Pepperell Planning Board Approves Child Care Expansion, Clears Wheeler Road Driveway Dispute

PEPPERELL — December 2, 2019 — Pepperell Planning Board approves child care addition and clears Wheeler Road driveway covenant at December 2 meeting. The board closed a major site plan public hearing for a 710-square-foot net addition to the Family Tree Child Care Center at 26 Hollis Street, directing staff to draft a decision requiring a hold-harmless agreement for a minor drainage easement encroachment and downward-shielded egress lighting on the rear of the building. The civil engineer from Cornerstone Land Consultants confirmed the project would add no staff, no children, and no parking, and that a stormwater infiltration system was designed conservatively to handle a 100-year storm given an uncertain fill history — including a former man-made pond on the site. The board also unanimously approved a modification to 2003 special permit SP2003-06, removing a conservation parcel at 70A Wheeler Road from shared driveway maintenance obligations so the Conservation Commission could accept it as a donated habitat and watershed buffer protecting the Bemis Road municipal well. A definitive subdivision hearing for Robinson Hollow at 110 South Road was continued to December 16 at the applicant's request.