SOUTHWICK – A group of residents of Rosewood Estates expressed concern over a proposed bus maintenance garage at 809 College Highway during a Planning Board hearing this week.
The property is owned by the Lecrenski family and its company Five Star Bus is seeking a special permit to put a 7,400 square-foot maintenance facility there for their school buses.
Architect Rob Levesque presented plans during the hearing that he said would change a bit before the final hearing. This week’s hearing was continued to Feb. 25.
“We have been working with the site contractor and builder to manage the cost of the project,” said Levesque.
Cost savings would includes changes in the drainage system so that there would be less impervious surface. Another cost saving not reflected on the current design plan is a change in fencing from PVC to galvanized chain link with an arborvitae hedge to be aesthetically pleasing and hide the facility from the neighbors.
Planning Board Vice Chairperson Roz Terry asked about the total number of buses in Five Star’s fleet and how many would be at the garage at any given time.
Nathan Lecrenski, who owns a home across from the property on College Highway, said Five Star has 61 buses and on average there would be far fewer than 10 buses on site.
“In the summer would be the only time there would be that many buses,” he said, adding that there would likely be three or four buses at a time throughout the year.
Terry asked that the design reflect the maximum number of buses that the property could hold.
Cynthia Marshall, a Rosewood resident, asked about fencing and setbacks and said she did not think another business was needed in that area.
“There are 290 units within less than a quarter-mile of this area, and these are 55 and over residences,” she said. “I feel personally we have our share of businesses.”
Terry said the lot is zoned Business Restricted and the board cannot block a business from going there if it fits the description allowed.
“We can’t not allow a business in a business district unless it doesn’t fit in, but we can try to protect the residents,” said Terry.
Residents were also concerned that the garage would be “an eyesore.” Levesque said the Butler-style metal building would be in earth tones similar to other buildings in the area and would include landscaping for privacy.
Another Rosewood resident was concerned about pollution from the diesel engines.
Lecrenski said there would only be a couple of buses on the lot on a daily basis and the work would be done within the garage. Lecrenski also noted that new diesel emissions standards are stricter than regular fuel standards.
“And I don’t want them running for long,” he said. “When they run, it costs money.”
Another resident asked about how the buses – especially those being towed by a large truck – would enter the property on such a busy road.
“We’ll have a pull-through,” said Lecrenski, adding that school buses in both Southwick and Westfield use the Whip City Tool and Die pull-through lot as a turn-around now.
Levesque told the concerned residents that because College Highway is a state road, any plans that include a curb cut must be approved by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
“Everything they do is subject to DOT regulations,” said Levesque, adding that they are reviewing plans now.
