Auburn public meetings in 2022

Public Hearing Notices

The Auburn Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on December 15, 2022, to consider two applications: a variance to demolish and replace a non-conforming home at 31 Bylund Ave., and a special permit for an accessory apartment at 11 Nancy Drive.

• Variance request by Bob Doolin for demolition of non-conforming single-family home and replacement with new home at 31 Bylund Ave.
• Special permit request by Bob Doolin for construction of new home within floodplain overlay district at 31 Bylund Ave.
• Special permit request by Daniel and Amanda McNeil for an accessory apartment at 11 Nancy Drive.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on four applications, including a special permit for multi-family housing at 404 Oxford Street North, a variance and special permit for a home at 31 Bylund Ave, and a special permit for an accessory apartment at 11 Nancy Drive. All items are continued or new hearings.

• Sparhawk Realty LLC requests a special permit for multi-family housing at 404 Oxford Street North (continued from 10/20/22)
• Bob Doolin requests a variance to demolish a non-conforming single-family home at 31 Bylund Ave
• Bob Doolin requests a special permit for a new single-family home in floodplain overlay district at 31 Bylund Ave
• Daniel and Amanda McNeil request a special permit for an accessory apartment at 11 Nancy Drive

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for multi-family housing at 404 Oxford Street North after a name change to GM Properties, LLC. The board also approved a variance and special permit for a new single-family home at 31 Bylund Ave. A request for an accessory apartment at 11 Nancy Drive was continued.

• Approved special permit for multi-family housing at 404 Oxford Street North under GM Properties, LLC (5-0-0)
• Approved variance for demolition and replacement of a home at 31 Bylund Ave (5-0-0)
• Approved special permit for construction of a home in floodplain overlay district at 31 Bylund Ave (5-0-0)
• Continued special permit request for accessory apartment at 11 Nancy Drive (5-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued certificates of compliance for 10 Rotary Road, 163 Washington St, and several Southbridge Street and Hill Street addresses. It also issued compliance letters and a submission deadline for other properties. Hearings for Washington St/Route 20 and 12-14 Sword Street were continued to January 11, 2023.

• Issued certificate of compliance to 10 Rotary Road (6-0-0)
• Issued certificate of compliance to 883, 889, 893 Southbridge Street and 20 Hill Street (6-0-0)
• Issued compliance letter to owner of 103 Tinker Hill Rd (6-0-0)
• Issued letter to owner of 23 Brook St setting January 31, 2023 deadline to submit NOC (6-0-0)
• Issued complete certificate of compliance to 163 Washington St (6-0-0)
• Continued hearing for Washington St/Route 20 reconstruction to January 11, 2023
• Continued hearing for 12-14 Sword Street commercial construction to January 11, 2023
• Continued 335 Leicester St to January 11, 2023

Public Hearing Notices

The Auburn Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on December 14, 2022, regarding a Notice of Intent from Nordic Industrial Properties LLC for construction of a commercial building, addition to an existing building, and parking lot expansion at 12-14 Sword Street. The hearing will be held in the Planning Board room at Auburn Town Hall and remotely via GoToMeeting.

• Applicant: Nordic Industrial Properties LLC c/o Fuller's Collision Center
• Property: 12-14 Sword Street, Map 011 Parcel 013 & 144
• Proposal: construction of a commercial building, addition to an existing building, parking lot expansion, and associated utilities
• Hearing under MGL Chapter 131, Section 40 and Auburn Wetland Bylaws

School Committee

The committee approved an updated bus application fee structure and increased the hourly rate for non-permanent cafeteria workers. Members also accepted several donations and tabled a vote on creating student representative positions for the Selectboard.

