HomeMy Public PortalAboutPlanning Board -- 2023-12-13 Minutesw"s%,,,,
Brewster Planning Board
Approved: 01/10/24
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2198 Main Street
vote: 7-0-0
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Brewster, MA 02631-1898
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(508) 896-3701 x1133
brewplan@brewster-ma.gov
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MEETING MINUTES
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Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 6:30 pm
Brewster Town Office Building
Chair Amanda Bebrin convened a meeting of the Planning Board at 6:30 pm with the following members participating:
Charlotte Degen, Tony Freitas, Madalyn Hillis -Dineen, Rob Michaels, Elizabeth Taylor, and Alex Wentworth. Also
participating: Jon Idman, Town Planner, and Lynn St. Cyr, Senior Department Assistant. Bebrin declared that a quorum
of the Planning Board was present. The Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement were read.
6:32 PM PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENT
None.
6:33 PM PUBLIC MEETING
Major Stormwater Management Permit Case No. SWMP2023-43: Applicant/Owner: Town of Brewster has submitted a
major stormwater permit application related to the Millstone Road Improvements Project, pursuant to Brewster Town
Code Chapter 272 and its accompanying Regulations.
Documents:
10/31/23 Stormwater Management Memorandum
11/03/23 Major Stormwater Management Permit Application with plan set and plant palette
Bebrin recused herself from this application and Wentworth took over as Chair.
Griffin Ryder, Department of Public Works Director and Steve Rhoads, P.E., VHB (remotely) participated on behalf of the
Applicant Town of Brewster. Ryder described the Millstone Road Improvements Project to the Planning Board. He
stated that Millstone Road is approximately 2.5 miles long and is a major connector that handles approximately 4,000
vehicles per day in the peak season. The proposed project includes 11' travel lanes, 1.5' shoulders, and a 5' sidewalk.
Ryder stated that the existing conditions of the road vary from about 20' wide to 22' wide with no shoulders. Ryder
noted that ponding occurs on the road when there is a significant amount of rain in a short period of time. There has
also been a concern of ponding on private property. Ryder stated that the Applicant is seeking a permit pursuant to
Section 6.213(7) of the Stormwater Management Regulations related to redevelopment. Ryder stated that this project is
an eligible redevelopment project as it is exclusively limited to the maintenance and improvement of the existing
roadways. Low impact development has been considered throughout the planning stage of the project and the road has
been minimally widened. Impact to neighboring properties has also been a consideration.
Ryder stated that the Applicant is trying to improve the existing conditions on the road by adding an additional 78 catch
basins, 18 leaching pits, and 145 leaching galleys. These additions will lead to more efficient capturing of stormwater,
better treatment, and more opportunity for infiltration. Ryder stated that the increase in impervious area is mitigated
with the upgraded infrastructure. Ryder stated that roadway projects are unique as there typically is not a lot of right of
way to work with and infiltration is constructed in the roadway. The stormwater infrastructure in being improved with
solid catch basins with a 4' deep sump and hood with leaching pits and galleys encapsulated in stone. There is void
space in the stone allowing acceptance of volume and infiltration. Ryder stated that the proposed project includes more
consistent spacing of the catch basins. Ryder stated this project will significantly improve existing conditions.
PB Minutes 12/13/23 Page 1 of 4
Ryder explained that permitting of this project has been ongoing through other agencies. The project received a MEPA
certificate. An Order of Conditions has been issued by the Brewster Conservation Commission. The Conservation
Commission recommended the Planning Board review the stormwater permit because the amount of roadway adjacent
to the wetland is so small and there is no discharge to the wetland. Ryder stated that conditional approval for the MA
DOT access permit has also been received which allows a crosswalk and infrastructure to cross Route 6A.
Ryder stated that low impact development has been considered for this project including implementing grass strips
along the sidewalk. Ryder explained that there were two spots where the road leaves the Town's right of way. One
location is near Nickerson State Park and the other is near Joe Long Road by the spring rock. A rain garden will be placed
across from Joe Long Road which will allow for better treatment of runoff. Ryder referenced the planting plan that was
provided to the Planning Board and noted that it includes native plants that will be easy to maintain. Ryder stated that a
planting palette was put together and he is working with property owners who will be impacted by the project to
replace trees and shrubs using the palette. He also referred the Planning Board to the plan set and stormwater report
put together by the Applicant's consultant, VHB. He stated that the project was designed to provide the maximum
treatment possible for stormwater and he believes the design will significantly improve ponding that is occurring.
