Planning Board approves two‑lot subdivision at 209 Warren Street with city easement and conditions after neighbor flooding concerns

The Planning Board on April 21 approved a two‑lot subdivision for 209 Warren Street (Warren LLC) after public comment from multiple neighbors about recurring flooding, an aging sewer and stormwater impacts tied to Tannery Brook. The approval carried conditions requiring recording of written parcel descriptions and a 30‑foot utility easement to ensure city access for future sewer or stormwater work.

Why it matters: Neighbors told the board the rear yard and existing sewer infrastructure had flooded repeatedly during heavy rain, and several speakers asked how additional development or changes in grading would affect downstream properties. The board’s approval included specific conditions requiring the applicant to document easements that will allow the city to access the brook and sewer infrastructure for maintenance.

Neighbors described frequent high water and an historic sewer line in the rear of the property. The subdivider’s surveyor said the proposed plan meets zoning standards and that the 30‑foot utility easement — requested by city engineering — is intended to grant the city the maintenance access it currently lacks along part of the Tannery Brook corridor. The applicant also said no construction is proposed at this time; if a future owner pursues a multifamily development, that project would require separate site-plan review.

The board classified the subdivision an unlisted action and required a short environmental assessment form. Conditions of approval included submission of final parcel descriptions for staff review, five paper copies and one mylar of the signed final plat for chairman signature, and recorded easement language granting the city access to maintain the existing sewer/brook area. The motion passed in roll call with no listed abstentions.