• Approved updated bus application fee schedule and distribution process (unanimous)
• Approved wage increase for Non-Permanent Cafeteria Workers from $14.25 to $15.00 per hour (unanimous)
• Tabled vote on creating two student representative positions on the Selectboard (unanimous)
• Approved revision to Policy IMG to allow trained therapy dog handlers supervised by district staff (unanimous)
• Accepted $5,000 donation from Auburn Elks Lodge for high school PSAT costs (unanimous)
• Accepted $100 donations for High School Football and National Honor Society from First Congregational Church (unanimous)
• Approved application for a District Procurement Card for the Business Manager (unanimous)
• Approved budget transfers dated December 5, 2022 (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved a minor site modification for 325 Southbridge Street regarding a change in use. A site plan application for 4 Washington Street was withdrawn, and a hearing for 12-14 Sword Street was continued to January 2023.

• Approved minor site modification for 325 Southbridge Street (3-0)
• Approved withdrawal of site plan application for 4 Washington Street (3-0)
• Continued public hearing for 12-14 Sword Street to January 10, 2023 (3-0)
• Approved October 25, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved November 15, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)

Public Hearing Notices

The Auburn Planning Board will hold a public hearing on December 13, 2022, to consider a site plan approval application from Nordic Industrial Properties. The proposal includes an addition to an existing structure and a new freestanding building for commercial/industrial use at 12-14 Sword Street. The meeting will be held in person and remotely.

• Applicant: Nordic Industrial Properties
• Request: Site Plan Approval under Section 9.4 of Auburn Zoning Bylaw
• Location: 12-14 Sword Street, Auburn, MA (Map 11, parcels 13 & 144)
• Proposal: Addition to existing structure and new freestanding commercial/industrial building
• Public hearing on December 13, 2022 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall

Select Board

The Select Board allocated $120,000 in ARPA funds for sewer SCADA equipment and accepted a $50,000 grant for Route 12/20 improvements. The Board also approved business licenses for Patrick Automotive, Inc. and authorized negotiations for a housing development agreement at 16 Perry Place.

• Appointed Stephen Redding to the Board of Library Trustees (7-0)
• Approved Motor Vehicle Class II and Auto Repair Licenses for Patrick Automotive, Inc. (3-0)
• Approved Eagle Scout project to install bat houses at Dr. Arthur and Dr. Martha Pappas Recreation Complex (3-0)
• Authorized negotiations for a development agreement regarding housing at 16 Perry Place (3-0)
• Approved expenditure of up to $50,000 grant for Rt 12/20 Commercial Corridor Improvements (3-0)
• Allocated up to $120,000 from ARPA funds for Sewer Division SCADA upgrade project (3-0)
• Set Volunteer Appreciation Event for April 3, 2023, with Heritage Coffee Shop as caterer (3-0)
• Accepted minutes of November 14, 2022

Municipal Scholarship Committee

The committee reorganized its leadership for the 2022-2023 school year and approved the May 4, 2022 meeting minutes. Members reviewed a financial update showing a scholarship account balance of $7,803.23 as of October 1, 2022.

• Appointed Gerry Delongchamp as chairperson for 2022-2023
• Appointed Ron Prouty as vice-chair
• Approved May 4, 2022 meeting minutes

School Committee

The committee heard initial FY24 budget presentations from district and building administrators. Members approved the disposal of obsolete textbooks at Auburn Middle School and accepted a book donation from the Auburn Elks Lodge. Budget transfers dated November 17, 2022, were also approved.

• Approved minutes from 11/09/22 (Unanimous)
• Approved request for Auburn Middle School to donate or dispose of obsolete textbooks (Unanimous)
• Accepted $4,400 worth of books donated by Auburn Elks Lodge to Swanson Road Intermediate School (Unanimous)
• Approved budget transfers dated November 17, 2022 (Unanimous)
• Conducted first reading of updated Non-Discrimination, Equal Employment Opportunity, and Equal Education Opportunities policies

Select Board

The Select Board approved business licenses for Equipment East, LLC and Homestead Steaks, and renewed 2023 annual and liquor licenses. The Board also accepted two monetary gifts for public safety departments and extended a wastewater agreement with the Town of Oxford. A decision on a housing development at 16 Perry Place was continued to December 12, 2022.

