Spencer public meetings in 2024

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a continued major site plan, special permit, and stormwater permit application for a self-storage facility at East Main Street, but action is postponed until February 2025. The board will also review an asbuilt plan for 54 R Jones Road and handle routine business including minutes approval and reports.

• Continued Major Site Plan/Special Permit/Stormwater Permit for a self-storage facility at East Main Street (GoVenture Capital Group, LLC) – continued to February 2025
• Asbuilt review for 54 R Jones Road

The Planning Board voted 4-0 to continue the major site plan, special permit, and stormwater permit application for a self-storage facility on East Main Street until February 18, 2025. The board also approved the as-built plan for a solar array at 54 R Jones Road, contingent on final electrical and building inspections. Minutes from September 17 (revised) and December 3 were approved; October 1 minutes were tabled due to lack of quorum.

• Continued GoVenture Capital Group self-storage application to 2/18/2025 (4-0)
• Approved as-built plan for 54 R Jones Road solar array, contingent on final inspections (4-0)
• Approved revised minutes of 9/17/2024 (3-0)
• Tabled minutes of 10/1/2024 due to no quorum
• Approved minutes of 12/3/2024 (3-0)

Planning Board

The Spencer Planning Board will hold a continued major site plan, special permit, and stormwater permit review for a self-storage facility proposed by GoVenture Capital Group on East Main Street. It will also consider an ANR boundary line adjustment at 181 & 185 Main Street and a continued special permit for a common driveway at 41 Temple Street. Additionally, the board will discuss deed restriction clarifications for 4 & 6 Eagleton and receive a stormwater update from DPHS.

• Continued major site plan review for self-storage facility at East Main Street (Map R35-1-3) by GoVenture Capital Group
• ANR boundary line adjustment at 181 & 185 Main Street (S&N Rivers)
• Continued special permit for common driveway at 41 Temple Street (Jose Cruz) to serve 45 Temple Street and a new dwelling
• Discussion of deed restriction clarifications for 4 & 6 Eagleton (JR Siding Inc)
• Stormwater update from DPHS

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw concerning accessory apartments, accessory uses, special use regulations, and non-conforming structures. The board may vote on the amendments following the hearing.

• Amendments to Use Table 4.2 regarding principal uses and accessory apartments
• Amendments to Section 4.4.1C on accessory uses
• Amendments to Section 4.8 Special Use Regulations for accessory apartments
• Amendments to Section 4.9.2 on non-conforming structures

Planning Board

The Planning Board will continue reviews for a proposed self-storage facility and a common driveway project. The board will also discuss stormwater authority for a gravel pit and a Stonebridge Press invoice.

• Major Site Plan, Special Permit, and Stormwater Permit for a self-storage facility at East Main Street (GoVenture Capital Group, LLC)
• Special Permit for a common driveway at 41 Temple Street (Jose Cruz)
• Discussion regarding Stormwater Authority for NOI/ Gravel Pit
• Planning Board Revolving Account invoice from Stonebridge Press

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Spencer Zoning Board of Appeals will discuss proposed zoning bylaw amendments for accessory apartments and consider two special permit renewals for gravel removal operations: one on Cranberry Meadow Road and one at 30 Howe Road. No decisions have been made on the discussion item.

• Discussion of proposed zoning bylaw amendments for accessory apartments
• Special permit renewal for Leo Aucoin for gravel removal on Cranberry Meadow Road (Rural Residential district)
• Special permit renewal for Royal Crest Farm (Robert, Margaret, & Anthony Moschini) for gravel removal at 30 Howe Road (Rural Residential district)

Planning Board

The board will continue a special permit hearing for a common driveway to serve existing and proposed dwellings at 41 and 45 Temple Street. Members will also discuss dates for accessory dwelling unit meetings and consider revisions to board policies and procedures. A town planner report and citizen input period are scheduled.

