Pepperell Planning Board rejects duplex near town wells, accepts applicant withdrawal

PEPPERELL — April 16, 2019 — Pepperell Planning Board blocks duplex near town wells and defers solar bylaw to fall. The board unanimously approved a minor site plan for a $4.2 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade at its April 16 meeting, then declined to support a special permit for a two-family dwelling at 15 Jersey Street after members cited insufficient parking, driveway drainage problems, and the lot's proximity to the town's well fields. Applicant Peter Craconis withdrew the application without prejudice following a public hearing in which multiple board members said they would not vote yes under any redesign, with one member stating the board was "trying to fit too much" onto a lot less than half the size of conventional parcels in the area. The board also closed a public hearing on a proposed solar energy bylaw without action, announcing the bylaw will not go to spring Town Meeting and will instead return for a fall hearing after outstanding town counsel and departmental reviews are completed. Late in the meeting, the board signaled intent to apply for a state Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness planning grant, expected to yield roughly $25,000, with an additional request to update the town's expired hazard mitigation plan.