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1999-04-08CITY OF BEVERLY MASSACHUSETTS PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD: Design Review Board SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: April 8, 1999 PLACE: City Hall Council Chamber BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: William Finch,Doug Haring, Margaret O'Brien BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Jennifer Palardy, Debbie Hurlburt OTEERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Florence Sagarino William Finch calls the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and calls the applicant forward. 1) BASS RIVER TRUST/240 ELLIOTT STREET Attorney Thomas Alexander appears for the applicant Mr. Marciano, of Bass River Trust and addresses the Board and states that this is an old strip mall located on Elliott Street. He presents photos of the existing site to the Board. He states that this is a small strip mall built on filled land under an existing C. 91 permit. He states that Marciano has owned the property for 45 years and is asking to upgrade the property and improve it from the present condition to what is shown on the architect's rendering. There is a public walkway and public park in front along the Bass River. He states that the city is trying to create a walking area. The design includes landscaping, benches and proposed lighting, parking area and also shows some trees and shrubs. He points out that there is a slight change in the plan presented regarding parking. He states that the Parking Commission has asked for changes in the curb cuts, and that they are working with the Mass. Highway's Engineers for the Rt. 62 reconstruction. The Parking Commission has asked for the opening as pointed out, to be realigned; that the opening would be moved farther west and that each opening would be enlarged approximately 20 ft. Alexander states that there are presently on site, 5 tenants; White Hen Pantry, Lena, etc. Included in the new project will be a bank with a drive through and also a Dunkin Donuts or other fast food chain. He states that the Mass Highway is widening Elliott St. starting in September. Alexander states that they applied for a free standing sign which complies with zoning for up to 10 tenants; and that one building will have a second floor. Alexander presents samples of finishes to be used on the outside of the building. Joseph Luna, Luna Designs, Lynnfield states that the material is synthetic stucco material and will be webbed on the outside; and roof materials will be metal. He states that the existing page two Lena's, White Hen Pantry building and the Floor Covering business will remain and that they will be reclading these buildings so that they will look alike. The addition to White Hen Pantry building will be 3,000 sq.ft. He states that the Video location will be coming down. What they refer to as Building 3 is coming down and they will be constructing a new two story building of 4200 sq.ft. Finch asks questions regarding landscaping to the end of the street. He questions the shaded area on the sketch and that there will be a 25 ft. space in the back for two way traffic in accordance with zoning regulations. Attorney Alexander states that the "lollipops" are being cut back to a point. Douglas Haring has concerns and refers to the fact that Walgreens has a lack of trees and would like some green screening at this site. Mr. Alexander states that the site is bare now and will be adding an amount of landscaping and will provide greenery and shade. He states that they have a 25 ft. driveway and they have made an attempt to add landscaping with trees. He states that at Lena's they are putting low shrubbery and also planting beds in front of the Floor Covering business. Finch asks if there are any variances or special permits necessary, to which Alexander responds that they are in a CG Zone and it is all allowed as of right. They have 74 spaces for parking and this is what is allowed under zoning. Finch states that he feels it would be a better plan to soften the landscaping for more than plain shrubs and is also concerned about the 25 ft. zone. He states that he would like to see some separation even though the City requires 25 ft. He suggests the applicant discuss with other city officials to reduce this to perhaps 23 ft. Jennifer Neville, Meridian Engineering is present representing the applicant and states that when she first received the project she made contact with the State for their intentions. She states that they have no jurisdiction over the land. She further states that Mass. Highway does not have to work with the City because this is a state highway. She states that the sidewalk and curbs were pushed 10 ft. back and that there are no eminent domain takings on this property. She states that they have worked with the City Engineer and traffic people. At this point, Finch refers a question to Tina Cassidy. Finch would like to know if they can get some trees; what is the 25 ft. travel zone; they would like some green strip. Would like Tina Cassidy to find out if there is any way the State can be asked who will maintain this green area. page three Tina Cassidy responds that it is state jurisdiction, but there was some discussion on the 25 ft. She states that she would work with the State regarding this Board's request. Finch states he would like grass, a planting bed perhaps in the 1-3 ft. range; mulch and junipers - any reasonable amount of planting. Douglas Haring comments regarding the 8200 sq.ft building - could this come down and that they could gain some 3-4 ft. He has a concern about pushing anything near the river and also has a concern about pedestrian safety. He questions if they could possibly move the building 5 ft. down. He has a concern about the appearance of Elliott Street and refers to it as possibly having an appearance like Rt. 1. He recommends perhaps moving the new construction back to plant some trees on the State land. Margaret O'Brien asks if the State is in favor of this, to which Alexander responds that they are. Tina Cassidy states that they would be able to talk to the State regarding landscaping and that perhaps they could do some planting along the road. Haring and Finch have concerns with the color of the roof and the possibility of planting larger trees. Mr.Lunar states that they have basically added 12,600 sq.ft. of building. He asks Marciano if the project could be cut back to allow for more parking spaces. He states that they wanted 9600 sq.ft. and are now back to 8450 sq.ft. He states that the Fire and Police are requiring a 25 ft. aisle. Haring questions the outside material which Lunar states that there are many colors, but they are trying for accent colors with neutral color backgrounds. Haring states that he would like to see them avoid a blue roof and would suggest panel dimension to make the roof looklighter. He questions if there are any mechanical units on the roof to which Lunar replies that they will be on the back and will attempt to screen it. O'Brien states that the sign will be externally illuminated with shrubs around. There being no further discussion, the Board endorses the plan submitted subject to the approval of the Building Inspector as to compliance with zoning regulations, and subject to the following recommendations voted by the Board members: 1) That the sign be externaly illuminated with shrubbery planting around the sign. 2) That Tina Cassidy talk to the State to establish a green strip along the sidewalk and also work with the Fire and Police Departments for their approval and recommendations. 3) Increase the size of the perimeter trees along the facade page four of the building to a larger caliber of tree of 5-6 ft. 4) Look into the possibility of moving several parking spaces to the front of the building in order to increase the size of the shown planting beds. 5) Roof color to be any color other than blue. 6) Fine tune the shape of the end building known as Lena's (also referred to as Building 1.) The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.