Pepperell Planning Board Sends Nine-Year Fee Schedule Revision to Select Board

PEPPERELL -- October 7, 2024, Pepperell Planning Board forwards first fee schedule revision in nine years to Select Board. Acting Chair David Ganong led the four-member board, with Sandy Hartnett recognized as a voting member after two regular members were absent, through a unanimous vote to forward a revised application fee schedule to the Select Board, the first comprehensive update since 2016. Planning Director Jason presented a fully loaded cost-of-service analysis showing the town capturing roughly 88 percent of costs for major site plan review; proposed fees include a $500 minor site plan review fee and a $125 base ANR fee. The board separately continued a special permit application from Jamie Baker for 37 William Street, where a proposed three-unit configuration on a 0.47-acre suburban lot raised questions about conformance with zoning and the new state accessory dwelling unit law. A special permit for a side-yard setback reduction at 73-79 Main Street, allowing owner Linda Blasky to subdivide and sell the multi-family dwelling at number 73 from her adjacent commercial plaza, was approved unanimously conditioned on a recorded ANR plan and shared-access easement. The board also released dormant subdivision bond remainders of $59.32 for Sharon Lane and $204.45 for Reedy Meadow.