• Continued Special Permit for common driveway at 41 Temple Street (Map U02-85-3) under Section 6.2.5
• Discussion of Accessory Dwelling Unit meeting dates
• Planning Board Policies and Procedures Revisions
• Town Planner Report
• Approval of minutes from September 17, 2024

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider three major applications: a stormwater permit amendment for the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District at 302 Main Street, a major site plan and special permit for a self-storage facility on East Main Street by GoVenture Capital Group, and a minor site plan and special permit for a 39.6 kW solar photovoltaic system with battery storage at 54 Jones Road. The board will also discuss proposed zoning amendments for accessory dwelling units and handle administrative items including approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Stormwater permit amendment for Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District at 302 Main Street to control runoff
• Major site plan/special permit/stormwater permit for a self-storage facility on East Main Street by GoVenture Capital Group
• Minor site plan/special permit for a 39.6 kW DC ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system with battery storage at 54 Jones Road
• Discussion of proposed zoning amendments for accessory dwelling units
• Approval of minutes from August 20 and August 27, 2024

The Spencer Planning Board approved an amended stormwater permit for the David Prouty High School project, adding detention basins and other improvements to reduce runoff. The board also approved a special permit and minor site plan for a ground-mounted solar system with battery storage at 54 R Jones Road. A public hearing for a proposed self-storage facility on East Main Street was continued to October 15, 2024. The board discussed proposed zoning amendments for accessory dwelling units, aiming to make them by-right in all zoning districts.

• Approved amended Stormwater Permit for David Prouty High School (4-0)
• Approved waiver request for stormwater permit amendment (4-0)
• Approved Special Permit for ground-mounted solar with battery storage at 54 R Jones Road (4-0)
• Approved Minor Site Plan for solar installation at 54 R Jones Road (4-0)
• Approved waiver requests for solar project at 54 R Jones Road (4-0)
• Continued public hearing for East Main Street self-storage facility to October 15, 2024 (4-0)
• Approved Stonebridge Press invoice of $205.80 from Planning Board Revolving Account (4-0)
• Approved minutes for 8/20/2024 and 8/27/2024 with revision (4-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Spencer Zoning Board of Appeals will consider three zoning applications: a special permit for an accessory dwelling at 36 Clark Street, a renewal of a special permit for gravel removal on Cranberry Meadow Road, and a variance for an in-ground pool at 81 Bacon Hill Road. The board will also approve minutes from previous meetings and hear a town planner report.

• Special permit for accessory dwelling addition at 36 Clark Street (VR district)
• Special permit renewal for gravel removal on Cranberry Meadow Road (Rural Residential)
• Variance to construct a 22x36 ft in-ground pool in front yard at 81 Bacon Hill Road
• Approval of minutes from 6/11/2024, 6/25/2024, and 8/13/2024
• Town Planner Report and New Business

The Spencer Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit and variance for an accessory dwelling at 36 Clark Street, renewed a special permit for gravel removal on Cranberry Meadow Road, and granted a variance for an in-ground pool at 81 Bacon Hill Road. All votes were 3-0. The board also approved minutes from three prior meetings.

• Approved special permit for accessory dwelling at 36 Clark Street (3-0)
• Approved variance for height/bulk relief at 36 Clark Street (3-0)
• Approved special permit renewal for gravel removal on Cranberry Meadow Road (3-0)
• Approved variance for in-ground pool at 81 Bacon Hill Road (3-0)
• Approved minutes for 6/11/2024, 6/25/2024, and 8/13/2024 (3-0)

Planning Board

The Spencer Planning Board will hold a public meeting to review and possibly approve a site plan for a new open-air structure for the Spencer Agricultural Association. The agenda includes a single substantive item, along with citizen input and adjournment.

• Site plan review and possible approval for an as-built open-air structure for the Spencer Agricultural Association

Planning Board

The Spencer Planning Board will hold a public hearing on updates to the Stormwater Regulations required by the EPA for MS4 compliance. They will also review three Approval Not Required (ANR) plans and a special permit application for a common driveway at 41 Temple Street. Board discussion includes the 2025 meeting schedule.

• Review and possible action on Spencer Stormwater Regulations to comply with EPA MS4 requirements
• ANR plan for 503 E. Main St to create 2 lots (Edwin Escobar)
• ANR boundary line adjustment at 369 E. Main St (Coelho & Reynolds)
• ANR for Greenville Street to create lots with boundary adjustment (Tatro)
• Special permit for common driveway at 41 Temple Street under Section 6.2.5 to serve existing and proposed dwellings

The Spencer Planning Board endorsed two ANR (Approval Not Required) plans: a boundary line adjustment at 369 E. Main St. and a lot creation/adjustment on Greenville Street, both by 5-0 votes. The board also continued the public hearing for a common driveway special permit at 41 Temple Street, pending an easement plan, and approved updates to the Stormwater Regulations required by the EPA.

