Loading...
14 BERTUCCIO AVE FORM C PUBLIC COMMENTS - PLANNING I� Inti [orn ftliA i o Ave l� f RECEIVE SEP 0 8 2016 / —•---t—���_y_�_Y_I'I co f7ny PLANr�ifJ DEVELOPMENT I Gha�.rn —Acv-se_v, 71 l_G_-�.?–��_�y_I'�_._{�P�—F/-{N-�=1Y 6^_'�3_�t�7�C�-i- ob_Y✓�a-� f� !4 v_'•L- 1 r ve�C4 irk � o_wL �y,_ 1 Ir rn�f�`�,9�� s/u b ►�, �t,� / W lvou.l d ��_C_a�-� an y,�a—►z� ��._�ems a`�' n�-- ��b��who�,��I����—,����61�► �;�_�;� / r � _o u—Isc2e_cf_!_d—!�`f_i�.. '�o C„�1_I v_►�L�.—�L�v_r�.=1 tj r � P--- �y�-��y9_ i r • � � r Ii l , Erin Schaeffer From: Clifford Goodman <gooddrum@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, September 09, 2016 9:09 AM To: Erin Schaeffer ly -' , P. Cc: Mayor Kim Driscoll = L \< Subject: 14 Bertuccio Ave project �-r Hello Erin - 1 am forwarding you an email I sent over to Amanda not realizingshe,,is o�uf yritil-m d-Oc�ober. Can you please pass this along to the Planning Board for me? Thanks in advance. I wanted to inquire to you about the probability that a secondary blasting review would actually be completed by this coming Thursday's meeting. Last week you had let me know that the Board hopes to have someone under contract, but that it seems unlikely an entire review would be completed by that date. Can you comment on that probability? Will the company be under contract at that point? Is it likely or unlikely that the actual review would be completed by then? One other question I have is regarding the procurement of the blasting review company. To me (and many others involved), it would only seem fair and equitable that the company were selected or referred by someone from the City - NOT by the developer as that could yield a seeded result. Can you comment on how this company was actually selected if it has been yet? As you know, all of the abutters are very afraid for our homes, especially the folks living on the cliff-side of Francis Rd. Most of those homes have a sheer cliff hanging over their homes and backyards which is of considerable concern. Lastly, I ask you to pass this along to the Board and would like to encourage the Board (and Mayor's office) to take another good look at the narrative below and click on the links written by the US Geological Service (USGS) regarding the specifics of the composition of the rock on the hill. It was written by a career geologist/ hydrologist that lived in this neighborhood growing up and has studied the hill. I have been told that if blasting begins, new fissures will also change the hydrology perceptive on the hill and there is no way to determine beforehand exactly where the water will go as the rock will have been altered artificially. Once the blasting review is completed, I would expect there to be a minimal discrepancy if any between the two texts as rock composition cannot change unless altered for which the hill has remained untouched. Below is the narrative: "...The bedrock in the project area is clearly mapped by the US Geological Survey gabbro-diorite, not granite as was stated during the July 21st hearing per Robyn Giannopolo's notes that appear below as part of this email thread: http://pubs.usgs.gov/bul/l 163a/plate-1.pdf A description of gabbro-diorite can be found on p.36 of the following USGS publication: hftps://pubs.usgs.gov/bul/0704/report.pd f A characteristic of gabbro-diorite that distinguishes it from granodiorite, which is present elsewhere in the Salem Quadrangle, is that gabbro-diorite contains minerals that make it much more prone to weathering than rocks on the granite end of the diorite range. 1 The incompetence of the rock underlying the area is familiar to anyone who has lived beneath the cliff behind homes on the even-numbered side of Francis Road and who have likely observed hazardous rock falls in their back yards." Thanks again for all of your help through this process and for passing my communiques to the Board. See you next Thursday! Cliff Goodman Save The Hill (978)741-2121 0 oodd ru m acom cast.net Save The Hill on FaceBook SIGN OUR PETITION, CLICK HERE h I u `. SALEM, MA tiwP'.CIInitliliOlU:rrn./0;111f I1111MLtl,1111M;6YUJNIMMgbf+ h 1, 1 l I I 2 Amanda Chiancola From: Clifford Goodman <gooddrum@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2016 3:08 PM To: Amanda Chiancola Cc: Mayor Kim Driscoll Subject: 14 Bertuccio Ave subdivision plan Attachments: PastedGraphic-l.tiff;ATT00001.htm; DevLetter2Meet 160809001.pdf;ATT00002.htm Amanda - I wanted to write the board with a couple of things and am hoping you would be so kind as to pass my comments along. On the meeting of July 7, one of the board members referred to the section in the MGL code that stated the purpose of the Planning Board in cities located in the Commonwelath. I would like to restate that purpose in lamen's terms: it is first to watch over the safety of the people, THEN look after things like where things are placed for aesthetic value. I am happy to see throughout the meetings that the apprehension on behalf of the board seems to be in alignment with that purpose. I would like to point out some information I was given about the makeup of The Hill, particularily that on the back side of Francis St. up on the hill iteslef, (a forty foot sheer cliff). It was written by ex- resident, now geologist whose mother still lives on Francis Street. It points out info that is quite frankly scary. After reading it, and seeing it listed by the USGA, I am convinced if they do any kind of blasting up there on that hill, the people on Francis St are in grave danger, which includes the entire street. Here is the verbatim from that memo, which may have already been submitted and circulated. It is quite alrming: "...The bedrock in the project area is clearly mapped by the US Geological Survey gabbro-diorite, not granite as was stated during the July 21 st hearing per Robyn Giannopolo's notes that appear below as part of this email thread: htti):Hi)ubs.usgs.gov/bul/l 163a/plate-l.pd A description of gabbro-diorite can be found on p.36 of the following USGS publication: https://pu b s.u sgs.goy/bu I/0704/report.pdf A characteristic of gabbro-diorite that distinguishes it from granodiorite, which is present elsewhere in the Salem Quadrangle, is that gabbro-diorite contains minerals that make it much more prone to weathering than rocks on the granite end of the diorite range. The incompetence