Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.12.2013A Town of NorthAndover 191-o-ye P ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS 1C� NORTH Albert P.Manzi III,Esq. Chairman a°�<,,In atio Associate Member a y"� Ellen P.McIntyre, Vice-Chairman o � � Michael P. Li P onto Richard J. Byers,Esq. Clerk * Deney Morganthal D.Paul Koch Jr.Esq. moo „�,>°" Doug Ludgin Allan Cuscia 0"i,o'.p��y Zoning Enforcement Officer SSACH05E Gerald A. Brown DRAFT MINUTES Tuesday,November 12,2013 at 7:30 PM Town Hall 120 Main Street,North Andover,Massachusetts Members present: Ellen McIntyre,Richard Byers D. Paul Koch Jr.,Esq., and Allan Cuscia Associate Members Michael Liporto and Deney Morganthal Also in attendance: Curt Bellavance and Edith Netter McIntyre called this special meeting to order at 7:35 North Andover Holdings,LLC 16 Berry Street/Riding Academy Preserve,North Andover,MA (Map 106.1),Parcel 0032). M.G.L. Chapter 40B, Section 21 for a Comprehensive Permit McIntyre called Eric Loth, project manager for the project to come to the podium. Loth walked up to the podium and stated to the Board that they made a fair amount of changes. Loth went over the changes and presented the new plans. Loth felt they were evolutionary in nature. Loth stated that these changes were based on feedback from the Board and the neighbors. Loth stated that he felt that this will be the final change. He spoke of the new plans and waivers and how they had to give some of the land back. Now they have a 30 foot setback. Loth spoke that building C is shorter now. Loth also spoke of the height of the two front buildings for A and C and now they will be 3 stories and Building C is now shorter in length. They also minimized the amount of units in this project to 196 units. Loth stated that Building C will have parking under the building and still will be the same height as Building A. Liporto asked of the height of the buildings in front. Loth responded about 11 -12 feet shorter than when it was 4 stories. Loth stated that he sees lots of benefits to this plan. Loth also pointed out the open space now available with the new plan. Byers asked why Building A had no parking under the building. Loth responded of the grading for Building A and if they did that it would defeat the purpose. Loth went on to say that Building A would not be equal in height to Building C, if a garage was under Building A. Page 1 of 6 November 12,2013 Town of North Andover ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NORTy Albert P.Manzi III,Esq. Chairman °tt%O o Associate Member Ellen P.McIntyre,Vice-Chairman ~ e.y- Michael P. Liporto Richard J. Byers,Esq. Clerk * Deney Morganthal ,, Doug Ludgin D. Parclli"och Jr. Esq. �o � Allan Cuscia �'�s RArgo" 4'? Zoning Enforcement Officer S C IH4 t"i 5 Gerald A.Brown Loth showed aerial conceptual views on how the development would look. Loth also stated that the nearest building is 600-800 feet away from the closest neighbor. Loth stated that this is the plan that they would like the Board to vote on when they have the wrap up meeting. Loth stated now they will have 83, 1 bedroom apartments, 95, 2 bedroom apartments and 18, 3 bedroom apartments. McIntyre and Cuscia questioned the length of the buildings. Loth responded and listed the length of each of the buildings. Building A and Building C will be the same at 250 feet in length, Building B will be 280 feet in length and Building D will be 222 feet. Loth stated he would like to finish off with Zoning Board first,before the Conservation Commission. David White, architect for the project stated that architecturally they did not change much except for size of Buildings. White spoke of the architectural elements that will be incorporated into the buildings. White spoke of the Balconies, break ups on the rooflines, gables, double gables, dormers and Nantucket dormers. White also spoke of how certain sections are pulled out to give the building a certain look. He stated these changes give these structures some flair. White talked of the various materials that they plan on using such as shingles, clapboard, stones and various colors that are similar to what is already portrayed on the plans. McIntyre was concerned if anyone would be living in the attic space. White assured her that the attic space will not be an area to live in. Byers stated that he does like the look of the rooflines. Byers asked if the Board had any questions at this time. McIntyre turned the floor over to the abutters. Jeff Moon of 141 Berry Y treet,President of the Berry Street Association walked up to the podium and spoke of the purpose and mission statement of the Berry Street Association. Moon stated that he appreciates the efforts from the applicant to make changes, and exchange ideas as well as taking into consideration some of the neighbors concerns. Page 2 of 6 November 12,2013 Town of North Andover ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NORTH Albert A Manzi III,Esq. Chairman toy^t��° ati°o Associate Member Ellen P.McIntyre,Vice-Chairman 0 _ Michael P.Liporto Richard J. Byers,Esq. Clerk Deney Morganthal D. PaulKocli Jr.Esq. �"o . ;"� Doug Lud g in Allan Cl[scia �'yS R^*�D" c�y Zoning Enforcement Officer sACHUS Gerald A. Brown Moon stated that not everyone in the neighborhood agrees with each other on what they want out of the project; it is difficult to satisfy everyone. Moon stated that some agree that 162 units would be a reasonable amount. Not all the residence agrees with this number. Moon stated as always the concerns and important elements for the neighborhood have always remained the same, traffic, design, safety and environmental. Moon was also concerned with restricting the rest of the land so it will not be developed any further. That would mean their attorney and ours would have to meet. Moon spoke of various contingencies that the association wanted to be met, such as soil testing and traffic studies. Moon spoke of the various waiver requests, market values, and also spoke of the economics regarding this development and its feasibility. Moon also spoke of the impact on the environment, and expressed his concerns with the wells, sewerage system and septic systems in the area. Moon stated his opinion,that even though he sees a positive effort in making this a better project. Moon still felt,that it was still an inappropriate project for the area. Judy Ferris, of 31 Oxbow Circle stated that although she appreciates what the developer has done, she still feels that this is still an inappropriate project, too big a project for this part of town. She spoke of the growth of population in the area,traffic and snow storage. Ferris also spoke of the residence security, lighting, safety, and also installing security cameras. Rick Glover, of 61 Winsor Lane asked if they considered an access road to Route 114, and if it was feasible. He wanted to know if the reason for not putting in the access road in was because of wetlands. He wanted to know the reasons why it was not feasible, and also expressed his concern with the traffic growth that will be on Berry Street. Mary Ann Glover of 61 Winsor Lane spoke of why they were attracted to this specific area and why they moved to North Andover 20 years ago. Glover spoke of how in the past 5 years she has seen a change in North Andover and was not happy with what has been built in the area. Glover also spoke of the many traffic accidents that have occurred near the Berry Street&Route 114 area, along with one that she was also involved in. Glover also spoke of past project that the Fiores' (who originally owned the property) had proposed and that she and many of the neighbors had supported these proposed projects. Loth thanked Moon and everyone else for their feedback. Loth then addressed some of the questions and concerns of the neighbors. Loth spoke of the deed restriction on the land. Loth stated that they will be happy to work with them on this. Page 3 of 6 November 12, 2013 Town of NorthAndover ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NORTH Albert P.Manzi III,Esq. Chairman �<� 6,�ti 0 Associate Member Ellen P.McIntyre, Vice-Chairman Michael P. Liporto Richard J. Byers,Esq. Clerk Deney Morgmithal Doug Lud in D. Paul Koch Jr. Esq. *A�'�a ;°� g g� 74Ao R4iea�'PP`yty Zoning nforcement Officer Allan Cuscia �SSACH�1s g Gerald A.Brown Loth and Matt Bombeci from GPR spoke on where the snow would be stored and pointed out on the plan where they would pile the snow. Loth also spoke of parking and the underground parking. Loth also addressed an access onto Route 114 and stated that it would not be feasible, since the roads would be too close. Loth stated that they will not be doing another soil test. Loth also spoke of the plans to clear some of the trees. Koch asked if they would replace some of the trees, Loth stated yes they would be replanted on the other side of the stone wall. Liporto asked of the renderings that were shown earlier tonight and if they would look true to what they had presented. Loth said it would be very similar, but was not sure of exactly what kind of plantings. McIntyre spoke of the traffic impacts from this development. McIntyre asked if they would do an additional traffic study. Loth stated there are various methods such as speed bumps, signs, electronic digital signs that display your speed. Loth did not deny that their will be an increase in traffic. McIntyre questioned Loth on doing another traffic study. Loth responded that he would rather not. Byers asked if the peer reviewer,VHB was satisfied. Loth stated yes. Cuscia asked of the amount of stories at the rear buildings, Loth responded 4 stories. Cuscia commented on loosing a story on the rear buildings would bring it down to 162 units. Koch stated as a Board we need to look