Published May 20, 2020

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — A proposed 15-lot subdivision is being eyed for upper Main Street.

Developer Angus Bruce unveiled a preliminary plan for the Hannah’s View Estates development during the Planning Board’s May 13 meeting, which was held via Zoom teleconference. The proposed development would replace the Woods of Lynnfield elderly housing development planned to be located at 1414 Main St. Last year’s April Town Meeting rejected Bruce’s 55-unit elderly housing proposal.

Morin-Cameron Group principal/engineer Scott Cameron said the proposed subdivision would connect to a five-lot subdivision Bruce is developing called Sagamore Place. He said the development’s size would be 27.2 acres.

“It has frontage on Main Street and on Sagamore Place,” said Cameron. “The lots would meet zoning requirements. We laid out the lots to meet the area, frontage, setback and dimensional requirements.”

Cameron said the lots would face a roadway called Hannah’s Lane, which he said would be 950 feet long. He said the road would have a cul-de-sac that would tie into Zachary Drive, which is connected to Sagamore Place.

“Zachary Drive is 1,463 feet and the portion of Hannah Lane that would go past the intersection is 160 feet,” said Cameron. “The road itself would have a 40-foot-wide right-of-way. There would be sidewalks on each side, as the subdivision regulations require.”

Cameron said the development team has created a preliminary design for the development’s drainage system, which he said would comply with the town’s subdivision regulations. He said there are no wetlands on the property, but said there are some wetlands nearby.

“I think stormwater is going to be an important aspect of this project,” said Cameron. “That is usually the case in subdivision projects.”

Planning Board Chairman Brian Charville requested more information about house locations, driveways, septic system locations and the drainage system.

Cameron noted the preliminary plan started getting developed before the state’s stay-at-home advisory caused by the COVID-19 virus pandemic went into effect in late March.

“We have some work to do,” said Cameron. “Obviously this is a preliminary plan and the definitive plan has considerable more that goes into it. We are starting that design process.”

Planning Board member Kate Flaws said she wants more information about the proposed development’s private wells.

“I think that needs to be explored before the preliminary plan is approved,” said Flaws. “That shouldn’t be left until the definitive plan stage.”

Planning Board Vice Chairman Michael Sheehan also requested more information about the wells.

“My major concern is certainly the water,” said Sheehan. “This is a large project that you are proposing, and it has a lot of moving pieces. Water is going to be a major thing for us to consider.”

Cameron said the proposed development would have 20 private wells that “would be permitted from the Board of Health.” He said he would provide more information about the wells during a future meeting.

Sheehan also requested Bruce and Cameron to reach out to the Fire Department to discuss the proposed development’s roadway. He also urged the development team to discuss the project with Lynnfield Center Water District officials.

Cameron agreed with Sheehan’s request. He recalled that he and Bruce met with the Fire Department and LCWD officials while plans for the nixed Woods of Lynnfield development were being discussed.

“That is on our punch list,” said Cameron.

Planning Board member Charlie Wills said the board “shouldn’t be in a big hurry to approve the concept until we get our questions answered.”

John Thomas, 1385 Main St., asked if the development would have natural gas and water.

Cameron said the development could potentially have natural gas, but said that decision has yet to be finalized.

“In regards to water, we will be working with the Fire Department and there will be some type of cistern or something if there is any piping in the road,” said Cameron. “We are still in the preliminary phase, and we will have more answers when we get to the definitive design.”

Cameron thanked the Planning Board for giving its feedback. He said it will help “steer the project down the correct path for both the board and the applicant.”

Bruce agreed.

“I appreciate you folks giving me the opportunity to start this discussion,” said Bruce.

The Planning Board will tentatively continue discussing the Hannah’s View Estates preliminary plan on Wednesday, May 27. The meeting’s agenda will be posted on the town website by Friday, May 22.

Planning and Conservation Director Emilie Cademartori noted she received emails from residents who were frustrated with some technical issues that prevented them from weighing in on the project during the virtual meeting. She said the meeting was recorded and will be made available to residents who want to watch it.

“We will do that again if the next meeting is virtual,” said Cademartori. “Eventually, there will be a full public hearing once a definitive plan is submitted. That is where the substantive hearing and public comments can occur.”