Uh, welcome to the town of Southwick Planning Board meeting of December 16th. We are open for participation on Zoom. If you are recording online, please let us know. I will announce everybody around the board. We have Alvin Allen, town planner. Renee Huden, secretary.
Jessica Thornton, chair. >> Dave Spina, vice chair. >> Diane Joseph, member. >> Jason, member. >> Marcus Phelps, member. >> Oops, associate. >> Okay. And we will restart our town planners report. Okay, for the town's report, first item I have is 63C Kong
Road. It's uh going back and forth between the applicant and our uh DPW for um trying to figure out the the amount of the bond to be placed on the matter uh for the extension of their their solar uh field. Uh they feel in speaking
with John Connor, the assistant uh DPW director, I feel so that they have it in a place where it can move forward to our town council. It's just pending planning board authority to to recommend. So, and that will happen at the next meeting in January 6. >> Okay.
>> Uh second item, 32 sheep pasture road. This is a single family home, a proposed single family home. This will be uh coming up in our next meeting. It is coming up because in in the AC zone it requires you know any structure uh that
it gets planning or like a special special per uh 526 College Highway uh that I believe was a former wilderness um >> facility. uh a gentleman I guess there's a few
different retail entities within that particular um site where a gentleman wants to do an auto parts store at least that's what he had conversations with me about uh he said auto parts store and storage but then um his application is a little bit
unclear because he states that he als he he does RV repair so um I got to get a little bit more clarity but I can get all the ducks in a row then that could be on for the next meeting of January 6th. I also want to throw out there that
we'll have another working group session meeting with Pioneer Valley Planning Commission for zoning ordinance um project that will be uh this week Thursday. And again, we're gearing up for a potential public um outreach in
January. Lastly, um I received a request from a gentleman uh yesterday for adding public sidewalks along a stretch of Point Grove Road between North and Middle Fine. So, not
necessarily my neck of the woods, but I'll I'll reach out to DPW and see if we can have a discussion about that. >> That concludes the town finance report. >> Thank you. Thank you. Next on the agenda is public comment.
This is your opportunity to make a public comment about something that is not already listed on the agenda. If you have something to add to one of the public hearings later on, you'll have your chance to comment on that at that time. Um so once again, is there anybody
here in the room with a public comment? Anybody online? You can speak up or raise hand. hearing and seeing none, we will move to the first item on the agenda. 7:05 p.m.
We have a continued public hearing for 6 South Luma Street. This is a request to modify an estate lot and common driveway special permit with site plan approval. Um, it is my understanding that we are waiting for storm water management peer
review for this site. As such, we have a continuence request until that time. Therefore, do I hear a motion to continue this public hearing to 7:05 p.m. on January 6, 2026?
>> Dave Spina so moved. >> Diane Jba second. >> I hear a roll call vote. Jessica Thornton. I >> Dave Spina. I >> DA I >> Marcus Phelps >> much. >> Seeing as the next public hearing
doesn't begin until 7:10 p.m. we're going to skip forward on the agenda. One of our discussion items. Jesse, would you like to have a >> This is the planning board's review and revaluation of subdivision
infrastructure security from Noble Seed Crossing. >> Jess's Noble Seed Crossing. I I didn't I missed the last meeting with Alvin and John and it wasn't >> they were pretty busy so we didn't get a
chance to reschedule but um I did update the schedule >> right >> um and it's been pretty cold the last few weeks so we haven't done much out there um but I did put some uh items for the
spring I just I put spring dates on there for now just because I don't if the weather breaks and we're able to go out there and uh continue working, we will. I just didn't put that on there because it's
I wanted to make have a realistic timeline on there for you. Um but I those items would be um uh working on the east side of the crossing approach, you know, with regards to doing all that
we can to get ready for the crossing when we do get that permit in place. Um I don't have an update on that yet. Um, I plan on uh at the at the first of the year meeting with Steve Salvini and Jeff
Smith to see if we can drum up some uh info from Mass D. >> Okay. >> Um, but that that's all I have for now and I'll continue meeting with Alban and John and you guys. Okay.
>> Anything to add, Mr. P? >> Any questions from board members? Okay. Thank you very much. Have a good day. >> You too. Thank you. >> Board members had a chance to look at the meeting minutes for December 2nd.
>> Yes. Do I hear a motion to approve the meeting minutes for December 2nd, 2025? >> Dave Spina so moved. >> Dian Ja second. Roll call vote. Jessica Thor. I >> Dave Spina I. >> Diane Ja. I >> Marcus Phelps. Yes.
I >> thank you. I'm seven minutes. All right. Another item from our discussion items was the signage modification request for 608 College Highway. We had an email received from the applicant Beacon Banks
representative at Crosign Service requesting to be heard at our next meeting on January 6th. see that next year it is close to 710. Mr. Shini, would you like to come up?
Myself. >> Next thing on our agenda is the public hearing for 157 Feeding Hills Road. Request to modify the special permit Wellhead Protection District special permit. non-conforming use special permit flood hazard and wetlands district special permit and site plan
approval as an abuter chess will be abstaining from this hearing Mr. Alip is stepping in as a voter >> Mr. Madam President >> someday members
>> welcome um actually what I'd like to do is start off I believe with the comments from the fire chief who here and if you could put the uh you have the diff screen. I said I do have a
question on the result. >> Certainly Richard an email or is it a plan just a plan? >> So you're looking for fire >> fire access correct? >> Yes. And so I'm assuming for this area
here. >> Yeah. So, uh, we have 25 ft across here. And so, I'm assuming you'd want to have some kind of signage that >> correct satisfy that requirement. >> Yep. >> Yeah. So, that altered from what I
proposed to you. What I did a few things. >> What I did was I shortened these up because >> give less more space. >> Okay. >> Because they were 10 foot spaces and they don't have to be very clean. Yep. >> So, that gave us extra. >> Perfect.
>> Okay. Yeah, percentage of no parking. You know, normally it' be striped and labeled on the street, but because it's gravel, we would have credibility, but that's fine. Yeah. So, awesome. Thank you. Thank you. >> Um well, that answers that. >> Okay.
>> Um the next is um board of health seating and capacity and that whole thing. The gazebo is intended to excuse me. The gazebo is going to be open only April
1st through October 31st. The remaining time it's going to be secured and locked. Right currently, right now the deck isn't being used because it's too cold. Nobody sits over on the deck at this time of year.
