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Templeton planning board backs appeal of Gardiner subdivision over road alignment near town line
Summary
The Town of Templeton Planning Board voted March 11 to authorize pursuit of an appeal of the City of Gardiner's subdivision approval on Route 2A, saying the proposed road placement adjacent to the Templeton line creates safety concerns; the developer has not yet recorded the decision, so the town retains a limited appeal window.
The Town of Templeton Planning Board on March 11 voted to back pursuing an appeal of the City of Gardiner’s approval of a subdivision on Route 2A that places the new road immediately adjacent to the Templeton town line.
Board members said the proposed road alignment appears to fall within the Mass. Department of Transportation (MassHighway) footprint on land in Templeton, and they raised safety concerns about limited braking distance and sight lines for vehicles entering and exiting the subdivision. Planning board member Michael (Mike) Machetti said he had raised the town’s concerns at Gardiner planning board hearings and urged Templeton officials to act to improve safety for residents.
“If I can slow somebody down enough by not having somebody get killed, it’s…worthwhile,” Machetti said on the record, urging the board to support an appeal. He told the board he had urged Gardiner to move the road alignment away from the Templeton line during Gardiner’s hearings but that his requests “fell on deaf ears.”
The transcript shows a motion to permit the board, through the chair and town staff member Laurie, to pursue an appeal in the appropriate court (members discussed superior court and housing court as possible venues). Planning Board member Mike Machetti stated he would carry the matter forward; another member seconded the motion. A roll‑call recorded in the transcript shows affirmative votes from Dennis (yes), Kirk (yes) and John (yes); the motion passed.
Board members said the developer had not yet recorded Gardiner’s decision with the city clerk, and that the statutory appeal period — which runs from recording — had not begun. Several members advised that the town should be prepared to act quickly once the recording occurs because the appeal window is short.
Separately, the board heard that member Bruce Marion has resigned. Steven Anderson has applied to fill the vacancy, has completed paperwork and will appear before the Select Board for joint consideration; planning board members were asked to attend the Select Board meeting to provide a quorum and support the nomination.
The board asked staff to keep members updated on the Gardiner subdivision recording and next steps for an appeal; board members agreed the town should be prepared to authorize legal filing if necessary.