• Endorsed ANR for 369 E. Main St. boundary line adjustment (5-0)
• Endorsed ANR for Greenville Street lot creation with boundary line adjustment (5-0)
• Continued public hearing for 41 Temple Street common driveway special permit (5-0)
• Approved changes to Stormwater Regulations for EPA MS4 compliance (5-0)
• Approved minutes from 8/6/2024 meeting (5-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review three land-use requests, including a special permit for an automotive restoration shop. The board will also consider a variance to combine two lots and a permit for an accessory dwelling addition.

• Variance request for Cody Berman to combine two lots at 41 and 43 Point Eastalee Drive
• Special Permit request for a 20x20 accessory dwelling addition at 23 Thompson Pond Road
• Special Permit request for Sean Wood/SPW Holdings LLC for an automotive restoration/repair shop at 322 Main Street

The Spencer Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance for Cody Berman to combine two lots at 41 and 43 Point Eastalee Drive, a special permit for an accessory dwelling at 23 Thompson Pond Road, and a special permit for an automotive restoration shop at 322 Main Street. All votes were unanimous (3-0). The board tabled approval of the June 11 and June 25 meeting minutes pending clarification on a vote requirement.

• Approved variance for 41 & 43 Point Eastalee Drive to combine lots (3-0)
• Approved special permit for accessory dwelling at 23 Thompson Pond Road (3-0)
• Approved special permit for automotive restoration shop at 322 Main Street (3-0)
• Tabled approval of 6/11/2024 and 6/25/2024 minutes

Planning Board

The Spencer Planning Board will meet on August 6, 2024, to discuss a new lot creation application at 358 Main Street, review board liaison reports for 2025 scheduling and CMRPC delegate selection, and hear the town planner’s report. The board will also consider citizen input, approve minutes from the July 16 meeting, and address new business before adjourning.

• ANR: 358 Main Street / Paul Doray / Create new lots
• Approval of Minutes from 7/16/2024 meeting

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review an ANR (Approval Not Required) plan for 15 Bond Street and discuss a new salt shed for the Highway Department. The agenda also includes general board discussion, liaison reports, a planner update, and approval of minutes from June 18, 2024.

• ANR submission at 15 Bond Street, owner Jay Giggey
• Discussion of new salt shed for Spencer Highway Department
• General board discussion and liaison reports
• Town Planner report
• Approval of minutes from June 18, 2024

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for July 9, 2024, was cancelled. A variance request to combine lots at 41 and 43 Point Eastalee Drive has been moved to the August 13, 2024, meeting.

• Lot combination variance for 41 and 43 Point Eastalee Drive moved to 8/13/2024

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider an ANR application for Cody Berman at 41 and 43 Point Eastalee Drive. The meeting also includes the Town Planner report and approval of minutes from May 21, 2024.

• ANR for Cody Berman at 41 & 43 Point Eastalee Drive
• Approval of May 21, 2024 meeting minutes

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a special permit for an automotive restoration business and two variances for residential structures. The board will also review the Town Planner Report and approve minutes from April 9, 2024.

• Special Permit for an automotive restoration business at 15 South Spencer Road
• Variance to build a 14x28 deck at 24 Hastings Road
• Variance to build a 6x36 covered porch at 152 Ash Street
• Approval of April 9, 2024, meeting minutes

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review and potentially act on updates to the Spencer Stormwater Regulations to meet EPA MS4 compliance. The board will also consider approval for two advertisement invoices from the Planning Board Revolving Fund.

• Review and possible action on Spencer Stormwater Regulations for EPA MS4 compliance
• Approval of two advertisement invoices from the Planning Board Revolving Fund

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to discuss the retention of the current Town Planner to oversee the Master Plan. The board will also review specific site and stormwater requirements for local properties.