So the concept is that if the structure is not being used and it's secured, it becomes nothing more than a storage shed and it's only available April 1st
through October 31st, Friday, Saturday, and Sundays. And that is only by reservation only. Okay? So on April 1st, if they have somebody that wants to reserve 20 chairs in the gazebo,
Art and his very talented staff will simply remove 20 chairs from the restaurant. Okay? Thereby maintaining the capacity level that they have uh of 93 seats is all
they're allowed to have. When the gazebo is not in use, it gets locked and secured and becomes basically a storage shed. And I know that is a uh
a looser interpretation of things, but what we're trying to do is provide Southwick with a restaurant that has the ability to offer a kind of a unique dining thing. And
this town could use something like that. We've lost a couple of restaurants already. So, I don't think it's a real stretch to say, look, yes, the if you add all the chairs on
the facility, they're over capacity, but I'll bet you could go to any restaurant in any town and they probably have extra chairs somewhere as extras that aren't accounted for. You know, uh, every room
is supposed to have them. Uh uh uh every room that's available for seating counts towards capacity, but almost every restaurant has spare tables and chairs, probably in the basement or in a spare room or outside or something that aren't
counted. And if this gazebo is locked and secured, it becomes a storage shed, which essentially takes those chairs out of the equation. I think that the restaurant
is a very well-run restaurant. They have a very good staff. Art has been doing it for a while. He has this is his second restaurant that he owns. And I know there's been some back and
forth with um some issues, but I don't think that some of those issues are as significant as they have been laid out. such that I believe
that the integrity of the entrepreneur should be intact and given the chance to put this into place and offer that service. >> All right. Anything else you want to
add? So basically it's open April 1st to October 31st, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. The rest of time is closed, clock, and secured. >> Let me real quick
read into the record a letter that was received from Dick Grenell's, the chair of the lake management committee. was addressed to Mr. Allen. Steer members uh discussed or he's talking about the lake management
committee members discussed the item 157 Feeding Hills Road at last night's LMC meeting. According to input from a member, these unpermitted buildings grew from the un excuse me, from the original unpermitted smaller roofed areas to the much larger ones that have now been
constructed on poles within the flood zone. As shown in the previously attached flood zone maps, the LMC's major concern here is that LMC has been working with NRCS for nearly three years on a major federally funded program to develop detailed plans and subsequently
restore unrestricted flow to Great Brook and Canal Brook that have become so clogged that they both reverse flow into Congam resulting in flooding of low-lying waterfront land and structures. Uh NRCS's consultant pair engineering is doing a boots on the ground assessment
of both waterways approximately 3 miles of greatbrook and 2.5 miles of canalbrook and documenting widths and depths any observed restrictions including any culverts, dams, bridges or anything restricting flow in. Accordingly, LMC members are very
concerned these structures that are within the flood plane could break free and block the upstream side of the Great Brook Bridge under Feeding Hills Road. Members also questioned whether these reportedly unpermitted structures that sit on poles that keep them above the flood level were designed to withstand
flowing water and that the plans were subsequently reviewed and stamped by a structural engineer. Lastly, ramps proposed to address these buildings accessibility requirements will be within the flood zone and should therefore require concom review and possibly additional permitting.
I will answer for you that you know that you have to go to Com for the ramps, right? If they're approved. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. >> Know that. >> Is there anything else that you would like to respond to in that? >> Well, that's uh
this is they are approved. They are gazeos. Uh and the conservation commission has determined that where they are and how they were built do not constitute a problem in the flood plan. Thank you.
Any board member questions, comments for Mr. Salini at this moment? >> Uh some clarifiers in the restaurant. >> Mhm. >> 20 chairs in the gazebo. And I'm I'm saying this so correct me if I'm wrong.
And the intent would be when the gazebo's not being used, it's locked, and accessible. So those chairs are out of the equation. I get that. When the gazebo is being used, what happens with the 20 chairs that are still in the restaurant that would be over >> capacity?
>> Art assembles his staff and they remove those chairs and they can put them in one of the other gazeos that are available for stone. >> Are those 20 chairs going to be in a designated area that's say obvious to somebody who wants to come over and say, "Oh, yep. I see those chairs are not
there because you're using the gazebo. >> Um, that's a good question. I don't have the answer for that. I would assume that you would go in and count the chairs to find out how many, but they're going to take 20 chairs out of there. They have the bar area. They have other seating in
there. They they have 93 seats available in the building inside the building right now because they closed the deck. So when the gazebo is in use as is going to be required because of the nature of
this they are going to have to remove 20 table 20 seats >> 20 chairs >> out of there >> physically removed. Okay. >> Physically removed and he's he has the staff to do it. >> Anything? >> Um I'm going the the 93 is my primary
concern. Um, I think the I think this arrangement is more wishy-washy than I ideally would like to see. Um, and I think we leave there's open concerns, but if you guys are taking 20 chairs out of there and we abide by everything
we're saying, then there shouldn't be an issue. >> Mr. helps. >> Did we get feedback from uh any building inspector or wasn't there some >> Yeah, the building inspector had a comment last time about the slider that
he uh currently they had a rope across >> and the building inspector requested a rail be installed on there. >> I was referring to uh determining the capacity. I don't know if it was the fire chief or
someone had mentioned that uh uh you know who would use it at the state level to determine if >> well if appropriate I I'm not answering on behalf of the building inspector but the the property owner has recommended this
20 seats and that meets the that does fulfill and address the requirement for that type of building. The Department of Fire Services will turn to them to ask for a clarification on building type. They determined that is a business beat building type. So that it would need to
meet the requirements for for businesses only for business build >> and they didn't weigh in on the capacity of >> they did not that that's not their perview. Okay. >> The building inspector determines that. >> I think again the 20 seats is what's been recommended by the property owner that falls within the regulation
>> for the gazebo, >> the freestanding building. Yeah. Yes. >> Do you have any questions to >> Okay. Are there any uh town staff or other town representatives either in
person or online? >> I can I can speak for the board of health. Um Kaen Simons. I'm the interim health director. Um I'm new to this ongoing situation. So, I asked Tom Hibbert, who is the old health inspector
who had more experience with this topic, to give a quote and what his final decision was. Um, so I can read that. He stated, "Their final proposal, which I did not receive in writing, just in convers conversations with their consultant, was to permanently remove
all the seats from the bar area and to relocate to the gazebo. assuming that is true and their seats do not exceed the capacity. The board of health would not need to vote on the matter. Um so I think the that's the end of his quote, but I think um to address it a little bit more, it would just be ensuring that
we do not go over the 93 seats. You don't want to put stress on the septic system. That could be, you know, detrimental to the system. Um I assume crepes does not want to do that because it would be detrimental to the system and very expensive uh to fix. So that would be the board of health's
recommendation. >> Miss Simmons, do you have um a recommendation or clarification? We had previously received correspondence from Mr. Heert indicating um that he would not approve of the gazebo seats. um that
number kind of swip swapping back and forth between the main building and the exterior building that he wouldn't be comfortable with that. Uh is that still the viewpoint of the health department? >> I don't have that in writing from Tom
Hibbert, but from convers I've been with the the town of Southwick since last June, so I did hear from him a little bit about this topic. That is kind of what I collected from him. Um just you know it would be trusting the business owner to be swapping the seats in and
out. Um you know this would be a trusting exercise to ensure that these seats are going in and out and not being overused. Um I I don't know the situation enough to give my full recommendation without more information to myself and to the board of health. Um
the chairperson was not available to join this meeting, but it would be the you know good faith effort to make sure that we're switching the seats from the 20 to from the gazebo inside outside when it's not in use, but just really ensuring that we're not going over that
93 is very important. >> Any other board members have questions for Miss Simmons? >> Thank you. Are there any other uh town staff or representatives? No. Okay. Are there any public comments
on this application? >> Yes, ma'am. If you please >> I just like to say that we're like they said we're trusting them. >> Can you just give your name and address for the record? >> 27 Grandville Road. So, this is a matter of trust. But from what I understand,
they put all those things back there without any permission and then came and said, "Oh, oh, look what we've done." So, I'd like to know how we are to trust these people. >> Okay. >> Response. >> Yeah. These people had a permit to put those in from the conservation
commission. They just didn't have a permit to use them. And that's why we're here is to get a permit so these people can use them. >> I will echo Mr. Salvini statement that the buildings were built with a permit from the building department. They did
receive conservation approval to place the buildings there. They did not have approval from this board which is the land use board for use of the buildings and they have not been used because they do not have that permit as yet. So, uh
any other public comments? >> Diane Jel 145 Feeding Hills Road. Um, I too am concerned about the um seating um because as a butter and as somebody that lives right next door, um I have seen
several instances where um their current permit um was not um adhered to um for the barbecuing. Um that was one instance and the other
instance is um there was a moment before um they applied for occupancy where they did use one of those buildings. It was early on when they first built them. They had a gathering there. I sent pictures to the board um when we saw it
occurring. The parking was atrocious. Um, yeah. So, I have a lot of concerns about the seating capacity because I have obviously um concerns about whether or not it should be policed um to see if they do indeed actually take the the
seating out when they say they're going to take the seating out. And the health inspector did say that some of it had to be permanent. So, those are my concerns. Thank you. >> In the back, >> Dale 5oint program. I would just like to
ask if there are other restaurants in town that have that kind of flexible seating when their deck is open. Do they have to remove chairs and does somebody go count them? I would add that I don't know off the top of my head for sure if that happens,
but the question of the seats moving at this particular location has to do with the elderly septic tank that has its limitations and its um adjacency to the
wetlands which makes the amount of seats being filled at any given in time a point of higher concern for the health and building department. Yes, Male, >> as a followup, but the question was, are other establishments required to
eliminate? >> I do not have an answer yes or no to that question. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> Um, name and address, please. >> Randle 9 Road. Uh I I'm just so if if
they rectify the septic, is there a possibility of rectifying the septic to alleviate this issue or is it just that the subject is the way that it is and now he has to or they have to um kind of
move within this spect like can it be resolved? They could have a major redesign and construction of a new septic system that would be cost prohibitive to allowing 20 extra people to have dinner. And I don't
mean 20 extra people, having 20 people be able to eat outdoors in a gazebo in a private setting. So it's not an increase in any capacity to the septic system that's there. It's just a
opportunity to have a private dinner outdoors in a gazebo from April 1st to October 31st on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. >> Any other public comments either in person or online? Any
follow-up questions for board members at the Okay, I'm going to want to digest this a bit more and make sure that everybody is on the same page. I would like for our current
health director, interim health director um to make sure that she is comfortable and that we come up with an idea that might work. Okay. >> Okay. >> And we'll discuss it at the next board
meeting. If we hear no new information, I would think that we will likely close at that point in time. >> Next year. >> Next year. Okay. >> It's it will be pulled out for the next couple weeks. Yeah. >> No, I appreciate that. Thank you very much.
