Planning Board – October 7th

The Planning Board discusses family suite permits and affordable housing lottery opportunities.

Chair Stephen Johnson called the board to order, on Monday night, October 7th. All board members, except Mr. Lizotte, were present.

A motion was made to approve meeting minutes from the September 23rd meeting. There were no Committee Reports.

In her Town Planner’s report, Community/Economic Development Planner Alexandra Lowder highlighted a pending Family Suite Special Permit for 24 Sheridan Lane, which was scheduled for the October 21st meeting.

She also noted an affordable housing ownership opportunity. “Two newly constructed four-bedroom affordable condominium units will be available to qualified applicants via a lottery conducted by the Chelmsford Housing Authority.” Applications are due Friday, November 15. All questions can be directed to Christine Anderson at the Chelmsford Housing Authority Office, or Alex Lowder herself.

An additional lottery was promoted for the 960 Main Street property, which offers two one-bedroom rental units. Applications for these units will be due on November 26th.

Lastly, she noted the town is hosting a “Fall-O-Ween” celebration on Sunday, October 20th, from 1pm to 4pm. This is a free event featuring a “pumpkin smash,” face painting, crafts, and more. Learn more here.

81 Navillus Road: Family Suite Special Permit

Robert and Julann Briggs appeared before the board to request a Family Special Permit for an addition to their home. They proposed adding a twenty-four-foot by twenty-four-foot family room to the end of their existing split-entry ranch, integrating the new space into the main unit of the house.

Robert Briggs explained that the main entrance would be located on the side of the house, accessing both units. A new driveway would be constructed on the right side of the property to provide access to a new garage, while the existing garage on the left would be removed and transformed into an additional bedroom. The design and aesthetics of the home were also updated.

Jim Duffy inquired about the home’s “hot roof”. He confirmed that space was not habitable. He advised Briggs that if they planned to store HVAC equipment in that area, it was important to ensure it was placed in a controlled environment to maintain efficiency.

There were no other questions from the board. Stephen Johnson opened up the discussion to the audience but there were no questions. Vinny Fratalia made a motion to approve the permit and it was passed unanimously.

60 Oxford Road – Family Suite Special Permit

Freddy and Krista Roman came before the board. They requested a two-bedroom suite, staying under the one thousand square foot parameters needed for a special permit.

Ciampa confirmed that the addition would be located on the right side of the home and that a common entry would be added to provide access to the new space. He clarified that this would not “interfere with the two front door rule, because it’s not dedicated.”

Duffy inquired if there would be a back deck added. Mr. Roman explained that while they did intend to include a deck in the future, it would be low to the ground to reduce stairs.

Lastly, Johnson clarified that they were connected to the sewer.

Ciampa made a motion to approve the permit. It was passed unanimously.

Before the Romans left, Fratalia confirmed that the storage containers, noted in the submitted drawings of the property, were being used.

There was no correspondence to be recognized. The meeting was adjourned, with the next Planning Board scheduled for October 21st.