FULL TIME PERSONNEL
Thomas G. Gatzunis, P.E., Director
Glenn R. Clancy, Assistant Director
Timothy J. Higgins, Senior Planner
Jeffrey A. Wheeler, Planning Coordinator
George W. Mahnke, Inspection/Enforcement Officer
Donald R. Belanger, Inspection/Enforcement Officer (Through 4/29/02)
Ara Yogurtian, Inspection/Enforcement Officer
Pauline M. Daniels, Administrative Assistant II
Adriana D’Andrea, Administrative Assistant I
Nancy Larkin, Secretary (Through 6/30/02)
Kathleen Mason, Administrative Secretary (11/12/02)
PART TIME PERSONNEL
John D. MacDonald, Plumbing and Gas Inspector
Paul R. Winters, Sealer of Weights and Measures
Geraldine Cummings, Permanent Volunteer
Atlas
One function of the Engineering Division is the maintenance of the Town Atlas. While this primarily is prepared for the Assessors, it also proves to be a valuable resource for other Town departments, real estate offices, banks, lawyers and others interested in the specific layout of Belmont.
The 74_page Atlas shows every parcel of land, its area, lot number, parcel number and any building thereon drawn to scale. During 2002, 4 houses, 11 demolitions, 105 additions, 11 decks, 2 garages and 3 tool sheds, as well as several lot line changes and subdivisions of property were added or corrected to keep the Atlas up to date.
Board Of Assessors
Along with the preparation of the Atlas, other work was done at the request of the Assessors consisting mainly of computing areas of parcels of land, supplying Atlas prints for tax abatement cases and consultations with the Assessors' Department.
Conservation Commission
During 2002 the Engineering Division provided copies of various Wetland area maps as requested and assisted the Commission with various questions concerning proposed projects in the wetlands.
The Conservation Commission reviewed (8) Notices of Intent, (3) Requests for Determination of Applicability and issued (1) Certificate of Compliance.
Your Assistant Director is staff liaison to the Conservation Commission. The Commission meets regularly and addresses such concerns as management of Rock Meadow and the Transfer Site on Concord Avenue, as well as the area surrounding Clay Pit Pond.
Electric Light
As in previous years, various plans were prepared when requested showing all underground utilities to assist the Electric Light Department with the layout of utilities.
Highway Department
During 2002 the Highway Department and Engineering Division continued to work closely on many and varied projects. Primarily, we worked together on all sanitary and storm sewer connections. We prepare and process all necessary paperwork for each request to connect to the Town's drainage systems, including preparing plans, processing funds, taking measurements and locations and maintaining permanent records of each connection.
Private contractors made eleven sanitary sewer connections during the year. We also made two studies of rear yard flooding or wet basement inspections, as well as, two gutter studies, in each case appropriate recommendations were made.
Recreation Department
During 2002, the Office of Community Development continued providing engineering and survey services for the layout of various playing fields within the Town.
Pavement Management
During 1986 Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., in conjunction with TAMS and Bucher & Cope, were hired to implement a roadway/pavement management system for Belmont. They inventoried every road and gave each a priority ranking. From that ranking, they developed a priority list of streets to be repaired; each with recommended surface treatment plans.
In 2002 this program was updated and the roadways were prioritized. As a result of this, all roadways were classified as major or minor. Prioritization is now given to all major streets.
Health Department
The Office of Community Development worked very closely with the Health Department in 2002. Many of the public safety issues that are addressed by the Building Inspector also involve the Health Department. Additionally, the Assistant Director of Community Development works very closely with the Health Department assisting with the review of proposed septic systems under the Title V Regulations.
Plan Work
During 2002, two plans were received from the Massachusetts Land Court and Registry of Deeds on lot line changes and subdivisions of property lines. The Town Atlas and other records were changed accordingly. One accident plan was prepared for Town Counsel.
The official town map, precinct maps and zoning map were all updated.
Numerous other plans, sketches and charts were made for various town departments, boards and commissions.
Police Department
We worked closely with the Traffic Division in 2002 on several projects such as traffic pattern realignments as requested by different neighborhoods in Town. We also worked with them during numerous reviews of proposed developments that would impact traffic in Town. In addition, we prepared maps of the Town to assist in court hearings.
Sanitary Sewers
During 2002 private contractors made eleven connections to the sanitary sewer.
