Newbury Planning Board Debates Bond Requirements for Subdivision

The Newbury Planning Board recently held a meeting to discuss several issues concerning local development projects, with the most focus on the performance covenant and bond requirements for the Farm View Lane subdivision. During the meeting, the board deliberated on whether to accept a cash deposit in lieu of a previously requested $30,000 bond for the completion of outstanding work in the subdivision. The discussion centered on the appropriate amount of security to be held, as well as the consideration of outstanding issues, such as a ponding issue in one of the driveways. The board ultimately decided to adhere to the original bond requirement, voting to approve a $30,000 bond as security in lieu of the performance covenant.

The meeting began with the confirmation of attendance by all anticipated members and persons on the agenda. The chair, Lawrence Murphy, established the guidelines for the hybrid meeting format. The first agenda item addressed was an Approval Not Required (ANR) submission for a proposed lot line change between 53 and Locken Road. The owner and applicant of 53 Locken Road, Alan P. Rogers Jr. and Nancy J. Rogers, and the owner of 55 Locken Road, the Locken Road Realty Trust with Allen P. Rogers Jr. as trustee, sought to adjust the lot lines to facilitate an addition to the house while maintaining separate parcel ownership. Ever Chandler, representing Winter GC, presented the plan, and without questions or comments from the board, the motion to endorse the ANR plan was unanimously approved.

Next, the board reviewed the April financial report, which included payroll warrants for the planning director and assistant planner, as well as planning board expenses. Subsequently, the conversation shifted to the request from Crane Properties LLC, represented by Attorney Bill Heeney, for the release of lot two from the performance covenant and approval of the performance bond for the Farm View Lane subdivision. Heeney updated the board on the project’s progress, noting the completion of most items on the punch list and the request for a lesser cash deposit instead of the $30,000 bond. Despite most work being completed, the board decided to maintain the original bond amount, considering the remaining tasks such as final road grading and submission of as-builts from Millennial Engineering.

A significant portion of the meeting involved a debate over the bond for the sale and release of Lot number two in the performance covenant. The board members discussed the possibility of a cash bond, suggesting $5,000 for Millennial plus an additional 10% as a cushion. Concerns were raised about unresolved items, including a ponding issue, which was reportedly being addressed. Without input from the consultant Joe Swka, the board was reluctant to amend the request and ultimately voted to approve the $30,000 bond requirement.

Further discussions included the project status report for a property on High Road Seagate. Steve Sawyer updated the board on the project milestones, including landscaping, paving, and parking completion dates. The board deliberated on the planting plan and bond reduction, emphasizing the need for a site walk before voting on any partial release of funds.

The board also engaged in debates over the caliper of trees to be planted, with opinions varying on the size for better survival chances. The completion date of the open space and the conversion of a building to an office were discussed, with differing views on readiness by August or mid-September. The possibility of adding a sidewalk and fence on the lot line was supported. However, there was uncertainty about the amount of money to be held back for the conservation restriction.

Additionally, the Planning Director reported on a successful town meeting vote in favor of the MBTA communities multifamily zoning. The board’s meeting concluded with the decision to hold minutes from the previous meeting and a motion to adjourn.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Town Administrator:
Tracy Blais
Planning Board Officials:
Lawrence Murphy, Peter Paicos, Woody Knight, Scott Kinter, Mary Stohn, Stephen Mangion, Martha Taylor (Planning Director/MVPC Commissioner), Kristen Grubbs (Assistant Planner)

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