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Board refers driveway setback variance to ZBA for 108 Liberty Street subdivision; wants arborist input to protect large spruce
Summary
The planning board voted to refer a requested driveway/setback variance at 108 Liberty Street to the ZBA and asked the applicant to obtain an arborist opinion on preserving three mature spruce/hemlock trees that motivated the proposed lot layout.
The board reviewed a proposed two‑lot subdivision for 108 Liberty Street where the applicant sought to preserve a row of large spruce (labeled hemlock on plans). The proposed lot configuration produces a 2.5‑foot separation between driveway edge and the property line where 5 feet is required by code. Hudson Land Design (Dan Koehler, speaker 7) explained their layout preserves the trees but acknowledged the separation shortfall; the planning board discussed shared‑driveway options, arborist protection plans, permeable surfacing, and utility trench locations that could impact root zones.
Several board members emphasized the need for an arborist report and construction methods that minimize compaction of the trees’ root zones; suggestions included geogrid systems, structural soils, reduced excavation, and protective matting during construction. The board voted to refer the driveway‑setback variance to the Zoning Board of Appeals (motion by Kevin; second by Len) and scheduled a July public hearing so the ZBA and planning board can review arborist recommendations and plan revisions.
What changed: the board expressed conditional support for the lot layout to preserve trees but required arborist analysis and construction‑phase protection measures before a final decision on variances.