The sanitary sewer system was subdivided into 23 sub districts during the 1982 Fay, Spofford & Thorndike Inflow/Infiltration Analysis. They rated the districts according to priority as to maximum and cost effective infiltration removal rates. Our program calls for cleaning, television inspection, sealing of an estimated 35% of pipe joints, manhole sealing and miscellaneous main line repairs in 18 of the districts and cleaning only in 5 of the districts which show low or no removable infiltration.
This program has gone a long way toward solving the infiltration of storm water into the sanitary sewer system during heavy rainstorms; thus, reducing the incidents of serious overloading of the sanitary sewer system and backups into basements.
In 1999 an engineering study was started in order to design individual house connections in order to eliminate private sources of inflow. This work continued in 2002 and included in-home surveys. Actual construction is expected to begin in the Spring 2003.
Storm Sewers
We made 4 studies of rear yard flooding/wet basement conditions during 2002. Of the 4 studies, the Highway Department or private contractor made 2 connections to houses and we took measurements and locations for permanent records.
Town Clerk
Restriction lines, 150 feet from election polling places, were marked out at each of the eight precincts at the request of the Town Clerk.
We also assist the Town Clerk in selecting the proper house number for new or converted dwellings by providing plot plans of the property and technical assistance.
Traffic Advisory Committee
In 2002 your Director of Community Development attended monthly meetings as staff liaison to the Traffic Advisory Committee. Truck traffic, intersection redesign, as well as many other concerns were discussed at these meetings. Information and support was given to the Committee by this department as needed.
In 1995 the concept plan for the complete reconstruction of Pleasant Street from the Arlington town line to Trapelo Road was developed and approved. In 1996 the Mass Highway Department approved this plan. This is the first step in the design process for this major roadway. This project will be funded 100% by federal and state monies. The estimated construction costs are 4.2 million dollars. 25% Construction Plans were submitted to the Massachusetts Highway Department in December of 1997 for their review and comments, they responded in 1998 with a disapproval of the design. Your Director worked closely with the Massachusetts Highway Department, abutting property owners and various Town Committees to develop an acceptable plan. The public hearing for this project, conducted by the Massachusetts Highway
Department, took place November 21, 2000.
This project faced near elimination when the Metropolitan Planning Organization proposed eliminating it from the Transportation Improvement Program. Your Director, together with the Chair of the Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator, Planning Coordinator and the State Representative worked very hard to convince the Metropolitan Planning Organization that they had made an error and that Pleasant Street should remain on the Transportation Improvement Program list. We were successful in this endeavor and the reconstruction of Pleasant Street is expected to begin in the summer of 2003.
Water Department
The Engineering Division performed various functions for the Water Department including locating sanitary sewers and storm drains for repair and/or replacement of domestic water lines and main lines.
Notifications of new sanitary sewer house connections are sent to the Water Department to update the sewer use master list for billing purposes. Additionally, all phases of the Water Department 30-Year Plan are closely coordinated with the Engineering Division in order to ensure coordination of utility replacements or upgrades as well as pavement restoration.
Building Division
During 2002, this division processed 754 building permits, inspected and certified 111 places of public assembly, received 41 possible zoning violation complaints, 12 possible code complaints and 28 general bylaw violation complaints. Estimated total building construction value was $29,303,378. All alleged zoning and building code violation complaints received during the year were investigated and notifications were sent to the parties involved. Through the cooperation of the Fire Department, the Building Division is notified of every fire in which possible structural damage is evident. Immediate inspections are made and recommendations given to the owners or builders.
In June of 1996, your Director was appointed by Governor William F. Weld to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards. Your Director was appointed as the designated building official from a town and continues to serve in this capacity. In September 2001, your Director was elected Vice-Chair of the Board. In January 2002 your Director was elected Chair of the Board.
Income for the calendar year 2002 from Building Permits totaled $407,692 and income from Plumbing, Gas, Board of Appeal, Certificate of Inspections, Home Occupation, Signs, etc. totaled $49,828. Total income received by this division was $457,520.
During 2002, 560 plumbing permits were issued to properly licensed persons. Inspections were made on all work for which permits had been issued and other inspections were made at the request of the property owner. Total income received $25,971.