at the building heights, do we want flat roof buildings. They all agreed that they do not want flat roof buildings. Cuscia stated flat roofs would make it look like an industrial park. Loth felt they did as much as they could to shrink the project down. McIntyre asked where we go from here?As a Board do we continue with this plan? If so,we will send it out to our peer reviewers for addition comments. Does the Board have any questions comments or concerns? Edith Netter, spoke up, and asked the applicant what they would like to see in regards to the project. Page 4 of 6 November 12, 2013 Town of North Andover ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NORTy Albert P.Manzi III,Esq. Chairman � t Associate Member Ellen P.McIntyre,Vice-Chairman o b~ �� Michael P.Liporto Richard J.Byers,Esq. Clerk Deney Morganthal D. Paul Koch Jr. Esq. �°�4 ,° Doug Ludgin Allan Cuscia �qs Zoning Enforcement Officer AC US Gerahi,7 A. Brown Loth responded that they are comfortable with this being our last plan. Loth also stated that since this project has shrunk, stormwater and wetlands can be easily satisfied. Loth also stated that he was hoping that we could close this hearing at the next meeting. Netter asked of the waivers from the applicant. Loth stated he would have a revised set of waivers and zoning waivers at the next meeting. Netter questioned the applicant on final detailed landscaping plans, lighting plans, and a security plan. Loth stated that they are going to work on this for the next meeting. Koch felt that the applicant has come a long way from the beginning of this project. This is a significant improvement and felt he could get behind it. Cuscia stated that this was a tremendous improvement, and compromises have been made,but would be much happier to see them be all 3 story buildings. Cuscia did say that he liked this newer layout and likes what they plan on doing with the road. Netter wanted the developers to provide the breakdown of bedrooms. Loth reiterated that he did not want to reduce the amount of units any further. McIntyre still felt the front buildings were too long but she was fine with the height in the back buildings. Koch asked Loth to show the original plans to the Board. Loth displayed the oldest plan to the Board. Koch commented on the two plans, you can see how far the applicant has come with making this a better project. Morganthal commented that this new plan was a good plan Liporto thought the new footprint looked good. Liporto asked of creating units in the attic. White responded in detail and also stated that he would not recommend it and would also be expensive. McIntyre asked Loth if this is the plan that you want to go forward with. Loth responded yes. McIntyre stated to Loth what they will be looking for from them 1. Complete list of waivers 2. Detailed landscape plan Page 5 of 6 November 12, 2013 Town of North Andover ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS pORTH Albert P.Manzi III,Esq. Chairman dory�,,°° �b�+ Associate Member Ellen P.McIntyre, Vice-Chairman o Michael P.Liporto Richard Byers,Esq. Clerk ;� Deney Morganthal J D. Paul Koch Jr. Esq. Doug Ludgin Allan Cuscia gcHUS���y Zoning Enforcement Officer Gerald A. Brown 3. Lighting plan 4. Security Plan such as security cameras 5. Some type of plan fiom the Fire Department and Police Department showing access to each of the Buildings. 6. School Bus Stops McIntyre questioned the school bus stops such as the bus drop off and pick up. Loth responded that he will look into this. Koch said that he would prefer the school buses go into the traffic circle. He also asked if Bellavance could look into this with the School Department. Morganthal and McIntyre agreed with Koch with having the School buses go into the traffic circle located within the development. McIntyre talked of all the Boards and Departments that need to see all the information that the developer will be supplying to us at the next meeting. McIntyre asked if Loth will be ready for December 10th. Loth stated he will do the best he can to provide a full set of plans for the Board and others. McIntyre talked of the next meeting, Tuesday, December 10th and the meeting will start at 7:30 Byers made a motion to continue the hearing for Berry Street for Tuesday, December 10th at 7:30 at the Town Hall Cuscia second the motion Those voting to continue for Tuesday, December 10th at 7:30 at the Town Hall were McIntyre, Byers, Koch, Cuscia, Liporto and Morganthal. Deb Labrie, of 21 Winsor Lane walked up to the podium and commented on the public transportation issues and still thought that this new plan was still too big and still unsafe. Adjourn Meeting Byers made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Cuscia second the motion Those voting in favor to adjourn were McIntyre, Byers,Koch, Cuscia, Liporto and Morganthal Adjournment: 9:05 Page 6 of 6 November 12, 2013