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Planning board accepts $108,948 cash guarantee to secure completion of Ignatius Common Drive improvements
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Summary
The Planning Board accepted a cash performance guarantee of $108,948, conditioned on an agreement to complete common driveway and associated improvements within five years; the developer provided a construction timeline and staff sought the cash guarantee to avoid long delays for top‑coat paving and other finish work.
The Town of Northborough Planning Board on Dec. 16 accepted a cash performance guarantee of $108,948 to secure completion of the common driveway and associated improvements for the Ignatius Common Drive subdivision, subject to an agreement requiring completion within five years of endorsement.
Construction representative Charlie reported that the roadway base and most drainage are in place, Lot 4 is built and ready for delivery, Lot 5 is weather‑tight with rough systems complete, and they'd applied for septic permits for Lot 3 with a plan to begin Lot 3 work soon. Charlie estimated that top‑coat paving (the final asphalt lift) would likely be scheduled after drainage and Lot 3 work are complete; he said the developer expected full subdivision build‑out and sales through next fall if permitting proceeds as planned.
Board members emphasized the need to avoid prolonged delays between binder and top coat paving (noting a binder can remain for years). Staff recommended a five‑year completion requirement tied to a cash performance guarantee so the town could hire contractors and finish remaining work if the developer fails to complete it. The board agreed and approved the cash guarantee on a roll‑call vote; staff will require an agreement that spells out the five‑year deadline and release conditions.
Staff noted there is an existing earthwork bond ($59,000) and that the new cash guarantee plus contingency should cover the remaining work (the top coat alone was estimated roughly at $28,000 by meeting discussion). With the cash guarantee in place the developer may pursue occupancy permits while the town holds funds to ensure completion if necessary.
The board’s acceptance of the cash guarantee is conditional on an executed agreement that specifies the completion deadline and conditions for release. The planning department will track the agreement and the performance guarantee per standard procedures.
