001last appeared at the um hearing on December 23rd, there was a the beginning of a discussion concerning the uh location of a sewer line on Memorial Drive. And at that point, um Missuite suggested that perhaps a working session would help the parties, you know, resolve the issue or at least clarify the issue. And we all thought that was a good idea. And in fact, a working session was held. Um, I don't believe any members of the ZBA were present during that working session, but I believe town council was present. >> Uh, yes, Mr. Chairman, I did sit in. >> And Jasmine, our director of planning was also present. And I'm not sure who else was there. um without being present, I'm not quite sure what was accomplished, but perhaps Brian, you could um just review
002exactly sort of what what took place and what what was resolved and what wasn't resolved and we'll go from there. Start us off. But um so I don't have my notes from that that workshop, Mr. Chairman, but I'll go memory and we had a discussion about what some of the obstacles were and some of the challenges were [snorts] um to the relocation of that sewer line. Um after some discussion, it became apparent that some additional information was probably needed, some additional investigation. I believe Doug Small attended that as well. And one of the challenges was that um you know, some of the records um you know aren't as uh complet um as as maybe everyone had hoped. And so there's some missing information. Um and so I think where we left the conversation was um
003a question um not an agreement on how to proceed, but a question. And the choices were um one suggestion by the applicant um to maybe consider for this board to consider um a condition um that would leave the question of the location open and that they would um proceed under that condition and then make a decision once they got in the field and started doing some of that work and then decide if it was possible to put it in the road or if it needed to remain as it's shown on the plan. Now, um I had some concerns that I expressed about that a condition that's sort of um leaving uh sort of a fundamental decision to the future. Um so I don't I couldn't speak for the board at that time and so I
004tried not to but just expressed the you know my preliminary concern on that. Um but the other option is to uh well the other two options I suppose are to do some of that work now um and try to determine whether or not it can be located in the road. So that's an upfront undertaking and an upfront cost for the applicant. Um and the third option um would be that the board just um impose a condition in its decision if it's an approval um that requires it be located in the road and if for some reason there's an engineering challenge or some other challenge that prevents them from doing that, they could come in and seek a modification at that time. Um so at any rate, no decision was made, but I think that's where
005we left it. Do you have a different memory or anything you want to add to that? >> That was exactly how I recall it. Also, our peerreview um Bethany Ordung from Haley Ward was present for that conversation as well. >> Okay. >> May I speak to that? >> I you certainly may. I was just going to call upon you. So, I'm glad you're so eager to uh respond. >> Thank Thank you. And thank you, Brian, and Jasmine for um you know, arranging the meeting. So there still is concern um on the developer end of putting the sewer line in the road >> [snorts] >> um because of the the two utility crossings that would have to happen for that. Um, in speaking with our engineer after the meeting, um, there was discussion about potentially doing
006some soil testing to try and locate the sewer on site, but parallel to the road, which was how it was originally depicted in the uh, the PEL, the you know, the f the first um, application that we made for that. Um, right now it's very tough with the winter conditions to do any testing. Um, and I'll speak to this again when we get to the water and sewer topic. Um, so you know, in the in the interest of time and and I know it's not Brian's first choice, um, we would still be open to some type of a condition that this continue to be explored. Um, again, understanding that the town does, you know, least least choice is to see it the way that it was proposed to the ZBA, but our hands are kind
007of tied because we're just having a winter and um, you know, so that's that's where where the team is at on this at you know, at this point in time. >> Okay. Um, So I guess my question is where do we go from here at this point? We have a hearing that's underway. We have a time deadline that's approaching and obviously in the winter borings are perhaps difficult. But I think just speaking for myself, it's a non-starter to leave it in a decision and leave it up to the developer to decide where they want to put the sewer line because As far as I'm concerned, I'm not in favor of that and I don't know about my fellow board members, but we don't perhaps need to get to that point at now. Um, >> C,
008if if I can if if I may, if I can just sort of get to the the water and sewer topic because that also kind of pertains to timing and it might help >> certainly >> make a decision. So, you know, equally our hands are are tied. Um it it took a while to coordinate with the town departments to set up um the testing and the monitoring that was requested um by Bethany. And we are our hands are tied with regard to testing until we have weather that is that is not freezing. So, we have kind of two issues on our doorstep right now that we have no control over. And I, you know, I I I I think that there's several matters that have been resolved. I'm hoping that we can resolve architecture tonight.
