by David Dahlbacka in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Porter Square
Posted on January 15, 2012 at 7:43 pm
| January 19, 2012 | ||
| 6:00 pm | to | 9:00 pm |
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Somerville Planning Board Meeting
Thurs. Jan. 19 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Somerville City Hall
Aldermanic Chamber
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)
Public Notice (PDF)
Agenda (PDF)
This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Planning Board.
Agenda includes further discussion and possible vote on the Porter Square/Wilson Square zoning change, which has proved controversial.
Public notice includes routine permits from Biogen regarding awnings over existing docks and liquid nitrogen tanks (61 Medford St.) and signage for an existing restaurant (335 Somerville Ave.).
The Planning Board holds public hearings, provides recommendations to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Aldermanic committees, and grants permits for special districts, such as Planned Unit Developments.
For more information, see:
- OSPCD – The Visioning Process at Porter Square and Wilson Square
- Somerville Planning Board (Agendas and Minutes | Reports and Decisions)
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Beat Report: 1/19/12 Planning Board Meeting
Maroney, Favaloro, Kirylo, Capuano (+ staff)
Bottom Line on Top
Porter Square/Wilson Square zoning change discussion postponed to February 2 meeting due to absence of Kevin Prior for medical reasons. BOA written record open until January 30. Change to definition of pervious area passed with amendments to allow evaluation of artificial turf as pervious based on what is underneath and to allow existing conforming properties to not become nonconforming.
Rough Notes [not in chronological order]
[Kirylo remarked that I'm there so much, I should be an alternate]
Postpone to Feb. discussion of Porter Sq/Wilson Sq. discussion. Kevin Prior has health issues, cannot proceed without him. BOA written record still open until January 30. Voted to continue to Feb. 2.
[COMMENT: Two people showed up to hear the discussion about Porter Square zoning and left when they learned it was being postponed.]
Continuation of Previous Discussion
Definition of pervious area.
[COMMENT: Staff provided me copy of amendment, which reads:
2.1.122a Pervious Area: The area of a lot covered by surfaces or materials that allows for the movement or passage of water into soils below. Pervious areas include, but are not limited to, areas of a lot covered by soil/mulch, vegetative matter, permeable pavers, green roofs, or other materials that allow for the passage of water. Compacted gravel, artificial turf, and structures without green roofs shall not be considered as pervious area.]
Proposed amendment to amendment.
Staff: Strike last sentence ["Compacted gravel, artificial turf, ..., shall not be considered as pervious area."] If artificial turf is pervious, it should be allowed. Deal with on case by case basis, allow staff to inquire what’s underneath.
M: What if most houses nonconforming, what effect would this have on confoming houses? Certain properties are confirming, but could become unconforming.
Staff: Since there are very few conforming properties, could waive by special permit for conforming properties provided addresses environmental impacts. If a small change (de minimis) doesn’t require special permit.
F: What if you have a large existing driveway and you have to have it redone. Will there be action against you? Or is it grandfathered?
C: Nonconforming destroyed by fire, can reconstruct as is with nonconformities, would be OK.
F: If 95% of lot is ASPHALT, and they want to pave it. For other nonconforming changes, don’t need special permit.
M: Would likely do it without telling city.
F: Uncomfortable with effect on existing nonconforming properties.
M: Send to BOA statement to look into how grandfathering works with a 95% paved place?
K: City won’t say dig it up.
M: If you build something without permit and city doesn’t want to make it conforming, you could have to tear it down.
Staff: Goes to legislative matters committee.
C: Would this count toward grandfathering? You say you have to apply for special permit to claim it’s conforming (if you want to increase area). Something like this: “All properties otherwise conforming will not be considered nonconforming if existing ground coverage would make it nonconforming.”
M: Doesn’t address overpaving of existing paved properties.
C: Such propertes are exempt if replacing with conforming pervious or replacing existing nonconformity,
M: Move to approve proposed zoning as amended.
Vote as amended.
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New Cases [came first chronologically]
61 Medford St.
Add awning over docks with nitrogen tanks.
Atlantic Awning representing parties.
Staff: Docks and tank at rear of property near McGrath. Vegetation behind property masks location. TOD zone, requires special permit. Large awning covering multiple loading docs; another to wrap around tank.
Maroney: Awnings to keep off snow and rain?
A: Yes, not decorative.
No testimony, pro or con.
Staff recommends approval with conditions. (1) Provide drawings; (2) replace existing street signs and equipment damaged; (3) follow fire prevention reqs; (4) Staff signoff on awning color; (5) Final signoff by staff. 21 day appeal period (state law), Then can apply for building permit.
[COMMENT: These appear to be standard conditions that appear in all recommendations.
Voted to accept staff recommendation.
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335 Somerville Ave.
Signage and awning over existing restaurant. Sally O’Briens in Union Sq. Want awning to match existing signage. Have approval for outdoor seating, awning to shelter seating. Hope for existing awning at entrance to be altered in future. New awning abuts existing awning, but doesn’t match. Staff felt we shouldn’t limit tenant based on that. Other awning is for medical facility. Talking with owner about replacing other awning.
No testimony, pro or con.
Staff recommends cond approval. (1) Provide plans; (2) Awning no less than 7 ft from sidewalk, can’t cross sidewalk edge; (3) If damage existing street equipment, reconstruct; (4) contact staff when done.
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Minutes to approve: 4/15/10. Moved to accept minutes.
Moved to adjourn.
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