Sherman Terrace developer told to correct turnaround, bring engineer; board sets April 23 update

The Woburn Planning Board on March 26 directed the developer of the Sherman Terrace subdivision to provide engineering certification and, if necessary, revision of easements after hearing that the constructed turnaround encroaches on land outside the approved easement and may not meet H-20 loading standards.

Attorney James Giuliano summarized site findings: an as-built turnaround appears to encroach beyond the previously recorded easement and the material currently in place does not meet the H-20 load-bearing requirement. Giuliano said the developer will need to remove the existing material and install a turf-reinforcement (honeycomb) system and new aggregate so the surface can sustain heavier axle loads; he reported he would have a definitive remediation schedule by the board's next meeting. "The turnaround after site visit ... is encroaching out of the easement area that was proposed in the original as built plan," Giuliano said, and recommended engineer certification of the revised construction.

Board members pressed for precise technical answers: they asked the applicant to file a corrected as-built when the remedy is in place, to provide drainage calculations based on the new materials, and to explain whether the developer still owns affected lots or whether deeds have already transferred to homeowners. Members expressed particular concern that foundations and retaining walls may have been built in locations that deviate from the approved plan and that those deviations could require easement modifications or rebuilding.

Scheduling and action: the board recorded a May 31, 2024 completion deadline on the subdivision and discussed whether an extension would be requested. To obtain direct technical answers, the board voted to continue the Sherman Terrace matter to the April 23 meeting and requested the applicant bring the design engineer for questions and answers; the motion passed unanimously.

What happens next: the applicant was asked to produce engineer certification of the replacement material, drainage calculations tied to the new configuration, a revised as-built for board review, and any necessary easement documentation prior to final approval.