh his part of the permit
process on Sunday. He's told us his name is Steven Puland. And then I don't know if you paying attention to the last hearing, but part of our bylaws when it comes to the small field mounted in residential zones, there's supposed to be a buffer of 150
ft between the panels and the abuing residential property. Clearly, we have nowhere to close that. Um, I will share kind of my initial thoughts
and I will add to the board that the part of my thoughts are colored by the fact that I drive by this property every day. I congratulate the two of you on the work that has been done there. The property really needed it. Um, >> it did.
>> It definitely took some time. So, wonderful. Um, I am also in admiration of how you've done with your property and equitable disgust with what's happening at the Westerly of Butter
property. Um, I will let board members know that the A of Butter to the West that would be closest to the solar panel. >> Um, that house was purchased by somebody who is never there. They have a home
mailing address in New York City. Um, the property is overgrown. The both driveways are crumbling. It looks like it could be part of the Walking Dead series. >> Um, a car that's been parked there to
show that people live there is on flat tires. It's hasn't been moved in many years. Um, and additionally, the back area of this property is in much disarray and has been prior to those people moving in. There's a falling down
pool structure. >> Yes. >> So, it's really >> that's awful. In 99% of all applications coming in with only an 18 foot distance, I would just laugh
and say, "You need to come back and figure something else out and put it on your roof." However, because I am aware of what the current property is, um I'm a little less having an initial gut reaction. However,
I also have to think about the fact that in 5 or 10 years, there might actually be somebody living at that property and looking to improve it the way that you've done with yours and may want to enjoy their backyard without looking at your solar panel directly to them. So,
that's just kind of my initial thought process and sharing my information overload with y'all and then I'll let you give your thoughts, opinions, and give the questions. It doesn't really look like there's given the
plot line, it doesn't really look like there's an area that you could get 100 ft on each side. >> No, you're not. >> There's no way at all. >> No. >> And >> oh, just Oh, these are good pictures, I think. >> Yeah. >> So, yeah, this is the driveway. So,
those are the driveways of the Abuing property. Oh, this is >> so it's been in disrepair long enough where Google Maps to drive by and update the Google Map images with >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> the current state of things. >> Could we get a uh >> Do we have a picture of that?
>> Google Earth view. >> I got it here if you want. >> Maybe got one. >> Yeah. >> Maybe I'll be get it. So, it would be over here. >> It's going to be upright. This structure here, I believe, is that one bit up. Where's the other house down there?
>> The other house is Yeah, feel free to over there. I mean, it's not It's in the backyard, if you will, of the >> It's in the backyard adjacent to trees. >> Yeah. >> What's with the poles in front of your
back shed there? Is that like the septic field being mapped out or something? >> No, this is your house, right? And right now in the back there's like >> there not on the ground.
>> Those could be if like um if it's something sticking out of the ground. Those are light posts for just string lights that we >> in my mind on here. Can you put where those light bulbs are? >> Yes.
>> As I drive by quickly going but also not trying to crash. Yes. >> I mean, they're very temporary ones with just a spike. >> In my mind, I was trying to visualize how far back on your property is this
>> almost pretty far back. >> Yeah. There. >> Well, they were there since because we're going to we're hoping to work in that area. >> Not really. >> So, >> it's not even >> Yeah. It kind of makes like a square.
>> Yes. Right. Right in front of >> Yeah, >> I would. It sounds like the butter is probably like in the last one, we asked for the go contact reach out to the butter, see if they're cool. >> Very nice. >> We've tried that.
>> We've had conversations. >> He's given us a verbal approval over the phone. We've had text conversations and phone calls and met him several times. Nice young man. Um, but we were not able to get something in writing from him, just a verbal statement.
So I think we've all kind of looked at it >> and kind of agree that it is in the back portion both of their property and the auter property according to the Google map overview. It's
>> this isn't the immediate backyard >> yan butter. It's in the back trees of peanut butter. So wake me up. >> Um it's Yeah. It's not even near the residents. >> Well, I think putting it there too,
looking at the Google Earth, >> you don't have to remove any trees >> on on that side. >> We have streams cutting off any other >> place to put exposure to the sun. Yeah.
>> An east facing roof over. >> Yeah, I'm good. Then >> positive recommendation. So then do I hear a motion for a positive recommendation site plan approval for a small scale ground
mounted photovoltaic system at 282 Granville Road with the waiver of the 152 foot buffer to provide for the 18 and a half foot buffer as provided on the application. Dave Spina so moved.
>> Diane Jba second. We will call vote. Jessica Borton I Dina I. >> Diane Jba I. >> Jason Bwald I Marcus Phelps I >> then this. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Great. Thank you all very much. >> Thank you. >> Enjoy. >> Thank you again for the compliments. You know, it kind of makes me >> I'll own it. >> Next on the agenda, we have a request
for replacement of existing wall signs and application of window decals for 81 Point Row Road. So we have another thing. I just want to add that the decals are not um
controlled by the planning board. Um they can put up decals but they can't put up any more than 40% of their window space. and I did a calculation. They they fit within that parameter. However, the wall signs that they do want to
install are um under your purview. I'll put those up shortly. I believe the gentleman um he's art is um representing this particular matter. >> Yes. >> Art, can you hear us? Okay, >> I can hear you fine.
>> Okay. >> Can you just give your name and address for the record, please? >> Sure. Art Roadie with Belme Signs, 16 Kelly Lane, Graanby, Connecticut. >> Thank you. >> Sure. [Music] [Music]
You start with the big of the observ. Oh, the um Yeah, the whole >> Yeah. You can kind of tell us what being added, changed, replaced, moved. >> Okay. So, can you see my cursor? >> Yeah. >> All right. So, the sign they're looking
to replace this sign on the far left of the screen at the bottom. Try to highlight it in red here. >> Y. And so, that's the wall sign that'll be just above their uh >> perfect. >> Uh yeah, they're they're um main entrance.
