Lisa Borchetta

The meeting commenced with the introduction of a new trust member. Key discussion revolved around the presentation of two proposed affordable housing developments by Wayfinders: one at 31 Southeast Street (31 units, adaptive reuse of existing school plus new construction) and another at 70 Belchertown Road (47 units, entirely new construction). The presentation detailed plans for barrier-free access, energy efficiency (incorporating passive house principles, all-electric), and on-site property management. A detailed breakdown of the income mix was provided, showing 78 total units, with 23 units restricted to 30% of Area Median Income (AMI) with rent subsidies, and other tiers up to 80% AMI, plus 10 market-rate units. The projected timeline indicated permitting starting in 2024, financing pursuit in 2025, and full leasing anticipated in 2028. Members of the Trust sought clarifications regarding the updated income tiers (including 50% AMI and 80% AMI previously labeled as Workforce) and the extended timeline.

The meeting, conducted via remote means due to remote means authorization, involved checking participant attendance, reviewing the agenda, and noting that the minutes from the August 23, 2022 meeting would be tabled until the September 28 meeting. Key discussions centered on follow-up actions regarding communication with the Town Council concerning previous recommendations, as no response had been received to a follow-up letter. Members also discussed the status of the July 5th incident follow-up. Member reports covered the launch of the CRESS program, including its initial outreach strategy to community centers and schools, and concerns were raised about the scope of CRESS responsibilities, particularly regarding noise complaints and whether CRESS is currently responding to them as previously recommended by the CSWJ Committee. There was a strong emphasis on the need for consistent and collaborative communication between the DEI and CRESS departments and the committee, especially concerning the development of the CRESS program and related funding strategies.

The Design Review Board meeting addressed applications for the property located at 35 East Pleasant Street, which includes expansion into former commercial spaces. The primary discussion focused on proposed exterior alterations, specifically the addition of a third patio space in the front of the building, which involves removing existing flower beds and installing a matching fence and patio structure. The proposer also discussed the removal of outdated signage from the former tenant and the repainting of the exterior, which was executed in a charcoal gray color per prior approval. A significant discussion involved egress requirements for the new configuration, including turning an existing door into a 72-inch double door to meet accessibility standards, and confirming that the proposed patio would remain unenclosed. Furthermore, the proposer detailed plans for the expanded area to function independently as a function hall, complete with its own bar and accessible restrooms, although primary egress would remain controlled during peak operational times.

The meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals, which was conducted via remote means, focused primarily on a public hearing for a comprehensive permit request under Chapter 40B. The application involves constructing 30 owner-occupied affordable residential units in 15 duplex structures, including parking and site improvements on a 9.47-acre site, along with requested waivers from various bylaws. Key discussion points for this continued hearing included stormwater management and infrastructure design. The presenter detailed the proposed system which emphasizes infiltration to meet water quality, groundwater recharge, and peak flow standards by capturing and treating all runoff, including the 100-year storm event. The design incorporates pre-treatment through hoods and sumps before discharge into infiltration basins, and includes an emergency spillway. The board also discussed soil erosion control measures and the development of an operations and maintenance manual. Additionally, the presentation covered designated snow staging and storage areas, confirming sufficient capacity for typical recurring storm events.

The board meeting involved detailed discussions regarding design and construction modifications for a property, specifically concerning the replacement or repair of shutters, emphasizing the historic character of the building. Consensus was reached on a conditional process requiring the shutters to be removed for site review, with the existing shutters preserved until a final decision is made. Further discussion covered the design and approval process for a new porch addition, which needed to comply with code for a landing area, with a requirement for detailed drawings of the porch design. The board also addressed a development application for lot releases in the Ammer Hills subdivision, which involved reviewing infrastructure completion estimates and discussing alternative security measures to traditional performance bonds, such as a three-party agreement with the developer's lender to ensure roadway infrastructure completion. The applicant proposed releasing only two additional lots to reach the traditional 50% release threshold while awaiting the execution of a three-party agreement.