03:27The board’s decision to approve an amendment to subsection 4550-3.3 of the East Longmeadow zoning bylaw marks an important step in regulating vehicle sales on private property. This amendment limits individuals to selling one vehicle at a time, with no more than two vehicles sold annually. Vehicles listed for sale cannot remain on the market for over 21 days. This regulation excludes licensed car dealers and auctions, targeting those who list vehicles without ownership, as noted in a highlighted case from Shaker. The motion to approve and forward the amendment to the town council was passed unanimously.

04:47Attention then turned to the development sector with plans submitted by Brown Medal LLC for reconfiguring parcels on Maple Street. This proposal involves a lot line reconfiguration among three parcels without altering the existing lot frontages. The board raised no objections, and the motion to endorse the plan received unanimous approval.

06:42The meeting also delved into the Oakwood Estates subdivision, where a request was made to reduce the performance guarantee associated with the project. The board had previously approved a covenant for the subdivision, which consists of 12 lots and has completed roadwork to the satisfaction of the Department of Public Works. To facilitate construction, the board agreed to release the covenant and accept a performance bond for a reduced amount of $525,311, which includes a contingency for potential cost increases. This unanimous decision allows the development to move forward.

11:27Looking ahead, the board focused on upcoming projects and town initiatives. A notable project is the proposed 23,000 square foot assisted living facility by Live Oak Crossing on Denow Road. This facility represents the first application under the newly changed zoning of the industrial garden park zone, where such a use is permissible with a special permit. The importance of this application is notable given the district’s recent zoning changes, and a public hearing is scheduled for May 20th.

16:56The board also addressed the town council’s second reading concerning massage therapy zoning, set for May 13th. This session may serve as the final public hearing before a decision is made on the proposed amendment. In addition, there was a follow-up on a special permit for a project at 3:30 Westwood A, with plans for a site inspection to ensure compliance with zoning regulations regarding material storage and unregistered vehicles.

15:05Infrastructure and transportation improvements were also prioritized, with a survey being prepared to assess traffic conditions, intersection safety, and multimodal transportation in East Longmeadow. This survey, available in digital form and as physical copies at municipal locations, aims to gather public input on problematic intersections and roadways. The data collected will support future grant applications for infrastructure improvements, focusing on areas like insufficient sidewalks and poor roadway designs.

Concerns about tactile paving conditions at various intersections were acknowledged, with plans to address these issues moving forward. The board discussed potential state grants for significant roadway projects, particularly a Department of Transportation project focused on reconstructing major arteries from the Rotary to Summers Road. Talks with DOT for funding opportunities are reportedly underway, supporting the town’s infrastructure improvement efforts.

A comprehensive zoning bylaw review is also in progress, with Barrett Planning Group contracted to evaluate existing regulations and suggest necessary modifications. Their initial insights are expected by late July or early August.

18:16Finally, the board addressed a clerical error in the site plan review for Deer Park, a recycling center. The error involved the number of daily truck trips permitted, recorded incorrectly as 60 instead of the amended figure of 68. The board voted to accept the corrected notice of decision, allowing the applicant to proceed with registration without a waiting period. The recycling center project is still under environmental review by the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency, with public comments being received for an extended period.