>> So, um, with nothing further, do I hear a motion to continue this hearing to 7:10 p.m. on January 6, 2026? >> Dave Spina. So moved. >> I hear a second. >> Second. >> A roll call vote. Justice Thornton. I >> Dave Spina I. >> Jason. Marcus Phelps. Ian.
Okay. Very good. Thank you. >> All right. Next on our agenda is a public hearing for South Street. I am going to read the notice of public hearing into the
record. Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of Mass General Law Chapter 48 section 11 and the town of Southwick bylaws that the planning board will hold a hybrid public hearing on Tuesday December 16th 2025 at 7:15 p.m. online
via Zoom and at town hall 454 College Highway Southwick on an application by Vladimir Vovi for a storm water management permit for property located at 6 South Street in the residents R40 zone. The property is shown on current assessors map 129 parcel 21. The
applicant proposes to create two estate lots, one of which will have a common driveway and two ANR lots in accordance with the code of Southwood zoning bylaws, chapter 183 and chapter 185 sections 910 1221 and 30.1. The Zoom information is listed. Copy of the
application may be inspected by contacting Alvin Allen, the town planner at his phone email. Any person interest or wishing to be heard on the manner should appear at the time of man designated just for Thorn and chairperson sie planning.
Now this should be very familiar as we just had our public hearing open for six South Lumis. Um for clarification for board members and those in the audience. This was a modification
to a special permit that we discussed earlier that also requires a storm water management permit. Unfortunately, we did not advertise them both simultaneously. So, we have a kind of staggered opening of this.
In addition to what we said earlier, again, this is also um excuse me, dependent on a storm water management peer review. So, we have nothing new to hear on this matter. It will be continued. But for ease of advertisement
and process going forward, our motion here tonight is going to be combining the two public hearings so that going forward they will be posted together and handled together. Any questions on that? No.
And do I hear a motion to combine the storm water management permit public hearing with its associated public hearing for an estate law and common driveway special permit and site plan approval modification and to continue both to 7:05 p.m. on January 6, 2026.
>> Dave Spa second. >> Roll call vote. Jessica Thornton. I >> Dave Spina I >> Dian. >> Jason Thald. Marcus Phelps. Yes. Okay, thank you very much.
Moving right along. The next item on the agenda is a new public hearing for 112 Sunnyside Road. We'll read the public hearing notice into the record. Notice is hereby given in accordance
with the provisions of Mass General Law, Chapter 4A, Section 11, and the Town of South bylaws that the planning board will hold a hybrid public hearing on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 at 7:20 p.m. online via Zoom and at the town hall for 54 College Highway Southwick on
an application by Kristen Hoodlick for storm water management permit for property located at 112 Sunnyside Road in the residents R40 zone. Property is shown on current assessor's map 7, parcel 19. The applicant proposes to construct a single family home with a driveway stream crossing and is seeking
to wave specific requirements of the storm water management bylaw in accordance with the code of South Zoning bylaws chapter 183 and chapter 185 section 12. Zoom meeting information is listed. A copy of the application may be inspected by contacting Alvin Allen, the
town planner, at his phone or email. Any person interested or wishing to be heard on the matter should appear at the time and matter designated. Justice Borton, chairperson, South Planning Board. >> I've got a whole another one to read after, so stick around. >> Colto from Arlo Associates here
representing Mr. Bled Flag. Um the client's looking for proposed to build a single family home at 112 Sunnyside Road. Um a little bit history on on this project. We're we're seeking a smaller permit waiverss for some requirements.
Um this project is very similar to several previous projects that have been done proposed and just never constructed. Uh one in 2013 and again in 2019 those permits have expired. Um, as
far as the project was consisting of, this is just the back piece of the property and on the front side is got to flip it around. This is the front piece. So, the project consists of a dragway enter entering in
off Sunnyside Road uh crossing wetlands. Um we went through conservation commission got their approval as well as closed out the previous orders conditions previous orders conditions alert based on the stream crossing and regular replications. Concom had no
issue with it and didn't deem there'd be any other issues with the driveway because that was kind of all that was inside the buffer zone for that. Um along with the driveway, it's just a single family home with various improvements such as you know septic
system again located very similarly as previously approved and as well as you know ADU and pl um there will be site grading and landscaping associated with this gra the driveways to be gravel
um let's see they play the lottery that's a very long driveway to pay uh well is going to be in concert with board of health approval will be 100 ft away located you know kind of on the westerly northerly side of the property.
Um am I missing anything? I guess how the water is being handled currently well as designed sorry is uh you know swails around the back of the house and we shoot flow into the local low point. Again, this kind of the middle of the property as the driveway extends down.
Uh there, you know, we we deem it to be due to the fact that it's a single family home and kind of limited uh limit of work has actually brought the just liquidable printouts of the previous ones that were approved. We've actually reduced the limit of work kind of
significantly. You know, the the existing tree line is this line right here. Um previously the houses were proposed to be built way in back. Uh we're actually reducing that building up on the currently this is grass area where the house is being posted be filled out back in there maintaining
that tree line and just being built on the existing field in the cover. >> What's the total acreage of disturbance? >> Uh just o over an acre. I know that due to the fact that the driveway just goes
over it. Um don't think I have that on me and probably the application at children. >> Yeah, it's on the application 102,000 94 area to be disturbed square feet.
