Pepperell Planning Board continues Pierce Street driveway hearing to June 1

PEPPERELL — May 18, 2020 — Pepperell Planning Board continues contentious Pierce Street common driveway hearing, approves two other items. The board voted unanimously at its May 18 remote meeting to continue a public hearing on a special permit for a 750-foot common driveway serving four residential lots off Pierce Street to June 1, citing the need to review stormwater calculations submitted that afternoon by engineer Kenneth Lania of Cornerstone Land Consultants and to seek clarification from Building Inspector Robert Kelly on whether lots 3, 5, and 6 have legal frontage given an unbuilt cul-de-sac. Conservation Administrator Paula Taurasi warned in two written memos that lots 7 and 8 lack dry access — a condition she said the engineer created through his own subdivision design — potentially triggering Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act barriers to future wetland crossings. Fire Chief Brian Bornman conditionally supported the plan, requiring NFPA 13D residential sprinklers in the two rearmost homes. The board separately voted 5-0 to approve a 32-foot stone wall opening at 103A Shirley Street for applicant Paul Joyce's driveway access, and unanimously authorized a Reedy Meadows bond reduction retaining $34,434.96 for outstanding landscaping and site work, with Planning Director Lisa Davis authorized to execute the release documents when formal paperwork arrives from developer Peter Krakonis's lender.