The Fall River Planning Board met on September 5, 2019, to consider a repetitive petition, a preliminary subdivision application, and routine planning matters. The first major matter was a repetitive petition from SITEC Engineering on behalf of the owner/applicant for property at 100 Evelyn’s Way and Griffin Street (Assessors lot sheet G-27-1). Planning Director Bill Roth explained that the board’s role was strictly to determine whether the revised proposal of five single-family dwelling units accessed via Griffin Street was materially and significantly different from a previously denied 10-unit duplex proposal accessed from Evelyn’s Way. Following presentations by engineer Dan Aguiar and public input from State Representative Alan Silvia and neighborhood residents, the board unanimously voted that the proposal was materially different, allowing the applicant to return to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The board then held a public hearing on an application from RGK Realty Trust and SITEC Engineering for a proposed 14-lot residential subdivision at 386 Kilburn Street and Dwelly Street at the historic King Philip Mill site. Dan Aguiar and developer Bob Cafardi presented the project, explaining seven requested waivers from subdivision regulations, including pavement width and underground utilities. Jim Sousa, chairman of the Community Preservation Committee, urged consideration of public access and a future walking path around Cook Pond, while Representative Alan Silvia spoke passionately in support of the project for eliminating blight and fire risk. Planning Director Bill Roth advised against immediate approval because complete department engineering and utility reviews had not yet been finalized. After negotiating roadway width and utility preferences, the board voted to continue the hearing to September 24, 2019.
In other business, Planning Director Bill Roth recommended the endorsement of a Form A plan altering frontage along Frederick Street and Bronson Street for Lots C15-7 and C15-10. The board also addressed the approval of meeting minutes from July 31, 2019, before adjourning.
Topics discussed
- 5:11 · Repetitive Petition for Evelyn’s Way and Griffin Street
Discussion on whether shifting access from Evelyn’s Way to Griffin Street and reducing density from 10 units to five single-family units constituted a substantial change. - 24:03 · King Philip Mill Subdivision Proposal and Waivers — passed
Presentation and discussion of a 14-lot subdivision plan at 386 Kilburn Street and Dwelly Street, including seven requested subdivision regulation waivers. - 38:30 · Subdivision Roadway Width and Utility Infrastructure
Board members, staff, and the applicant debated 22-foot versus 26-foot roadway pavement widths and above-ground versus underground utility installation. - 39:44 · Cook Pond Access and Open Space Preservation
Community Preservation Committee Chairman Jim Sousa and State Rep. Alan Silvia discussed the potential for public recreational access, a bike/walking path, and open space along Cook Pond. - 1:10:04 · Form A Endorsement for Frederick Street Lots — passed
Review of lot frontage alterations on Frederick Street and Bronson Street for Lots C15-7 and C15-10.