HomeMy Public PortalAbout20160307 - Irvine-Todaro Properties Advisory Group - Meeting Minutes
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Irvine Todaro Properties Advisory Group
Monday, March 7, 2016 7:00 PM
Town Hall, 18 Main St., Hopkinton, MA
MINUTES
Members Present: Alton Chen, Chair, John Coutinho, Vice Chair, Patrick Sansonetti, Ellen
Scordino, Eric Sonnett, Dan Terry
Members Absent: Donna McKenna
Others Present: George Carey, 1 Brian Lane, Mary Green, 137 Hayden Rowe, Elaine Lazarus,
Director of Land Use, Planning and Permitting
Members of the Group introduced themselves. Mr. Coutinho nominated Mr. Chen as Chair of
the Group. Mr. Sonnett seconded the motion and the Group voted unanimously in favor. Mr.
Chen nominated Mr. Coutinho as Vice Chair, and the motion was seconded by Mr. Sonnett. The
Group voted unanimously in favor.
The Group reviewed the Charge from the Board of Selectmen, dated November 17, 2015. The
Group reviewed the plans and property information for the area distributed by Ms. Lazarus, and
discussed whether walking the site would be helpful. It was noted that an elementary school is
designed and planned for the northerly portion of the property, and a potential use for a portion
of the remaining area is a school bus parking area. Mr. Chen stated that the Capital
Improvement Committee has reviewed a request for $100,000 from the School Committee to
study/research this use, potentially on this property. He noted that Hayden Rowe is a busy road,
and buses going in and out where there is a lot of traffic could be a problem. He noted he thinks
there will need to be further discussion as to whether the public wants it there. Mr. Coutinho
stated that bus parking was one of the possible uses mentioned at Town Meeting when purchase
of the land was discussed. He stated that the Board of Selectmen wants to locate more than
passive recreation on this property. Mr. Sonnett stated he would need an estimate of what it
would cost before making a decision on bus parking. Mr. Chen stated a bus parking lot is one
possible use, but other uses might be appropriate based on stated School Department needs, such
as semi-permanent uses including small equipment and vehicle storage. He suggested that a list
should be prepared of all the possible uses, then the Group can discuss the merits and pros and
cons of each. Mr. Sonnett stated some of the area should be reserved for a future school.
Mr. Terry arrived at this time.
The Group listed a future school, the already-funded new elementary school, bus parking lot,
DPW uses, school tractor/school equipment storage, and trails as possible uses. The Group
discussed conducting an online survey to obtain public input, and obtaining consultant
assistance. Ms. Lazarus noted there is a small amount of funds that can be used for consultant
services this fiscal year.
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Ms. Green commented on the location of wetlands near the entrance to the property at 147
Hayden Rowe.
Mr. Sonnett suggested conducting a survey, then having public meetings to present the findings
and solicit input. He noted a plan can be developed at that point, going back to the community.
He suggested emulating the success process with public outreach used by the Lake Maspenock
Weed Advisory Committee and the Elementary School Building Committee (ESBC). The need
to keep the public involved was stressed as a key element. Mr. Chen asked for volunteers to
guide the community involvement process. Mr. Sonnett stated he will draft a
communication/outreach plan.
Mr. Chen noted that if the Town wants to reserve land for a future school, then it means that
other uses in that area can’t be permanent. Ms. Lazarus noted that the wetlands have been
delineated, the land is fairly flat, and high groundwater is anticipated. George Carey stated that
water breaks out of the ground and runs down his driveway, and the area is wet.
Mr. Terry stated that when the community is surveyed, there will be a lot of ideas that will be
expensive and won’t be funded. He added that he doesn’t know how much of the land is
useable, and questioned whether certain uses will fit there. He suggested looking at the property
characteristics first.
Ms. Scordino states she doesn’t think Elmwood School will last 20 years, and it is at capacity
now. She suggested that if some of the property is going to be reserved for a future school, it
could be sooner than the 20 years mentioned. Mr. Sonnett noted that Elmwood School could be
rebuilt in its current location, not necessarily relocated to this property. The Group discussed
inviting someone from the ESBC to a meeting to talk about what they learned about the land
during their process.
Mr. Carey stated he would like a school to be located on the Todaro property. Ms. Green stated
she abuts the new school driveway, and is interested in the access points and designs to
accommodate buses etc.
Ms. Scordino will obtain information regarding the number of buses and how large a parking lot
would be needed. Ms. Lazarus will follow up with consultants to see what a scope of work
might be.
The Group decided to meet next on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 7:00 PM.
Adjourned: 8:20 PM
Approved: March 22, 2016
Documents used at the meeting:
Irvine-Todaro Properties Advisory Group Committee Charge, Approved by Board of Selectmen 11/17/15
Aerial photo, Hopkinton GIS
Property drawings with conceptual elementary school design shown
Assessors map with Town owned land marked