009>> I I don't know when we are going to be able to finish that sewer testing. Um, you know, for that reason, we are definitely going to need and we'll authorize an extension to the hearing dates. Um, we certainly don't want to close the hearing without having the answers on that, you know, on the water and sewer. Um, and I guess, you know, kind of our thinking was since we have no control over the weather and it could be a month, it could be two months, it could be three months. If we feel at the end of this hearing that everyone is in a good place on traffic, on architecture, on civil, then perhaps we could start working towards a decision, leaving a bunch of blanks in it until we're able until the weather cooperates
010a little bit more. And then we're just going to have to keep extending until we can do the work that we want to do. But because, you know, we're having a bad winter, we're, you know, not able to. >> Well, understood. I'm just looking at our peer review report from Michael Carter that is dated December 18th. And one of the things he uh recommends in item number I think 22 of his report was that they recommend that a condition be placed on the development that no work can begin until the soils are confirmed addressing the issue that there was uncertainty about what was what was underneath the u underneath the surface and what type of soil whether there was ledge and what have you. Um, that might be something that we can we could con
011we could do. >> I think that that that report was written before we had actually done soil testing. We had done I'm sorry, we had done soil testing. Our civil engineer had submitted that soil testing and again there was a mixup with getting the information to the civil engineer. Um, so there were some emails back and forth and at this point in time the last email from Jasmine and and you know which confirmed our civil engineers viewpoint which is that he's satisfied on all of his conditions. So um we feel that with regard to traffic we're done and with regard to civil we're done and um we're hoping to have a healthy discussion tonight on the architecture. >> Okay. When would you when would you propose? I know weather is uncertain, but when would you
012suggest the weather might be suitable for doing the additional work you mentioned concerning the u the water and sewer in the uh >> Yeah, let me I just want to look up Sean's last email to me um and see what it said. Um, so so it's my understanding that the flow meters were installed on or around January 15th. And those flow meters need to be in place for at least four weeks. So that would bring us to the middle of February and then they need to go in with the CCTV inspections which is sort of the camera and and and that I believe is and I may be you know converting the two of them. Um that is what needs the you know the camera. Um, and so I would say that we need at
013least until the middle of February for, you know, one portion of the testing to be done. Um, and you know, again, I it's unusual for us to have, you know, 10 degree weather for two weeks in a row kind of thing or be under 30. So, um, you know, >> okay, >> I can get I can get a better date, but that would be my initial sense that we didn't need a good two to three weeks. >> Thank you for that. I mean, to me, that seems like a reasonable time frame. We're not talking months. Uh, so it seemed like a reasonable time frame to operate on getting the additional information, which hopefully will help us solve the problem that we're dealing with. I mean, but even even if they get the testing results, they
014still have to write the report and then there's going to be like back and forth. So, you know, and given that I think we have about a month of hearings left, um, you know, under the 180 clock, I I just feel like we should, you know, that we're probably potentially going to need another another month or two after, you know, the 180 days are over. So, we just need to kind of continue to try and proceed with what we can proceed with and um do the best we can. Well, my thought is if that's what it takes, we're prepared to give you the time that's necessary to get the reports so that our peer reviewer can look at it and have a conversation with your engineer and hopefully get the issues resolved and allow us
015to come to a to a conclusion on this issue. Um, fellow board members, does that sound reasonable? >> Yes, it does. If I understand correctly, we we're looking at possibly a twomonth extension. Is that what you're saying, Miss Sweet? >> Yeah. I mean, I if you don't mind, I'd like to take it a month, you know, I don't, you know, a month at a time. Um so, um but, you know, my sense is, you know, at the end of the day, we're going to need that. Um just to >> Yeah, I think so. >> And Mr. Mr. Chairman, >> council, >> I think your next board meeting is what? February 10th. >> February 10th is the next board meeting. >> 180 days expires on February 22nd. So, do you have one meeting between now and
016the expiration? >> We have one meeting unless we have special meetings scheduled. >> I, you know, I think we should meet again on the 10th and I think I'll have a lot more information at that point as to how much of an extension we should do. Um, certainly, you know, just want everyone know that you know there's a willing willingness here because >> well as long with the understanding that there's a willingness on the applicant's part to >> to extend the hearing date and we do appreciate that um we don't need to have an extension tonight. I'm I'm willing to wait until February 10th >> because obviously if the circumstances change and there's not an extension granted it's not going to be in the applicant's favor when we go forward because we won't have the
017adequate information. I would expect not. And you would be able to continue that meeting from the 10th to any date between then and the 22nd to close. That would start your 40-day clock. So obviously the applicant wouldn't prefer that. I would imagine the board is also >> we're not going to be ready. >> Yeah. But the board's protected in the event. So I I think we could handle it on the 10th. >> Sounds good. >> Yeah. I just I didn't have Paul here because I assumed we'd be having one more, but he I spoke with him today, our attorney. So, we're, you know, we're all in agreement. >> Okay. Ryan and Stu, are you >> Makes sense on my end. >> What we've been talking about. >> Yes. Makes sense on my end. >> Okay.
