Development Review Board

7/15/2021 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Kevin Lumpkin, Chair; Matt Bacewicz, Vice-Chair; Harland Miller, Secretary; Aaron Guyette; David Weissberger; Elsie Goodrich; Kaitlyn Hayes City Staff Present: Jon Rauscher, Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Aristotle Souliotis, Abby Derry, Jeremy Matosky, Brian Hehir, Rick Bryant, Joe Handy Call to Order by: Mr. Lumpkin Meeting Start Time: 6:30 PM Minutes Recorded by: Eric Vorwald II. Changes to the Agenda None III. Public Comment None IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: 4 – 0 – 1 Motion by: Mr. Weissberger Second: Mr. Bacewicz Motion to approve minutes as presented. V. Appeal of Zoning Administrator’s Decision – 401 Main Street Mr. Lumpkin opened the hearing by welcoming those in attendance and providing an overview of the proceedings. He reminded those in attendance to sign in to ensure they could maintain party status as needed. He also swore in those persons in attendance who intended to provide testimony on the hearing. With that, Mr. Lumpkin invited the appellant to provide testimony on the matter before the Board. Ms. Derry, on behalf of the applicant, provided an overview of the project including the intended uses and layout of the proposed building. She noted the intent was to have two commercial spaces on the ground floor with approximately 2,800 square feet of space, and eight total dwelling units on two upper floors, for a total of a three-story building. She also indicated that one of the commercial spaces would include a drive thru to accommodate a coffee-type use; specifically a Dunkin Donuts. Ms. Derry continued her presentation and discussed the specific site considerations and iterations that were developed to accommodate traffic as requested by the City. Following Ms. Derry’s overview, Mr. Bryant provided an extensive review of the traffic impact  dwelling units on two upper floors, for a total of a three-story building. She also indicated that one of the commercial spaces would include a drive thru to accommodate a coffee-type use; specifically a Dunkin Donuts. Ms. Derry continued her presentation and discussed the specific site considerations and iterations that were developed to accommodate traffic as requested by the City. Following Ms. Derry’s overview, Mr. Bryant provided an extensive review of the traffic impact studies and the analysis that was conducted related to traffic and turning movements. He provided information on the methodologies that were used and the various scenarios that were evaluated. Members of the Development Review Board asked questions of both Ms. Derry and Mr. Bryant during their presentation including information on turning movements, operational components, and traffic volumes throughout the corridor. Mr. Bryant provided additional information on the traffic impact study and more questions were asked by the Board including impacts to residents that may be occupying the upper floors and how they will utilize the site. Mr. Bryant concluded his presentation with additional information about cueing and stacking of vehicles on site and in the drive-thru. Following the presentation by the appellants, Mr. Rauscher provided information to the Board on the concerns and considerations that were evaluated by the City. Specifically, Mr. Rauscher indicated that the concern from the City related primarily to morning peak traffic and competition for limit space along Normand Street for both school traffic and patrons of the proposed use. He clarified that the City was not interested in pursuing a two-way conversion of Normand Street. Mr. Rauscher also noted that, if the project moved forward and there were issues that came up, there were no identifiable solutions to mitigate issues that may arise. Additionally, it would be up to the City to identify, fund, and execute any mitigation measures. The Board asked clarifying questions of Mr. Rauscher including information on the Main Street Revitalization Project, the work at Exit 16, and pedestrian safety. With both the appellant and appellee concluding their presentations, Mr. Lumpkin closed the hearing. He provided an overview of next steps in the process and indicated that the Board had 45 days to issue a decision on the matter. He also indicated that the deliberations would take place is a closed session. Finally, he thanked those in attendance for participating in the discussions. VI. Election of Officers Decision: 5 – 0 Motion by: Mr. Guyette Second: Mr. Weissberger Mr. Vorwald provided an overview of the rules and procedures that required the Board to elect officers each year. He indicated this was realigned by Council so the fiscal year would start the new term for all boards and commissions. Since this was the first meeting of the Board for this fiscal year, officers would need to be reelected. Mr. Lumpkin, Mr. Bacewicz, and Mr. Miller all indicated an interest in continuing to serve, but also indicated they would allow other members to serve in the respective officer roles if there was interest. With no other members expressing interest, Mr. Guyette made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Weissberger to reelect Mr. Lumpkin as Chair, Mr. Bacewicz as Vice-Chair, and Mr. Miller as Secretary. All were in favor. VII. City Updates Mr. Vorwald provided an update on current decisions of the DRB making their way through the Environmental Court, including 9 George Street and 133 Elm Street. VIII. Other Business Mr. Vorwald noted the next meeting would be on August 19 th and that there was a sketch plan for a two-lot subdivision to review. He also indicated that the deadline for that meeting was July rd VIII. Other Business Mr. Vorwald noted the next meeting would be on August 19 th and that there was a sketch plan for a two-lot subdivision to review. He also indicated that the deadline for that meeting was July 23 rd . IX. Adjourn Motion by: Mr. Miller Second: Mr. Guyette Meeting End Time: 8:49 PM