of the rock underlying the area is familiar to anyone who has lived beneath the cliff behind homes on the even-numbered side of Francis Road and who have likely observed hazardous rock falls in their back yards. I urge you and your board to seek independent testimony from a professional geologist or licensed geotechnical engineer familiar with bedrock geology, use of explosives and the potential hazards to private property and health associated with blasting in the project area. Please incorporate this email into the project record. Feel free to give me a call if you would like to discuss. i Scott Michaud Geologist Phone: 774-207-8918 Yarmouth, MA Former resident at 12 Francis Road, Salem Current resident/abutter: Carol Michaud, mother..." Please click the links and consider what will happen if in fact the cliff does collapse like the studies imply? We are sitting on the edge of a tragedy with multiple people's homes and lives are at stake here. I urge you to not only consider a secondary, independent blasting review, but to MANDATE the secondary review. There is a reason the developer has stopped short of agreeing to it himself: because he knows of the underlying peril here and is afraid of the real answer being exposed here. I beseech of you to mandate this secondary review. A final point I would like to make in regards the attached letter was sent around the neighborhood recently from the developer asking for a private meeting (in Marblehead) as an info session on the concerns of the abutters. Check out the letter, it's writing is scary in and of itself. If the developer can't even make a double check on a letter he is sending to abutters involved in a hotly contested subdivision proposal, if the developer cannot "dot his I's and cross his T's" on a simple meeting request, how can we feel good that he will take such careful measure while performing the blasting preparations, or the hriing of the appropriate people to do the job. Frankly, I am afraid. I am afraid that yes, the hill may in fact crumble and create a nightmare for everyone on several fronts. I know I speak for a legion of abutters and neighbors, taxpaying people that are afraid for their homes and lives to continue to apply the scrutiny you have to this date and ultimately reject the proposal. The city would be doing itself a world of good by simply buying that land for conservation, maybe even make hiking trails up there or a park. As a proud Salemite, taxpaying citizen, I think it would be wonderful idea and would really benefit the city in many ways and I know I am not alone in that sentiment. I ask you to please pass this letter around to the entire Planning Board and we will see you att he upcming meeting on Thursday September 1. Thanks again for all the help you've given thus far in this matter. Have a great rest of the day! Cliff Goodman-22 Bertuccio Ave. Save The Hill (978)741-2121 000ddrum cDoomcast.net Save The Hill on FaceBook SIGN OUR PETITION, CLICK HERE 2 f. . Amanda Chiancola From: Robyn Giannopolo <robyn.giannopolo@gmail.com> - Sent: Thursday, August 11,2016 5:24 PM To: Clifford Goodman Cc: Amanda Chiancola; Mayor Kim Driscoll Subject: Re: 14 Bertuccio Ave subdivision plan Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Completed Dear Amanda and Mayor Driscoll, F W I'd like to second Cliffs comments. I've been watching the city website for the minutes to confirm I heard correctly when the rock was described as granite, but we didn't want to delay if something was amiss. Also, and just as importantly, as Cliff mentioned - the letters the neighbors received from the developer all have the same typo on them. It is not clear what the actual date of the meeting is because in earlier sentences the 24th is also referenced. The letters are also not on the company letterhead, and we learned this afternoon that Steve Lovely was not invited to the meeting. These things make me uncomfortable. I feel badly that Ms. Wilson feels attacked by our neighborhood, but I also worry that my home will be destroyed if this project goes through. The developers attempts to put me at ease contiue to make me more and • more nervous about something going wrong. Thank you for taking all of our concerns so seriously. It is greatly appreciated. Robyn Giannopolo 15 Bertuccio Avenue I On Thu, Aug 11, 2016 at 3:08 PM, Clifford Goodman<gooddrum(d?gmail.com>wrote: Amanda - I wanted to write the board with a couple of things and am hoping you would be so kind as to pass my comments along. - On the meeting of July 7, one of the board members referred to the section in the MGL code that stated the purpose of the Planning Board in cities located in the Commonwelath. I would like to restate that purpose in lamen's terms: it is first to watch over the safety of the people, THEN look after things like where things are placed for aesthetic value. I am happy to see throughout the meetings _. that the apprehension on behalf of the board seems to be in alignment with that purpose. I would like to point out some information I was given about the makeup of The Hill, particularily that on the back side of Francis St. up on the hill iteslef, (a forty foot sheer cliff). It was written by ex- resident, now geologist whose mother still lives on Francis Street. It points out info that is quite frankly scary. After reading it, and seeing it listed by the USGA, I am convinced if they do any kind of blasting up there on that hill, the people on Francis St are in grave danger, which includes the entire street. Here is the verbatim from that memo, which may have already been submitted and circulated. It is quite alrming: • t 8/8/16 OPEN DISCUSSION RE: 14 Bertuccio Ave Project ' Hello Neighbors, As discussed at the latest planning board meeting, I have set a time at the venue below to review the latest plans under review with the board. The plans have evolved significantly over the past 10 months, and I believe having an open, more intimate meeting will allow everyone to fully understand the project and speak your minds without the added stress of public speaking and the confines of 3 minutes to do so. My hopes are to explain the small details in person as well as discuss our intentions and how they affect each property; I want to get a consensus of the lingering issues from each neighbor. If you would like to meet in person and can't attend our meeting on the 24th, please email or call me to discuss a more suitable time. Food and beverages will be provided,so I will need a final headcount by August 20th. J RSVP by phone or emalls 1-781-521-2838 EWacobsonDesign@gmaii.com Meetina Details7 August Mh at 7:15 PM z3 Evan's New York Style Deli .252 Humphrey Street Marblehead, MA 01945 *Parking on street and in rear lot Thank You and look forward to our discussion. Respectfully, Eric Jacobson SAVE T1 :+ ITILL SALEM. MA 41k!! [,OG4hi9:i1.S)H;1f-1"",ttvs-'un<i jai I- .