018And Stu, how about for you? >> Okay with me. >> Okay. Um, let me suggest this. I see that we have um two architects present. yours and we have our peer reviewer who have been patiently waiting on issues that don't really concern them and we're taking up their time. So maybe we can sort of slide to that and deal with the architecture issue. How would that be? Um and I know your architect is present. We also have u our peer reviewer and let me just check the the name because it is a long last name. It's Amy Lafa Coco. I won't make you say it. >> No, I'm going to say it. I'm going. Amy Sheen La Coco, >> who's been our peer reviewer and >> Amy, perhaps it would be helpful. We have your
019report. Um, and I know the um the applicants architect had issued a response that came in this afternoon and I think you've perhaps had a brief time to review it, but why don't you tell us a little bit about your your initial review and any particular issues that you that you had and then perhaps where we stand. >> Yeah, absolutely. Um, well, thank you for this opportunity. Uh, my name is Amy Lotsoko. I'm an architect um with studio DSK. We're in conquered, Massachusetts. Um uh a director there. I'm AIA um certified passive house designer and um lead building design and construction professional as well as AIA. Um the um I'm excited to review this project. Um, we did have just to um give a little context, it took a while for our contract to be
020approved. We did put our proposal in in September and we just got it [snorts] finalized in January. But um I did uh was able to meet with the applicant um in December just, you know, of good faith. Let's let's talk about the project, get get um accustomed to the drawings and and have that walkthrough, which was very helpful. And then I was able to walk the site um Thursday uh a little less than two weeks ago which is very helpful. Um and uh get to know the site and understand where all the the renderings were taken from. And then um uh I I was then able to put together an initial review of the drawing package which I believe was from March um and uh and go through that um with um uh Miss Kistra
021and Miss Suite. And we uh went through the drawings and um just in order to be able to evaluate the drawings, I I needed to um request some changes just to um add uh fenistration, so doors and windows just to be able to understand the plans better. And um the the fourth floor plan, which is a Mansard roof um condition, which has a slightly different configuration, I just needed to understand that. So that letter that you have in hand is is really an an initial review to just uh make sure I was understanding things correctly um because uh there there are some things. So um that so my initial review uh was really to um get the drawings so that um we can now um take them you know overall but um and and those
022items that I I asked for have have and have really uh seem to have been addressed and um I can um take you um through the the building as as an overview. Um, if that if that would be useful. Um, sorry, I'm looking at the drawings and I've lost you all on my screen. Forgive me for one moment, please. I'm just going to move my drawings to a different screen. Um, so sorry about that. Um, so the existing lot at 55 West Union Street, um, it is owned as commercial highway. Um and it is the proposed building is 116 units. Um and uh oh thank you 116 units. Um the 116 residential units with 168 standard parking spaces and six accessible spaces for parking ratio of 1.5. Total gross square footage is 134,86 gross square
023feet. You can see that on the drawing there with uh a lot area of uh 211,827 that works out to 4.9 acres and the F there you can see is 0.64. um not listed here um is the building height and that that's something maybe we can talk about um after I go into the overview but it is it is 52 feet um and so u measure from the average grade plane it's a four and a half story structure um and this view um if you don't [music] mind I don't know if it's possible to make this full screen but you can see um this view is towards the entry Um, and we're we're seeing the drive-thru corridor here. And so what one of the amendments um that we see now we see windows in that
024corner on the fourth floor that hadn't previously been there. Um, so we appreciate that that's been updated in the drawing and and now that the plans are making a little more sense to us. So this drive-thru under under pour area is a drop off area and this is that half story when it said four and a half stories. This is where we have that half story zone. Um and just to be oriented if you don't mind um making it full screen again. Um yeah, we can see um from the locust map the from the the site aerial uh and in later um plans uh Miss Kistra has added key plans to orient so that you can see immediately and maybe I would suggest um for the public to have just have that view um clarify
025that this is from memorial and we're looking kind of southeast. Yeah, exactly where your your cursor is. Um to towards um West Union. So Duncan is down um to our left in this view just to get oriented. Um so if you don't mind going to the next sheet, please. Um this is the breakdown of the units and um uh basically each floor has um the same layout um except that the fenistration does change on the fourth floor. Um but there is a 25% uh mix of affordable units and uh my understanding is that um they are of the same number um that it is 25% of the A type 25% of the B type and 25% of the C type um of that um for the um AMI Um it is noted here that X.1
026units at Mansard roof to have unique layouts. So um that could be useful. And then it not note that um there's this note the project will include six which is 5% which is what um is required of group 2A units in compliance with um Mass Architectural Access Board. That's 521 CMR 9.4. Um, and this is an elevator building and so each each unit will be able to be visited and and Miss Kister noted noted that in the letter. Mind going to the next sheet, please? Um, so this is the um downstairs floor and um lobby uh amenities. note on the um social lounge area that is where we have a lot of glass um to get light and that that's facing um the that's facing West Union. Um there's actually small frontage on West Union.