>> Okay. Motion is being planted with grass. Anything else? >> Um, >> yeah, I guess if you just to clarify the the reason for the gradient uh being out
proposed out of here is due to the groundwater elevations. Uh, we did a good conduct test with the board of thought witness to them. Um, and it's kind of forcing the septic system to be a little bit higher. It would have to be a mounted system or we're able to
achieve a gravity system. Either way, system have to be kind of lifted up. Yes. >> 2.34. >> Marcus, what was the square footage getting that you paid up from your application? >> What's that now?
>> What was that number that you paid up the >> square footage? >> 102,000. >> Yeah, it's 102,94 plus or minus. So that's about >> So that's about 2.34 acres.
So our requirement the trigger is a thousand or excuse me 18 excuse me. >> This is more than twice the amount. >> Why would we wave when it's more than
twice the amount of our trigger? >> Um so the the nature of the work itself is pretty limited. It's just the fact that it's such a long line to get to the site. So that eats up a bulk of that area. Um the site being just a
residential house. Um it it as well as not being you know mass DP doesn't require storm water as well as the previous sites being actually more extensive work imposed. >> Those are all before our new storm water
management bylaw was done. So that would probably be why those didn't require it. Board members questions, comments, Mr. >> So again, when I reviewed this plan with
our assistant DW director, John Carter, we basically, you know, we felt like there was no meaningful effort to minimize the disturbance of this project. Then again, it's more than twice what's uh you know
what what what hits the threshold. And so um there's other components to this. Again, we have the ADU, which again at some point we would have to come in and apply for anyways. Um but you know, um yeah, it's just in in
my opinion, this would require again, this is all to you know, the peer review. We did request uh peer review for this particular uh matter to uh look at the the storm water but um you know in in speaking with um our best they
they wanted this to just try to move forward to the planning board and and get their thoughts but in my opinion I I think they should go before for period because of the amount of disturbance >> board members. Yeah, I tend to agree. I mean, I'm just looking through the I
don't know if this is a comprehensive list of exempt activity from one, but I don't think these apply. >> Y sir, can I ask a question? >> Yes. >> Um, if we were to go forward with with uh, you know, not giving them a waiver to it, uh, what would you guys deem kind
of be acceptable as far as conditions for the providing, you know, treatment for the storm water runoff? Would you guys like to see swailes bio retention basin? >> I can't really speak to that. >> It would that Yeah. And with the peer
review would determine what's there and whether it's sufficient if the pre and post construction work, right? That's not really it's not really us that comes up with that. >> Okay. I was thinking, you know, if it came down to you want to just go forward
and uh not like ask for the waiver and res and come back come back with a revised plan. >> All right. So, you're okay. >> I think we would have to readvertise and I don't know that we would we need a
full new application. >> Oh, I think we would just ask for a continuence and just collect a better revised plan. you you're looking to revise the plan enough to get a waiver >> or >> uh not to achieve a waiver to
>> get the storm water management part. Do you need to make changes to it to go forward for the >> for it to be peer reviewed? I don't think so. >> For it to be peer reviewed. Um it just the the nature of how we're
handling the storm water is is it is not uh I guess much to review is how I'm looking at it. side >> just trying to work with how do we move
forward with if the waiver isn't granted which is which is fine is one thing >> would we be able to come back and apply for the storm water permit would just would the peer review still be required just how does that >> it would be >> it would be required
>> okay >> we have enough time to advertise for this to open as an official application >> you said advertisement this Friday for January So, sounds like speak until we vote, but sounds like
we're not getting a waiver tonight. >> No. >> All right. Um, right. >> So, well, we So, we will motion to close this hearing on the waiver, handle that, and Mr. Allen will advertise for it to
open on the 6th as a storm water management permit hearing and we can continue forth. Get the peer review started and then that should be >> that makes sense. >> Yes. Okay. All right. We're on the same page. We'll make it work.
>> Madam Chair, I had a couple questions down here. >> Yes. >> Um, is there a history on this lot? Was it approved as a approval not required lot or was it part of the subdivision?
Do you know? >> Uh, as far as the history, I actually have the previous plans right here. If I throw it in front of you, is that really helpful? >> Because I'm I'm wondering about the length of the driveway. Seems like in
other plans we this was 2013 >> looked at driveways that this long having turnouts >> uh and you know accessibility I don't know >> this is a long driveway
>> this was 13 and this was well >> okay so it was approved under a special permit special permit. So, there is an existing special permit and it'd be interesting to see in that special permit if there were any requirements, any conditions
for this driveway. >> Looking back, that's 2013. >> This one was Sorry, Le is more recent. She started >> this um
I'm not sure. >> And then little cloudy history. >> There was a storm management plan in 2020, >> but I'd be interested in seeing the special permit the conditions for that driveway being that it's
>> very long. I mean, you're you're spreading out the impact of the disturbance. And if they can uh install some management, water management along that length, we think it would be
acceptable uh because it is it's not concentrated if >> that's for the spread out >> the peer reviewer >> suggest if if it's needed. >> Um
but yeah, I we would probably have it looked at real quick by fire to make sure that there's enough of a turnaround space. sure >> up close to the building. Um especially since your the plan is for an ADU, they'll want to that site plan review
process will be in, you know, I don't want to say intense, but you know, fire will look at that very closely to see if there's enough access >> they want to see maybe like a little Yeah. a little turnaround or something like that. So, um >> I know we were just keeping off of uh
we're kind of in trying to minimize it. know in concert we're doing the uh the septic system for and kind of like multiple tanks and so we're trying to stay away from uh drive over lines as well. That's all. >> Okay. >> All right. Anything else from board members?
>> Any public comments or comments from town staff officials? >> Hearing none. Then do I hear a motion to close the public hearing for 112 Sunnyside Roads request for a stormwater management permit exception? >> Dina so moved.
>> Diane Jazba second. >> Roll call vote. Jessica Thornton. I >> Dina I. >> Diane Jazba I. >> Jason Brunald I. >> Marcus Phelps I. >> And then do I hear a motion to deny the request for storm water management
permit exception for 112 Sunny Cyber? Dave Spina vote. >> Dian has a second. We >> roll call vote. Just I >> Dina I. >> Dian I. >> Jason Granald. I >> Marcus Phelps I. >> All right. So getting content we'll make
sure that this is coordinated for you to appear on the six. >> All right. >> Thank you so much for your time. Thank you very much. Next thing on our agenda is a public hearing. I'll read the notice into the record.
The notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of Mass General Law, chapter 4A, section 5 and section 11, and the town of Southwood bylaws that the planning board will hold a hybrid public hearing on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 at 7:25 p.m. online via Zoom
and at town hall 454 College Highway Southwick to consider the town's adoption of a temporary moratorum on large-scale groundmounted solar photovoltaic system installations in a pertinent structures as defined in chapter 185 section 23.2 entitled smallcale and large scale
groundmounted photovoltaic systems. So the code of the town of Southwick as per the petition on file with the town clerk of the town of Southick. The moratorum shall be in effect for one year or until the date on which the town adopts amendments to the zoning bylaws concerning large-scale groundmounted
solar photovoltaic system installations and permanent structures whichever occurs earlier. During the moratorium period, the town shall undertake a planning process to study, review, analyze, and address which revisions to the zoning bylaws relative to largecale groundmounted
solar photovoltaic installations and impertinent structures as needed or desirable to allow for regulate such use consistent with applicable law while protecting the town's environmental resources and furthering its planning goals or to take any action in relation
there too. This moratorium pertains to systems that directly connect into the grid. Zoom meeting information is listed. A copy of the application may be inspected by contacting Alvin Allen, town planner at his phone or email. Any person interest or wishing to be heard on the matter should be appear at the
time and manner designated Jessica Thornton chairperson. All right. This one I have originally >> yes >> I placed one year but um I think we amended that to was May 31st
2027 >> year a year and a half >> a year and a half June 30th to give >> appropriate time for posting and approval depending on when the town meeting date is. Um thank you for making that note. Um,
real quick, uh, the planning board has taken up this conversation >> and we are interested in hearing from the public on whether they would be in favor
of a temporary pause until a given date to ensure that our bylaws are up to date, to have um, battery energy storage systems clearly defined. ed and identified in our bylaws and to ensure that they're cited properly with
appropriate buffers and setbacks. That is what we are discussing tonight is whether or not the planning board will recommend to town meeting a temporary pause that the voters would then have to approve for it to go into
effect. Tonight is a hearing for just that. Um, it is not a hearing on whether or not we're going to outright ban solar or battery energy storage systems. Nor is it the hearing where we'll be um
discussing where those would be cited and what updates to our bylaws may occur. This is just a discussion on whether we will put forth a potential vote for a temporary
pause. Right. Well said. >> Do board members have anything to add or questions about what it is that we're here discussing this evening?
