Sherman Terrace subdivision work stalled; board schedules May 14 status update

WOBURN — The Planning Board on April 23 was told progress on the Sherman Terrace subdivision remains stalled because the contractor responsible for the onsite digging is recovering from surgery and cannot complete the work.

Attorney James Giuliano told the board his client lacks a time frame to finish current site work and asked whether to seek an extension or otherwise address expiration of approvals at the end of May. Giuliano said he brought project engineer Mark Slager to answer technical questions and to present a red-line sketch of a redesigned turnaround.

Engineer Mark Slager said the subsurface drainage system beneath the turnaround is capable of handling traffic but that the previously installed permeable turf would not support vehicular loads and should be replaced. “It’s an HDPE,” Slager said of the honeycomb material he recommended, describing vendors and prior use of similar products as emergency-access lanes for heavy vehicles.

Board members asked whether redesigning the turnaround could keep it within the existing easement (Slager: yes) and whether the retaining wall and monument locations could be accommodated; staff advised the applicant to coordinate with the DPW and engineering department about whether a railroad spike or alternate bound could be accepted in lieu of a stone bound.

Action: the board voted to continue the Sherman Terrace status report to the May 14 meeting at 7 p.m. and requested the applicant provide the red-line sketch and a brief written update at that meeting.

The board did not change any approvals at this meeting; members emphasized they wanted to review the engineer’s sketch and any DPW waivers before considering an extension.