% -r, 7 {2,AQi:d;d:: C¢ Af71'F=1' .4tif`:Gji .y, c ' • - •rhe _'fP �. • i ., - ♦ "': ,`y'^' 'TFC I VOICE YOUR CONCERNS ABOUT THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT 14 BERTUCCIO AVENUE AT THE CITY OF SALEM PLANNING BOARD MEETING 5 WE NEED YOU. LET'S FILL THE ROOM! pf JUNE 2 AT 7.00PM 120 WASHINGTON STREET 3RD FLOOR, ROOM 313 SALEM, MA 01970 HELP US #SAVETHEHILL /SAV ETH EH I LLSALEM u�� m-w 1 I / P. vv� wy nF�-�qti �v rs -� ©rn u��� le �1 ,� tvaS tr`e5�l1irt exu tica1h d �w �.aq� Ie, b V G►` vii ' Ib S w M�►vc i v)-q c ' IA ! C,/e �� IG.Yi '�'� Bt Y'B�C9�� a. v, c� �•�1_ (� LyLp�C<7`J� afl a � l �JDT (� 1 RECEIVED EXPRESSING THANKS JUL 05 2016 DEPT, OF PLANNING & Dear Board Members, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT My name is Dr. Chris Schoen and I live at 28 Calabrese St, located that the northwest corner intersection of Calabrese and Bertuccio. I am writing to you to, first, express my thanks to you and, second, to register my concerns relative to the proposed 14 Bertuccio development project currently under consideration by the board and the city of Salem. I wanted to express thanks for the work the board is doing and for the concerns raised by the board at the June 6 meeting involving the plan to develop 7 residential lots at 14 Bertuccio. Many concerns were raised, not the least of which were the safety concerns apparent with a continuation of Bertuccio Ave, the blasting that would need to be done to develop this proposed subdivision and the issue involving ponds to contain runoff from storms that would undoubtedly occur. Other issues; arsenic on Bertram field, the lights and noise from events there, the trees that would have to be removed and the concern that I raised about the loss of habitat if this project were to go through, also were discussed. I will not be at the July 7`h meeting but I would like to reassert my principle objections, of which there are three. First, I am extremely concerned about the water and runoff situation that would be exasperated if this project were to be approved. Since my house is located at the bottom of this hill my property would be directly subjected to an untold magnitude of increased runoff from storms if all of the vegetation would be removed to accommodate the 7 residential lots. Additionally, the plan calls for an access road of sorts that would be built off of Francis St. I do not see how that can happen given how abruptly the rocky ledge rises directly across from my property. All of the trees and vegetation would have to be removed and extensive blasting would need to be conducted just to create a road that was described as an access road which would not be used except only in the case of emergency. I foresee a substantial increase in flooding of my property just for this access road. The removal of trees would, of course, remove all shade in that area, substantially increasing temperatures in the heat of summertime. So the flooding issue, even despite their "plan" for capturing runoff would have a significant impact on my property. Secondly, I am concerned about the loss of natural habitat. Numerous bird species, and other small animals, subsist in this wooded patch of land that extends from my property, up this hill and past Bertram field over to the back entrance to the hospital. To me personally, this would be an extreme insult to the flora and fauna. When one takes a walk up to the wooded hill, currently you will always hear birds singing and see nature in operation. I do not want to see this disappear. This leads to the third issue, the attitude of these developers. Shortly before the June 6th meeting, when test holes were dug to gauge the depth of soil and drainage, I was walking up Bertuccio to access the trail there and the developer was up there monitoring the testing. He did not know that I live on Calabrese but we began a conversation as I asked him what was going on. As he learned that I lived in the neighborhood he began a full court press to inform me how great this development project would be for this neighborhood. His attitude was arrogant and condescending, to put it mildly. He asked what I thought about the project and I began telling him about where I was from and why I was adamantly opposed to this project. His response was that his project would be wonderful because it was "what everyone in Salem wants", i.e. his vision of what a neighborhood should be and how it would improve the neighborhood with more kids running around and such. To me this was the best indication of why•this project should not be approved. To arrogantly impose his idea of development, to assume that we would enjoy the kind of neighborhood that his backers envision for this location was so off-putting as to be a rejection of our right to enjoy our homes and quality of life in this part of the Salem community. As your board members raised your concerns, you were thinking of our community and what is best for it. The room was flooded with concerned residents that unanimously opposed the project and regarded the developers as being insensitive to our wishes. I believe the developers, who do not live here, do not care about our quality of life or what we enjoy about living here. I believe that they are only concerned with making money from this project and that any negatively impactful consequences are of no concern to them IF they were to develop the property, safely build homes and sell them off. I am part of the faculty of Salem State University and I chose to live here specifically because of the combination of proximity to school along with an actual wooded environment with a thriving habitat. The developers were clearly dismissive of my idea of what makes for a nice place to live. I have enlisted the help of my fellow