Planning Board debates plans for Elm Street lot
By Sarah Freedman Contributing Writer

Marlborough - The Marlborough Planning Board discussed proposed changes to an Elm Street property, among other issues, at its Oct. 29 meeting.

Plans for a 300,000-square-foot parcel of land were submitted by Highland Engineering and Development Inc. The modifications to the land would include extending two existing driveways, or cul-desac streets, by 500 feet.

The Marlborough Historical Society, which is located near 289 Elm St. and 401 Elm St., pays one dollar a year to lease their space and will not be aff ected.

According to representatives from Highland, the two cul-de-sacs are planned to not connect to one another, so as to not disturb a culvert in the middle of the property, which includes three houses and an office building.

Several members thought that the cul-de-sacs should be joined. Chair Barbara Fenby noted that she would recommend a union of the cul-desacs, barring any accessibility issues concerning fire safety.

According to board member Clyde Johnson, the primary concerns should be what problems a circular road would create in terms of drainage of the culvert near Milham Brook.

The board voted to submit the plans to the engineering committee for a feasibility report, with Fenby and board member Edward Coveney motioning and seconding the action.

The second major issue involved site plan modifications for Berlin Farms on Long Drive. The board decided to table the item until the City Engineer Tom Cullen could meet with the engineer in charge of the project.

In other business, the board discussed whether there would be recourse for owners of properties not meeting the anti-blight ordinance in its two-year time limit. It was agreed to consult the sanitary departments and fire and police chiefs about the matter.

In addition, in response to a request to split the 259 Hosmer St. property into three parcels, held by the same owner, the board decided to submit the petition for review by the city engineer.

Correspondence about the subdivision progress of property on Miele and Balcom roads, managed by Orchard Estates III, Danjou Drive, managed by Crystal Ridge Estates, and Cleversy Drive, managed by Elm Farm Valley Estates, was accepted and filed to be put on the City Council agenda as well.

Also, the release of a lot of land at 5 Maurice Drive managed by Howard Estates was discussed. The board voted to have the matter reviewed by the city solicitor and tabled until the Monday Nov. 5 meeting.

The councilors also addressed the removal of trees and a stone wall at 30 Farm Road, which is considered a scenic road by the city. After a heated discussion, Johnson successfully motioned to have the wall in question inspected and officially deemed a scenic property worth restoring.