Normal storms up to a 2S -year event will be collected and well-treated.
Wentworth asked Idman for clarification on the redevelopment standards that should be considered in review of this
project. Idman stated that this is a limited roadway project and under redevelopment treatment standards are
exempted for pre-treatment, TSS, and phosphorous. This project does satisfy a significant amount of the treatment
standards but the Planning Board does not need to consider treatment for this type of redevelopment project. The MA
Stormwater Handbook standards would apply for this project and the Applicant would need to meet the applicable
standards for redevelopment of a roadway to the extent practicable. Strict compliance is not required in the
redevelopment context. Idman stated that the project meets the runoff rate to the extent possible but as a retrofit
project the rate cannot be met to the strict letter of the law. Idman stated that impervious surface is being added and
the Applicant has limited right of way so existing and proposed conditions cannot be matched due to the available area.
Ryder stated that the addition of stormwater infrastructure alone will significantly improve existing conditions. Ryder
also stated that the project meets the TSS removal rate of 80% through infiltration. Ultimately, the treatment happens
as it filters through the sand before hitting groundwater. Ryder noted that the soils along Millstone Road are consistent
and he is confident that there will be good infiltration. Idman stated that the pre-treatment component is less
important as the DPW cleans and maintains the catch basin regularly. Ryder stated that the catch basins will be cleaned
once a year. The DPW also does street sweeping for source control as much as possible.
Taylor asked for clarification on widening of the road closest to the wetland. Ryder stated that there is minimal
widening on the wetland side of the road and minimal vegetation clearing along the wetland edge. Both the widening
and clearing were reviewed by the Conservation Commission. Taylor asked about drainage and Ryder responded that
drainage is routed outside the buffer zones. This wetland is not located at the low point of the road. Drainage is
collected on both sides of the road via catch basins and piped away from the wetland to outside of the buffer zone.
Taylor asked Ryder to provide more information about which tress are being removed and Ryder stated that additional
information will be provided at the tree hearing.
Michaels asked about the 3.3 acres of impervious surface being added and Ryder responded that approximately 1.6
acres of the project is new sidewalk. Michaels noted that this is a redevelopment project so it appears that no waivers
are needed. He asked if waivers would be needed if this was not a redevelopment project and Idman responded that a
waiver may be needed for the runoff rate. Ryder also stated that a waiver for the 44% pre-treatment rate may also have
been needed. Michaels pointed out differences in the calculation of water quality volume and water quality volume
required.
Degen asked about the maintenance of the additional catch basins on Millstone Road and if any other additions were
considered throughout the Town. Ryder stated that the Town receives assistance from a private contractor for the
PB Minutes 12/13/23 Page 2 of 4
cleaning of the catch basins. Ryder stated that it was hard to anticipate additional catch basins needed throughout town
as the roads vary in age and condition. Idman stated that this project helps maintain consistency with the Town's MS4
permit. Ryder stated that the Town measures how much sediment is collected from catch basins each year so the data
from Millstone Road will be interesting to review.
Hillis -Dineen appreciated the added sidewalks for safety and noted that they will be well used especially by the children
in the surrounding neighborhoods. There was discussion regarding the logistics of the project. Ryder noted that there is
a tabletop crossing proposed near the rail trail to help reduce speeding.
Motion by Degen to Approve Manor Stormwater Management Permit Case No. 2023-43 subject to the Conditions
Required by the Stormwater Management Regulations. Second by Michaels. Vote: 6-0-0.
Ryder reviewed the project timeline and stated that utilities will start construction in the Spring and the DPW will begin
their work in the Fall.
Bebrin rejoined the meeting as Chair.
7:10 PM PUBLIC MEETING
Mailor Stormwater Manakrement Permit Case No. SWMP2023-46: Applicant/Owner: David and Heidi Jenkins has
submitted a major stormwater permit application for property located at 87 Timberlane Drive and shown on Tax Map
144, Parcel 11, pursuant to Brewster Town Code Chapter 272 and its accompanying Regulations.