During 2002, 329 gas permits were issued for which all the necessary inspection and re_inspections were made. Total income received $7,617.
Zoning Board Of Appeals
During 2001, the Zoning Board of Appeals conducted 48 hearings with the following results:
Special Permits |
45 |
Variances |
6 |
Amended |
0 |
Site Plan Reviews |
3 |
Withdrawn |
2 |
Denied |
5 |
Granted |
28 |
To be decided |
2 |
Appeal |
1 Case 02-35 ARC (American Retirement Corporation - McLean Developer) |
Residential applications |
30 |
Commercial applications |
7 |
Institutions |
0 |
Total application fees: $6,990.
Your Planning Coordinator attended all of the hearings.
State Building Code
During 2002, as part of the duties required by the Massachusetts State Building Code, this division inspected 52 public buildings and spaces, (schools, hospitals, restaurants, public halls, day care centers etc.) for compliance with safe egress, emergency lighting and maximum capacity. This program requires on_site inspections. Mandatory fees collected during 2002 totaled $3,737. As a means of keeping informed with the State Building Code and its ongoing changes and amendments, representatives from this division attended several state sponsored programs during 2002.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas G. Gatzunis, P.E., Director of Community Development
PLANNING DIVISION
2002 was a busy year for the Planning Division within the Office of Community Development (OCD). Staff includes the Senior Planner Timothy Higgins, Planning Coordinator Jeffrey Wheeler and secretary Adriana D’Andrea. The two planners were responsible for providing technical assistance on all land-use related questions, writing numerous reports and position papers, submitting grant applications, and Request For Proposals (RFP’s), reviewing development proposals, generating land-use plans, and scheduling and attending all planning-related boards and committee meetings. The planners were also responsible to liaison with other departments and committees, be available to the public to respond to planning/zoning related issues and to attend meetings of other boards and committees such as the Board of
Selectmen.
One of the most important responsibilities of the Division was to provide staff support to the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Planning Board convened 17 times during the year while the Zoning Board met 14 times. Staff support was also provided to various land use committees such as the Vision 21 Implementation Committee, McLean Land Management Committee, the Cluster Planning Task Force, the Belmont Economic Development Planning Group, the Fair Housing Committee and the McLean Implementation Committee. One or both planners were present at most every meeting of these boards and groups.
The Division continued to administer and monitor the McLean Hospital development as the Town awaited the final decision of the Massachusetts Appeals Court. Guided by the McLean Land Management Committee, the Senior Planner authored complex amendments to the Conservation Restrictions governing the use of the McLean open space. These changes were adopted by the May 2002 Annual Town Meeting. In November, after a lengthy appeal process, the Court upheld the Zoning By-Law. Construction at McLean zones is expected to begin in the spring of 2003. The Planning Division is prepared to work closely with the Planning Board and other town departments, local committees, the general public and various interest groups in implementing the approvals of the Planning Board. Implementation of these approvals is expected to
be a difficult and time-consuming task.
The Planning Division played an important and active role in the planning of the so-called Belmont Uplands. This 15 acre parcel was rezoned at a May Special Town Meeting to allow the construction of a 245,000 office/research & development building. This project was quite controversial as a similar proposal was defeated at a Town Meeting the previous year. Planning staff worked closely with the Planning Board, the Board of Selectmen, municipal department heads and the property owner to negotiate a comprehensive zoning package that included such amenities as open space preservation, an affordable housing contribution, traffic improvements, and stormwater management. Staff was also responsible for much of the drafting of this comprehensive package, retaining legal assistance and attending numerous meetings to
accomplish this task. The Division will continue to play a key role in reviewing the Design and Site Plan Review application and monitoring the eventual construction of this project. Work is projected to begin in the summer of 2003.
