pages: PlanningBoard/2007-11-13.pdf, 3
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PlanningBoard | 2007-11-13 | 3 | Bath & Beyond held its grand opening on November 9, 2007. The Beverly and Old Navy buildings were complete; the TJ Maxx building was a few days away from completion. He noted that Building 1900 would have a tenant who would take the old warehouse space, and the construction was expected to start within a few days. He noted that a smaller parking garage would be built. Mr. Jan Paoli, Field Paoli, project architect, displayed and detailed the proposed architectural changes in the project. Monique Lee, Field Paoli, project architect, provided an update on the sidewalks and circulation, and summarized the issues brought forward by the Planning Board. She noted that one bike lane had already been striped on the site, and that several other bike lanes had been planned. Mr. Paoli described the restaurant spaces, their views and the landscaping possibilities. Mr. Kyte described the building redesigns that accommodated the east-west sidewalk. He noted that the easement documents were underway, and that the construction documents associated with the sidewalk, as well as modifications to the buildings, landscaping and graphics were nearing completion. He noted that the timeline of late spring was still in force, given the complexity of the situation, and that the east-west sidewalk would be put in as soon as possible. He noted that the amount of pavement was adequate to install the sidewalk. He would like the board to consider the issue of the parking ratio, and added that they had been in discussion with City staff for some time on the ratio at this site. He believed the opportunity existed to limit the amount of additional parking by using shared parking strategies. Mr. Kyte noted that through shared parking, they were optimistic that they would be able to reduce the 4:1 parking ratio on the site. He noted that there was about 40,000 square feet of office, as well as retail and restaurants. By using the ULI/ITE methodology for shared parking, they saw some good opportunities to justify the reduction. He noted that the progress at the beach area included additional language in the leases about the parking fields within their lease areas, and the ability to reconfigure the parking lots when the car wash was removed. He believed that would allow the addition of the kinds of densities and uses that would make good sense along the beach area. He noted that the car wash drove the timing on this phase, and he assured the Board that those discussions were underway, and that they were encouraged by their progress. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Dorothy Reid inquired about the change in the parking garage plan, and was concerned about the visual aspects. She would like to see how much more parking spaces would be needed, and did not believe the Centre was short by many spaces. She recalled that there had been problems with the parking study methodology, and would like further clarification on that matter before further expansions were approved. Page 3 of 8 | PlanningBoard/2007-11-13.pdf |