faculty in the biology department to help me understand what kind of wildlife we have here and how sensitive this area is. I believe that there are many members of this community, including Mary Driscoll and some of the board members, who wish to maintain as many open green spaces as possible here in Salem. And again, I expect that the developers wish only to maximize their potential investment. I therefore suggest that the board take into consideration the wishes of the residents here. Perhaps this space and the property involved with this project could be used for purposes other than to make the out of town developers richer and to build high end homes that may not sell (we still do not know what kind of homes they wish to build, apart from the extremely vague "clapboard design" they suggested on June 6`h). Perhaps this space can be purchased by the city, or a trust concerned more with conserving wild spaces, preserving habitat and perhaps creating a space where high school and college students can visit to learn more about nature. Perhaps a small trail system could be established. Perhaps an arrangement can be reached where the developers could be released from their intention to ruin this space yet still realize a tiny profit for their efforts. Maybe there is a win-win proposition for all parties. I am grateful for the work you do to preserve the integrity of our community, as well as the foresight you have relative to maintaining Salem as a truly wonderful place to live. Respectfully, Chris Schoen 28 Calabrese St (978) 594-5036 Amanda Chiancola From: Beth Sousa Zois <bsousazois@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2016 7:48 AM To: Amanda Chiancola Cc: Robyn Giannopolo; Stephen Lovely Subject: Bertuccio Avenue:the lights on Bertram Field Attachments: FullSizeRenderjpg Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Good Morning Amanda, I am hoping you will please share this image with the planning committee. I took this photo when I returned home yesterday evening around 8:45 PM. There was a match on the field and the the field lights were in use. As you can see, the lights are very bright and when they are in use, which is fairly frequently, the entire area around the field is incredibly bright as well. Right now the trees block a good amount of the light, but it is clear how the removal of these trees would negatively affect the entire street. Thank you and best wishes for a wonderful day, Beth Sousa Zois 32 Bertuccio Avenue t ten. �»rea r�icw� ^v b? i _ m r9 +R� � ... = mz. �v � s .v.� .g-r= "dmG � �" 3 i '�„dii :'y r �� �4� i+ t � � i� L�� $ "� 'fws �' T" s s _ :s �:. ��'..� '�.-sn 'gam"� s= �f �� 5, i s `� '�,~ � .�+'-_. � � � ' s� =t �, ..,€'.n.., i �' ��� y2'f" : t � � 5<� �=''� 5 .s � � "s Sw s � € +k �p i;r, 5,�'m"r M ° � � * xi ?u J'x �b � � 5ti „ x5 3 ':. 'e.�, "^a"a= -'� :i- rc,. dF e,�5 � ,,,° �" w^+:? �m Wa € 'S : m '3 ;�2 ��"�' i �° � � � � Y�'' � ,� � .� � i �k z;. "'��� I..,��i � � `� y�� w m�.'�'�J�,' � ��' �� s .q. J :�sa: Vii: v �.: a" " "e4' i4''""yy _ ¢A —a® i. �� m fi ': ecmn i ., m m =�- m " " ®" F _ ;� � � � - � w h' =- g s`y —�a� -a _ m �� ... " Y.m.m.. :'q i{'f�' ." m :'®.mom � " " '� w®.. { i ����i d t3 _ ±E ' � ' ' PG .R tF ;u _ a 3 _ � Ip v.__ _ _ � - mg ;.. �: .. � .�. . " " � ;.. wi � �' i ...� s �. � � -..p y: Ott R � m %u` .� sVsi'F�", m&�. .:. — � � � }����x �pie '��. � ,� �'*� �' m :-� �g �: : m m. .,; .� mr , .,. m ._.._- . . _. , � .. .;, sm . .�. ' " �' ,� r, (,� ' � ...m: ka ". p � v- _ s 5 � Amanda Chiancola From: Clifford Goodman <gooddrum@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2016 2:10 PM To: Amanda Chiancola Cc: Steven Lovely Subject: Arsenic on the hill too? Attachments: PastedGraphic-l.tiff Hello Amanda - I wanted to make mention of one other thought regarding the proposed Bertuccio Ave subdivision, that when shared with others has caused a new source of alarm about developing land near Bertram Field. As you may recall,just recently the City has spent over$2 million to renovate the high school football field. It was prior to the actual work being done that arsenic, an extremely volatile and dangerous chemical was found in nine different locations. With such a presence there, it would deem likely that there is also arsenic in or around the land near the the site of proposed development. I am wondering if the soil tests that are being run by developer now are even looking for that? The truth is, no one really knows what will emerge from the ground when they open it up and it could become a bad situation all around if toxic chemicals such as arsenic were released from the land. I just wanted to highlight this thought and how it may impact the land at the site if the proposed development. I encourage you to share this with the other board members as this is something no one may have considered until this point and could create a very bad situation. Again I'd like to thank you for all your assistance with this matter,you have been very helpful. Have a great day! Cliff Goodman Save The Hill (978)741-2121 goodd ru macomcast.net Save The Hill on FaceBook SIGN OUR PETITION,CLICK HERE SAVE -1+1 J- fl..L. ��rnriu.i tri ft dub, armu+var.nn evr n- r. `♦Ny r a,r�4 ray�f:f r1. On May 20, 2016, at 9:33 AM, Amanda Chiancola<achiancola0Salem.com> wrote: Good Morning Mr. Goodman, r Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I called the project engineer for a status update; he said they will be drilling test pits today. I will forward this information to the Planning Board. Have a great weekend, Best, Amanda Amanda Chiancola Staff Planner Department of Planning&Community Development i 120 Washington Street,3`d Floor Salem,Massachusetts 01970 978-619-5685 (F)978-740-0404 <image002.png> Please note the Massachusetts Secretary or State's office has determined that most emalls to and from municipal officials are public records. 