No. Seeing as we are all kind of an understanding of it, we would like to get people's input. We understand people may have passionate opinions on the matter. Uh but just please try to be succinct and to keep your comments on
topic to what we will be discussing and evaluating this evening. Are there any town officials or staff members who wish to be heard on this public hear? >> Thank you. That's my program.
I just want to reiterate that I am in favor of a temporary moratorum on this so that we can shore up our bylaws which have not necessarily kept up with the pace of solar technology. And this would
allow our board to review that current technology and give it proper definition and sighting regulations for the safety of the right sources.
>> Thank you. Any other town officials or staff? All right. Are there any public comments? I'll start here. Name and address for the record.
>> 51 Lake Street. Just so I'm clear, right now the bylaws would not allow or would allow for this to happen. >> By this you mean >> battery battery operated stuff that so many towns around us are really really
against and are really afraid of. And um so just I'm just trying to because when I read the mortorium it's like okay so now cuz I I'm cynic at heart, right? So I'm like okay they're going to go in there and fix this all it'll all be perfect but one of these companies can come in here and put their battery
operated whatever battery disposal storage whatever. So I'm like do the bylaws right now say no they're not allowed or are the bylot laws like so antiquated that they don't even try to address any of this stuff that would happen? That's what I'm trying to get a handle. So like to me the moratorium is
like okay are we going to fix the bylaw? So yeah things then this tech the company can come in and we'll have a bigger battle saying no if we don't want it that's where I'm kind of like I don't you know moratorium is kind of like okay is it a pause in what what got started
pausing sure >> right >> all right I think I can answer your question currently we do have a bylaw that allows for small and large scale ground mounted solar arrays
It also allows for accessory buildings or pertinent structures including battery energy storage systems. So right now they are currently allowed. They have to come before this board for a special permit but there's no
um additional guidelines for battery energy storage systems and those are what are becoming a bit more popular. They're drawing a little bit more attention. So right now, yes, they are allowed and this would put a temporary
pause on that so that we can get a better handle on it and make sure that it's cited appropriately and that we have the proper setbacks and buffers for those types of installations where there are now more batteries attached to those
solar arrays or sites that are more battery than they are sold. Does that answer your question? Yeah. Um, >> okay. So, it's not we're not looking at an eye to um there's no particular
application before us that we're looking to amend our bylaws to to meet or to make welcome or anything before you now. >> No. >> So, right now the bylaws are saying that they could come in here and actually put this in here when it really was just some sort of waiver if it was you talk
about accessory facility. So in my head accessory facility seems small like accessory you know your pocketbook small uh it's not your buildings but with these other ones when when you're reading this stuff these are not accessory facilities these are like Amazon stuff
>> right so so we need to we need to define what we consider accessory battery or what we consider a main use battery energy facility so we don't we don't have that right now we don't have an additional definition for those
battery only. Okay. Next, >> Kimberly Lamar, 27 Granville Road. So, I'm very much in favor of this moratorum and I had a picture to enter into the record, but I lost it on my phone
somewhere, but it was it uh there was a fire in Beirham where they actually had to call Otis Air Force Base in and even they could have put out the fire. So I'd like to know like right now do the fire who who puts
out the fire I see a fire department rep here who puts out the fire and while this more you know I want this moratorum and I I want them banned is that possible at some point during this moratorum and what does the
fire guy think about putting out these fires? Okay, I will take the overall ban question and say that no, that there would not be a way for the town of Southwick to put a bylaw into place
banning solar and battery energy storage systems out. >> Why not? >> That would not pass state muster. >> So, we're under the opices of the state first and then us second. the week. >> Yes. >> Okay. Well, I'm still in favor of the
moratorum and I I'd like to know put out these fires that the state is starting. >> Okay. >> Chief Stfanovitz, would you like to attempt to answer that question? >> As we would any other fire in any
community, we would rely on mutual aid if necessary. >> Okay. And not to argue with you, but I'm just wondering why in the three mutual aid people came and they couldn't do something. Then Otis Air Force came and they couldn't do anything. >> I'm not familiar with the situation
where I not answer it. >> Have we had that problem? >> No, we have not. >> Okay. Are you ready for that problem? >> Yes, we are. >> With what resource, may I ask? >> The South Fire Department under mutual aid resources. >> But I mean, do you have like foam or water or I mean what is
>> we have? We have a guideline. We have specifications and instructions on and training on how to fight these fires. Okay. I will tell you that when we have the approval of the existing systems, they fall under all the guidelines, all
the approvals, all the recommendations and the standards that are applicable in the state at this time. >> So, I'm just going to piggyback. So just saying so I know that there's like a catchum area of like if you you know a hospital
an EMTA whatever ambulance has to respond to 10,000 people in the community or whatever it is there's a catch area they're supposed to fire department's the same way right you have so many households so many businesses you're supposed to cover correct >> right and there's a there's a there's a limit to that and what you guys are
supposed to be so if this were to come in I was in the military for a long time so I want to come out if this was if there if this was to come in is somewhere in there if this becomes such a hazard, are they going to be funding some of extra fire department, extra
training, extra supplies? Because to me, I read this thing elsewhere and said, "Oh, oh, they're not as bad as they used to." And I just didn't have a whole lot of confidence in, oh, they're not as bad as they used to. Not you, whoever was reported last time for this last
meeting. Um, so I'm like, you know, just pee fast. There's a lot of stuff that goes on. >> In fairness to the intent of the hearing, I would prefer that we stay on track. >> Okay, that's fine. I'll just >> these are all issues that if need be could be addressed, but right now the hearing is about the
>> fire department. That's my question. When will be when will we be addressed as to this matter? You mean more detail about so that so that would be in the future when the planning board is ready and
prepared to update our bylaws. We will notify the public that we will be holding a public hearing to hear on the bylaws. Right now we're in the process of updating our entire zoning bylaw. We are working with the Pioneer Valley
Planning Commission on a full scale re redo. Okay, but hold on. I'm not done. >> So, we need to complete that first. So, we are not even looking at addressing amending the solar bylaw
until sometime later this coming year. So, after the May town meeting, not anytime soon. And that would be the time that we would hear comment on where and the safety concerns in the
locations of where these would go. >> Well, is there something that me, the public, can do to light a fire under you and cause a meeting to happen? >> Well, I would hope you wouldn't want to light a fire. Chief, I'm glad you're here.
