pages: PlanningBoard/2009-03-23.pdf, 4
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PlanningBoard | 2009-03-23 | 4 | Board member Cook stated that the current plans do not show as many trees as the old plans. She feels that more trees are necessary to break up the massiveness of the buildings. She also mentioned that the old plans show more trees on the northwest area of the site. The applicant responded that some of the trees within the complex near the buildings have been taken out. The thought was that once those trees mature they would cause darkness in the units so more trees were placed around the perimeter on the current plans to contribute to a park like setting and allow natural light for the units. Board member Cook stated that she would like more trees in the parking lot area so that the residents are not overlooking just the vehicles but have some greenery. The applicant stated that they could place more trees along the perimeter of the buildings near the parking lot. Although another concern with placing more trees closer to the buildings along the parking lot is lighting as the lights for the parking lot are on the buildings and more trees would prohibit light from going deeper into the parking lot. Board member Cook requested that staff take another look at the tree planting plans to ensure that the park like setting previously approved by the Planning Board is adhered to. She also asked about the trellises that were originally planned in the parking lot. The applicant responded that the trellises were reconsidered due to the heaviness they brought to the area and the concern that they could conceal some undesirable activities. The developer stated that the plan is to have vines covering the utility buildings where the trellises were slated to go. Board member Cook is also concerned with the community room and believes that it should be next to the pool and have a kitchen for use by the residents. She feels that the community room should be the heart of the project. In addition, she feels that the site is isolated from the community and would like to see a place for neighboring residents to have access to and across the site, as was included in the West Alameda Neighborhood Improvement Plan. The applicant stated that there are pedestrian gates around the property that residents can use via a key, but non residents do not have this access. Board member Autorino asked if there had been any negative comments by residents regarding the removal of the garages. The applicants responded that there were none to their knowledge. Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft agreed that the community room needs to be improved. She feels that the tree plan is sufficient. She feels that allowing access to the neighboring residents would destroy the sense of security at the site. Page 4 of 12 | PlanningBoard/2009-03-23.pdf |