ZB03-22-12

Source page 1

Minutes of the Meeting of March 22, 2012. 
 
PRESENT: Paul B. Carroll, Chairman 
 Gregory L. Pando 
John W. Marini 
 
ALSO PRESENT: Kevin Feeney, Alternate Member and Velma J. Coffey, Admin. 
Asst/ Recording Secretary 
Chairman Carroll opened the meeting at 6:35PM and read the agenda. There was a short 
discussion regarding the agenda and why the meeting was starting at this time. 
 
Avalon – The Highlands at Canton Meadows – Randolph Street – This hearing 
heard at 6:30PM (PC, GP, KF) 
Petitioner proposes changes to original decision (modification of a site plan). 
Mark Bobrowski was in attendance to explain the changes that Avalon is looking for. 
This all started in 2002 (per MB), Avalon representatives are also in attendance, they 
have submitted background information. This is a minor modification to the original plan. 
196 units issued in 2010, per Housing Appeals Court. Avalon came after this was 
finalized. The Board of Selectmen, Chairman Carroll, Bill Friel and others reached an 
agreement on the scope of the agreement. The developer and the BOS signed the 
agreement. 3 points: #1 – that it is insubstantial, #2 – to make the site more 
“Cantonesque” they got rid of the larger buildings, and #3 – mitigation measures: light at 
York St., equestrian crossing at York St/Randolph St ($300K for the lights, $65K for the 
crossing among others: connect all users to new pipe with no cost to the users ($130K). 
Atty. Steven Schwartz made a presentation to the Board. Also in attendance for Avalon 
was Scott Dale and David Gillespie. Chairman Carroll stated that he did sit in with the 
BOS etc as referenced in the beginning. Mark Bobrowski sated this is an interim step, 
final plan to be an in-depth review by Tom Houston, paid for by Avalon Bay. Chairman 
Carroll asked if this is not approved, what is the plan. Mr. Bobrowski stated that this is 
all we have discussed. The BOS agreed and approved this plan. David Gillespie stood to 
present the technical aspects of the plan. (he showed new site plan boards). Original was 
for 7 apt. buildings similar to Randolph buildings. The new plan is more attractive. 2 
buildings, now 46 freestanding town houses. 5 remaining buildings, broken down, now 
town houses. (he shows the proposed town houses, which are the same as Cohasset, 
Hingham and Northborough). There is 1 family on 3 stories in the town houses. Other 
st nd 
buildings have been upgraded: added front doors, 1 and 2 floor family apartment, brick 
elevations, to change from standard garden apartments. Cost: 1BR - $500-1000/mo up 
to $23/2400 per mo. Affordable units would be $500-$1000 less. 2 fewer 3 BR homes. 
Chairman Carroll stated that 25% are affordable, we benefit with all 196 units for our 
40B count. Mr. Bobrowski said they would have amenities, will benefit Canton. Their