Um, I appreciate the directness and I will be direct in saying that right now the board will not be updating or amending any of our bylaws until our full-scale redo is complete. Okay. So,
we are being proactive and knowing that we would not be able to address this matter in further detail anytime sooner than that. And that's why we're asking for the temporary pen. >> I'd like move on to the next public
comment. >> Name and address again. >> Yeah. Michelle Randall at 91 road. Um, so just in clarification. >> Yes. >> Okay. So you would like this moratorum so that you could kind of like figure
out and you know redo the bylaws. Mhm. >> Now that you're saying that the meeting for that would be later this year >> and there'll be included as the town's people >> in this amending. >> Yes.
>> Okay. So our say somewhat would be included in this amending and you will let us know. >> Yes. >> Will be public knowledge. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Just like this was you all found out about it. >> Yeah. >> Yep.
>> Um former admin. So I just, you know, um, okay, so this is just now, how long is this moratorum gonna be? >> A year and a half. >> Well, yeah, we don't have an exact date. We haven't made the motion or the recommendation to that, but I believe
our intent would have it be to go to June 30th of 2027. The reason for that being that we are working on our town chapter 185 update that the earliest that could be approved by the town voters would be at our
annual town meeting this May. Okay, this coming May in 2026. That gets approved and the board will then be able to start taking up modifications to bylaws and changes at that given point in time.
This might be the first, it might be the second. We might be doing multiple public hearings at the same time about different sections of our zoning at that time, but that is really when we would be looking to start doing that with an eye for an updated bylaw to be approved
at our annual town meeting in May of 2027, which was why we would have the moratorum on until June of 2027 to ensure that it did pass town meeting and that it gets some cursory review at
the state level. that our new bylaw is okay. >> And just for the record anywhere, absolutely no solar facilities or lithium battery storage facilities can go into place or be
agreed upon within that moratorium. >> No large scale solar or battery energy source 1,000 ft or less >> 100t >> knew this was coming. So if you so if you are looking to you know add
solar to your house and the representative said hey it'd be better on the ground you are still okay to come in to the planning board have your site plan reviewed for approval. is only on the large scale and they're associated.
>> Good. >> Making sure >> very specific. >> Are there any other public comments? >> So, Beth Law 353 North LMS. What happens? Um like I'm I'm for the temporary bits, but what happens if it's
not? Like what happens if you know the answer is no? Where does that lead? Just so that we know >> if our answer is no or the town meeting is >> you if our answer is no. >> No the town meeting >> if the town meeting is no then that's the voice of the voters. They do not
want a temporary moratorum and that would leave our zoning bylaw as it is currently. >> So then somebody could come in and >> just and you know and to be fair we just approved a modification and expansion of a solar array um off of Congam just
recently. So, our bylaw is in place. It works. That application was reviewed by conservation. It was reviewed by fire. We were able to ask for what we needed for that application to meet the requirements needed in our current bylaw. We just don't want to see an
onslaught of them. We don't want to see multiple coming on until we've had a chance to really make sure that they're cited appropriately. Right now, it kind of it could be anywhere. You could buy a parcel right up on College Highway, right up on 1020. Do we want that or we would prefer that
to be set back, right? Keep the edge of 202. So those are the types of questions that we would have and those are the types of discussions we would have in a future bylaw modification hearing. Okay, Miss Gale. >> Yeah, I would just like to clarify
what I think I heard. If you close this public hearing and you vote to move this forward, it is to move it to town meeting for the town to vote. >> Effective. >> Yes, your interpretation is correct.
Yes, the vote if the vote of this board, the planning board would be to recommend a temporary moratorum. That question would go to the special town meeting in January where the voters would have the ability to say yay or nay. Yes, we want
a temporary pause. No, we don't want a temporary pause. >> Are there any question? >> Hi, Caroline Goth. I'm definitely for the moment. Um, I think that handled in a very delicate
way, a very focused way. I think that we can hopefully keep everything at a smaller scale like it is now. I think everyone would be really happy with that. There's my two cents. >> Thank you, Miss Catherine.
>> Any other public comment in person >> in the back? >> Jacqueline Case 74. That is more of a question. what happens and is there anything that would happen in between now and May of the vote does that mean that the bylaws stand the way
they are right now even though we're looking for a moratorum I am also with some people who have heard I'm in favor of that as well because I want them to do the research and get to where we can protect ourselves from the changes that
happened so far but meanwhile what is in place until then you know what I'm saying until Yes. So, we would actually be getting this would be voted on by the people at a special town meeting in January. >> So, it's just a couple weeks period of
time and double check with my town planner on this. The fact that we have this public hearing open, >> yes, >> kind of puts a temporary pause on the application process. So, we are not currently exposed any more so than we
were, right? Any other public comments here in person? >> Hi Jody 58. So when was this was the solar what year was that solar put in place? The bylaw and isn't it an overlay district?
>> It is it is not an overlay district. It can go in any zone with under a special permit. >> Right. >> And I believe it was 2021 2013. Thank you. >> Are you allowed to restrict that though?
>> You know, I hear I hear the state and I hear all the craziness that tells you what you have to do, of course, and I'm not against the the most important at all, >> but and then I hear that ours are too big and you're hoping to shrink it. And then I hear, oh, I don't like it on this
street. >> There's more there than just the batteries. like how >> it's a matter of of sighting really and making sure our setbacks there >> you can yeah you can but so we you can you know >> I mean street wise like
>> well it would you know it wouldn't be a matter of saying the street but >> so we can't zone it out of the town >> that's what I'm getting at all the conversation I'm like >> we and and I want to be clear too it's not the planning board's intention to
make it so restrictive that we're doing a de facto ban like we're not trying to be >> sneaky that way hired you for it >> don't get paid still have to follow the law so
um that would be my answer to that is that yes >> miss G >> just a comment um the state legislators has currently three bills that they're trying to pass one of them
allowing local authorities to do exactly that is state where they can go down to what scale and and put buffers uh into place. So that's another it's another layer
>> it's another layer to the to the cake as to why we are not making these changes today or anytime in the near future because not only do we need our bylaws to be updated but we also want to make sure the state has you know and that might change of course it's always open to change and they may vote for
something completely different than what's currently on the board right now but they are working on it so we want to make sure that that's settled Are there any public comments online? Raise your hand or unmute yourself and
speak up. >> Hearing and seeing none. >> Hello. >> Oh, hi. >> Yes, >> Joanne Lelanc, 38 Reservoir Road. And I just want to let you know that I am in favor of the moratorum. >> Thank you, Joanne.
>> You're welcome. Any other public comment online or in person? >> Who who can give input when you're while you're modifying the >> I'm sorry. Can you just
>> Lar 27 Grandville Road who like how can we make you do what we want because you work for us? Uh >> um so board members are elected or
appointed in the case of our associate and we swear an oath to uphold the constitution and the laws of state of Massachusetts and to act in the best interest of the town and the town's people. Um that does not always mean we
do directly what one or two given residents would like for us to do but we act in a deliberative and thoughtful process and act in that manner. >> I mean if we as in we the people >> yes
>> want you to do something then are you going to do it? I think this board takes in public input at every public hearing and weighs it and takes it into consideration. >> When is the time that we can like tell you what we want you to do? When is that time coming? Not just commenting on the
moratorium, but saying look, we want this bylaw to say that >> when we hold our public hearing on that bylaw modification >> and you have and that's in the future >> near in the in the in the few months. >> Totally. Okay. But we're going to have a
chance to say we want you to do this. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you for clarifying. >> Absolutely. >> Yes. Michelle question. >> Um so bylaws are all set and everything and a
large scale uh solar farm kind of like the situation in Granville uh is propositioned. Would it be possible for the town's people to voice their discontent with that or is is it just going to be put in phrase because the
person bought the property? >> Any point in time that there is a largecale photovoltaic application, there's a special permit hearing and the public can come for it and make comment on that application. >> Thank you. You're >> welcome.