'Nit please refer to:htto://www.sec.state.ma.us/pre/preldx.htm. Please consider the environment before printing this email. From: Clifford Goodman [mailto:gooddrumQgmail.com] Sent: Friday, May 20, 2016 8:57 AM To: Amanda Chiancola Cc: Stephen Lovely Subject: Crane at the top of Bertuccio Ave Amanda - I wanted to make you aware that last evening a crane was dropped off at the the top of Bertuccio Ave. and is placed in the middle of the spot of land where the roadway would begin. I am thinking they may be there for digging some test holes,but I know the owner is concerned that some of the area on the side of her home will be destroyed. I just wanted the Planning Board to know that some things are happening up there. Thanks again for all of your help along the way, it has been a very trying time for the Neighbors of Bertuccio and Francis and we hope this will be stopped and end the threat to our homes and neighborhood. Have a great day and see you June 2. Cliff Goodman Save The Hill (978)741-2121 goodd ru m(a)comcast.net Save The Hill on FaceBook SIGN OUR PETITION,CLICK HERE <image001.png> 2 6 'NN, (R()NN11?\'[' 8.� rte°r 1'MI1)i? A'IOti'I : . ONE WEIRD-LOOKING � r t y , RAISE THE ' SALEM INVADER t RAINBOW FLA ' NEWS,A2 y I SALEM LIFE,Bl $atAAAd M THE ONLY NEWSPAPER DEDICATED EXCLUSIVELYTO SALEM '•_ ` '3_ + ' BERTRAMFIELD site oeslive Arsenic costs unclear_ site goes live cm Vl/c I Kim ,I'111 .r1'l's l Dr .ms By Sarah Thomas thenwSw:du a ,. „". .:u.nr __c, 'v t le,wn,lero yr at Ctq,lhcial. me Ittill An- IN +'mmol n+Y,. ccrLnn how much addi - d to r .. Ilunal trout removing lifex— t t 1 IY•crm aroemc discovered in the n roti rue.and :d r rt a 7du rt soil of Bertram PicW will u n n•rw'.vh d'o mm add to the 51.9 million al- ,111 1111 b:l t :::01 ready approved fm im- I fr'f i i-• 1 l' i e i r : {'• r 1i r :.,SI in: a j tit, proving the field's athleticAi r;yp"pRr,.lo'Idrr fariltllea. ', t Y 31 til.. ,•. -Thews no exp,etahun plhl -, Io rr v.d~' 1' t x a:,. np!' za 1' A•n+.pa. 1� r t ea 11 ,vl +t will add signiticaull" ' i to the hntrlable but we ' n Tr' h.ev still dont know about tilt I t c: _o:'. r I'.rnnJ w hn, rnst;said Ilnuunick pan- t '`, la it,'I".d 1 :�:d gzlln, ma%ori nide. Rr- 1 n• . 1. _ _ yb �• moving the sod wets al- v 9(� f I!, z b- o r_un read%part of Ilu projret, I but Ihtic al' different a _ rel-u1 .cb;t-,era prorndur•s that need to _ t w-an et. be followed in rases like - u ertv r .i this" rt .r h c�af I•hrJ icovl'r ofarsenic announced tlus week, ' %+flee lwn of the initial 10 The proposed improvement for Bertram Field.It is unclear how the arsenic disco%- Tnebola c:;:'•::o e.. soil ,:unples taken from cred in soil samples on the site will impact the cost of the project...:, it I,- -. rr:,t lura nl Cay'::"r, till- lil'ld sbnv.al :IN,- W6 rseW6 u:-x-bb'A uir levels above to parts orient could have been The city is also ruudpet. hpdrararbons.PCD%, Inebr per million, lite level at Gum Industrial processe-, ing if risk assessment that als :Ind %oldtda•and .enii. Parks and Rec which the wpp mandal- or a byproduct o1'fertdir. will Inodul the projected volatile m} uuc cuur Pd the field by rimed.-f hr er. We daft know esadly health impact fur:ul Indo- pounds.No elevated levels Signup Day hii he.t•ample showed l'9 where it rame IIvidual of hi:b "hoot age of anv or tlwv sobIt:nues 4.b..t, pan,per milii:m, C,wpP"f,An env:r.nr Witton.,,' -r/,.tar Aral av- bav:'a•rm found.o far. . n .•.... "'ITe field wa,, turned nu•nhd from Andover. gn,:n'r u,e of lho field fur "A lot of lha.r chentral.s. •;.nee•.;oh to tan n ov et W tin- trh it 1.90.4. the pntivel, licruved sac {iv,• Neat% Ofluinls hope bet-use of our iuduslrial )..Ip rife and it bvgao to III a:ed prrl,%Itunal, first disco% !hr rrsulLs will be :w:fit- ba&grmmd.ant he fount) Irr,u:', fur athieto,Al the Bred the:111LAIII and will able by mal week, Wben All uvrr till' city, even in to III n::0n.1!5 i•aad when fuilitie,, were be oserveing till. clean- thus will iw umdeavailable, bxckvards,- P:urg:dlu said. 51 lc:rdaut;..r v q•, hnilt on it by till- Works up procr•es,w•hirb will bre to parents and due general `We will continue to do ev- 14'•'rsum.nwrr.r+ Progreso Admiuietn- t+•rtilicd by the DFT be- public. rrything we ran to keep of F11 c'•aws 'P Ill.. lion as part of iln• Sew litre the field is ravnvd The t u'eroAl- p 1 the pnblir inal nfbnand I I::o::.t^s r r ;r dors Ural'Pan :dlo.aid.-['he to till'public. m,vnah7pd fnr petmlenm safe. d:iy Y.): ,M if rG'PSI g 4.1t.al anu mi -- � ;' J . weeks � Bertram Field completion delayed two BY BETHANY BRAY- SiArr WRITER SALEM — With Bertram Field off-limits, Salem High School's football teams will be playing all their games out of town to start the SCeS011. Bertram Field's new artificial turf field is slated to be ready Nov. 1,two weeks later than �6 originally expected. �<�e` The field's SI.9 million renovation hit a snag when elevated levels of arsenic were discovered „ r� in the soil dining pre-construction tests. They complex,behind Collins Middle School,is get- ting a new field,expanded running track,new scoreboard,flagpole and other upgrades. Athletic Director Scott Connolly says he's scheduling football,soccer and other fall sports games at alternative sites until then. L 1 To start the season,soccer teams will he play- Ing home games at McGrath Park;other teams are making do with fields at the high school. DAVID tE/Saall photo Junior varsity football teams will play their fust Bertram field,behind Collins Middle School in Salem,Is undergoing renovations but won't month of games on the road. be ready until Nov.t.Work crews are just finishing soil decontamination,after elevated BERTRAM,Page 2 levels of arsenic were discovered. BERYRAiw: Field won't be finished until November � O Conifuued from Page 1 9 neThe ed to make that happen." "It's a challenge trying to add later,"she said. Connolly said he's still annualg Salem-Beverly s vetsehedule,°one It's t11 Drgscoll to have visitorshstands,fof working on the varsity feet- Thanksgiving football game said. "We're ball schedule. Th town have will be in Salem this year,on the envelope, but we think work"without[hem. to play out of town until the new field at Bertram. it'smauageabie." pushing course, but "we'll make it November;because Bertram Bertram Field was closed Bertram PSeld's visitors' our home bleachers have a s Salem's only football field. June 3 when the arsenic was stands were removed during capacity oaf aboat 5,000.tFor Through it all, he said, discovered, anddecontami- constructlon,and it's looking percent b our 'game,, coaches,students and even nation work — excavating like they won't be replaced in that's sufficient,"he said. Opposing teams have been and removing layers of soil this round of work.The track City councilors approeda very understanding. from beneath the field — `Knowing what's coming was scheduled to finish last ton size of 400 meters;the tions and upgrades at Ber- anded to regula. $1.9 ty in Salem,we'll do said. out of this,having beauti- week, Mayor Kim Driscoll new track will run through t am F leld n01May.1 A state a fid facili I whatev{!1' WP npp/1 to bun where the vl5llm-S' stands r n nhlp 1,pd to hp. t ant will cover S40D,000 of hP t,n„L.