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Greenfield Planning Board approves three land‑use proposals; residents raise flooding concerns
Summary
The Town of Greenfield Planning Board on March 9 approved a lot‑line adjustment and two minor subdivisions. One subdivision prompted residents to warn about a high water table and potential flooding on New Boston Road; the board approved the plan after hearing mitigation assurances and professional review.
The Town of Greenfield Planning Board on March 9 approved three land‑use applications — a lot‑line adjustment and two minor subdivisions — while addressing resident concerns about groundwater and potential flooding on New Boston Road.
At the most contested hearing, residents Michael McCain of 213 New Boston Road and Donna Andrews of 240 New Boston Road warned the board that subdividing Map R9, Lot 25 could worsen local drainage and “cause major flooding on New Boston Rd,” McCain said. Andrews told the board FEMA had visited her home twice in the 30 years she has lived there. Daniel Barowski of Fieldstone Land Consultants, the applicant’s consultant, responded that “proper building practices will help to eliminate this problem so that water is maintained on its lot,” and the board’s professional reviewer recommended approval with suggested updates. The board approved the subdivision 4‑0‑1, with Chair Bow Smith recorded as abstaining.
Earlier, the board opened a public hearing on a lot‑line adjustment for Map R1, Lots 2 and 9. Barowski said the change would move the line between a 53.7‑acre and a 200‑acre parcel to preserve a foliage barrier and that there is currently no plan for future building on either lot. Andy Peterson, the applicant’s realtor, described the change as “just a technicality, in his opinion.” After the board’s reviewer recommended approval with updates, Jason Bennett moved to approve the plan pending final payment; the motion passed 3‑0‑2, with Bow Smith and George Rainier abstaining.
The board also approved a minor subdivision for Map R6, Lot 7. Applicant Alfredo Valentin said he had obtained a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The planning board approved the application 5‑0‑0 on the condition the board receives a mylar copy of the plan.
In procedural business, the board named temporary leadership for its next meeting, which will occur after town voting: Iris Waitt moved that Dave Thimmel serve as acting chair and that Jason Bennett serve as acting vice chair; both motions passed unanimously. Chair Bow Smith moved to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.; the motion carried 5‑0‑0.
Votes at a glance
• Lot‑line adjustment, Map R1 Lots 2 & 9 — Motion: approve as amended pending final payment; mover: Jason Bennett; second: Dave Thimmel; outcome: approved 3‑0‑2 (Bow Smith and George Rainier abstained).
• Minor subdivision, Map R9 Lot 25 — Motion: approve; mover: Jason Bennett; second: Dave Thimmel; outcome: approved 4‑0‑1 (Bow Smith abstained). Residents raised unresolved concerns about groundwater and flooding; consultant said mitigation through building practices is expected.
• Minor subdivision, Map R6 Lot 7 — Motion: approve conditioned on receipt of mylar; mover: Dave Thimmel; second: Jason Bennett; outcome: approved 5‑0‑0. Applicant reported a ZBA variance had been obtained.
What happens next
The board noted professional review suggested updates for the approved plans; applicants are expected to satisfy those comments and submit required materials (final payment for the R1 lot‑line adjustment and a mylar for R6 Lot 7) before final plan recording. No formal enforcement or specific stormwater mitigation plan was adopted during the meeting; the water‑table concerns raised during the R9 hearing remained unresolved on the record.
