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
Ara Yogurtian, Inspection/Enforcement Officer
Pauline M. Daniels, Administrative Assistant II
Adriana D’Andrea, Administrative Assistant I
Kathleen Mason, Administrative Secretary
PART TIME PERSONNEL
John D. MacDonald, Plumbing and Gas Inspector
Paul R. Winters, Sealer of Weights and Measures (through 6/30/03)
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 2003, 12 houses, 18 demolitions, 104 additions, 11 decks, 3 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 2003 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 (9) Notices of Intent, (1) Extension of an Existing Order of Conditions and issued (2) Certificates 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 2003 the Highway Department and Engineering Division continued to work closely on many and varied projects. Primarily, we worked together on 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 five sanitary sewer connections during the year. We also made ten studies of rear yard flooding or wet basement inspections, as well as, four gutter studies, in each case appropriate recommendations were made.
Recreation Department
During 2003, 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 a recommended surface treatment plan.
In 2003 the following roads were reconstructed:
Street |
From |
To |
Comments |
Brighton Street |
Pleasant Street |
Eliott Road |
Complete |
Clifton Street |
Prospect Street |
Pleasant Street |
Roadway only complete |
Prospect Street |
Clifton Street |
Park Avenue Circle |
Roadway only complete |
Cushing Avenue |
Oak Avenue |
Pine Street |
Complete |
Oak Avenue |
Payson Road |
Trapelo Road |
Complete |
Payson Road |
Common Street |
Oakley Road |
Complete |
Pine Street |
Payson Road |
Trapelo Road |
Complete |
White Street |
Belmont Street |
Trapelo Road |
Complete |
In 2003 we began incorporating traffic calming measures into our roadway designs. On White Street we created several neck downs along the road to encourage traffic to slow down. We also raised the intersection of Sycamore Street and White Street making the crosswalks more visible to motor vehicle operators. We also began constructing neck downs on Trapelo Road. We anticipate completing this work on Trapelo Road in 2004.
Health Department
The Office of Community Development worked very closely with the Health Department in 2003. 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 2003, 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 2003 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 and provide court testimony to assist in court hearings.
Sanitary Sewers
During 2003 private contractors made five connections to the sanitary sewer.
The sanitary sewer system was subdivided into 23 subdistricts 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. In 2003 design and construction drawings were completed and construction is expected to begin in the spring 2004.
Storm Sewers
We made 12 studies of rear yard flooding/wet basement conditions during 2003. The Highway Department or private contractor made 11 connections to properties 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 2003 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 Massachusetts 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 5.7 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 Chairman 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, the project is advertised for bidding and the reconstruction of Pleasant Street is expected to begin in the spring of 2004.
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 2003, this division processed 775 building permits, received 41 possible zoning violation complaints, 12 possible code complaints and 28 general bylaw violation complaints. Estimated total building construction value was $30,912,765.15. 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-Chairman of the Board. In January 2002 your Director was elected Chairman of the Board.
As a result of the horrific fire at the Station Night Club in West Warwick, Rhode Island on February 20, 2003, Governor Romney appointed a task force to review all applicable Massachusetts Laws & Regulations. Your Director served on this task force. The task force concluded its work in September and presented its recommendations to Governor Romney. Legislative & regulatory changes are currently being reviewed.
Income for the calendar year 2003 from Building Permits totaled $588,427 and income from Plumbing, Gas, Board of Appeal, Certificate of Inspections, Home Occupation, Signs, etc. totaled $56,658. Total income received by this division was $645,085.
During 2003, 490 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 $29,134.
During 2003, 274 gas permits were issued for which all necessary inspection and re_inspections were made. Total income received $8,171.
Zoning Board of Appeals
During 2003, the Zoning Board of Appeals conducted 41 petitions with the following results:
Special Permits |
38 |
Variances |
7 |
Amended |
0 |
Site Plan Reviews |
5 |
Zoning Relief |
1 |
Withdrawn |
3 |
Denied |
6 |
Granted |
32 |
Pending |
0 |
Appeal |
0 |
Residential applications |
31 |
Commercial applications |
9 |
Institutions |
1 |
Total application fees: |
$10,350 |
Your Planning Coordinator attended all of the hearings
State Building Code
During 2003, as part of the duties required by the Massachusetts State Building Code, this division inspected 101 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 2003 totaled $3,228.00. 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 2003.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas G. Gatzunis, P.E., Director of Community Development
PLANNING DIVISION
The responsibilities of the Planning Division include providing public assistance on all land-use related questions, generating and reviewing plans, drafting reports, grant applications, and Request For Proposals (RFP’s), reviewing development proposals, scheduling board and committee meetings, representing the town at various local and regional events, acting as liaisons to other departments and committees, and being available to respond to any other planning/zoning related issues. Staff includes Senior Planner Timothy Higgins and Planning Coordinator Jeffrey Wheeler. Details and some highlights of the year follow.
