Planning Board Hears More Discussion on Legacy Farms Proposal
By Donald Cronin, News Producer
March 9, 2010

Watch meeting online, indexed by agenda item

Most of Monday evening’s discussion during the regular meeting of the Hopkinton Planning Board centered upon the Design Review process of the proposed development at Legacy Farms. The discussion between the Planning Board and engineering consultants from FST was in the form of a continued public hearing on the master plan special permit application and land areas affecting East main, Clinton, Frankland and Wilson streets. The two main topics addressed were design guidelines and restricted land covenants.

Planning Board member Ken Weismantel had many questions and comments for the engineering consultants beginning with “How will irrigation be used with respect to landscaping”. He suggested that another line be added stating that Weston Nurseries and landscapers will need to collaborate on this issue. Planning board member Sandy Altamura asked about water permits for the proposed site.

Member Ken Weismantel inquired about active recreation areas and suggested that “areas shall be graded with seed mixtures”. Another concern raised was how to reduce greenhouse gas. Consultant Steve Zeiff said “HVAC systems are tested and made sure they do what they are suppose to do”. Weismantel asked how will utilities impact the aesthetics of the town. “We don’t need another power line running through town”.

Planning board member Claire Wright raised concerns with signage by saying “Why do they need to be 10 feet tall” “I have a problem with signs approaching billboard height”. FST replied “We can change signage height to 8 feet”.

The subject of lighting was also addressed. Member Weismantel commented “the ZAC (Zoning Advisory committee) is struggling with lighting by-laws.” “I would like the engineers to enlighten us pertaining to foot candles compared to luminance lighting.”

Toward the conclusion of the Legacy Farms public hearing Planning Board chairman Mark Abate said the next step in the process will be to continue the public hearing at our next scheduled meeting on March 22, 2010. “That will be a key opportunity for public comment”.