Thank you. >> All right. Think we've heard enough board members. >> It's a complex issue >> that it is Mr. >> and we will have some good input when the time comes. We may need more than one bylaw
>> maybe >> to deal with these systems, storage systems. >> It'll be fine. >> Okay. Hearing nothing further. Do I hear a motion to close this public hearing?
>> Disp so moved. >> Diane Ja second. >> Roll call vote. Jessica for I. >> Disp. >> Diane Jes. I >> Jason Grwald. I >> Marcus Phelps I >> then discussion.
>> The only discussion I I'm I've always been in favor of the moratorum. I think it's more that's a question of time until when. >> And my biggest thing there is trying to do the map out. You know, there's going to be a presumably a town meeting in May of 2027. There's state review of any
bylaw that we come up with after it if it were to be approved. Just trying to figure out the timing that I think we want to cover that whole period. I don't >> 60 90. >> You know, >> how long does the DA have or state have to review a bylaw? >> 90 days. >> 90 days.
>> 90 days. So May plus 90 I would be my thoughts in terms of the duration >> September 1st. >> You could word it that I mean we set the date June 30th right of 2027 >> because we haven't yet said it so that's
the question. If we do then say also say >> or >> sooner I mean not sooner but or >> until a bylaw is passed for revision.
>> No if they'll allow >> it might occur if we had a special town meeting in the fall >> of 2026. >> We it might get on there. >> But I hear you. Do you think it would go to annual town meeting in 2027? >> May 27.
>> Okay. >> That's my guess. Plus >> realism. Yeah. >> Yeah. September 1st. >> I think September 1st is >> I think so. I think so. >> M. >> All right. Then hopefully I I say this right.
>> I know. Do I hear a motion to recommend to special town meeting a temporary moratorum on large-scale groundmounted solar photovoltaic system installations and a pertinent structures
as defined in chapter 185 until September 1st, 2027 or until such date that a bylaw update has been made and approved by the attorney general. Dave Spina so moved. >> Diane Jespa second. Roll call vote.
Jessa Thornton. I >> Dave Spina I. >> Diane Jespa I. >> Jald I. >> Marcus Phelps I. >> So in closing the board planning board has just recommended
a warrant article to the special town meeting that's on January what? January 13th. At that time, registered voters can come and vote either yay to put in place the
recommended moratorum or nay. Okay. Thank you very much. We'll now move on to our discussion items. >> Mr. Eglesson, come on up for 141 Kagamon Road
yearly. partic >> uh 141 Congleston's owner. Um basically I'm here for two reasons. uh one because I'm supposed to be uh telling you uh we have uh
we have an occupancy at the building of 95 people in the summertime. We've got uh 58 parking spaces. I'm sorry, we have 62 parking spaces. Um and uh we've had uh 20 marina rentals.
I don't know of any problems this summer um with respect to parking overcrowdiness um in outside um of the assigned parking areas. There are no tickets, nothing from the police department, no phone calls to me. Um
the the marina went as planned. had some problems with uh people parking in the marina, parking spots that shouldn't have been there and we we took care of that internally. Um but otherwise
I think it went well. There's nothing that I could say didn't as I did last time. You know, there were some some difficulties getting >> the >> I don't know it. >> Do you still currently have two
restaurants open and operating on site? >> They're neither one of them are open right now. Closed >> closed till spring. >> Okay. Were they both open and operating at full scale this summer? >> Yes. I just seen something recently that the like the cafe was closed or
something like that. >> Cafe the cafe opened probably late July. >> Okay. >> And they just closed the first week of December >> of the season.
>> Right. And the restaurant operated until a week or so after Labor Day and then they closed. >> Okay. So it was then about a month maybe two August September that fullscale
operation was happening right between the marina and two restaurants going >> yes the I'll also comment on that the drift coffee shop >> was open from like 6:00 in the morning
till 1:00 in the afternoon. The restaurant was never open during those hours. The restaurant opened at 4:00 in the afternoon during weekdays and on weekends they opened at like noon or something. So there was most of the people coming in for the breakfast or
whatever lunch had nothing to do with the the main busy weekends or >> people coming in for dinner, drinks and that kind of stuff. >> Yeah. recommendation usually from planners to >> you know that's like the >> optimize the use of pillows
>> um that's great I am happy that it's getting busier and operating more fully the purpose I believe of the initial look back in the special permit for the two
years and we bumped ed to three because we officially really didn't have >> restaurants in operation at all that first year and last year it was iffy on and off. Right. Um and the purpose of that in my understanding if you review the special
permit is to make sure that the board's decision was going to work. Okay. Right. That we gave enough parking for the marina use because that was all new to us. We didn't have the marina and the associated parking in adjacent to in
addition to the restaurant. Excuse me. Prior it had just been a restaurant with limited parking and access issues. So I personally am okay with not extending
an official call back to you to make sure that the special permit is operating. You know, obviously if all of a sudden July 4th this summer there's cars parking up and down Beach Road, you know, >> well, >> we may have a problem. We'll >> guarantee that's not going to happen. But
>> fourth of July, >> you know, maybe >> um but I don't necessarily think it's necessary to officially have you coming back in. That does not necessarily mean that I
think we can change parking at any point in time soon, but I know some you're always looking forward to the next thing. So, >> well, the last time I was here, I brought up something that I said I was going to bring up the next time I would you I was told not to do it that time.
Bring it up the next time I come. Yeah. >> Which I wanted to mention here this evening. >> Yeah. And and what would that be? What were you looking for? >> Well, at present time
we had only 58 spaces required, 48 for the restaurant, um, including 10 for employee spaces, 38 for to give me the 95 person occupancy, 10 for the workers.
That's 58. We have 62 pocket spaces there. I propose that that's four extra parking spaces. Four extra parking spaces should give me eight more
marina rentals because the math that we used was that I have 20 marina spaces and I'm using 10 parking spaces. I have I have an overabundance of four parking spaces that I'd like to ask for an
expansion of the the marina from 20 to something up to 20 28. Um >> would you adding doc slips or transferring
the transient slips over to marina slips? >> I could do both. Um, >> you have room on the chapter 95 to add more slips. >> Chapter 91. >> Sorry. >> Yeah. Chap um chapter 91 allows for me to have 49. >> Okay.
>> Um uh docs. >> Yes. >> And there is space to add nine more. I'm not asking to add those. Um I think that based on the usage that we had this past year, um when I had four of them, four
of the 20 were over on the other dock. Um, I only made one copy, but the X's on this, the blue X's right now is where the 20 are. And I'm proposing six additional where
the red marks are. Um, >> so you would just have the right side of the northerly, >> correct? >> Do slip as transient, >> which are 10. >> Okay. question. Sorry. The plan that we're referencing today, do you have that on?