Um there's some other signs are located or a bunch of signs are located on the structure. Um, but they're only dealing with the one that's over the store, the storefront entrance and the one that's on the fence that's uh in the forefront here.
>> Okay. >> Centered. Um, >> because they're adding the new sign, even though it was a pre-existing sign there, um, the ordinance states that you can only have 50 square feet of um,
signage on one particular facade. And so there was a a conflict because the sign that they're looking to add on the lower portion here is 29 square ft, but then the banner sign that they have up top that was pre-existing is 27 square ft.
So there was a call out to the property owner and I guess he reached out to the the um clients or um the folks who uh running the launch um restaurant, bar, whatever it may be. uh they've um made
the decision that they will take down their banner sign in order to assist the other um or the or the applicant to meet their uh their sign burning out. >> That's correct. >> Very good. So the um freestanding sign
isn't being touched at the moment. Right. >> So that was either the sign. So, all we're concerned with is the replacement of the panels on what I'll call a wall sign if it's on the fence, right? >> Um, and over the lower entrance there.
>> Okay. >> And how many square feet is that all together? The two of them. >> It's all the signs all together. >> Um, not including the freestanding sign. Um, it's it came up to like 80 something. So, it was just under. So,
they can't they can't have any more than 100, right? total. >> Okay. >> So, it came to like 80 something. >> Perfect. >> It can be more conforming. >> Yes. >> Perfect. >> Another question. >> Yeah. I think taking down that banner one is >> that's excellent.
>> I mean, it really I you know, it might do something if you're pulling up in a boat perhaps, but >> Exactly. >> You know, I I don't You're not pulling anybody off the road, I think, with it. And I think it's important that they they keep the fence sign that provides
sort of the directional of where you should go to spark there as a level property. So >> y >> um all right there's no other questions or comments recommendation. >> Oh okay. Do I hear a positive recommendation for the replacements of
the wall signage at 81 road? Dave so moved. Diane Ja second call vote just the floor and I >> mean I >> Diane Ja I >> Jason I >> Marcus Phelps I >> do you want to throw in the caveat even though they agreed that they would do it
but uh that banner sign I don't want to put it as condition >> could have been a positive recommendation with condition yeah >> sorry >> do I >> amend the do I hear an amendment by the
previous motion to allow for the inclusion of the condition for the removal of the banner sign. >> Dave Fina moved. >> Diane just a second. >> Roll call vote. Just I >> Dave Sp. >> Diane just I >> Jason I. >> Marcus Phelps I.
>> You have fun reporting that one. >> Meeting. Fabulous. All right. So should we update the permitting system for >> Yes. and we will be all set. >> Thank you very much. >> Have a pleasant evening. >> You too.
>> Thank you. >> All right. Moving on. Are there any late submission >> ANR? >> Okay. At this time, the meeting minutes for September are not yet ready. We're looking on those.
And did you I have or any board member or staff comments? running from down there. Okay. >> So, if you want to speak on the um EPIC >> Yep. I've got we've got that. Um I'll start with though that we Al and I both
attended the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission um meeting for October which has be kind of the annual meet in person after COVID. It all kind of became just Zoom meetings. Um, so it gave us all a chance to meet with other people who
went into planning in the Pioneer Valley. And I will note that Southwick for a small community got two shoutouts in the presentations. Both for our uh community development block grant usage for Reservoir Road, I think it was down
by the lakes. The re uh figuring of that for the storm water management as well as our work and our implementation of the master plan. So that was quite quite proud of us for that. >> Um and then earlier today, Alvin and I
put our brains together and went through the uh lead >> action items. We did not touch the support. >> Um >> for the master plan implementation committee, uh I'll call it the priority
forecasting exercise. Um what was kind of cool is that a good five or six of them were in process were done, >> right? >> Um and a number of others that will be easy pickings but stuff that can be done
within the first year or two. Um and then a number of others that we've kind of forecasted out in a more nebulous fashion. So, we're going to have a conversation, I think you and I, about how we're going to go about reporting that. Um,
>> it's some of those things are really hard to commit into an actual time and to say whether it's year six or year seven that it's going to happen. I don't know. Um, but we did the work and so we'll be able to put our brains together to come up with that. And
uh we also are working together to find a time to meet with people from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission as well as other members of our >> working group on our bylaw update.
>> We are pulling in Mr. Goddard, Miss Gail from the select board, and >> and Nicole Parker, the CEO, to help kind of guide us and get some of the more heavy lifting done ahead of time so that the planning board
can take action on those items and work it a little bit. And seeing as our next meeting is fairly light with no new public hearings and only one continued at the time, um
hopefully we will have a little bit of work to do at that meeting that we can get done. >> A working session. >> Wow. >> How about that? >> Work to get done. >> Sounds good. >> Yeah. All right. Anything else? No. >> Have we heard anything on the second
marijuana dispensary? the Haven folks. >> It doesn't look like not much is happening. >> Well, they get 21 days for anybody to appeal. >> Oh, decision. >> They're waiting past >> and that time frame has now passed. >> Yeah, I think it was sometime last week >> and as far as we know, nobody did
challenge it. Waiting for >> surprise address challenge or something at the last minute. So, it's just a matter of them getting the work done now. cutting a hole in the side and putting in the door and >> petitions inside. It looked like there
was something stacked inside boxes. >> Yeah, >> they ordered the counter space. >> Yeah. >> All right. Well, with that, it is 7:40. And do I hear a motion to close the meeting? >> Dave Spence moved. >> Do I hear a second? Just a second. All
those in favor say I. >> I. Yes.