10 12 23 Planning Board

Fall River Government TV Oct 12, 2023 YouTube Report Issue

The Fall River Planning Board convened on October 12, 2023, with Chair Gloria Picho presiding. The meeting began with a roll call and a review of old business, specifically a surety reduction for the Fieldstone Lane, Brookfield Terrace, and Stony Brook Circle project. Dan Agar, a staff member, recommended a reduction in the surety amount, retaining $226,300, which would allow a reduction of $995,120. The board unanimously approved this reduction. New business included two Form A applications. The first, for Taco Incorporated at 583 Bedford Street and 580/584-594 Pleasant Street, involved the merger of multiple parcels into one to accommodate a building addition. The second, for 77-73 Weo LLC at 77-73 Weo Street, involved the subdivision of a singular parcel with two residential structures. Both Form A applications were unanimously approved by the board. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to street acceptance and discontinuance requests referred by the City Council. The board discussed the acceptance of Gate House Drive and Mohawk Drive. Residents, including Thomas Chase, Carlos Pera, Miko, Frank Ferraz, and Mary, spoke about the history and condition of these private ways, emphasizing the need for city maintenance and services. The board voted unanimously to recommend the acceptance of both Gate House Drive and Mohawk Drive to the City Council, with an understanding of the associated costs for improvements ($87,000 for Gate House Drive and $100,000 for immediate repairs on Mohawk Drive, with an estimated $1.5 million for full repaving in 5-7 years). Three street discontinuance requests for Ash Street, Center Street, and Vine Street were also discussed. Dan Agar explained the legal complexities of discontinuing private ways, noting that the city can only relinquish its own rights, not those of private abutters. The Department of Community Utilities recommended against discontinuing Ash Street and Center Street due to existing municipal utilities (sewer, water, drainage lines). Michael Beledda submitted a letter opposing the discontinuance of Center Street, citing concerns about public access and vegetation buffers. The board voted unanimously against recommending the discontinuance of Ash Street and Center Street. However, for Vine Street, where the applicant owned both sides and no municipal utilities were present, the board unanimously recommended relinquishing the city's rights. The meeting concluded with the filing of correspondence regarding Mass DP regulations and the Ashworth Brothers Mill's acceptance to the National Register of Historic Places, and the approval of previous meeting minutes.

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