The Town of Northwood, New Hampshire - Planning Board Minutes 03/22/07

PRELIMINARY CONCEPTUAL CONSULTATIONS:
Eugene McCarthy (Saddleback Realty Trust), 373 First NH Tpke. Map 230; Lot 77. Mr. McCarthy is present representing Saddleback Realty Trust. He provides pictures for review and a previously approved plan of the lot.

Mr. McCarthy explains that he is here requesting a change of use for the home from residential to retail/commercial. He would like to offer home furnishings, window treatments, soaps, etc. He would like to change the usage of the home and maintain the use in the back. He adds that he does not want to make any major changes to the building.

Mr. Reitter states that there is no zoning in town and a site plan approval would be needed. He notes that the board may be concerned if the plan proposes more impervious area and if it would impact the abutters.

Mr. Dill requests that all buildings on the property be shown on the plan. He adds that the sign location should be noted on the plan; and hours of operation.

Mr. Reitter states that there would be no problem with keeping a portion residential as that is the existing use. He explains that there is a difference with the standards for use and the board would need to know what is being proposed for the business. He requests that all changes be shown on a plan and that the requests be specific.

Mr. Reitter refers to the regulations for landscaping and buffer requirements from commercial properties to residential properties. Mr. Reitter asks if he has spoken to the building inspector regarding issues related to ADA requirements for a handicapped bathroom. He states that this would be up to the building inspector. Mr. Reitter states that there will be a need to address the driveway permit with NHDOT as this is a change of use. Mr. Dill states that there will be two businesses on the one site and requests that the plan be specific to the uses.

A discussion is held regarding using the existing plan. Discussion continues regarding waivers and the application process.

OLD CASES:
CASE: 07-04: Chris Kofer, First NH Tpke. Map 221; Lot 58. Applicant is seeking a site plan to construct a 2400 sq. ft. building for a well pump and water filter contracting business. Updated plans are provided.

Mr. Reitter states that there was a site walk held on the property prior to this meeting. Members in attendance were Eric Reitter, Joanne Carrette, Pete Jones and the town planner. Mr. Reitter states that the area was snow covered and was not staked accurately.

Mr. Dill asks if there is a culvert proposed and Mr. Kofer replies that there will be a culvert underneath the driveway; 50’ into the lot. He refers to the new plans and the horseshoe portion of the diagram where water will flow underneath the proposed driveway. He adds that another pipe will bring the water flow over to the designated snow storage area. He is not sure if the drainage will change that much.

Mr. Dill asks about the parking area. Mr. Kofer explains that he is trying to save the maple trees and the parking area is better as a horseshoe for turning around. He has pulled out the parking from the setbacks. Mr. Reitter refers to notes from the planner regarding the setbacks needing relief for the driveway and sign. Ms. Planchet’s notes state that the building department does not feel that a variance is required for either as the parking could be relocated. A waiver would be necessary from the site plan regulations. The board feels that the proposed plan is acceptable and will work well.

Mr. Reitter asks if Mr. Kofer has approval from NHDOT. Mr. Kofer replies that he does not have an approval yet. He adds that he feels that the site distances are okay.

A written request is provided for a waiver for setbacks, Section 9(H)(3)(c). Mr. Reitter makes a motion to grant the waiver request to allow the driveway placement to be within 20’ of the property line on the eastern part of the property and a small part of the parking be permitted in the west side of the property as shown on the plan dated 3/2007. Mr. Dill seconds. Motion passes 4/0.

Further discussion is held regarding the plan provided. Mr. Kofer states that there is water to the site through the water district. Additional discussion ensues regarding the septic system location.

Mr. Reitter reviews the plan and makes the following recommendations and requests for information:
• No engineering review will be done
• Recommended riprap-classify the type of stone rather than size;
• Stone proposed in the underdrain needs to be clarified;
• A fabric needs to be added between the stone and the excavation and needs to be noted;
• All drawings need to be stamped;
• Provide a detail on the retaining wall which is to be part of stamped plans;
• Provide a detail on the proposed pipe to be installed;
• Provide a detail for the level spreader;
• A cross section detail for the driveway should be provided
• How much gravel is proposed;
• Provide a detail on the plans for the proposed boulder wall;
• Provide specs for the widening of the shoulder and driveway;
• Lighting on the building should be shown on the plans;
• Hours of operation need to be provided;
• A water line detail needs to be provided;
• Show curb stop;
• Water main needs to be shown on the plan;
• Note light wattages proposed;
• Provide details of light fixtures and dimensions of the fixtures;
• Provide details for the concrete retaining wall such as the height of wall, grades, footings, amount of rebar; etc.
• Provide details regarding the sign and down lights on the sign

A discussion is held regarding the proposed sign; windmill. Mr. Reitter states that the sign should follow the cell tower ordinance, no more than 20’ tall.

Mr. Kofer asks about the landscaping. Mr. Reitter explains that the general intent of the road trees is to break up the roadway some. They should be placed just outside of the right of way, back far enough to maintain control of them; 5-10 feet off property line. Existing trees may be included. Mr. Dill states that the two existing are not on the driveway and are fine with him. Other members agreed. It is noted that it does not make any sense to put the trees near where they will get plowed.

Mr. Reitter requests that the changes be made by the April 9 TRC meeting. The case is continued to April 26, at 7:00 p.m.

REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE:
Upcoming Conferences:
NH Office of Energy and Planning Conference: Ms. Planchet is planning to attend the April conference along with Ms. Carette.

All other correspondence is reviewed.

OTHER:
Additional Meetings:
Mr. Reitter states that another meeting needs to be scheduled relatively soon to elect new officers and to establish a schedule of meetings for the rest of the spring. A work session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 4, 7:00 p.m.

Budget Cuts:
Ms. Smith states that the town administrator sent an e-mail to departments noting that the boards are not to spend money and that she is looking for any ideas for a 3% reduction in each department’s budget. Mr. Reitter recommends taking 3% off of the planning board’s legal line. Mr. Reitter motions, second by Mr. Dill, to remove 3% from the planning board’s legal line for budget cuts. Motion passes unanimously; 4/0.

Updated Regulations:
The planning board site plan and subdivision regulations, as well as the new zoning ordinances will be provided to Pete Jones to put onto the website.

ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Dill motions to adjourn. Mr. Reitter seconds. Motion carries unanimously 4/0 at 8:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary

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