City Council - Zoning Committee

City of Chicopee City Council Zoning Committee Members Shane Brooks, Chair Timothy McLellan, Vice Chair Fred Krampits Approved Frank Laflamme Jerry Roy James Tillotson William Zaskey MINUTES October 24, 2017 The following are the minutes of a public hearing held Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, Fourth Floor, City Hall Annex, 274 Front Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. Members Present Brooks, Krampits, Laflamme, Roy, Tillotson, McLellan, Zaskey Members Absent: Also Present Dan Garvey (Asst. City Solicitor), Lee Pouliot (Planning Director) The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM In compliance with the Open Meeting Law the Chairman asked if anyone in the audience was recording the meeting. Hearing none the meeting continued. ITEM #1 Special Permit application under section 275-67 for the purpose of constructing a 95 unit assisted living facility along with access drive, parking and utilities at River Mills Lot 4 former Facemate Property, West Main Street. Applicant Berkshire Design Group, David Spada, 4 Allen Pl., Northampton, MA Attorney John Solak gave a presentation of a general layout of the project, parking per zoning requirements, draining conditions and conservation issues. We are attaining gas from the Main Street and water from the River Mills. He stated that we did a traffic analysis and determined that there were no negative impacts associated with the site. He stated that they will be adding landscaping such as trees, lighting and a patio. Paul Selnau, Architect of Schadler, Selnau Associates stated that it’s a ninety five unit assisted living facility with ninety nine residents. We have a lot of good inside and exterior space. He gave a presentation of the elevators, floors and apartments. We are compliant with the fire alarms, energy ratings and the wood frame structure. He stated that we are one hundred percent handicap adaptable. We have ground and low level lighting in the parking areas and exit doors, walking paths and patio areas. 1 Councilor Roy asked if there is a recreational area. Paul Selnau answered yes there are several and we have around the clock security, private dining and a fitness area. Councilor Zaskey stated that he wasn’t happy with the total design of the building. He stated that it does not fit the design of what we’re looking for in that whole area. He felt that the architectural design of the building was very cold. Paul Selnau stated that since that time we’ve been in further development of the building and overall design and we were able to add detail trim and typical New England style architecture. Councilor Brooks had concerns on how the existing typography will support the building. Paul Selnau stated when they put the material down they did compact it at a decent level. They had studies done and it will support the structure. David Spada stated that he had extensive studies done. We’ve engineered it in a way in which it’s not going to rest on top of it. Environmental Engineering is working with the City and the DEP and they will be fully involved in the matters. Councilor Brooks asked if there was any hospice or end of life provided here. David Spada answered yes David Spada stated that we will have employment with different level jobs for a lot of people in the area. He stated the demographics and the market space match up very well in Chicopee. We are very happy to come to town and do a lot of co-programing with the Senior Center. Lee Pouliot stated that they held their SPRAC meeting and in addition to the School Department, Assessors and the Community Development; the Departmental Comments attached are from that meeting. Final approval of the satisfaction of all conditions will be determined by the Planning Director and reported to issuing authority The City of Chicopee. He stated that he does not have any major concerns on anything that’s here tonight. I recommend a special permit and I will gladly work with the applicant and his team to address some of these questions. Councilor Brooks was concerned if we issue a special permit and some of these conditions are not satisfied can we resend it. Attorney Garvey stated we have to appoint someone to be satisfied with the conditions. Lee Pouliot stated typically what he does with the Planning Board is if they do a project with approvals I will work with the applicant and make sure that I get revised plans. Once I’m satisfied I will let the Building Department know that they have met all of their conditions and they can grant them the building permits. For the Councils knowledge I’ll make sure to send a memo once all the conditions have been met. Permit to run with the land Motion to approve contingent upon satisfying all requirements of the “Departmental Comments” Document. Final approval of the satisfaction of all conditions will be determined by the Planning Department and reported issuing authority The City. Councilor Roy motion to approve with restrictions – Councilor Tillotson 2nd the motion. Committee vote 7 – 0 favorable ITEM #2 Zone Change application from Res A to Industrial for 1.42 acres of property located at 25 North Chicopee Street for the purpose of new business development – brewery. Applicant Patrick Randall 4 John Lane South Hadley, MA 01075 2 Owner JWD Holdings, LLC aka John W. Dietel PO Box 188 Holyoke, MA 01041-188 Patrick Randall and John Lane were present. Patrick Randall stated that we’re proposing using this space and requesting it to be converted to industrial. Councilor Laflamme motion to approve – Councilor Brooks 2nd the motion Committee vote 7 – 0 favorable Councilor McLellan motion to approve minutes from September 28, 2017– Councilor Brooks 2nd the motion – motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM. 3