The proposed construction of a nearly 300,000-square-foot building on Pettengill Road would have no wetlands or species impacts, Consulting Engineer Kenneth Rhodes reported at the Conservation Commission’s July 28 meeting.
Although developers weren’t required to file for any permits to proceed with the project, Rhodes said they considered it prudent to meet with the Commission before going before the Planning Board to ensure there aren’t any environmental concerns.
The site is just under 17 acres and onsite improvements will include grading, parking, a stormwater management plan and landscaping.
Construction is proposed to be completed in two phases: Phase One is to feature the building of a two-story, 200,000-square-foot structure with a 517-space parking lot; and Phase Two, construction of a 93,300-square-foot addition to the warehouse and installation of 111 additional parking spaces.
The proposed site plan also features a privately maintained driveway extension off Pettengill Road.
Variances for the project as proposed will be required for a reduction to the building setback requirement at the side of the building facing Pettengill Road, as well as for a monument sign on Raymond Wieczorek Drive that doesn’t meet requirements related to the size of the sign and its distance from the property line.
Commissioner Eugene Harrington asked Rhodes if they have a plan for snow storage that doesn’t include shoveling snow into stormwater management ponds on the property. Rhodes confirmed there will be an area designated for snow removal.
With no other concerns from the Conservation Commission, the site plan will move on to the Planning Board.
“We have a tenant actively pursuing this development, but we have been asked to keep it confidential,” Rhodes said.
In other business at last week’s meeting:
• Commissioner Mike Considine reported beavers in the Musquash conservation area near Faucher Road are active again.
The Commission plans to hire someone to catch the beavers in the fall, at which time Considine said he will take down the dams.
• The Commission continues to install informative signs in the Musquash.
• Considine reported target shooting in the conservation area hasn’t abated, and was particularly bad the weekend of July 25.
“Hopefully, it will come up at the next Town Council meeting,” he said, noting he hopes to see the Council put some sort of restrictions on target shooting in the Musquash.
• The Commission voted to purchase turtle crossing signs. The four 18-inch by 18-inch signs were funded up to $150, including the cost of installation.