Attorney Ned Corcoran is becoming something of a golden boy where real estate proposals before the Planning Board are concerned. He represented Coulter Landscaping in their successful bid to have their property rezoned from strictly residential to permit their greenhouse and landscaping business to remain at their location. He is also representing the Sullivan family’s proposal to add another apartment building to their Eliot Street property which is practically sailing through the approval process. Time is somewhat relative where the Planning Board is concerned; but it is moving forward. And continued to do so at their last session.
Corcoran noted that there is an outstanding issue with the the town engineer reviewing the final design for water drainage. He is awaiting sign off on that. The board reviewed changes to the balcony treatments which were done with input from John Zychowicz, an architect and chair of the Revitalization Committee. Mr. Zychowicz was present and said he was “very appreciative of what he did” to modify the design which now ties in better with the Henry House. He concluded that he was “very pleased with what they had done.” Mr. Whiteside asked that the landscaping designs and window treatments be shown to the neighbors. He noted he did not want or expect “angry villagers storming in here.”
Member Lynch expressed concern about residents being able to walk on the roof. Whiteside did not share the concern. He said it could be ruled out as with other balcony concerns. “No towels, no laundry, no walking on the roof,” said Whiteside. Member Duffy suggested adding a weather vane. That suggestion will be considered.
Mr. Corcoran did not leave the table. He is also now representing the Gralia Group. The Gralia Group is behind the effort to redevelop the Horseplay Stables site on Randolph Avenue as an assisted living facility. The article before town meeting was referred back to the Planning Board. Whiteside said the the major issue was affordability. Further discussion was postponed to a future time.
Corcoran stayed at the table. He is representing Jerry Rankin who is developing the Boyle estate on Brush Hill Rd. Mr. Corcoran and Mr. Rankin said the proposal before the board was almost identical to what had been proposed by the previous develop. They resubmitted the plan with no changes. Essentially there will be 5 lots off a new road, Beechwood Lane.The primary issues concerned the road opening and the presence of a bus stop. The Fire Chief has requested an entrance that will easily allow equipment to make the turn into the road. Tim Kernan, a resident, wants the developer to look at alternative possibilities. The bus stop is a space allocated for students to be able to safely stand off the street while waiting for a school bus. There will be no shelter or structure. Neither was viewed as a significant issue. Mr. Rankin was clear that he will modify as required. he entrance will likely remain at 90 degree angle and bus stop will be included.