027Um and then there's a co-working space, conference room, fitness um and a bike storage. So I just in from one one of the things we had discussed the I think the only revision on this plan really is um there's a way out around the bike storage between the packages and bike storage. Um uh there's a door that just hadn't been there before so that somebody could wheel their bike out so they don't have to wheel it out through the lobby. Um and you can see the elevator is at the end of the hall um at the upper leftand side of the building. And then you can see this the egress stairs at the top of the plan and also down at the uh lower part of the plan. Um and then building signage is is
028noted there. This is the the ground floor, the amenity space. And then um we don't have a site plan here, but the uh the landscape plan I did I did receive that um last week. Um and that's not in this drawing set though. Um if we go go to the next sheet. Um so this now has the um the windows in it um for the overall configuration and um three means of egress, three three stairs and then the that one centrally located elevator. Um, so, uh, maximizing, um, daylighting for all of the units, uh, and a pretty compact, um, floor plan. So, one of the things, um, because I got these at 2 PM today, um, I would love to do a little bit more of a deeper dive. Um, and so and and we'll
029we're going to keep flipping through these drawings and and we can ask questions, but um I just just um want wanted to say that I would request if I might have a little more time um with the drawings. Uh that would be appreciated. Um um I understand it took a while uh to get us on board, but it it would be appreciated. Um if you don't mind going to the fourth floor plan. So, this is a new drawing um that maybe people haven't seen before. This was added um at our request because the the Mansard level which does help with the articulation of the building um having a different material and um having it step in the way that that helps reduce the massing of the building. Um, so this is a a slightly different
030floor plan and so uh some of the open the window openings um they they shift to provide some variation to the facade and so um we had just requested that this plan be drawn and so this was provided today and it's I haven't been able to do that close of an assessment um to the the differences u between the the plans but um The elevations I believe now reflect that. The next one, this is the roof plan and um you can see that the the in plan around the perimeter of the building that the mansard roof those slopes those steep steep slopes um are are evident. You can. And then in the center of the plan are the um mechanical units, the condensing units um condensing units rather uh for each um unit. And then
031um roof drains are indicated RD there. And then um dash lines are indicated uh in Massachusetts we do of our roof area that's usable. Um that for solar we do 40% of that roof. um we just indicate those areas and um down the road when uh for for uh building permit um and it's good to have that thought through um and uh so so I just will ask uh you know the applicant with with the parapit we were just looking at the parapit height um in order to keep the building height low the parapit is quite low in in this section and so if there are tie offs then um you know Uh then then for me if this is and this is only accessible for folks who are doing the mechanical work then um
032then it would be acceptable to not have guards or um or a taller parapit. Um so um so that that would that would be a question just just we haven't talked about it. We we have just now having these um more refined drawings. So that would be a question. Um, but we're uh glad to see the drawing updates. Uh as requested and I could go to the next sheet please. Um yeah. So these um renderings um and the bottom one I um see is is has been updated. Um so the the key plan is very helpful. So, um, the neighbor to the south west, um, excuse me, the construction company, general construction company, they have a building, excuse me, um, very, um, quite close to the, uh, west to the street with um, and so
033that the ghost and when you look at perspective two, the top perspective, you see a ghost of it, that white building and that's um, catching that building um and then framing it. And so one of the revisions that we see in this is that the grading um is is going up um uh we're seeing that much more steeply. And so I just had some questions about the forcehortening of that um I received the landscaping plan u so a little bit later. So I'm I was just wondering about that. Um but what we're seeing now is the um we have a updated fourth floor in the the bottom view that bottom perspective. So these both of these uh drawings have been updated as requested. And if we go to the next sheet please um and the