�6u oily ie rnennn- 5 . Ri(. 'L>n Arf .� , ,I r, .s7�'r v.O a 5 � ff� ��,I�➢♦(L+ f BY BETHANY BRAY , e ' { U °t ttic'Departmcn[of Envlrontnen +rs,nn,etgitee+K �+ rte'i + x SAMF l}i.Ind�ing'�no`t;expected to�delay��s� M. , p +r� �� ,n'a,.0 ' u w ✓--_ 's i b r r ', ,d�,�a +t lli p�OteCbon tt0 110 fUI th&t6st y l i. (Ity; off]olalsaclosed Ber �eICra171tpLoJect Uutywlll�ITlcrease cost ! Tana cteafe a+ lan to tddlesse ' it am"l.field yCs2Crday�aftCrg50ll.1i ,.'.''� 'iq tT +F ' i p 'tl(h � wNr the tol)lem r �, , t I - L Hll ti r 4ir jJ tests showed elevated levels,of,uncommon for urbariyareas�but,the mstalt tion of anartl5clal'r� �]t;tivill-increase thescost" , �F.: E +br b �_ -c en a^ ,Ir , arsenic + r� ) s urtt doesr t mean�th &we te'not turf field and a panslonlof th Werta tt In 4Lo� et our altns f� _< '��' PI.Chminaly-SOI L'CS S�M�8,1'eFC�Oxncrcl'[led' 'x�k -t n y' EJ rbunning'.t�rack'Cttyi�d'unc+dors aiqun�hmv nilch��Unscoll sa�d,},� bem6_done+t�prepa're,fol_fhe, jnkSupea?ntendentofiSehoolsSte4-.re'cent1yQ& &SfI d, 31 9 aul ygste'�dayYi l'liislsamareaofsod;e,;; rY field ppcommgrenovahon�pco7� tphen RusselLsaidrBcitram�Icld hon bond�fo} the plolect work Is that P%vas going to bE icmov' !r �� � belowttiefields'suifa'c`eEtinche ,�ndniosc�tl��ndlcoc edtyes�terd14, , "I'- �o',I-c. .throu`ghit�anywaVi(�duimg 3enaeaWons)���� :I; r t r gn e p s eii ;fir � SepW� arr wr�1 jh�4� �,; Thts�s=not thetfirrst ivne�cot� lhe;fieldSy1cmHIgltSchools,t}+ Wehavlcnoiknowledgeofony rhec6ntaTminafion�shouldn�tCamin3tedtsgilhasbeenfound amalnfo...... stadtumxls locatcd� unmediate�itsk to atuden�s , delayithe pioleU Datsrollt5aldaJduring a�clty i,enovationgiroject behind Cohms hhddle school �Bussellsmd m,Ua,n en�atl t Ther but t u wltlt(miidease th cost McGraUt Park talpopularyauth. N 3�4 Chankfully�rtsnothebust SalemiVews�r es ,,t, becaysreenvuonmenlal�proto soccercoropleaonMailborougn� '� est tune oi,use�for;Lhat tauhty,�ti'"j1,1 h�e�Lity{ts�carr}en[ly�seektt�`cots vnN hwe�,to bchfolloivcil�as'�Road"Na"s cl`osed�tn 2011>aftel,� �: tMavor[CmtDtlscoll'saldlyestemgbl�s;fot rentivgtton�,rioikrthefiel�9tsexavated^The cit} sotltestsfound+cicv�tedIcvelsof' Irk da} 1lnfoltunately�thtsis�not,'atgBettcam�wField -rt»cludmgwillvolk<v,tthaconsulL"mtfiom�� �� , ' �BERTRAM�"Paet6 r ]]Q����Yr-Cpp"" ' �iZ=- 1FTjIN I , z t°t r- �t,� �t--�t"i aF CC ul � fll � ,� . C +I Y 9 .�m,1 1 v �Ild1� a. u� �rtlPw ck n r4 +1 o-tarsen� p IA A LSI ��rt{ n b��hel®w�fie , ' !d- . au '1B' °jIxx12v. � d ured�Jrmn Paye I it ofdhazardous mate)tats tr}',DnsColl Sald yClCRayj"We'-T; - i Its` -ead attd cadmium rA reng7,know the,rrile"s;and''regula' .c - '. saVa�f aOn PI OJCy-�C,VCntUall}t YL10115 dnd�Wf.,rC'tVOrkmg� i f A,' cr capped ghe eontamm�t�d through(th6TEP) 'Wc"re 1 soil all iconsstructedinew famlharwithktiep v e"ss rt r` Id tspo�ts fields. ala rou'ridt` h~r p Yg, rt�rithinkwe°ate'bcgigcau� y l I f2 kothcr mentWes aL they tlous�(in.clo n�geBet tranir j(r t , �, x iHFSeld)Mbtll?rd t other+he safe i u i c R. OVat10115'at FU rlongt th in+sally' ?n` fit GPark on Frahkhn Sheet(�BldsfoltheBertralri;>leld' �c r.rn nM-3 ym`�n l+h --r rt of -Za- wete+tem rarll stalledt+n},renouatlo vorkyare°duea �r ly a n.1F'! vI.V. , a 2010as11ead'aiidotherchem June litn� ;d icals were fo`un'd In`'the swl d ° ° rx4e ,r B+,ethany6Bray can be< y' ra z' �'a.<x-r ')ust about; very park �reaclted'at bbiay�ta' �r"�i� s ; C r i ,�Mnrr 'i„e s ,tn .(+( ri r� � soler/1kM.a1 r ` 6� hpiolect wewe�"imdertakem�ewscomatldon°TwltletaQo-,� } - +; stn'�Salem�hasrsome+rLype�pSalemNewsBBaf� rY" " c , _ .�...� _„r_�.•'rt`3�.^ut._51 c..z-`µd.+k .,_rv..r. .�T'. ,�.��:: Amanda Chiancola From: Stephen Szpak <s.szpak63@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2016 9:24 PM To: Amanda Chiancola Subject: Bertuccio Ave Proposed Sub-division Attachments: Bertram Field 2jpg; Bertram Field 3jpg; Bertram Fieldjpeg Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Hi Amanda, I wanted to bring the attached articles, regarding the arsenic that was found a Bertram Field during the renovations that were done back in 2013, to the planning boards attention. As you are aware this proposed sub- division is adjacent to Bertram Field. If the field was found to contain high levels of arsenic then the surrounding property may well also contain elevated levels since the source of the arsenic was never determined. The area most likely to contain a high concentration of arsenic would be where the proposed extension to Bertuccio Ave is slated to be located, directly along the fence line of Bertram Field. This area would seem to be problematic as it is lower than the field grade which would subject it to any run off from the. field. I would respectfully request that soil samples from the site be tested for arsenic, if they are not already,and if high levels are found that a mitigation plan be submitted. Regards, Stephen R Szpak 27 Bertuccio Ave. t Amanda Chiancola From: Robyn Giannopolo <robyn.giannopolo@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 20, 2016 8:55 AM To: Amanda Chiancola; Stephen Lovely Subject: Diggers at the end of Bertuccio Avenue? Good Morning, We noticed a digger? at the end of the road by the high school today on Bertuccio Avenue. Do either of you know what that is all about? Has the project moved forward? Thank you very much for your time. Robyn 15 Bertuccio Avenue i 1 Amanda Chiancola From: Beth Sousa Zois <bsousazois@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2016 9:44 AM To: Amanda Chiancola Subject: opposition to the subdivision plan for 14 Bertuccio Ave. Dear Ms.Chaincola, I am writing to you because I am deeply concerned about some possible development in Salem,at 14 Bertuccio Ave. I recently received a letter in which it was stated that one of the few open,wild spaces in Salem may possibly be turned into seven house lots.This land borders the high school football field and the middle school. In