• Approved resolution supporting Blackstone River Watershed Needs Assessment Report (3-0)
• Approved Motor Vehicle and Auto Repair licenses for Equipment East, LLC (3-0)
• Approved Transient Vendor and Outdoor Entertainment licenses for Homestead Steaks (3-0)
• Continued 16 Perry Place housing development discussion to Dec 12, 2022 (3-1)
• Approved $3,000 gift from Fur Friends to Fire/Rescue Department (4-0)
• Approved $200 gift from Charles and Joanne Miller to Police Department (4-0)
• Approved 2023 Liquor and Annual License renewals (4-0)
• Extended wastewater Inter-Municipal Agreement with Town of Oxford to Jan 31, 2023 (4-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a continued public hearing on a special permit application from Sparhawk Realty LLC for multi-family housing at 404 Oxford Street North. The hearing was previously opened on October 20, 2022. No other business is listed.

• Continued public hearing for Sparhawk Realty LLC special permit under sections 9.3.5, 3.2.2.2, and 3.2.2.3 of the Auburn Zoning Bylaw
• Location: 404 Oxford Street North, Map 040 Parcel 082
• Proposal: construction of multi-family housing

The Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing regarding a special permit request for multi-family housing. The board voted to continue the hearing to a future date.

• Approved continuation of public hearing for Sparhawk Realty LLC at 404 Oxford Street North (5-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved Certificates of Compliance for projects at 23 Brook St, 12 Hilltop Farm Road, and Lundgren Honda. A hearing for reconstruction work on Washington St/Route 20 was continued, and a request for more information was sent regarding properties between 39 and 78 Prospect Street.

• Continued hearing for Washington St/Route 20 reconstruction to December 14, 2022 (6-0-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 23 Brook St (6-0-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 12 Hilltop Farm Road (6-0-0)
• Issued partial Certificate of Compliance for Lundgren Honda (6-0-0)
• Approved sending a letter to Fletcher Tilton requesting more information for properties between 39&78 Prospect Street (6-0-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved an ANR plan for 282 Southbridge Street and a special permit and ANR plan for 654 Oxford Street South. The Board denied a bond reduction request for Whitetail due to infrastructure and erosion concerns. A decision for 188 Oxford Street North was signed.

• Approved ANR Plan for 282 Southbridge Street conditional upon review of amended plan (4-0)
• Approved Special Permit for Hammerhead Lot at 654 Oxford Street S contingent upon Board of Health approved septic systems (4-0)
• Approved ANR Plan for 654 Oxford Street South (4-0)
• Denied Whitetail bond reduction request (4-0)
• Signed decision for 188 Oxford Street North

Auburn Cultural Council

The Council reviewed follow-up information for the Auburn Middle School/Percy Jackson and Musical Video Production Camp applications. Members coordinated the process for sending approval and disapproval letters to applicants.

• Approved November 8 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health designated two dogs as dangerous indefinitely following a police officer's injury. Additionally, the board declared a property on Southbridge Street unfit for human habitation due to safety concerns.

• Deemed dogs 'Dobby' and 'Champ' of 12 Willis Street dangerous dogs for an indefinite length of time (2-0)
• Approved Animal Control requirements for 12 Willis Street: 'Beware of Dog' sign, leash/tether use, muzzling off-property, and proof of certified training (2-0)
• Required owner of 12 Willis Street dogs to provide proof of attempt to obtain insurance (2-0)
• Deemed 849 Southbridge Street Unfit for Human Habitation (2-0)

Select Board

The Select Board adjusted the residential tax factor and approved several business licenses and infrastructure petitions. The board also authorized borrowing for departmental equipment and appointed a new member to the Board of Registrars.

