pages: PlanningBoard/2006-11-13.pdf, 20
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PlanningBoard | 2006-11-13 | 20 | design and was excited about the new tenant. She inquired why the corner tower must be 10 feet taller than the highest point of the Safeway building. She suggested imposing height limits to safeguard against newer phases becoming higher and higher. She was not wedded to the earlier resolution suggesting that a unified style and theme fitting the 1950s - 1970s period. President Lynch understood the challenges faced in taking over an existing shopping center and the resulting piecemeal approach. He noted that change was an important element of planning, and given the scale of the structures, these three buildings were consistent with what was already in place. He agreed that the tower was a prominent visual statement, and that within a retail complex, this plan was consistent with land use, the adopted design for the site and zoning. He was concerned with some of Vice President Cook's comments as they relate to some of the already-approved conditions, which he perceived as a separate item. Member Ezzy Ashcraft noted that the appearance of much of the center is known, which would supply a design standard for the rest of the center. She believed the overall design was attractive. Member Cunningham noted that he could support buildings 400 and 500, which he believed fit the existing character; he was concerned about the massing of building 300. He suggested setting building 300 back to mitigate the height. President Lynch noted that it was 11:58 p.m. M/S Cook/Kohlstrand and unanimous to continue the meeting to 12:30 a.m. AYES - 5 (Mariani, McNamara absent); NOES - 0; ABSTAIN - 0 Mr. Kyte noted that the tower was 38-feet-4-inches, the low parapet was 37-feet-4 inches and the next step was 40-feet-4-inches, as opposed to Safeway at 38 feet 9 inches and 33 feet 8 inches. He believed the tower could be reduced by several feet, and added that the equipment could be screened by leaving the center section a bit taller while the main body of the parapet could be lowered about two feet and four feet on the tower. Member Cunningham believed that reducing the parapets would accentuate the tower; he was more concerned about the parapets than the tower. A discussion of the tower height and number of floors ensued. Vice President Cook expressed concern about the safety of the internal circulation at Whitehall to Park Street, and added that it was already dangerous at Safeway and Trader Joe's. She did not wish to continue the circulation problems in this center. She would prefer to see a walkway between Safeway and the old Walgreen's building. Member Kohlstrand believed the design of building 500 could be improved, and was concerned with the blank facades in the east and south sides. M/S Cunningham/Ezzy Ashcraft to adopt Planning Board Resolution No. PB-06-48 to approve Planning Board Minutes Page 20 November 13, 2006 | PlanningBoard/2006-11-13.pdf |