034elevations um they these have been updated to reflect additional windows. um for uh bedrooms on that fourth floor. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that the um the zones of the building that step back from the the where the balconies are, those are um I'm not sure if they were a different color before, but um I was pleased to see the um different color because I think that helps with breaking down the massing. that the stepping back certainly helps with breaking down the massing but then adding it giving a different color is um helping it also. So from in this bottom view, we can really see that half um where where we get that four and a half stories um and where that 52 feet comes from. Um and we calculate it
035from the average grade um where we get that 52 feet. And so, um, that that is a question that maybe the architect could speak to is, um, in the, um, commercial um, highway or highway commercial, I always get it backwards, which one is the correct way to say it. Um, district is uh, is is this hike compliant in this district? So that that zoning area that's one question we have and then um you don't mind going to the next one. Uh this has been updated to reflect some um pictures of um built installations of of um these materials. Um so that we can see the uh fiber cement lap siding that kind of in those that brownish tone and then uh the mansard roofs the expression of a um standing seam metal roof. Um and
036then u also the the buff brick an example of that installed. So um and then we also see the storefront windows [clears throat] u which are those amenity spaces downstairs. Those are the the um gather community gathering spaces and then um outdoor balconies are provided. Um one thing that would probably be helpful is to also see that um secondary um tone that is being used for the fiber fiber cement siding where the building steps in. And and one thing we're seeing on the facade is by having those three stories be the fiber cement and then having the the upper one be the mans with shifting um windows changing that pattern is [snorts] it it helps u break the building down and create visual interest. If you go to the next page please and then building
037section. So explain exploiting that uh 52 foot height and you see the elevator overrun there also goes above that. And then if sections and then we have uh a few some of the unit plans not all the unit plans on this next sheet are depicted but I I had requested one more because I this is the one that and that four is a new one uh in terms of depiction um and that's the unit that where I hadn't seen the windows before. So that's updated in the rendering and so we have a two bed two bath in the upper leftand corner. Um and uh with outdoor living space um each bedroom is provided daylight windows as required and um there is another configuration of a two bed two bath on the right. Um primary bedroom
038on one side of living and secondary bedroom on the second side. And then um on the bottom right plan is a version of the one bed, one bath. And then we have the uh three bed, three bath configuration. Um so these are the updated drawings. Thank you for sending these through. Um and um just so I just uh have some initial questions from just this quick review this afternoon that I I had. Um and would love to um ask some initial questions and um and yeah just is the 52 foot height compliant? >> This is this is a 40B. So we are allowed to ask for waivers from underlying zoning, >> right? But a waiver would be required. Amy, I just wanted to ask the the applicant submitted a report um early afternoon today with
039the updated drawings that you've just reviewed with us. Um do you need more time to review anything else in that and render a report or what would your per your preference be? I think you started to say you had a few questions and is that something that you could you could do offline with the uh applicants? a architect perhaps and produce a final report for us or how would you how would you like to >> Great. Yep. Yeah, that that would be great because the initial what the initial report was was that it was an initial report. I got updated drawings that now are um a little more ready for me to review. And so yeah, that that would that sounds good. >> Okay. So, would you be able to >> Is it also fair
040to say that you don't have the waiver list? >> The um they were not listed on the drawings. >> Okay. >> I'll send you the waiver list, too. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, would you be able to review the and answer the whatever questions you might have and get a report back to us in time for our next meeting which would be on February 10th? >> Yes. >> Okay. Excellent. Um, Missu, is that a good way to proceed to have um our peer reviewer speak with your architect offline to to get the answers to her questions? You're going to send her your waiver request. I'm not sure she needs that, but that's fine. Um, >> okay. >> Can I just make a request? Can I Can I just make, you know, have Jasmine make sure
041that everything is up to date on the town's website? Um, and make sure that Amy has access to that website. um it it became clear that she had not been provided with the full set of landscape drawings and now we're learning that she doesn't have the waiver list. I don't know whether or not she has, you know, the site plan and obviously everything is really interrelated. So, I just want to make sure she has everything she needs and we are very happy to come back on the 14th. Um, and you know, hopefully some more progress will have been made by that point in time. >> Okay, that will be the 10th and not the 14th that you'll come back hopefully. >> Uh, >> oh, I'm sorry. I know the weekend. Hang on. Let me make
