The Planning Board on Monday voted unanimously to approve an amendment to a previously approved subdivision plan for Emerald Drive, formerly referred to as Connelly Farms.

The new plan, presented by consultant Joe Marquedant, changed the previously proposed 10-foot-sidewalk to a standard 5-foot one. It also showed easements along three lots to connect to an existing trail network rather than building a new trail to connect to town open space. The subdivision is located off Hayden Rowe Street, near the intersection with College Road.

The 2021 plan, Marquedant explained, took into account a proposed trail that would start at the intersection of Emerald Drive and Hayden Rowe and cross through a field to connect to the town-owned land.

“The idea of a trail along Hayden Rowe, I think, has kind of lost its way,” he said. “I think everyone in town has moved away from construction along Hayden Rowe Street given the traffic levels, given the potential safety concerns.”

The defunct Upper Charles Trail Committee previously had proposed a trail segment that would cross Hayden Rowe, sparking pushback from residents.

Developer Craig Nation suggested that the sidewalk be narrowed now that it would not be needed to reach the town property. The proposed easements across three lots of the eight-unit subdivision would allow trail access to the area behind Cornell’s Irish Pub and the Springwood subdivision. It also would prevent cutting down “several hundred feet of open woods” to form a new trail.

“We don’t want to offer the easements and the 10-foot-wide sidewalks,” Nation said. “It’s either one or the other.”

“It’s a slight change in the location, but a better fit,” Marquedant said of the new trail location.

He added that the proposal has received support from town committees, including the Open Space Preservation Commission and the Trails Committee, because it would create greater trail access for the Springwood residents. OSPC chair Ed Harrow voiced the commission’s endorsement during the meeting. The Conservation Commission approved a minor project change, making the Planning Board’s decision the final step for approval.

John Gelcich, the acting director of the Land Use, Planning & Permitting Department, explained that there currently is no separate process for minor modifications to definitive subdivision plans.

Chair Rob Benson noted that this case is “a little unusual” because it has already been through the Planning Board before. He questioned if a peer review was needed.

Nation asked the board to waive the peer review consultant process because the changes are minimal and ultimately beneficial to the town. Gelcich said the Department of Public Works would need to approve the easements, but he didn’t believe it needed to be peer reviewed. This information was included as a condition of approval.

Baypath hearing continued

The board continued the hearing for a major project site plan and stormwater management permit for an animal shelter proposed by the Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton so that members could walk the site.

An 8,400-square-foot animal shelter with related infrastructure was proposed for 66-66B Fruit Street in the agricultural zoning district at the site of a former gravel pit. It would be located near the dog park, explained engineer Chris Keenan. There would be 42 kennel sites and parking for 31 vehicles at the proposed one-story building. Also included in the plan are dog yards behind the proposed building, storage facilities, enclosed trash facilities and exterior lighting.

Keenan said the animal shelter would be located on a 5-acre area of leased space on a 260-acre property owned by the town. It would utilize an existing paved driveway at 57-59 Fruit Street that currently has a locked gate. This gate would be relocated beyond the proposed parking lot to limit access to the turf playing fields at the end of the road. The existing driveway would be widened to 24 feet from 20 feet and run up an existing dirt road through the gravel pit to the proposed building. Infrastructure for eight electric vehicle-ready spaces is planned.

A new 8-inch water main will be installed from Pratt Way to the cross-country path, Keenan added. One section is within the buffer zone for existing wetlands, triggering the need for Conservation Commission approval.

Gelcich said issues like soil quality and the nearby wells will be “hashed out” during the peer review process.

Baypath executive director Liz Jefferis explained that this is the culmination of a yearslong process. The organization signed a 50-year lease in 2022 for the property in response to a request for proposals made by the town in 2019. The pandemic prevented quicker action by Baypath but allowed more time for fundraising.

A site walk was planned for May 3. The public hearing was continued to May 19.

Board bids farewell to Moran, Wills

Benson acknowledged that this was the last meeting for veteran board member Jane Moran and first-term member Karen Wills. He thanked them for their service to the town.

“It’s been really enlightening,” said Wills, hinting that she might consider a future run.

“I’ve really learned a lot as well,” added Moran. “And I’m grateful for this time and all the people I’ve met.”