The Planning Board on Monday voted 6-0 to approve a definitive subdivision plan that would upgrade Kathryn Drive, a short cul-de-sac located off Ash Street.

The proposal presented by consultant Joe Marquedant would extend the roadway to allow access to two other parcels. It also would add a nearly half-acre parcel at Hehn’s Farm Way for the extension of an infiltration basin. The property is owned by John Remby Sr. and his wife, Gail.

Peer review consultant Bob Sykes from Pare Corporation said there are five comments that need to be addressed by the applicant. The proposal called for an 8-foot retaining wall, but it did not include details on its design. Sykes said it would need a railing, and Marquedant said the information would be provided.

There were a few other administrative comments regarding the stormwater report. The basin area was revised since the last hearing, and that number needed to be updated throughout the plan set. Spot elevations around the cul-de-sac also will be added to the plans, as well as two 18-inch pipes.

Marquedant attributed the errors to “poor drafting” and said they would be corrected. He also said the applicant is working on the language for a maintenance agreement.

Vice chair Matthew Wronka noted that “there was a disconnect” where a 35-foot radius and a 35-foot diameter were referenced interchangeably in regard to the cul-de-sac. Marquedant said the dead-end road pavement radius had been shrunk “in an effort to reduce impervious area at the site.” The plans meant to show a 35-root radius and a 70-foot diameter. This revision “still works for emergency vehicles,” according to Marquedant.

The project was approved with the condition that the stormwater report be included and that language in the plans be revised. All requested waivers were approved.

Ash Street scenic road site walk planned

Trails Committee chair Peter LaGoy appeared before the Planning Board and Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed to request the removal of a few trees on Ash Street to create a two-space parking area at a trailhead near 101 Ash Street. This is a scenic road, and Reed attended in her capacity as the town’s tree warden.

Chair Rob Benson referred to the two proposed parking spaces as “rustic.”

“What we’re looking at doing is improving what’s already existing parking there,” said LaGoy. To widen the parking area at the side of the street, he requested the removal of a large mulberry tree, a “half-dead” chokecherry tree and a thin sassafras tree. He also asked that a large boulder be turned. Reed had no objection.

LaGoy added that road base material and stone dust would be added, which would help the parking area be better defined. He said he and fellow Trails Committee member Sean Kimball recently met at the site to speak with concerned abutters.

This would allow easier access to Cranberry Bog Trail, which ultimately runs behind Center School, he explained.

Victoria Julian, who resides at 101 Ash Street with her husband, Matthew Czech, noted that Ash Street is a narrow, winding road that has a high traffic volume. She said parked cars could create “pretty dangerous blind spots both for the driver and people getting in and out of their cars.” Also, pedestrians would have to walk in the street.

“I think it’s dangerous to put parking there,” said outgoing board member Karen Wills. She lives on nearby Blueberry Lane and uses this trail.

Czech added that extending the sidewalk there would be “a reasonable alternative” to the parking area that would benefit residents.

John Gelcich, the acting director of the Land Use, Planning & Permitting Department, explained that the decision criteria is about the aesthetic value that the trees and the stone have to the scenic road — not what will be put there after their removal.

LaGoy added that there will be another meeting with abutters and Trails Committee members to address their concerns.

Benson scheduled a site walk for May 27 at 5 p.m. The public hearing was continued to June 2 in a 6-0 vote.

Baypath animal shelter hearing continued

The hearing for the construction of a proposed 8,400-square-foot animal shelter facility and related infrastructure off Fruit Street by Baypath Humane Society was continued to June 2 at the applicant’s request. The decision deadline for the stormwater management permit was extended to June 9.