The Town of Charlton Planning Board approved the site plan for the Chelten Fire Department substation and attached three conditions intended to address traffic safety and outstanding engineering comments.

The board’s approval required: (1) emergency-vehicle signage on the approach to Muggott and Oxford roads, (2) installation of a controlled warning signal — a flashing/triggered beacon or similar device — to alert motorists when fire apparatus are exiting the station, and (3) resolution of a remaining peer-review comment from Graves Engineering (a stormwater-related pipe-size/detail item labeled No. 37) to the satisfaction of town engineering staff.

Traffic-engineering consultants from Nitsch Engineering presented a traffic memo and explained that conventional traffic-signal warrants were not met, but that smaller, triggered warning devices are commonly used for fire-station exits. Jeff Bandini and Chris (Nitsch Engineering) told the board these devices can be solar-powered with wireless triggers tied to apparatus or door sensors; they can also be hardwired for reliability. The fire department noted its apparatus will pull through the station (not back in), and the board discussed placing beacons or signs some distance in advance to give motorists time to slow.

Graves Engineering staff reported a single minor remaining engineering item (pipe capacity/drawing discrepancy) and said the applicant submitted corrected documentation the morning of the meeting; staff indicated it was acceptable subject to final confirmation. The board moved to approve the plan with the three conditions and voted in favor. The motion passed on a voice vote.