Pepperell Planning Board approves duplex permits for Scotch Pine Farm development

PEPPERELL — January 28, 2019 — Pepperell Planning Board unanimously approved two special permits Monday for duplex construction at the Scotch Pine Farm property off Elm Street. The permits, SP 2018-004 and SP 2018-005, cover Lots 3A and 6A at 32-34 Shirley Street and 87 Elm Street, allowing applicant Michael Quintel and engineer Jack Wisniewski of Cornerstone Land Consultants to build two colonial-style two-family buildings — each with units of approximately 2,200 square feet expected to list at around $400,000 apiece. The board added conditions requiring that any property currently served by an existing two-inch water main be connected to a new six- or eight-inch town water main at the applicant's expense, with the old line abandoned, and that construction traffic on the Shirley Street gravel access be restricted to water line installation only. Abutters on Shirley Street raised concerns about noise, privacy, and proximity, with one resident saying she purchased her home specifically for its rural character after receiving the hearing notice by mail. Two additional duplex applications for remaining Quintel lots are expected to return to the board later this year. The board also voted to forward a Complete Streets Policy to the Board of Selectmen, a prerequisite for pursuing state Complete Streets funding.