fact,the developers have included in their plan a new road that goes right up against the new fence that was recently installed around Bertram Field,with no sidewalk or shoulder on that side,and includes a very sharp turn at the end of Bertuccio Ave. 1 can only imagine how many people are going to come straight down the street,come to that curve and hit the fence where our track team practices right on the other side. i My neighbors and I are not apposed to change or development when it benefits our greater community.We dealt with the blasting and construction at Salem Hospital and the work to update Bertram Field a few years ago because we knew it was for the greater good of the community.This plan,however,is harmful to the community.The only one who benefits from this plan is the developer,who doesn't care about the community at all. If this plan is approved all of us,the entire city of Salem,loses. The property in question is also ledge,which would require significant blasting to develop and would not only disturb the wild life there, taking away even more open space from the city,it will also disrupt school events,and possibly damaging homes near by. It would cost the city by adding seven more households to the Salem Public Schools,more road way for the city to have to take care off,including plowing and repair. In fact,I see no benefit at all to the city or its residents and ask that the planning board please refuse this application for the benefit of all of us. Sincerely, Beth Sousa Zois 1 Amanda Chiancola From: Theriault, Kevin (GE Power) <kevin.theriault@ge.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 8:14 PM To: Amanda Chiancola Subject: Big concerns for Bertuccio Ave, Form C Application There are significant technical issues with the proposed planning and engineering designs. My parents live at 30 Bertuccio Avenue and their backyards will be flooded including basements. Will Salem pay for the damages caused by proposed developments? Which could be in the thousands of dollars... I live in NC and have no vested interest but I will come to the planning processes to see if it will work. Please let me know the schedule of events. The residents will unite to block proposed plans. Kevin Theriault GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Manager, Inspection Services C 910-233-4173 W 910-819-5964 E kevin.theriaultlapge.com 3901 Castle Hayne Road Wilmington, NC I r Amanda Chiancola From: Robert Dube <buzzlbuzz@aol.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 7:04 PM To: Amanda Chiancola Subject: 14 Bertuccio Ave. Dear Amanda, You made a lot of good points in the flyer to stop 14 Bertuccio Avenue from being built, I could wind up with tons and tons of rock from the cliff in my yard and who will pick it up?I have a cave halfway up my cliff that bats live in and raccoons live in,what will happen to them? But it's not just about me,my biggest concern (that is not addressed in the flyer)is anybody in the neighborhood could be flooded from water being rerouted anywhere up there from the blasting& new homes being built,as you know all the homes on Francis Road were built on a previous "swamp"so any change in the water table could give Francis Road a lot of problems with water and who is going to fix that after-the-fact? Thank you, ROBERT DUBE 18 Francis Rd. Salem, ma 978-836-1122 Sent from my iPhone 1 l �. Amanda Chiancola From: Clifford Goodman <gooddrum@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday,April 05, 2016 2:08 PM To: Amanda Chiancola Subject: Comments and issues on construction project at 14 Bertuccio Ave from a an abutting neighbor Amanda and Planning/Zoning Board members, I would like to thank you in advance for your time while reviewing my email. I am a resident of 22 Bertuccio Ave in Salem and 1 would like to address the proposed project at 14 Bertuccio Ave with some comments and issues 1 see that will be of detriment to the neighborhood and am hoping that you might consider them as you vote to approve/reject the application to build. 1 have listed them below in bullet format below: • Drainage easement- I have heard that the drainage runoff will be accommodated by a vernal retention pool or pond then fed through the Francis St sewerage. Due to the volume of runoff coming from the hill,inevitably water will still pool up creating a standing pool of water.From there,all it will take it one big rainstorm and it will overwhelm the retention system and saturate the surrounding area. With weather patterns increasing in virulence in the last 10-20 years,it is likely it will only get worse and larger stormwater accommodations will need to be made on existing infrastructures all over. In my case, it could undermine a block wall holding up my back yard can cause it to sink as well as Flood my basement. • Blasting/Ground Preparations-I am very concerned about how the site will be prepared for building.If blasting takes place for this project to what it appears from some of the drawings,there is likely be a lot of blasting or a lot of jackhammering on the ledge at minimum. For this, foundations and walls are at risk as the neighborhood is made up of one big ledge. In the last five years I have added a full addition to my home which alone puts extra stress in the exisiting foundation; no one knows the effect the blasting will really cause until after it has ben done. What will the remedy for me be if in fact my foundation and/or walls DO get cracked as a result of the project? • Traffic-there will be a number of traffic externalities that will become real if the project goes through: o Will trucks and equipment be coming up and down Bertuccio Ave every day all day or will equipment needed to do the job be left at the site?What about materials? o Will there be speed limit and traffic restrictions coming off of the new hill? we all have children that play outdoors daily when it's nice out and we will now have to contend with an average of I2-14 new vehicles into the traffic mix. With the tight nature fo the new corner to go up the hill, it simply presents a traffic hazard. o What about snow plowing in the winter and snow plie-up?When the street is plowed now,the drivers are able to push the snow up in the woods up to the field entry,if that goes away,where qwill the snow go from plowing? • Wildlife-in the past