Planning Board
To the Residents of East
Longmeadow:
In the year 2006, the Planning
Board presided over 26 regular semi-monthly meetings, and held 28 Public
Hearings reviewing plans and hearing proposals for twenty-nine (29) non-sub
plans, nine (9) Special Permits, numerous parking plans, thirty-five (35) sign
approvals, thirteen (13) applications for Site Plan Review, thirty (30)
requests for Waiver of Site Plan Review and six (6) definitive subdivisions.
As in previous years, it continues to be the goal of the Planning Board to
protect the character of East Longmeadow by encouraging sound economic
development while preserving the Town’s New England atmosphere.
The year 2006 was equally challenging and rewarding for
the Planning Board. The Center Square project is close to fruition with the
addition of Spoletto’s Restaurant, Starbucks, Gilberts, Verizon Family Wireless
and Supercuts. The Board continues to oversee the project with the optimism
that their goals of 2005 for a charismatic and enjoyable feel that will enhance
the hometown atmosphere will be reached. The Board also approved plans for the
new Planned Adult Residential project on Chestnut Street and construction has
begun. It is anticipated that the first phase will be completed within the next
year with Phase 2 to start concurrently. Construction of the 130 suite
Retirement Residence facility is underway with the expectation of occupancy
this fall. This facility is located at Parker Street on a new road to be
named Apple Blossom Lane. This facility will house persons aged sixty-two (62)
or older or for handicapped persons, with some shared facilities and services
that will include meals, housekeeping and personal care assistance.
The Greatwoods subdivision added phase ten which consists of
fourteen (14) houses; Halon Estates has completed seven (7) homes and Lori Lane
Extension four (4) houses. On the business side, among other projects, Benton
Professional Partners has begun the construction of Phase One consisting of a
30,000 square foot professional building in the Industrial Garden District,
with additional phases to be constructed in the future. Several other
businesses are in the construction phase with fall schedules. Hampden County
Physicians and Field, Eddy & Bulkley and an undisclosed bank, through Pearson
Systems, Inc., will move into a newly constructed twenty six thousand (26,000) square
foot office building owned by Chapdelaine Realty Trust, Inc. to be constructed
at 94 – 96 Shaker Road; Premiere Source Credit Union is constructing a
new 9,000 square foot building on property located at 232 North Main Street;
Roland Bretta is constructing a 2,160 square foot building for retail and
office purposes on property located at 603 North Main Street ; and John and
Rose Romito added a night time café to their deli on North Main Street.
At the Annual Town Meeting held on May 1, 2006, the
Planning Board supported and the taxpayers voted favorably in support of a Petitioned
Article to Amend the Zoning By-laws by adding a paragraph to the sign by-law
which stated that no flashing, blinking or LED displays would be allowed.
Further, all illumination shall have a source of light from within or exterior
to the sign and shall not contain any changeable test and/or graphic display.
In addition, at the Annual Town meeting held on May 1,
2006, through the request and recommendation of the Planning Board and voted
favorably by the taxpayers, the Zoning Map was updated to show the new zones
and boundaries voted at previous town meetings.
Also at the Annual Town meeting
held on May 1, 2006, through request of James Driscoll, the Planning Board
supported and the taxpayers voted favorably in support of an Article to Amend
the Zoning By-laws by limiting the size of retail buildings to sixty-five
thousand (65,000) square feet.
At a Special Town Meeting held on October 23, 2006, the
Planning Board supported, and the taxpayers voted favorably in support of a
Petitioned Article of R.E. LaPlante Construction et al to Amend the Zoning
By-laws by removing land from an industrial and residential c zoning district
and establishing the same as a commercial district. The property is located at
94 Maple Street. Also at this meeting, the Planning Board and the Board of
Public Works recommended, and the town accepted, nine (9) streets, which
enables the town to be eligible for additional Chapter 90 monies for roadways.
In addition, the Planning Board recommended to Amend the Zoning By-laws by
adding the use of a medical clinic in the Industrial Garden District. This was
voted favorably by the taxpayers.
Throughout the past year, the Planning Board has worked on
by-law proposals for clearer Zoning definitions and specific dimensional
regulations. The Board will continue to work on updating the by-laws as the
year continues. The Board has presided over 28 public hearings and thanks the
public for their participation.
On behalf of the Planning Board, Robyn Macdonald, Director
of Planning, continues to work with GIS with the hopes of completing the permitting
portion of the software which will allow all Town departments to electronically
track individual sites and projects, keeping updated on procedures of other
departments through the system, thus enabling more precise permitting while
creating electronic files for easy access and precise archiving.
The Town continues to see and
welcomes new businesses and residents to town. The members enjoy and encourage all
residents to attend their meetings and they appreciate any input and/or
comments regarding the development issues for the Town.
The Board continues to meet
routinely on alternate Tuesdays and welcomes any and all comments, and reminds
the community that its meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to
attend. The public is also invited to visit the Town’s own website which is continually
updated, at www.eastlongmeadow.org
As with every year, James T.
Donahue, Esquire proves to be an essential resource to the Board by providing
unparalleled legal services when requested by the Board.
The Planning Board, along with
the Conservation Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, recognizes and thanks
Robyn D. Macdonald, Director, and Donna Rau, Administrative Assistant, for
their dedication and hard work throughout the year. The Planning Board would
like to offer its appreciation and special thanks to the Board of Selectmen,
Board of Public Works, Police Department, Fire Department, Board of Assessors,
Building Inspector, and all others for their cooperation, expertise and
contributions at work sessions and hearings.
Respectfully submitted,
Louis A. Calabrese, Chairperson
Marilyn M. Richards, Vice-Chairperson
Donald J. Anderson, Clerk
Thomas J. Morrissette
Michael S. Przybylowicz
