Planning board endorses Crown Shield A & R lots, seeks Cobblers Knoll update and discusses open-space/tree-warden roles

The Planning Board endorsed an A & R endorsement for two lots on Crown Shield Avenue while keeping Parcel 3B non-buildable.

Jeff Stefanik, speaking as a project representative, presented an exhibit plan for two lots on Crown Shield Avenue and said the two lots meet the requirements for A & R endorsement. "We propose to cut these 2 lots out...they meet zoning and the requirements," Stefanik said during his presentation.

Board members pressed for clarity on easements and whether the corner lot's foundation had required inspections. Speaker 6 said the corner lot had a private easement and that the town's building inspector (Joe) was reviewing evidence to determine if the structure was built legally; engineering and inspection notes were reported as being sent to the board. The board discussed open-space options for developments and suggested a bylaw or condition requiring a set amount of reserved open space or mandating park dedication in certain subdivisions.

Speaker 7 moved to endorse Lot 35 and Lot 36 (expanding Lot 37) while retaining Parcel 3B as non-buildable; Speaker 3 seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.

After the endorsement, the board discussed Mylar signatures and a corrected MILR form for Blackstone Street. Speaker 7 raised concerns about the Cobblers Knoll project and requested an update from the applicant because of changes in project contacts and the recent death of a financial partner; the board identified Mr. Maranello as the current contact and assigned follow-up to staff.

The board also discussed the town's tree-warden role (Ben Sherman was named in the transcript as holding the title 'in name only') and suggested training an in-house person for arborist duties and coordinating tree/tree-warden work with open-space requirements.

The board approved minutes, confirmed the next meeting date, and adjourned.