Pepperell Planning Board Approves Church Expansion With Two Conditions

PEPPERELL — October 30, 2017 — Pepperell Planning Board conditionally approves Christian Fellowship expansion while a master plan jurisdiction fight erupts. The board voted 4-1 Monday to approve a major site plan for Pepperell Christian Fellowship's proposed 1,635-square-foot addition at 17 Main Street, connecting two buildings and adding a front porch, steeple, and ADA elevator, on the condition that the applicant submit impervious-area calculations and drainage documentation to satisfy Town Engineer Ken Kalinowski and the Board of Health. Engineer Chad Brand of Fieldstone Land Consultants confirmed six rear parking spaces would be removed for snow storage, cutting sanctuary capacity from 300 to 280, and that existing floodlights shining into neighbors' bedrooms would be replaced with downcast fixtures. Neighbors Joyce Morrow of 23A Main Street and an adjoining property owner at 21 Main Street described years of lighting and noise complaints dating to the church's 2001 site plan, with Morrow stating, "I would hope that you would have residents in mind for respect and consideration." The church must still seek a Zoning Board of Appeals variance for work on the nonconforming west side of the building. Board member Rick McHugh then raised a separate alarm: the Select Board appeared to be soliciting applicants for a master plan advisory committee — backed by $45,000 in NEMCOG and Community Compact grants — without the Planning Board's formal participation, which McHugh argued violates Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41.