042sure I put that in my calendar. >> Yep. Yep. The 10th. >> Okay. Fellow board members, is that a good way to proceed with this so we can come to a hopefully a final conclusion on the architectural issues at our next meeting? >> I agree with this. Yes, >> Mr. Chairman. >> One question of you. >> Yes. if the board would consider if you would be open to asking Amy um how she feels the architecture fits with the harmony of the existing neighborhood especially considering the potential um construction that would be going down the street and the addition of the YMCA as well just looking how the building fits in a whole >> well why don't you ask address that question to her and that can be part of her supplemental report that will come
043in next time that's all right with you Amy that I would love to have opportunity to think about that now that I've um have the updated drawings and I've I've visited the site and walked the site and um been to the um the development down the street um towards the MBTA um up north there and um that that's a wonderful question and we'll certainly um address that. >> Okay, >> be great. And then uh Ryan and Stu, you okay with that method of proceeding with the U architects talking offline and then a supplemental report from our peer reviewer in time for our next meeting? >> Yes, I am. >> And Stu, how about you? >> I am also >> okay with that. >> Anybody have any questions of um our peer reviewer Amy before we
044um move on to the next subject? I have a quick one. Uh, just in looking at the plans, the elevator looks really small to me. I don't know if there's a standard that you use for a building size to come up with the size of an elevator. Um, I'm just wondering who who looks at that. >> We do. I think both Talia and I can feel that it's um there different building types require different sizes in terms of what kind of um services need to be provided and um yeah that's one that um yeah you do do that the and I would say it's they're also it's a big building so the elevators um may appear small because it's a big building. Okay, fair enough. Thank you. >> Okay, Miss Sweet, anything you want to
045add on this subject before we move on? >> I I I just would like my architect at the next meeting to to perhaps present her plans because I don't know that she has been able to present the updated drawings and, you know, the decisions that were made um rather than have someone else interpret her plans. If that's something that the board will allow. Uh, >> sure. I think I see no reason not to do that. Give you an opportunity to make the presentation and I think it might be helpful after our peer reviewer has an opportunity to review the most recent um submission today uh to give your architect an opportunity. We'd be glad to hear from her. >> Hey, do you also want us to bring the landscape architect in? I I know we've
046spent a lot of time talking about civil. I just want to make sure that I have everybody that's needed at the meeting. >> Won't hurt. One more thing we can cover while we wait for the um digging to um the flow meters to u to work. Okay, then I think we're done with the architecture for the uh for the evening. And Amy, thank you very much for being here. Um, you're welcome to stay and watch the rest of the meeting, but you certainly do not have to. It's perhaps not the most riveting TV at the moment. >> Thank you. I I may have to sign off, go eat dinner. Um, thank you very much for the opportunity. >> Bye-bye. Um, okay. Um, next item is is a question that some of us have I think
047and that's would the the site is almost a 5 acre site and there isn't really any recreational space on the site which seems to be something that is missing. for a development that's going to have house almost 200 people when it's when it's full. And I guess >> that was I'm glad the cat is out of the way and you handled her gently. I I fully appreciate the problem of the cat and the keyboard. Oh my goodness. Main cat. >> Uh Siberian Siberian forest cat. Oh my, this is her kind of weather then. >> U you'd think. [laughter] >> Okay. Um >> um so getting back to the issue about you know recreational space and why there isn't any on the um >> so one of the reason property >> well one of the reasons
048that we limited the recreational space and and Talia may be able to tell you you know what what we have in the building and a little bit of what we have outside is because the school is down the street and in walking distance. um because the rail trail is down the street and in walking distance and because the Y is going to be across the street. So um we definitely have some internal space um for um I I think maybe a small fitness center and I think we have an outdoor seating area, but I'm going to let um Talia speak to uh you know the elements that we put on it. But it it was very deliberate because we feel like it's in an amazing location for those reasons that I I just went over.