A comprehensive planning study for the Trapelo Road/Belmont Street corridor began in the fall of 2002. The Division was able to procure $30,000 under the state’s Executive Order 418 Planning Program. OCD contributed $11,000 in in-kind services and local funding to expand the scope of the project. While data collection will be conducted for the entire community, the focus of the planning study will be to promote economic development and transportation improvements along the Trapelo Road/Belmont Street corridor. This area has not received any planning attention in over 35 years. Staff retained the Cecil Group for overall project planning and Abend Associates as the traffic consultants to perform the transportation planning work. The Planning Board will provide policy guidance and a public forum through its
monthly meetings to vet the progress of the work and to receive public commentary. Jeffrey Wheeler will be Project Manager and will be responsible for the day-to-day activities of the project. Initial reports are expected for the spring 2003 Town Meeting with final recommendations projected for a potential fall Town Meeting. Additional details on the project can be obtained on the Town’s website. A major aspect of the study will be public involvement, both from the businesses and the residents within the Corridor. This will ultimately contribute to a successful process and an implementable corridor plan. Please feel free to contact the Office of Community Development with any comments for ideas on how you would like to see the study developed.
Staff continued to organize discussions involving the Fair Housing Committee, the Housing Trust, the Housing Authority and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership on the development of Zone 6 parcel within the McLean Hospital zoning. Zone 6 abuts the Waverly Oaks complex on Trapelo Road and was zoned for additional parking for the senior housing and for the development of new, affordable housing. The working group agreed upon a conceptual site plan for the parcel and a planning process that was further endorsed by the Board of Selectmen. The Selectmen created a new committee to administer the project and asked the Planning Division to provide staff support. Planning work is expected to begin in early 2003.
Development of an Inclusionary Zoning By-law involved a great deal of staff time in the spring of 2002. Planners spent countless hours working closely with the Fair Housing Committee and the Planning Board making numerous amendments to a draft by-law. Unfortunately, the final proposal was rejected at the 2002 Annual Town Meeting. This By-law would have required developers of large-scale projects to devote some of the housing units or funding for their development to affordable housing. If requested, the planners are committed to work on this important proposal in 2003.
At the request of Town Meeting, the Planning Staff conducted a parking study for the three major commercial areas. Town Meeting appropriated $25,000 for the parking study. The BSC Group was hired to perform the study and it was completed on time and on budget. The results of the study indicated that there is a significant parking shortage in Belmont Center and that parking in Cushing and Waverley Squares is not as difficult as in Belmont Center. This study has been used by the Board of Selectmen to underline the need for additional parking and to support the need for a parking garage when a new fire station is constructed in Belmont Center.
Planning Division staff continued to represent the Town at the West Metro HOME Consortium. This is a federally funded, regional, affordable housing program that the Town joined at the end of 2001. As of July 1, 2003, the Town will be entitled to $100,000 for affordable housing – last year the Town was entitled to $100,000 as well. While the 2002 funds were not used, the money can be carried over for use in the new year. Staff is prepared to provide technical support to the local affordable housing groups in order to determine how this money should be used.
Staff also represented the Town at various meetings with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). MAPC is the regional planning agency responsible for guiding transportation funding and planning, holding regional planning forums and administering the EO 418 Planning Grant Program. Efforts were also made to initiate quarterly meetings between planning staffs of Arlington and Cambridge. The intent was to focus on the Alewife area and to open lines of communications between the communities. Unfortunately, while Arlington planners were excited about the proposal, Cambridge planners were not so committed and would not participate.
The Planning Division looks forward to continuing its customarily high level of service in 2003. The Division is currently located within the Office of Community Development on the second floor of the Town Hall Annex but is scheduled to move into the Town Hall auditorium in the spring of 2003 as renovations to the Annex are initiated. Office hours remain Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Contact Ms. D’Andrea during regular business hours to set up an appointment with either planner. The Division also provides a great deal of information – including the Belmont Zoning By-Laws and the Trapelo Road/Belmont Street Corridor Study, on the Town’s website. Comments or questions are also welcome electronically at thiggins@town.belmont.ma.us and/or jwheeler@town.belmont.ma.us.
Respectfully submitted,
Timothy Higgins, Senior Planner
Jeffrey Wheeler, Planning Coordinator
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
During the year 2002, your Sealer of Weights and Measures continued to:
1. Check scales and other devices at schools and public work facilities and retail establishments.
2. Re_weigh packages and inspects delivery systems to insure purported weights and volumes were given correctly.
3. Certify fuel oil trucks to make sure that meters are sealed and customers get what they pay for.
4. Advise merchants and consumers that products must be sold "net weight" and consumer should not be charged for packaging materials.
5. All taxicabs are tested for their meter charge.
Total income for 2002 was $2,103.00
Respectfully submitted,
Paul R. Winters, Sealer of Weights and Measures
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