To the Residents of East Longmeadow:
In the year 2004, the Planning
Board presided over 28 regular semi-monthly meetings, and held 33 Public
Hearings reviewing plans and hearing proposals for twenty-eight (28) non-sub
plans, fourteen (14) Special Permits, numerous parking plans, twenty-two (22)
sign approvals, thirteen (13) applications for Site Plan Review, twenty-four (24)
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 Board’s aspirations were accomplished with the
successful relocation of the historical house to its new location next to the
Norcross House on Maple Street.
Because of the miraculous work done by
the Friends of the Norcross House, an eminent tribute to a portion of the
Town’s history is now a landmark.
The Planning Board, in conjunction with the Board of Selectmen
and Library Trustees completed the library project. The proposal proved to be an extensive
project for the town and each person involved in the meetings and consultations
provided unlimited expertise and cooperation, resulting in a first-rate, state
of the art library for the citizens of the town. The Board thanks one and all for their
collaboration and contributions.
Beginning in December, 2002, and after many long hours of
negotiations, on August 17th, the Board of Selectmen and the
Planning Board finalized the cross-easement parking agreement with Mr. Falcone
and Associates, thus enabling the commencement of the first Planned Business
Development project in the history of the town.
The Planning Board recognizes
with great appreciation their Administrator Robyn Macdonald, Police Chief
Walter Niznik, Sergeant Richard Bates, Fire Chief Robert Wallace, Paul
Morrissette, David Gromaski, Franklin Miorandi, Sean Kelly and Attorney James
Donahue for their tenacious attention to the challenging issues which arose
during the extensive permitting process for this project. The Center
Square project, when completed, will provide the
town with a central shopping area with brick walkways and easy access to the
town hall and library.
At the town meeting on May 2, 2004, the taxpayers voted favorably
in support of the Design Review By-law, the amendment to the Flood Plain
Overlay District Regulations By-law and the amendments to the Zoning Map, which
incorporated changes in our Zoning since 1979.
The Planning Board thanks the Chamber of Commerce and local business
owners for their contribution to the Design Review By-law.
During the past year, the Planning Board has worked on
by-law proposals for housing 55 and older.
The members recognize the need for alternative housing in town and realize,
in the present economic phase, many older citizens are looking to a more
comfortable life style in a smaller home, a goal that could be met with such
housing opportunities.
The Community Development Plan was finalized this past
year with the assistance of Denis Superczynski of Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission. Denis recently moved out of
state and the Board continues to work with Jessica Allen on various issues and
grants from the State. Through the
efforts of Robyn Macdonald, Administrator of Planning, Zoning and Conservation,
together with Leon Gaumond, then Executive Secretary, accepted, on behalf of
the town, the award of an Eight Thousand Eight Hundred Twenty ($8,820.00)
Dollar Urban Forestry Education Grant from the Massachusetts Department of
Conservation and Recreation. The grant will allow monies to establish Tree
Ordinances and Subdivision Regulations in an effort to protect and enhance East Longmeadow’s remaining urban forest areas. The Planning Board intends to conduct outreach
and youth education programs that will educate elementary level children about
the importance of urban forestry and implement a permanent connection to their
town trees.
Under Executive Order 418, the Planning Board successfully
obtained housing certification for fiscal year 2005. Said certification continues to provide the
Town with “points” that will aid the Town when competing for grant money
through the State. The Board continues
to be involved in the implementation of the Geographical Information System to
promote automation of the workings of our Town government. On behalf of the Planning Board, Robyn
Macdonald, Planning Administrator, continues to work with GIS to complete 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 Board was pleased to welcome
Thomas J. Morrissette back to the Planning Board after a hiatus from town
service and the members look forward to his continued commitment to the town.
The Town continues to grow in
business as well as residential development and 2004 was no exception. The Board reviewed six site plans for large
projects in the Industrial Garden Park District. The construction and operation of these
businesses will be an absolute boost to the town’s revenue base. There were 24 new businesses opened during
the year and six housing subdivisions were approved. The members enjoy and
encourage residents to attend their meetings and 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 Board recognizes and thanks
Robyn D. Macdonald, Administrator, and Donna Rau, Secretary, 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,
Michael S. Przybylowicz,
Chairperson
Donald J. Anderson, Vice-Chairman
Thomas J. Morrissette, Clerk
Louis A. Calabrese
Marilyn M. Richards