049>> Good. >> Yes. Hello everyone. I'm Talia with Studio Can. Um the another challenge with this site is the slope. Um so outdoor space would be challenging to have a large space for recreation. However, we have carved out a seating area at the main entry that's for welcoming, for waiting um and for potentially whatever people want to use if they want to sit outside. Um and there's also a dog um a dog run relief area as well, so you can take your pets and there's a designated place for that. Um and then just soft landscaping around the building itself. So, um other than just the slope and it being pretty severe, um those were the places that we've located a few little things. Um inside the building, as Lynn had said, we have a fitness
050space, we have co-working, we have a social lounge for soft seating and a um catering kitchen. So, it does offer um a good amount of space uh within the building as well. And basically anything that is going to be outside needs to be accessible um you know with ADA inside and outside because it's considered public space. >> Uh I I don't at this time I need to turn my mic on. Um Ryan and Stu, you all set on this? >> I am. Yes. >> Okay. Excellent. Um, one last thing perhaps tonight and I'm not sure it involves an email that was sent to the uh ZBA um this afternoon by in a butter um rather detailed three-page email from the butter at I believe it's the next building up Brandon and Emory Bond concerning three
051pages of concerns and miss did you receive a copy of that >> when it was I just received it at 7:28 this evening >> um I will I will say that the owner has met numerous times John John Dudley has met numerous times s um with the bonds. So, I need some time to digest it and see where he landed with everything. >> Exactly. I just one I wanted it didn't look like when we got here and we reviewed it, it didn't look like you had received it. So, we had um our director of planning forward it to you. Obviously, you don't have opportunity to review it. Um, but I would like to address some of the issues at least at our next meeting that they raise and um, you'll have ample opportunity to um,
052to review it and to respond to it. Um, their email indicated they were unable to be here either in person or on Zoom uh, at tonight's meeting. Hopefully they may be able to be present next next time uh to address at least some of the issues that that might need to be addressed. Uh and is there anything else we can accomplish on this tonight? >> It's a it's a really good question. I don't think so. Um, and I'm not sure that, you know, in glancing through this that >> you're in agreement on that because no, let me let me just get the rest of it out. Um, you know, some of this has already been peer-reviewed and agreed to, so I don't even know. Um, you know, sometimes a butterers don't um um want to
053agree with what a developer might say, but sometimes they will listen to what peer reviewers have to say. So, um I'm going to give this some thought and see whether or not we're the best party to respond on everything or or you're you know, you're civil kind of thing. Um, and and I'll try and reach out to Jasmine once I've given it a little bit more thought. >> We don't intend to prohibit you from not being able to respond with whoever you want to have respond on on your behalf. So, in that instance, don't feel constrained. >> Yeah. Thanks. I just I just don't you know like I said if we say that you know water and storm water has been peer reviewed and signed off on um and your peer reviewer says it your
054peer reviewer is statement might have more weight than than what we have. So um I just um want to think about it and I appreciate the opportunity to have a little bit more time to sit with it. >> Okay. Council, anything additional tonight that we need to do with respect to this matter? >> Uh, public comment uh just as a procedural matter, but I don't have any requests. >> You know, I had public comment in the back of my mind and it totally flew out of it because we have two people here in meeting room, one of both of whom I'm sure aren't going to comment, but we do have people online. So, why don't we uh open the matter to public comment? Anyone on via Zoom that wishes to speak, um, please raise your
055hand. Use the little button to indicate that you want to be heard and Jasmine will let you into the meeting. >> Mr. Chairman, I have Mark Done. >> Mr. Cone, did you say Mark? >> Yes. >> Mark, would you identify yourself? My name is Michael with 119 Main Street and I'm have have been informed through this meeting tonight that it is going to be a continuence for for the reasons that they want to get more information back and forth and get back to you as a board to the um what's your name? Um the the one that's laying her hand into her head. Is it the design actually completed as ready for site review or is it going to be ready for ZBA first? >> Your your audio is breaking up a bit. I don't
056know if every anybody else could understand you, but I I couldn't understand what you were saying. >> Okay. How's that? >> Are you The preliminary architecture has been done. Um the full construction drawings will not happen until if and when we receive a permit and move to the next phase of drawings. I'm not sure if that is what you're asking. >> Yes. That that that way it's got to be presented fully in public once you get your permit. We got to get a permit through the for the >> Well, the comprehensive permit process is just that. It's comprehensive the um zoning [clears throat] board of appeals is looking at a number of matters including architecture, civil uh water and sewer um and traffic and and that's what's under the purview of the zoning board of
057appeals. um if they issue a decision, the decision will have a number of different sections in it. Um some of those sections will be items that need to be um dealt with before getting a building permit. Um but the actual final construction drawings will be reviewed along with conditions in the permit by the building inspector. >> Okay. then through the build inspector. Then it's got to be going through the town hall offices that's with the building inspector and then the conceived and worked on and be ready for the next meeting after the building inspector inspects it. >> Mark, you're going way off base with what we've been talking about this evening. So I think those questions would be better left to a subsequent meeting >> because I I could I know that um the building