Staff planners provided support and attended most every meeting of the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Belmont Vision 21 Implementation Committee and the McLean Land Management Committee. Planners also provided support and/or technical assistance to the Board of Selectmen, the Fair Housing Committee, the Belmont Housing Trust, Business and Economic Development Planning Group, and the Historic District Commission.
The most significant project completed by the Planning Division was the Belmont Economic Development Study. This 14 month planning process actively involved both planners and focused on the Trapelo Road/Belmont Street corridor. It was commonly referred to as the “Corridor Study.” Planners worked cooperatively with the Cecil Group, a Boston-based land-use consultant retained to produce the Study. This pro-active planning process was the first of its kind in Belmont. It emphasized public participation and over 15 public meetings were held throughout the year. Staff created a web page dedicated to the project to facilitate and promote the distribution of information in a timely manner to a wide range of interested citizens. Numerous articles were submitted to the Belmont Citizen Herald as
another vehicle to increase public awareness. Hundreds of hours were spent completing this Study and five zoning articles were successful at the 2003 Special Town meeting. Over 30 recommendations assure that implementation will occur over the long term and create many spin-off projects and future zoning amendments for staff planners to draft.
O’Neill properties, owners of the Belmont Uplands returned to the Town in 2003 to request a second rezoning to allow a high density, multi-family, residential development on their property. Town Meeting previously approved the re-zoning for an office building and “R & D” building in the spring of 2002. However, the real estate market for office space declined and forced O’Neill to reconsider their plans. Staff worked cooperatively with the development team from O’Neill, the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board and Town consultants to craft a proposal that could fulfill the Town’s needs. The Planning Board opened a public hearing on the proposal but its review was not complete by the end of the year and will continue into the next year. Staff will continue to provide support
on this proposal as action is expected at the 2004 Annual Town Meeting.
The McLean Hospital redevelopment project continued despite legal delays. The Senior Planner coordinated the installation of a new water line for the project from Concord Avenue to Mill Street. The new line was installed with minimal impacts and disruption across the North Meadow and future open space. The Senior Planner also worked with McLean and Town Counsel’s office to finalize a new lease /agreement to construct a new telecommunications tower on the property. Construction is expected in the spring of 2004. Northland Development Corporation filed for Building Permits but its DEP sewer permit application was appealed by the interveners before construction could commence. The Planning Division continues to look forward to implementing the three Design & Site Plan Review Approvals and the
Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Belmont and McLean Hospital.
Planners were also involved in several affordable housing initiatives in 2003. Staff spent significant amounts of time working with the Fair Housing Committee and the Planning Board fine tuning the Inclusionary Zoning By-law that was approved by the 2003 Annual Town Meeting. Staff also represented the Town at the West Metro HOME Consortium, a federally funded, regional, affordable housing program. In the past two years, the Town has received approximately $200,000 for affordable housing through the HOME Consortium. Planners assisted the Housing Trust in advancing the B Street and Brighton Street affordable housing projects that were favorably acted upon by 2003 Special Town Meeting. Funding for this development will be provided from the Town’s HOME funds. The development of these affordable units
will require substantial Staff effort in 2004.
In the continuing effort to keep the public well informed, the Division dramatically improved the OCD web page and has included information on all projects currently within the purview of OCD. Staff also wrote numerous articles for the Belmont Citizen Herald on current planning issues. Staff continues to represent the Town at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and the regional meetings on the redevelopment of the Metropolitan State Hospital. Staff will continue to seek ways to improve communication and will continue to update the web page and draft articles for the newspaper.
In 2004 the Planning Division will continue to provide its customarily high level of service to the public. The Division is located within the Community Development Office temporarily located in the Auditorium on the second floor of Town Hall. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please contact Ms. D’Andrea during regular business hours to set up an appointment with either planner. Residents are urged to visit the OCD web page at www.town.belmont.ma.us. 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
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