Planning Board signs off on Sherman Terrace subdivision, hears updates on other developments

Planning Board Director John reported that the Planning Board accepted a certificate of completion for the Sherman Terrace subdivision on Aug. 12 after an on-site inspection by Vice Chairman Jim Callahan and the developer's representative. Vice Chairman Jim Callahan told the board that construction items the board had identified — including soil stabilization material replacement, a substituted railroad spike in lieu of a stone bound marker, and minor dimensional adjustments to a turnaround related to a retaining wall — had been addressed. "Everything is done. In my opinion, they met the criteria of what we had outstanding," Callahan said during his site summary.

The board voted to adopt a draft motion to sign the certificate of completion and release the municipal interest in the subdivision's performance security. The motion was made by Claudia and seconded by Dave Edmonds; the vote carried 7-0. Planning Board Director John said he had executed the certificate for the board's signature and consideration.

Board members also received brief status reports on three other subdivisions. Highview Estates requested additional time to submit revised plans for a shortened cul-de-sac (to end at the northern limit of an Eversource power-line easement); the applicant asked to be scheduled in September when plans are ready and the board gave general acquiescence. At 43 Winter Street, John reported that two of four houses are complete, one is weather tight and under construction, and one building permit remains pending; the roadway has binder to grade and utilities are in place but sidewalks and shoulder work remain, and the subdivision's approval has been extended by state statute to 2027. For Cliffside Terrace, the board was told a new owner is reassessing the approved plan because significant ledge and outcropping make construction expensive and potentially infeasible; the owner may return with modification plans.

The board discussed timelines and sureties for incomplete work and heard that the engineer of record remains the primary verifier of compliance with subdivision plans. John noted a performance surety remains in place for 43 Winter Street and the completion date for that extension is expected in 2027. The board did not take further formal action on Highview Estates, 43 Winter Street, or Cliffside Terrace at the meeting.

Less urgent items included scheduling preferences for September meetings and an update that staff are hiring an assistant planner to help manage growing workloads.