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
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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.
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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
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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.