the entire gtract of land was condiered a wildlife zoning until in the last few years the zoning was chanegd to a buildable lot. Why was that changed?Nothing changed as far as the wildlife that lives in the woods up there and once you take away their home, where will they go?Again,we all have children that play outdoors and we will now fear for their lives because there are dangerous animals up there: coyotes,fisher cats and foxes in addition to turkeys,many species of birds and lots of mice. My yard is completely fenced in and 1 have still seen wildlife out in my back yard so a fence is no defense. For the first time in 16 years living here,after the football field was dug up and replaced,my house has seen mice in droves-and that's only a field of dirt and I live way down the street. Once the woods are taken away as their home I fear where all the mice will end up. I would like to thank each and every one of you for your time while reading and considering my thoughts and concerns. I would like to formally request that you reject the application to build on this land.Thank you! Cliff Goodman 22 Bertuccio Ave, Salem (781)953-2295 gooddrumto7pmail.com t t� HISTORY OF THE ROCKS ATOP BERTUCCI & FRANCIS ROAD Good evening ladies &gentlemen and members of the Salem Planning Board. I apologize for being unable to attend the meeting but hopefully someone reads my letter. My name is Kevin Theriault and I live in Hampstead, NC, about 855 miles south of Salem but I was born &grew up at 30 Bertuccio Avenue. My parents are the oldest remaining original residents on Bertuccio Avenue along with Gregory Lupo. I have recently learned of the proposed plans to develop the 'hill" nestled between Collins Middle School, Bertram Field, Bertuccio Avenue & Francis Road. I have reviewed and fully comprehend the impact of the proposed 7 home cul-de-sac development proposed by the owner of the property and the developer he has engaged. I left Salem, MA in 1982 after graduation from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay, MA and have been working for GE for over 32 years. I have not lived in Massachusetts since 1982 but still am amazed at the diversity it brings. My connection to Salem has been unwavering and my connection to the "hill" above 30 Bertuccio Avenue remains unwavering no matter what the future holds for this precious piece of land which is one of a very few green spaces remaining in Salem and surrounding communities. The hill is a small elevated plot of land overlooking Castle Hill, Salem Willows, Salem Power Plant and the Salem Hospital. What a tragedy it will be if the proposed development proceeds as planned without careful consideration of all of the natural beauty, history and environmental impact this elevated post plays in the greater landscape of Salem proper. Growing up as a child, my sisters & I and all of the neighborhood kids would play and roam the hill. The families that all come to mind are the Theriault's, Lupo's, O'Nelli's, Viselli's, Jordan's & Seward's as the original families who settled on the dead end for the peace and tranquility that it brought. In the summer we would build forts and play army ranger and cowboys and Indians In the winter we would sled down the snow drifts which could reach 8-10 feet following a classical Woreaster. We would explore the rocks and small caves nestled in the cliffs. We would go to the hill and watch the football games and we could also view the fireworks during the 4`h of July This natural crop of land provides protection for many species of wildlife &fauna & berry trees. Including deer, pheasant, raccoons, skunks, wild turkeys, rabbits, foxes, wolves, mice, bats, birds and of course a few rats. The birds would migrate annually in the trees that bore the winter berries along their route north for the summer season. These simple natural species are about to get relocated in many bad ways through the clear cutting, blasting/drilling, digging, back—filling of one of the last remaining natural posts beyond the Salem Woods that will forever be lost to another developer. The proposed development plans never address this aspect of the impact, because the developer has never lived and watched the daily activities of the wildlife that will be harmed by the development. We had the opportunity to do so and my parents (Jane & Bill) still watch all of the daily things that occur while listening to wailing sirens, trains, traffic and airplanes landing at Logan Airport. The "hill" brought a special sense of calm to the chaos of daily life in the Witch City. The hill is a rock. This rock may be ragged and tired and old and not "serving a purpose"to some but you are about to have great impact to many concerned residents and wildlife. Also, be very cautious of the water drainage challenges as the current rock provides natural flows and diverts significant volumes of water that historically have challenged many of the basements. As you consider moving forward in the development process, I hope you will at listen to all of the citizens that surround the plot on the hill and their concerns that their lives and the quality of life is about to be severely changed. Sincerely, Kevin M Theriault 118 Summerset Landing Hampstead, NC Amanda Chiancola From: Barry <bjordan1257@msn.com> Sent: Monday, April 04, 2016 1:39 PM To: Amanda Chiancola Cc: stephen@lovelygroup.com Subject: 14 Bertuccio Ave. Salem subdivision 1. Removing of large area of green SPACE 2. Loss of animal habitat for deer and turkeys 3. Width of roadway leading to the site at the end of Bertuccio Ave doesn't seem to be able to accommodate both a road and a side walk without infringing on the field and the property at 32 Bertuccio ave. It seems as though it would be a real sharp turn abutting the field fence. 4. Blasting would seem to be a danger and impact the homes on both Francis Rd and Bertuccio Ave. The concern being the cracking of foundations and walls on both streets. 5. Water runoff onto Francis Road has always been a problem and would be a concern to those living there and perhaps to those at the end closest to the intersection of Bertuccio. 6. How stable is the hill for blasting. I am sending you my concerns as I will be out of town and unable to attend the meeting. Thank you for your time. Barry D.Jordan 25 Bertuccio Ave Salem, Ma 978-745-6127 t