• Set residential tax factor at 1.12 (3-1)
• Adopted Small Commercial Exemption at 10% (4-0)
• Denied Open Space Discount and Residential Exemption (4-0)
• Approved Auto Repair License for BJ’s Wholesale Club at 777 Washington Street (4-0)
• Approved Common Victualer License for Lish Nutrition at 850 Southbridge Street (4-0)
• Approved $600,000 Bond Anticipation Note to Hometown Bank at 4.15% interest (4-0)
• Approved National Grid and Verizon New England pole location petition for Westec Drive (4-0)
• Appointed Doreen Goodrich to the Board of Registrars through 6/30/2025 (4-0)

Select Board

The Select Board adjusted the residential tax factor and adopted a small commercial exemption. The board also approved business licenses for BJ's Wholesale Club and Lish Nutrition, and authorized a $600,000 Bond Anticipation Note.

• Set residential tax factor at 1.12 (3-1)
• Adopted Small Commercial Exemption at 10% (4-0)
• Approved Auto Repair License for BJ's Wholesale Club at 777 Washington Street (4-0)
• Approved Common Victualer License for Lish Nutrition at 850 Southbridge Street (4-0)
• Approved $600,000 Bond Anticipation Note to Hometown Bank at 4.15% interest (4-0)
• Appointed Doreen Goodrich to the Board of Registrars (4-0)
• Approved National Grid and Verizon New England petition for work on Westec Drive (4-0)
• Continued public meeting on Whitney Street Home Builders, LLC housing project to Nov 28, 2022 (4-0)

School Committee

The School Committee unanimously approved budget transfers and revolving and special revenue account balances dated November 2, 2022. The committee also received the FY24 draft budget, with a final vote scheduled for January 4, 2023.

• Approved minutes from 10/26/22 (Unanimous)
• Approved budget transfers dated November 2, 2022 (Unanimous)
• Approved revolving and special revenue account balances dated November 2, 2022 (Unanimous)
• Adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel bargaining positions (Unanimous)

Auburn Cultural Council

The council approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Members discussed pending grant applications and assigned follow-up questions to specific projects.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)

Auburn Library Board of Trustees

The Board approved the installation of a physical response box for the “Question of the Month” initiative. Members scheduled a dedicated meeting for December 7 to review a draft Collections Policy and agreed to table further discussion of the Strategic Plan. The October 5 meeting minutes were unanimously approved.

• Approved installation of a response box for 'Question of the Month' initiative (unanimous)
• Approved meeting on December 7 to review draft Collections Policy (4-1)
• Tabled further discussion of the Strategic Plan and Lessons Learned (unanimous)
• Approved October 5 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved Orders of Conditions for a new home at 829A Oxford St and a retaining wall at 5 Bylund Drive. The commission also voted to lift an enforcement order for 10 Rotary Rd. One project on Washington St/Route 20 was continued generally.

• Issued Order of Conditions for 829A Oxford St (5-0-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 5 Bylund Drive (5-0-0)
• Lifted enforcement order for 10 Rotary Rd (5-0-0)
• Continued matter generally for Washington St/Route 20 reconstruction (5-0-0)
• Closed public hearing for 829A Oxford St (5-0-0)
• Closed public hearing for 5 Bylund Drive (5-0-0)
• Scheduled next meetings for November 16 and December 14, 2022 (5-0-0)

School Committee

The School Committee unanimously approved an overnight 8th grade field trip to Philadelphia and New York City for May 2023. The board also approved a $1.50 pay rate increase for Satellite and Galaxy staff and authorized budget transfers dated October 19, 2022.

• Approved Auburn Middle School overnight field trip to Philadelphia and New York City, May 23-24, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved $1.50 increase to pay rates for Satellite and Galaxy staff (Unanimous)
• Approved budget transfers dated October 19, 2022 (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes from 10/12/22 (Unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved a site plan for a church at 188 Oxford Street North. Two other public hearings were continued to future dates, and the board signed decisions for two other properties.

