The Town Plan and Zoning Commission met via ZOOM on Tuesday, June 1 at 7 p.m.
One discussion involved “illegal” temporary signage used by about 35 different businesses on the Boston Post Road.
The signs that have popped up in mass since the COVID crisis began to draw people’s attention to their businesses are causing some serious Sightline issues.
Business owners need to reacquaint themselves with the town regulations regarding signage – temporary signs are not allowed.
Zoning Enforcement Officer Jack Demirjian will visit business owners and talk to them about the issue.
FIRELIGHT COMMONS
SPECIAL USE & SITE PLAN APPLICATION in conjunction with an ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS SUPPLEMENT & LIGHTING SUPPLEMENT– Property known as 35 Old Tavern Road and 308 Racebrook Road located in the LSC Zoning District: Submitted by 35 Old Tavern Road, LLC. A proposed mixed-use development including the construction of a 134,000 sq. ft, three story building with 72 dwelling units along with 226 parking spaces. An APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL PERMIT has also been submitted in accordance with section 383-175B for shared parking. (Continuation from the 5/18/2021 meeting)
There is an apartment complex proposal in the works for the Firelight Plaza on Old Tavern Road that includes 72 units and 226 parking places.
The commission previously requested a reduction in the parking spaces.
Attorney Marjorie Shansky, representing the applicant, spoke at length about the demand for her client to provide sidewalks on the opposite side of the street (CVS, Post Office, Bank, etc.) that they would be responsible for clearing after a snowfall, which, she said, didn’t seem right since it had no relation whatsoever to the Firelight Plaza.
The traffic Commission wants a crosswalk put in for the safety of residents crossing over to the shopping area, which the applicant agreed to do.
With the commercial and residential components of the proposal, there is a question if parking will be convenient enough to make the businesses viable. Also, will the already congested traffic in the immediate area become a nightmare?
Resident Cathy Hatrick, whose property borders the entire rear property line spoke of her concern about dumpsters, rodents, and what type of, if any, landscaping would be between her land and the building.
The contractors said there will be a required 30′ landscaped buffer between her property and the parking lot.
Hatrick said she knows she won’t have any privacy in her yard from a three-story building looming over it even with mature plants installed.
After much discussion the commissioners weighed in: Paul Kaplan said he would be in favor of the plans; Judy Smith said she thought the proposal, as presented may actually improve traffic in the area; Kevin Cornell said he still had concerns that the proposal didn’t meet the “town center” idea that it was initially meant to be, Tom Torrenti said he would be in favor of the application if the old NuVita building was torn down.
The applicant agreed to go back to the drawing board and submit a new proposal minus the NuVita building.
Demerjian said the absence of the NuVita building would provide better access for police and fire apparatus, which would be a plus. He added that ALL required departments signed off on the current plans with the exception of the Traffic Commission.
The application has been continue= to the next meeting on June 15 when new plans including where the dumpster enclosure will be located on the property and with the exemption of NuVita.