Documents:
• 11/16/23 Stormwater Management Report and Operations & Maintenance Manual
• 11/16/23 Proposed Site and Drainage Plan
• 11/20/23 Stormwater Management Permit Application
• 11/28/23 Staff Report
John O'Reilly of J.M. O'Reilly & Associates, Inc. was present on behalf of the Applicant. Applicant Heidi Jenkins was also
present. O'Reilly described the subject property as 5.4 acres with a single-family home and paved driveway. The
Applicant is adding a building to the property which is just over 2500 SF. The proposal utilizes kettle holes and the
topography of the lot. Stormwater from the roof is being collected by gutters and downspouts and into a subsurface
leaching trench. The gravel apron that feeds off the paved driveway will be pitched towards the swale on the east side
of the paved driveway. The gravel driveway and apron on the north side of the property will also be pitched towards the
east. The western side of the building is pitched to the low point just off the property. O'Reilly stated that the gutters,
downspouts, and trench are being used to not exacerbate flooding off the property. O'Reilly stated that the low points
on the property are being utilized as bioswales and the project meets the required treatment and design capacity in the
regulations.
The Planning Board appreciated that the project uses the existing features of the property including the kettle holes and
topography. Degen asked if the Applicant would have concerns if the permit was issued including conditions that the
building is limited to accessory residential uses, any use or storage of hazardous materials in the building will be limited
to household amounts, and a stone driveway apron shall be installed and maintained during construction. The Applicant
had no concerns with these conditions. Idman noted that the conditions were included because the property is in the
DCPC. Michaels referenced requirements for properties in the Zone II for pre-treatment of metal roofs. He inquired as
to whether the roof of the proposed building was metal and whether the Applicant would be requesting a waiver from
the pre-treatment requirements. O'Reilly responded that the building will contain a metal roof but that does not change
any of the proposed stormwater design due to the size of the lot, height above groundwater, and the type of soils
present. The Applicant requested a waiver from the pre-treatment requirements for metal roofs in Zone II. Taylor asked
about use of the building and how any future change of use would be reviewed. Idman responded that the Planning
PB Minutes 12/13/23 Page 3 of 4
Board's jurisdiction is limited to stormwater review for this application. Idman further stated that for certain uses, not
single-family residential, there are stormwater concerns regarding storage of hazardous materials.
Motion by Wentworth to Approve Major Stormwater Management Permit, Case No. 2023-46, subject to the
Conditions Referenced in the Staff Report and a Waiver from the Pre-treatment Requirements as referenced in the
Staff Report. Second by Hillis -Dineen. There was further discussion by the Planning Board on conditions. Vote: 7-0-0.
7:20 PM APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Approval of Meeting Minutes: November 8, 2023.
The Board reviewed the November 8, 2023 meeting minutes. Motion by Wentworth to Approve November 8, 2023
Meeting Minutes, as amended. Second by Michaels. Vote: 5-0-2. Degen and Hillis -Dineen abstained.
7:22 PM COMMITTEE REPORTS
Freitas summarized a recent meeting of the Affordable Housing trust including a presentation by the Preservation of
Affordable Housing (POAH) and the Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) regarding changes to the proposed Millstone
Road/Spring Rock Village housing development. POAH and HAC will seek approval of the proposed changes from the
Zoning Board of Appeals in January. Freitas also gave an update on 212 Yankee Drive and noted that applications were
available through the Housing Office. A Housing 101 course for residents is also being planned. The Trust also approved
their 2024 guidelines at the meeting. A part time Housing Assistant has been hired and will start working with Jill Scalise
in the Housing Office soon. Wentworth stated that the Local Comprehensive Plan passed at Fall Town Meeting. Bebrin
noted that the Vision Planning Committee completed work and the Select Board voted to dissolve the VPC. Degen
summarized two recent meetings of the Select Board and noted that Brewster was awarded a $65,000 planning grant to
analyze the zoning bylaw. There was discussion on senior shellfish licenses, a report from public safety leaders, and
information on a childcare subsidy program the Select Board will review as a goal in their strategic plan. There was also
discussion on regionalizing elementary schools. Michaels stated that the Water Quality Review Committee will begin
discussions in January regarding the application and renewal process for certificates, the current and future role of the
committee, and the zoning bylaw as it relates to water quality and its current function and future need. Bebrin stated
that there will be a final Sea Camps virtual forum in February and final plans are expected to be ready for consideration
at Spring 2024 Town Meeting. There will also be a joint meeting with the Select Board to discuss the pool at the bay
property on December 18tH
7:33 PM FOR YOUR INFORMATION
None.
7:33 PM MATTERS NOT REASONABLY ANTICIPATED BY THE CHAIR
Freitas commended Bebrin on the excellent work she did at Fall Town Meeting.
Motion by Wentworth to Adjourn. Second by Michaels. Vote: 7-0-0.
Next Planning Board Meeting Date: January 10, 2024.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn Cyr, Senior partment Assistant, Planning
The meeting adjourned at 7:34 PM.
PB Minutes 12/13/23 Page 4 of 4