• Approved Site Plan for church at 188 Oxford Street North (3-0)
• Continued public hearing for 4 Washington Street garage to December 13, 2022 (3-0)
• Continued public hearing for Claire Drive and Linda Avenue subdivision to January 24, 2023 (3-0)
• Signed decision for 404 Oxford Street North
• Signed decision for 282 Southbridge Street
• Approved October 11, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)

Auburn Cultural Council

The council approved keeping $555 for administrative costs, leaving $13,411 available for distribution. Members will review grant applications for discussion and voting at the next meeting. The council also planned outreach to 10 applicants who have not submitted reimbursements from the previous cycle.

• Approved September 20 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved keeping $555 for administrative costs (unanimous)
• Set total grant distribution amount at $13,411

Select Board

The Select Board approved funding for a community preparedness program and granted several business and utility licenses. The Board also authorized the disposal of surplus DPW equipment and set a date for a tax classification hearing.

• Approved $99,800 in ARPA funds for Community Preparedness (4-0)
• Approved Auto Repair License for Patrick Automotive, Inc. at 5 Saint Marks Street (4-0)
• Approved National Grid/Verizon pole petition for Bancroft Street (3-1)
• Approved National Grid/Verizon pole petition for Boyden Ln. (3-1)
• Approved Drainlayer License for SMH, Inc. of Boylston, MA (4-0)
• Approved Schedule of Fees and Schedule of Fines as presented (4-0)
• Declared 2007 Sterling LT7500 Combination Jet/Vac Truck as surplus (4-0)
• Approved $4,600 MEMA grant application for CodeRED costs (4-0)

Public Hearing Notices

The Auburn Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on October 20, 2022, to consider two special permit applications. One is for a home occupation at 3 Vincent Street, and the other is for construction of a multi-family housing unit at 404 Oxford Street North.

• Special permit for home occupation at 3 Vincent Street (Map 017, Parcel 054) under Section 3.9.1.2
• Special permit for multi-family housing at 404 Oxford Street North (Map 040, Parcel 082) under Sections 9.3.5, 3.2.2.2, and 3.2.2.3

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two special permit applications. One is for a home occupation at 3 Vincent Street, the other for multi-family housing at 404 Oxford Street North.

• Michael and Bethany Schroeder request a special permit for a home occupation at 3 Vincent Street (Map 017, Parcel 054) under Section 3.9.1.2.
• Sparhawk Realty LLC requests a special permit for multi-family housing at 404 Oxford Street North (Map 040, Parcel 082) under Sections 9.3.5, 3.2.2.2, and 3.2.2.3.

Public Hearing Notices

The Auburn Conservation Commission is holding a public hearing to review a Notice of Intent. The body will consider a request regarding construction at 829A Oxford St.

• Notice of Intent for 829A Oxford St (Map 077 Parcel 010) to construct a 3-bedroom house, septic system, and well

Public Hearing Notices

The Auburn Planning Board will hold public hearings to consider two site plan approval applications. These requests involve new developments at 404 Oxford Street N and 17 Curtis Street.

• Site Plan Approval for a two building, 6 unit multi-family development at 404 Oxford Street N
• Site Plan Approval for a daycare at 17 Curtis Street

Public Hearing Notices

The Auburn Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the Table of Uses, Section 3.2.2.3 Apartments, of the Auburn Zoning Bylaw. The meeting includes both in-person and remote participation options.

• Proposed zoning bylaw amendment to Section 3.2.2.3 Apartments

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two special permit requests. The board will consider an accessory apartment and an addition to a nonconforming structure.

• Special Permit request for an accessory apartment at 58 Adella Street
• Special Permit request for an addition to a nonconforming structure at 129 Wallace Ave

Public Hearing Notices

The Auburn Conservation Commission will hold public hearings to review four applications regarding wetland buffer zones and jurisdictional resource areas. The body will determine if proposed constructions and projects comply with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and local bylaws.