• ANR Resubmission for 21 Bond Street regarding unrecorded mylar
• CVS as-built review for stormwater
• Possible action on curb change in the Cornerstone Bank parking lot
• Possible action on retaining the current Town Planner for the Master Plan

Planning Board

The Planning Board is holding a special meeting to conduct a public hearing on proposed zoning amendments. The discussion focuses on solar installations and the creation of a new article for battery energy storage systems.

• Public hearing on Solar Bylaw Amendments (Articles 2.2, 4.2, 4.8.9, and 5.5)
• Proposed new Zoning Bylaw Article 4.10 regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review a request for a special permit to install ground-mounted solar panels. The board will also discuss CVS as-builts and approve previous meeting minutes.

• Special Permit request for 5kw ground mounted solar panels with 16 modules at 23 Condon Drive
• Discussion regarding CVS As-builts

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to review reports and approve minutes from March 19, 2024. The meeting will conclude with an executive session to discuss a letter from a property owner on Ash Street regarding a denied subdivision decision.

• Executive session regarding a denied subdivision decision on Ash Street

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review a special permit request for a rear lot subdivision and a separate driveway. The board will also discuss solar bylaws, energy storage systems, and a CVS as-built review.

• Special Permit for rear lot subdivision at 19 Laurel Lane
• CVS As Built Review
• Discussion on Solar Bylaws & Energy Storage Systems
• Planning Board Revolving Account Approval

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider two special permit applications. The board will also discuss CVS as-builts and review the Town Planner report.

• Special Permit for 5kw ground mounted solar panels at 23 Condon Drive
• Public Hearing for parking designation at 126 Main Street (12 dwelling units, one commercial unit)
• Discussion regarding CVS As-builts

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings and review special permit requests for various properties. The board will consider requests for a custom print shop, a larger shed, solar panels, and an accessory apartment.

• Special Permit for custom print shop business at 152 Main Street (1 Mechanic Street)
• Special Permit for 12x24 shed at 64 Chickering Road
• Special Permit for 5kw ground mounted solar panels at 23 Condon Drive
• Special Permit for accessory apartment in new addition at 89 Hastings Road
• Discussion regarding CVS As-builts

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to discuss solar bylaws, energy storage systems, and an as-built review for CVS. The board will also review the Town Planner's report and reschedule the March 2024 meeting.

• CVS As Built Review
• Solar Bylaws & Energy Storage Systems
• Town Planner Report
• Rescheduling March 2024 meeting date

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings to consider four special permit requests. These include a new custom print shop business and residential modifications such as a larger shed, solar panels, and an accessory apartment.

• Special permit for a custom print shop business at 152 Main Street
• Special permit for a 12x24 shed at 64 Chickering Road
• Special permit for 5kw ground mounted solar panels at 23 Condon Drive
• Special permit for an accessory apartment in a new addition at 89 Hastings Road

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider a $50,000 grant for bylaw review and discuss solar and energy storage system bylaws. The board will also review a boundary line adjustment and a CVS as-built review.

• Vote to recommend Board of Selectmen action on $50,000 ESS Grant for bylaw review
• Boundary line adjustment for Estate of Peter & Carol Gaucher at Southerly Side of Hines Bridge Road
• Discussion of Solar Bylaws & Energy Storage Systems
• As-built review for CVS
• Approval of Stonebridge Press invoice from Planning Board Revolving Account

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two special permit requests. The board will also discuss CVS as-builts and review the Town Planner Report.

• Special Permit request for a custom print shop business at 152 Main Street (1 Mechanic Street)
• Special Permit request to replace a shed with a larger 12x24 structure at 64 Chickering Road
• Discussion regarding CVS As-builts

Planning Board

The Planning Board will continue a public hearing regarding a special permit for a rear lot subdivision. The board will also discuss solar bylaws, energy storage systems, and a decommissioning bond for Spencer Meadow Solar LLC.

• Public Hearing: Special Permit for rear lot subdivision at 71 East Charlton Road
• Discussion: CVS As Built Review
• Discussion: Spencer Meadow Solar LLC Decommissioning Bond
• Discussion: Solar Bylaws & Energy Storage Systems
• Review of Planning Board Policies and Procedures