For a Planning Board meeting last night was short and sweet.

Steven Connelly appeared before the board regarding the extension he has requested. Connelly had asked to postpone appearing before the board until he had an oppotunity to evaluate the zoning and address specific points that the board had flagged regarding the design. It appeared that there might be a difference of opinion on interpreting zoning as it applied to this development.

Apparently that has been resolved.

Last night Mr. Connelly said he was in the process of revisiting the design of the building. He was also looking at options for moving the building further away from the street. Lastly, he was also going to adjust landscaping design. The latter may or may not factor into his seeking a FAR (floor area ratio) bonus.

The bonus was contingent on maintaining significant natural features or replacing them in kind. The key feature was the black oak which Connelly had removed due to safety concerns. The bonus will not be an issue until Connelly makes a formal request.

PB member Pete Jackson questioned what was happening in time that had elapsed. It has been 7 weeks since Connelly’s last appearance. In that time he has met with Chairman Innes and separately with member Whiteside. It appears that any questions regarding zoning identified were resolved.

Connelly agreed to meet on a monthly basis to apprise board of progress. The hearing on the Hendries development will continue on July 28th @ 6:40PM.