• Notice of Intent for an inground swimming pool at 15 Bridle Path
• Notice of Intent for a multi-family development at 404 Oxford Street North
• Request for Determination of Applicability for 189 Southbridge St
• Request for Determination of Applicability for a portion of I-90 east by the MA Department of Transportation

Public Hearing Notices

The Auburn Planning Board will hold public hearings on September 13, 2022, regarding two applications. These include a request for a temporary outdoor tent and truck installation at 385 Southbridge Street and a site plan approval for a plastics manufacturer at 313 Washington Street.

• Special Permit: Temporary outdoor tent and truck for meat sale at 385 Southbridge Street
• Site Plan Approval: Plastics manufacturer at 313 Washington Street

Public Hearing Notices

The Auburn Conservation Commission is holding a public hearing to review two Requests for Determination of Applicability. The body will discuss proposed site work and tree removal in accordance with wetland bylaws.

• Request to construct a single-family house, utilities, driveway, and site grading at 13 Prentice Avenue
• Request to remove a tree approximately 25 feet from Dark Brook Reservoir at 173 Leicester Street

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board will conduct public hearings regarding several special permit requests. These include an accessory apartment, two home occupations, and an automotive shop in an Aquifer II Zone.

• Accessory Apartment at 58 Adella Street
• Home occupation at 196 Prospect Street
• Home occupation (non-retail) at 218 West Street
• Automotive sales, service and repair shop in an Aquifer II Zone

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing regarding a Special Permit request. Applicant Michael Chumsae is requesting permission for an accessory apartment located at 58 Adella Street.

• Special Permit request for an accessory apartment at 58 Adella Street

Parks Recreation and Cemetery

The committee will meet to reorganize its membership and receive updates on parks and cemetery operations. Members will discuss the June 30 Independence Day event, farmers and cultural markets, and the concert series.

• Committee reorganization and membership
• Independence Day Event on June 30
• Farmers and Cultural Markets
• Concert Series
• Recreational Sports Leagues and Exercise Classes

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct public hearings regarding a new electronic message center sign, an accessory apartment, and a commercial building addition. The board also noted upcoming changes to remote meeting regulations.

• Special Permit for an electronic message center sign at 123 Auburn St
• Special Permit for an accessory apartment at 855 Oxford Street South
• Aquifer Special Permit for a commercial building addition at 9 Saint Mark Street

Youth Commission

The Youth Commission will meet via remote participation to discuss and review the Auburn Youth and Family Services contract.

• Review of Auburn Youth and Family Services contract

Youth Commission

The Youth Commission will meet via remote participation to discuss and review a contract with Auburn Youth and Family Services.

• Discussion and review of Auburn Youth and Family Services contract

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a request by Signarama Worcester on behalf of Xpress Stop. The applicant is seeking a Special Permit to exceed height restrictions at 321 Southbridge Street.

• Special Permit request for height restriction variance at 321 Southbridge Street

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a special permit request. The applicant, Carretela Inc, is seeking an Aquifer Special Permit for a property located at 317 Southbridge Street.

• Public hearing for Carretela Inc regarding an Aquifer Special Permit at 317 Southbridge Street (Map 025 Parcel 027)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board will hold a public hearing regarding a non-conforming structure at 13 Phoenix Road. Additionally, the Board will discuss increasing the abutter mailing fee from $1 to $2.

• Special Permit request for a Non-Conforming Structure at 13 Phoenix Road
• Discussion regarding increasing mailing fee from $1 to $2 per abutter

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding three separate property requests. The board will consider special permits and a variance for projects on Dale Ave, Montclair Dr, and Central St.

• Special Permit for a non-conforming structure at 6 Dale Ave
• Variance for light vehicular and equipment sales use at 16 Montclair Dr
• Special Permit to build 12 townhouses at 262 Central St

Youth Commission

The Youth Commission will meet via remote participation to discuss the upcoming fiscal year. The primary agenda item is the approval of the FY 2023 budget.

• Approve the FY 2023 budget