Planning Board approves Turner Logging site plan at Patriots Road with stormwater and signage conditions

The Town of Templeton Planning Board on Jan. 14 approved a site plan review submitted by Turner Logging (application submitted by Edward Bridal) to operate a firewood processing and storage operation on Patriots Road (Map 3‑09, Parcel 48.1). The board opened the public hearing, heard a presentation from the applicant, discussed stormwater controls and signage, and voted unanimously to approve the plan with conditions.

The application is for outdoor processing and storage of firewood and related equipment on an existing gravel lot; no permanent structures were proposed. The applicant told the board the operation would use a portable firewood processor on site, stockpile firewood to dry in the sun, and occasionally use a grinder to size detritus. The applicant described the parcel as part of a larger lot of about 19 acres; board discussion referenced a closest property-line clearance of about 200 feet at the nearest point.

Town staff and board members recommended a vegetated swale along the western side of the site to manage runoff in lieu of a fully engineered stormwater basin; the board asked staff to work with the applicant to identify a top-of-berm elevation and an emergency spillway (one foot below the berm top), and to confirm the details in the written decision. The board also requested that the town DPW coordinate with the state highway department (MassDOT) about truck‑entry signage at the corner and along Patriots Road; the board asked staff to pursue placement of a ‘‘Trucks Entering’’ sign and to report back on feasibility and any associated fees.

Board members discussed hours of operation. The applicant indicated operations would occur during daylight hours and the board said it expects not to start operations earlier than typical daytime hours; the board included a condition that operations be conducted during daylight and that the board may reopen the permit if the town receives nuisance complaints. The board also noted there were no written public comments on the file and that the site is in a commercial/industrial portion of town near existing industrial uses.

After discussion the board made a motion to approve the site plan as submitted with the conditions described (vegetated swale design to be finalized with staff; DPW to pursue signage with state; operations during daylight hours and subject to complaint-driven review). The board voted by roll call and approved the plan unanimously (Dennis — yes; Frank — yes; Charlie — yes; Mike — yes; Bruce — yes). Staff said it will prepare the written decision and that the applicant may record the decision with the registry of deeds after required signatures and the 20-day period.