058inspector and and Jasmine's in that same two offices. I just got to wonder if they ever going to if once it gets looked at it's going to be talked between them two as prep to be to be showed. >> I'm sorry Mark. I there's something wrong with the audio or something. I can't understand what you're saying. Can anyone else? >> N. So, I think we're going to have to end um this part of the public comment section for you and hopefully when we reconvene on the next meeting um and if you wish to make public comment um the audio will be better so that we can understand you and report or answer whatever questions you might have. Um but thank you Jasmine. Is there anybody else? >> There is not but Mr. Done. We could
059also answer your questions in the office in the meantime. If you have time in the next few weeks, uh we could certainly answer those in house as well. >> Okay. Thank you for that. Okay. Any other public comment requested? >> None that I see. >> Okay. Is there a motion to close public comment for this evening? >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Seconded. >> I, John Feather, vote in favor. I >> Brian Forestall, vote in favor. >> I Ryan Sullivan, vote in favor. Steuart Seagull also vote in favor. >> Okay. Public comment is closed for this for this evening. And we are now going to move to continue this hearing until Tuesday, February 10th at 700 p.m. >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Seconded. >> I, John Feather, vote
060in favor. >> I Brian Forestall, vote in favor. >> I, Ryan Sullivan, vote in favor. I Stuart Seagull vote in favor. >> Excellent. Thank you very much everybody. This hearing is continued until Tuesday, February 10th at 700 p.m. and see you all then. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Moving on to the next item on the agenda or as soon as I find my agenda and here it is will be meeting minutes. Um, this afternoon we received a draft of the minutes for our January 13th meeting. Uh, has everybody had an opportunity to review them? >> I have. >> Ryan, >> I have as well. >> Okay. >> I have also >> any questions or proposed changes in the minutes? >> None. A motion to approve the minutes for the January 13, 2026
061meeting as submitted. >> So moved. >> There a second. >> Seconded. >> I, John Feather, vote in favor. >> I, Brian Forestall, vote in favor. >> I, Ryan Sullivan, vote in favor. >> I, Steuart Seagull, vote in favor. >> Excellent. Those minutes are approved. And thank you very much for submitting those. Next item on the agenda is staff updates and administrative matters. We have with us tonight Alex Moronovis who has expressed interest in being appointed as an associate member of the uh zoning board of appeals. Alex was present at our last meeting on January 13th where we had an opportunity to um find out a little bit about him and his background and why he was interested in becoming a an associate member of the ZBA and in accordance with my understanding of the present
062practice or desires of the select board. they like potential members to attend a couple of meetings to see if it's a if it's a fit for them. And um Alex, as I said, did attend the last meeting. Um we had an opportunity to speak with him. He seems quite enthusiastic. Um, and I think the general impression, and I won't speak for everybody, as I do speak for everybody, um, that the impression was that he would was well qualified to be appointed an associate member of the ZBA. Um, Brian Stew. Brian, any any questions for Alex or any concerns? >> no concerns at all. Okay. No concerns here. >> Okay. Thank you. Then the process will be we're going to take a vote and I will send an email uh hopefully I'll be able to do
063it tomorrow. If not tomorrow, definitely on Thursday morning uh to the select board indicating that we have met with you. Um and we think that you would be a u well appointment to associate member of the ZBA and then the select board Miss Roy's their assistant would be in touch with you to schedule a meeting before the select board when they would have an opportunity to ask you questions and vote to uh whether to appoint you to the board. And after all that talking, I forget. Did we formally vote to make that recommendation? >> No. >> Brian, would you like to make that motion? >> Yes. I move that we um ask Alex to join our board. >> Is there a second? >> Seconded. >> Okay. I, John Feedman, vote in favor. >> I Brian
064Forest all vote in favor. >> I Ryan Sullivan, vote in favor. >> I Stuart Seagull, also vote in favor. >> Thank you, Alex. Thank you very much for coming back tonight. And I said, we'll proceed as I um as I discussed staff updates and administrative matters. Jasmine, anything to report on that? >> Nothing at this time. Oh, except our housing production plan. We do still have our survey up. So, if anybody is interested and you haven't taken the survey yet, we do please encourage you to take the survey for the housing production plan which is available on our website. >> Thank you very much for that. >> Oh, isn't that um class coming up? mean things. >> Yes, that is on >> next Wednesday. Next Wednesday. >> Next Wednesday, >> I believe I believe it
065starts at 6:00 >> both online [clears throat] and in person. >> Yes. >> So definitely all of us should uh should be there. Alex, could you perhaps send Alex the appointment because assuming you are going to be appointed and I have every assumption that you will be, um there's town council is going to offer uh an educational session on the open meeting law and conflict of interest law that she does every several years. >> Yeah, >> we have to um take a test when you uh when you're appointed of an online test about it. So, this would be a good opportunity to get refreshed um in person. So, um Jasmine will send you the uh the links for that. Again, it's going to be in person at the community center or given the fact that
066we seem to be in 10 degree weather with, you know, a couple of feet of snow every couple of days, we may want to attend, um, remotely. However, that being said, um, if there's nothing else, then thank you for reminding us of that, Brian. Um, a motion to adjourn. >> So moved. >> There a second. >> Seconded. >> I, John, and vote in favor. I Brian Forestall, vote in favor. >> I Ryan Sullivan, vote in favor. >> I Stuart Seagull, vote in favor. >> Thank you all very much. And we will see everybody on February 10th. And stay safe, please. And WACA, thank you very much.