2007-02-27
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OR COMMISSION:
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE:
LOCATION:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Parking and Traffic Commission
MEMBERS ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
February 27, 2007
Conference Room B, City Hall
Wayne Francis, Chris Negrotti, Richard Hutchinson,
Tina Cassidy, Sue Mueller, Bob Mead
Richard LaFave
Tom Alexander, Thad Siemasko, Mike Guiliani and
Ken Knowles
Tina Cassidy
RECORDER:
Cassidy opens the meeting at 10:30 a.m. and explains that the owners of the former Ventron
property on Congress Street have filed site plan review and special permit applications with
the Planning Board to redevelop the site into 72 condominium units. She introduces Tom
Alexander, attorney representing the owners.
Alexander briefly explains the recent rezoning process for the site and the basics of the
project. There will be two buildings with a total of 72 residential units on the four acre
parcel. Parking will be provided on the surface and below grade, both under the buildings
and underground. There will be a total of 154 parking spaces created, ten more than
required by the Zoning Ordinance. The owners' representatives show the locations of the
proposed waterfront walkway, driveways, and other site features.
Mead asks if there will only be residential use of the site. Alexander confirms that, and
clarifies that the project will not include a marina or other boat-related use. The shoreline
condition (extensive mud flats) will preclude this.
Hutchinson asks for clarification on the buildings. Siemasko and Alexander explain that
both buildings will be three stories at the front (nearest Congress Street) and four stories in
the back (closest to the water). This arrangement is a response to neighbors' concerns about
the visual impact of tall buildings immediately adjacent to the road.
Cassidy asks for information relative to the size of parking spaces and traffic aisles. Knowles
and Siemasko state that all spaces will be 9' wide by 18' long, and that all of the two-way
traffic aisles under the building and underground will be at least 24' wide. Cassidy notes that
two of the surface driveways/aisles are less than 24' wide. Knowles states that they plan to
revise the configuration of the westernmost driveway to make it at least 24' wide. The
easternmost driveway is less than 24' wide. Cassidy asks if they intend to seek a variance for
this design element. Alexander states that they do not, and will revise the plan to give the
driveway at least 24' of width. She asks the members, and Francis in particular, if they prefer
to see three access points into the property instead of two. Francis agrees, and Cassidy
points out a provision in the zoning ordinance that limits the maximum number of
driveways per lot at two.
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February 27, 2007
Cassidy asks the members if they have any additional questions. Francis asks how far back
the buildings will be sited from Congress Street. Siemasko answers eight to twelve feet,
depending on which building.
Cassidy asks if there are any other questions. There are none. She asks the members if the
consensus of the committee is to recommend approval of the plans, subject to revising the
driveway configurations to make them at least 24' wide and resolution of the issue regarding
the maximum number of driveways per lot. They concur.
There being no other business, the meeting is adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
Parking and Trciffic Commission drift meeting minutes
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February 27, 2007