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Hubbardston planning board approves scenic-road permit, stonewall removal for Ragged Hills driveway
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Summary
The Hubbardston Planning Board unanimously approved a scenic-road permit and stonewall modification allowing Frederick Hanna to cut a portion of stone wall and construct a driveway on Ragged Hills Road (Parcel 05-2022); the applicant plans a 15-foot driveway and intends to reuse stones and preserve several oak trees.
The Hubbardston Planning Board on Oct. 1 approved a scenic-road permit and stonewall modification application submitted by Frederick Hanna to remove a portion of a stone wall to construct a new driveway at a property on Ragged Hills Road (identified in the hearing as Parcel 05-2022).
Frederick Hanna, the applicant, told the board he purchased the lot in August and that a septic plan for the site was approved on Jan. 29, 2024 and is valid for three years. Hanna said he has submitted for a driveway permit and a well permit and that the driveway stakeout was approved in the field by the inspecting official, Travis.
Hanna described the proposed opening as a 15-foot-wide driveway with a 4.5-foot radius apron and said he plans to leave approximately 6 feet on either side of the stake line so the driveway is not “super tight up against the stone wall.” He said the excavator (Glen Hines of Lancaster) will perform the work and that he plans to reuse the weathered stones removed from the wall to line the driveway and to retain several large oak trees at the corner of the lot.
A neighbor, Kyle Foy of 5 Ragtail Road, identified himself during the hearing and voiced support, saying, “I saw what he's doing, and I think it's a great bridal. I approve of what he what he's got going on.”
After staff confirmed the application was complete for the board's review, the Planning Board closed the public hearing and voted by roll call to approve the scenic-road permit and stonewall modification "as presented." The roll call recorded aye votes from Mister Steiger, Mister Carpenter, Mister Homan, Mister DeMalia and the chair; the motion and second were made during the meeting but not recorded in the transcript with mover names.
Action (motion and vote): The board voted to approve the scenic-road permit and stonewall modification for Ragged Hills Road (Parcel 05-2022). The vote was unanimous (5-0) by roll call. The approval carries no waiting period noted at the hearing; staff told the applicant work would likely be done in a few weeks and that he would have the necessary approvals in time.
Ending: Hanna may proceed with contractor arrangements and final permitting steps; the board emphasized that building-code and driveway-permit reviews (including final approval from the town's inspecting official) remain required before any paving or structural work.
