Pepperell Planning Board accepts Hollis Street as-built plans despite garage complaints

PEPPERELL — January 18, 2022 — Pepperell Planning Board clears Hollis Street as-built plans and Mason Street lot split, advances stormwater rules. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to accept final as-built site plans for a four-unit development at 33 and 35 Hollis Street, despite Member Joyce's stated discomfort with resident complaints that elevated foundations — raised a half-foot to a foot during construction due to high groundwater — left garage platforms that prevent mid-sized cars from fitting; developer Greg Looney confirmed clearance of 14 feet 8 inches to 14 feet 10 inches. The board also endorsed an approval-not-required plan separating a single-family home from Clark's Retirement Park LLC at 4 Mason Street, where the Zoning Board of Appeals had previously granted a variance allowing a 60,293-square-foot lot in place of the required 80,000 square feet. Environmental consultant Emily from Tata & Howard presented draft stormwater management regulations tied to an EPA MS4 permit requirement with a June 30, 2022 compliance deadline; no vote was taken, with formal adoption hearing to be scheduled. Planning Administrator Jenny Gove outlined pending grant applications for Railroad Square crosswalk improvements under Shared Streets and Spaces, rotary pedestrian safety work under Complete Streets by May 3, and a potential zoning bylaw rewrite through the One Stop for Growth rural grant program.