Planning Commission approves preliminary plat for Aspen Place Apartments

The City of Gardner Planning Commission voted 7-0 March 23 to approve the preliminary plat for Aspen Place, a property originally developed in the 1950s as military housing tied to New Century Air Center. Staff said platting is required to dedicate right-of-way and easements that will allow reconstruction of streets and public water mains and to formalize on-street parking ownership.

Staff recommended approval of the preliminary plat with three conditions outlined in the staff report; the applicant’s engineer, Lance Scott of CFS Engineers, told the commission the applicant agreed with the recommendations. Staff explained that platting will allow the dedication of right-of-way for Aspen Street and Beach, and easements for public utilities. The streets are proposed to become public and the city will take over reconstructed water mains that are currently provided by New Century and fed by the New Century system.

Commissioners asked staff and the applicant about ownership and maintenance of on-street parking, the condition of existing infrastructure, and timing. Staff explained that some on-street parking will remain privately owned and maintained by the property owner and that the street and water main reconstruction will be part of the improvement plan. The applicant said they have been coordinating with staff on public improvements and anticipate submitting a final plat for consideration next month.

Commissioner Alucci moved to approve the preliminary plat with the conditions listed in the staff report; Commissioner Burt seconded. The motion carried 7-0.

The final plat and construction of public improvements were expected to return to the commission and to the governing body as required by the city’s review process.