MELROSE PLANNING BOARD

Regular Meeting

Monday, December 11, 2006

7:45 P.M.

Mayor’s Conference Room

PRESENT: Richard Connolly, Acting Chair, Ed Cassidy, John Sadowski, Gerry Marcus, Anne DeSouza-Ward, Bob Mercado, Tom Pawlina and Carla Francazio

ABSENT: Mike Cassavoy, Chair

City Planner, Denise Gaffey and Janet Graf, Secretary, were present.

The meeting was called to order at 7:50 P.M. by the Acting Chair, Mr.Connolly.

ASSENT CALENDAR

Case 06-044, 94 Beacon Street, Cullen

Mr. Pawlina MADE a MOTION to write a standard letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Cassidy SECONDED the MOTION. All in favor. None opposed.

PRELIMINARY MEETING

Essex Street Condominiums

Patrick McAvoy, the Applicant’s representative, and Dan Dilillo, the Architect, were present. Mr. McAvoy explained that this came before the Planning Board a year ago. Now, there is a new owner, Stephen Longmuir, whom Mr. McAvoy is representing. The property is on the corner of Essex Street and Vine Street. The plans have not changed a lot – they would like to get the Planning Board’s feedback. The Applicant would like to construct a condominium building on the site – 16 units. The structure would be wood construction. Mr. McAvoy stated that the Design Review Special Permit gives this Board a lot of authority over what can be built. He described the building as simple in design. Mr. McAvoy introduced Mr. Dilillo who said he had been before the Board a year ago with the previous owner of this property. He told the Board this is a 24,000 S.F. lot. The building will be 75 x 77 with 4 condominiums per floor (four stories). Affordable units would be a question for the Planning Board. There is adequate room for 32 parking spaces. There is access/egress for both Essex and Vine Streets. The building is currently partly vacant. A roofing company uses it for storage and also parks their trucks in the back lot. Melrose Elevator resides in the building. Mr. Dilillo was not sure if the ambulance company is still there. There are two frontages – Vine and Essex Streets. They plan to maintain side setbacks. Mr. Longmuir would like to construct a traditional building with masonry bands, clapboard siding and a pitch roof. It is felt it would fit into the neighborhood. Mr. Dilillo stated that the proposed structure would maintain the residential character of the neighborhood – there is a six-story building on the corner of Essex and W. Emerson. There are one and two-family houses on Vine Street. The Applicant and his representatives wanted to come before the Planning Board tonight and see what their thoughts are. There was discussion about the parking spaces (5 spaces) proposed along the left of the building off of Essex Street. They could possibly exit onto Emerson but would not be designed to do this. Members discussed eliminating this parking which would reduce the number of spaces to 27. Mr. Dilillo agreed that this would be preferable. It was proposed by Ms. Gaffey in earlier meetings also. The need for parking relief is an issue.

The architecture seems minimal and simple – less costly box. Colonial box with ornamentation on top. Mr. Sadowski had a question about cooling. Mr. Dilillo stated that each unit will have a utility closet on the outside wall which will house the HVAC equipment. He added that there will be no condenser on the roof. Mr. Sadowski questioned the ‘windows’ on the roof. He was assured by Mr. Dilillo that no one would live up on that floor – it was purely decorative. He stated that the owner prefers a pitched roof. Mr. Pawlina asked Mr. Dilillo if the paved area will be the same as existing and Mr. Dilillo replied that it would probably be less because there is no landscaping currently. There was then discussion about the actual height of the building. The Board members feel the exact heights of these other buildings should be noted and they will need to see elevations. Mr. Pawlina said that the proposed building is a big box and it is going to be deep. The proposed building will be 50' and 62' is allowed at the PB’s discretion. Mr. Dilillo stated that they would like to put the utilities underground. They will confirm with DPW. Mr. Mercado asked if the Applicant was proposing a new sidewalk. Mr. Dilillo said that the building is right on the sidewalk so the sidewalk will get destroyed during construction. Therefore, they will probably need a new sidewalk but re-use the granite curbing. Ms. Francazio spoke about exploring reducing the parking spaces as this building is adjacent to public transit. She feels it would be an easy sell to people who have fewer cars. Mr. Dilillo agreed and said it would be much nicer to have more green space on the left. Mr. Pawlina expressed concern about massing. Ms. DeSouza-Ward felt that the neighborhood might have some concerns given recent development pressure. She supports the parking reduction. Mr. Cassidy stated that he will have to recuse himself on future meetings regarding this proposal because he has business with Mr. Dilillo. The members then discussed whether a building less box-like would be more attractive and more marketable. Mr. Dilillo said he did not disagree with them and acknowledged that he needs to do more work on the details and scale . He assured the Board that it would not look like a factory building. Members proceeded to review the site plan criteria.

Members discussed whether a full-blown traffic study was needed. Ms. Gaffey stated that it does not necessarily have to be a separate study; traffic analysis could be combined with the summary. Impacts should be analyzed because the neighbors will be concerned but a full traffic study is not necessary. One of the members asked if there had been a traffic study done for the hospital when they were putting in the parking lot. Ms. Gaffey said she believes so, but the Planning Office was not given an opportunity to review it. There was discussion about asking the DPW for the traffic study which would have been done for Willow Street (48 units). Mr. Cassidy spoke about a market for loft-type housing and thought that it might be interesting to see for this proposed site. He also supports less parking and acknowledged that this is the trend. The Applicant’s representatives thanked the Planning Board for their suggestions and time spent on their proposal.

WETLANDS PROTECTION ORDINANCE

Conservation Commission Presentation

Ms. Murphy appeared before the Planning Board to clarify issues that were raised at the previous meeting. After some discussion about technical issues, Ms. DeSouza-Ward MADE a MOTION to write a letter in favor of the Wetlands Protection Ordinance with some concerns outlined. The MOTION was SECONDED by Ms. Marcus. A roll call was taken: seven in favor of the ordinance. Mr. Pawlina opposed.

ZONING SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT

Citizen Petition to Re-zone Wyoming Heights’ neighborhood

Ms. Gaffey had a few comments. The Board of Aldermen received the Planning Board’s report. A new public hearing will be held on January 8, 2007. The Planning Board’s recommendations will be included.

Ms. Marcus MADE a MOTION to adjourn. All in favor. None opposed. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.