>> You do. >> Yes. >> I And this is not even the signed one. This is the proposed one, which I know is exactly the same. It was signed off but I don't have the it's it's on file and it was also given
to the town >> town arts office >> the one in Westfield like it was >> thank you register it was yeah >> the question really before us tonight is whether or not
we are satisfied with Mr. Egleston's parking report and whether or not we would be asking for him to come back for review of the special. >> I don't think >> I'm feel good with the current special
permit and how it's >> Y. you could come in and apply for a modification here. >> I'm sorry. >> Yeah, go ahead. >> I think somewhere in that paperwork it talked about
having that discussion as well. I can apply. >> Yeah, >> I'm sure you're not making up your mind this evening and I'm sure I'm sure management committee will have no much to say. >> I I'm sure they will. Um >> but um >> let me then just are any do any board members have a
concern with Mr. Egleston coming before us with request to modify. >> All right. >> So it will be done. >> Yeah. Um and and I'll I'll talk to Alvin too. My
request is of course um eight additional >> you know there's there's room for compromise then we'll you know >> get you >> you know I mean even my >> swimming before this board you learned a thing or two huh
>> all right good >> don't underestimate >> don't assume >> be prepared >> all those things right >> absolutely >> all All right. >> Okay, >> then I think we're good and we will probably see you in the not too distant future. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> All right. Already done 608. Next on the agenda is the bond phasing discussion for I don't know how this
works 0772774 college highway. >> So from what I understand they've had conversations or the applicant has had conversations at the DPW. >> Would you like me to read this?
>> Oh sorry. Yeah. >> You want me to do that? I'll be back. Um for board members um knowledge, this is a special permit that was approved for a development at
this location. Do we have the um site plan with the phasing? Can you pull that up? >> Um while Mr. Mr. Allen pulls up the plan. I'm going to read into the record a letter from the director of the Southwick Department of Public Works,
Richard Bosac. It says, "Dear Mr. Allen, since the original planning board approval of the mixeduse development at 0772 and 774 College Highway, Dr. Joe Walsh, the applicant and developer, has coordinated with DPW for matters including the water system connection and for the value of the performance
bond for storm water improvements at the site. The value of the storm water bond was originally set at $100,000 per the September 4th, 2024 email correspondence from prior DPW director Randy Brown, but the bond was not submitted at that time.
Dr. Walls has since commenced several activities at the site and was required to submit the stormwater bond in order to proceed further. Thus, he approached DPW with a request to phase the work at the development such that each primary area, phase one being the westerly mixeduse building and its surrounding
improvements and phase two being the storage buildings and parking areas to the east would be secured through separate bonds. It is Dr. Walls's intention to provide security for the westerly storm water improvements, then flip the security prior to continuing work for the easterly improvements and
associated stormwater basin. After review, DPW determined that phase security would be adequate in the amount of $60,000 for the first or westerly phase of work and 50,000 for the second easterly phase, accounting for cost increases and minor site related
matters. Dr. Walls has since provided a $60,000 bond to the town treasurer to secure the first phase of storm water improvements. Accordingly, DPW recommends that the planning board accept this partial security for that phase of stormwater work with the requirement that prior to the release of
any security or transfer to a subsequent phase, the applicant a submit documentation from the design consultant to monument substantial completion and satisfactory construction and b request to appear before the board to present said documentation and receive its
approval. Lastly, DPW also recommends that the planning board obtain legal review of the submitted bond for any council required efforts. Flying off this pen. was site where >> well the one that John had sent but the
delineation of where phase one was and phase Jeff. We just pulling up the site plan that has the agreed upon the division of the phases so that board members will be familiar
with what we're talking about. Was there a bond referenced in the special permit that was expanded? I wonder we're doing >> it was a bond would be required prior to the start and that this is the
>> the initial ask >> there was no amount >> right because we always defer to >> DPW to come up with that when the work actually commences >> then you saw >> I thought I did see
>> um But anyway, >> I know you reference sort of the western portion and the eastern port here >> right there. >> That's the part where the foundation and the steel is right now. >> Yep.
>> That would be the part. Yeah. >> Foundation that's in the ground. Yay. Good. >> We've got it now. done with technology. >> Okay. So, board members can see this was the
approved site plan for this development. The building on the left hand side is up against College Highway. It is approved to be a mixeduse. So, we are supposed to have both businesses and resident uses
in there. And the two back buildings on the right, which would be away from College Highway, would be part of that second phasing. And those are more warehouse style buildings. Are there any questions from board
members? >> So, the storm water are those three areas in the bottom. I guess it was a basin of some kind. >> Yeah. So, that this would focus on that work in the green envelope. >> Yeah.
And then once that's done, DPW would review and approve and send it back to us with the approval to adjust the bond amount at that time. >> Flip it to phase two. >> Flip it to phase two. >> At phase two, ground disturbance would
start until >> that would be my understanding. developers do things happen, light polls, they put in >> the last sentence is saying uh
we should send this to town council to look at. >> Yeah, usually the the bond goes to council afterwards to make sure it's, you know, written correctly and covers it legally. So >> which is that second >> page. So the the bond has been purchased
I guess right just >> yeah 11th of December. >> Good. I then do I hear a motion to acknowledge and accept the phase bond amount of $60,000 for the first phase of the project at zero772774
college highway as described above and to have it reviewed by legal counsel. >> Dave Spina move second. >> Do a roll call vote. Jessica Thoron I Dave Spina I Diane Jpa I Jason I Marcus
Phelps I Next on the agenda, we have an ANR plan >> for 32 Sheep pasture road, which seemed awfully familiar to me and it will likely look familiar to you.
I'll put it up on the screen and I'll have it here. this one. So, this previously came before you guys maybe about a month ago and you guys approved it. They just uh made a minor
change to uh flat lines and uh >> there were some changes to sort of this um line up to to the bottom here, >> but it doesn't change. I mean it's still applicable.
>> It retains all the required frontage and >> that's correct and stuff. >> All right. Any questions from board members? >> No. >> Then do I hear a motion to endorse the ANR plan for 32 sheet pasture road? >> Dave Spina so moved. >> Da second.
>> Roll call vote. Jessica Thor and I. >> Dave Spina I. >> Dian Jose I. >> Told I. Marcus Phelps. >> Very good. Thank you. >> Don't leave without signing. >> Were there any late submitt ANRS? Mr.
Planner? >> None. We have already done the meeting minutes. >> Are there any planning board or staff member comments? Emp has not met since our joint meeting with the flip board. So maybe meeting again
in early January. >> Good. >> Question. >> Please just name and address. >> Um currently I live in Bfield 16 road and my name is Ian. >> Okay. Ivan, what can we do for you?
>> I was interested in one property in South. It's um no interest in opening zoo. >> A zoo. Okay. >> However, I'm not sure is the property. >> Okay.
>> It's it's a uh 233 mort. Okay. So, what I would recommend for you to do, Ivan, would be to connect with Mr. Allen here and our town planning office. Um, and he would be able to kind of
guide you through what our zoning is and what you might need to do for that sort of application. >> I'm not I have the zoning. I have not find anything about the school work. >> Yeah. >> Might be under recreation. I would say probably a commercial recreation
>> commercial recreation >> with the recreation. >> So if you can leave me your information then I'll I'll reach out to you. >> You'll do the research and reach out to you and get Yeah. >> R4 coming up. >> Yep. I think so.
Yeah. Do you um want to write down your name and number? Sounds like actually so much fun. >> What are we gonna call it? The Medford Zoo or whatever is >> right.
I have if you don't know the joke, there is a a zoo in Massachusetts called the Southwick Zoo. >> Obviously not here in South. So our joke and our so our recommendation to you would be to name your zoo after the town that that one's located in. >> I was I was thinking name Southwick Zoo.
Southtown Zoo will Google it and >> that's good. But he will definitely he'll research this and reach out to you and get you some more information. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Thank you very much. That's yours. Okay. >> Have a good night. Thank you. >> All right. Any more? >> No. >> Any more? >> No. >> Hey, it's still before 9:00. >> I press.
>> All right. Then do I hear a motion to close the meeting? >> You speed is so moved. >> I just have a second. All in favor say I. >> I.