Politics & Government

Westwood Planning Board Approves Renovations to Local Nursery

After continuing the hearing several times, the Westwood Planning Board finally approved the plans for renovations at a local business.

After asking for revised plans several times, the Westwood Planning Board Tuesday night approved the application for renovations at a residential business on High Street. 

Joseph Flanagan, who owns and runs Harlequin Nursery out of his property at 215 High St., has been granted a thumbs up to move forward with renovations he wishes to complete to the parking lot and entrance-way to the business.

The Planning Board's approval comes after continuing several times a hearing to consider alterations to the property's existing driveway, as well as the installation of a gravel parking lot, landscape display area and a display sign for the nursery. 

Find out what's happening in Westwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The hearing was also meant to consider Limited Environmental Impact and Design Review (EIDR) of the nursery. Because Flanagan's business is of agricultural nature, he is exempt from certain zoning bylaws; he is not obligated to apply for a building permit, as no structural renovations are occurring, only site work to the property's landscape.

Flanagan originally presented plans for the renovations in July, but the Board felt at the time that Flanagans plans were inadequate, and asked him to return with a modified design after seeking counsel from Town Engineer Jeff Bina. (The Board, however, did approve for the construction and installation of a business display sign.)

Find out what's happening in Westwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Flanagan presented his modifications at a meeting in early August, but the Board felt little had been improved on the plans to move forward, and asked Flanagan to again amend them in order to better portray what renovations were being made and where, as well as a clearer dimensional layout.

Board members found Flanagan's new set of plans to be fit for what they were looking for.

"I think the concerns of the Planning Board are the access to the driveway," said Planning Board Secretary John J. Wiggin. "Now we have a dimension that we're approving. At least there's some dimensioning on it."

Added Board member Bruce Montgomery, "It looks like the stuff is in the right place." 

The approval, however, is still subject to several conditions.

The Planning Board is looking to confirm with Bina that there are no potential runoff issues that could affect neighboring land and/or High Street. 

"I would like the engineer to check the plan and see if he thinks it looks okay," said Planning Board Vice Chairman Steven Olanoff. 

While Flanagan assured the Board that Bina, who was not present at Tuesday night's meeting, visited the grounds of the nursery, Board members still looked to verify the matter with Bina. 

The approval is also pending the installation of two "No-Parking" signs in the driveway of the residence, as well as clear indication to patrons of where to park at the business. The plans indicate that customers can park in a circular parking area at the top of the driveway that would be suited for at least 12 vehicles. The Board also wanted to ensure that enough space would be available for vehicles to turn around.

Meanwhile, Flanagan was also asked to move the main business sign at the foot of the driveway, which faces traffic on High Street.

"He is going to move the sign fully behind the wall so that both stands of the sign are of similar height," said Town Planner Nora Loughnane. "There's a little bit of a grade change."

"I'll move it all behind the wall like you ask," Flanagan said in response.

Finally, the approval is contingent upon Flanagan's completion of $75 in filing fees. Once those aspects are in place, Flanagan will receive the final approval from the Planning Board to begin renovations.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here