April 12, 2012 Min
Minutes of CENTRAL BUSINESS ARCHITECTURE COMMITTEE
April 12, 2012
City Council Chambers 210 Main St, Northampton
Chair, Bruce Kriviskey
(
Joe Blumenthal
(
Rick Klein
(
Barry Steeves
(
Aelan Tierney
Bob Walker
Staff:
Planning Director, Wayne Feiden
(
Senior Planner, Carolyn Misch
JOINT PUBLIC HEARING with Planning Board
7:00 P.M. Stephen Gilson, Chair Northampton Planning Board, opened both board’s hearing on request by Alex Ghiselin, Diane Welter, Marjorie Hess, Rudy Talabar. for Special Permit for
minor expansion less than 30’ in height and Central Business Architecture Review for an addition at 70 & 76 Masonic St, Northampton, Map ID 31D-123.
Alex Ghiselin introduced the owners and gave project description.
Stephen Gilson asked if the sidewalk/path would remain between State Street and Media Education Foundation.
Ghiselin stated the path would remain.
Andrew Weir asked the purpose of the addition.
Ghiselin noted that both floors are for expansion of existing spaces.
There was no public comment.
Upon motion by Francis Johnson and second by Marilyn Richards, the Planning Board closed the public hearing.
Upon motion by Rick Klein and second by Aelan Tierney the CBAC closed its hearing.
Andrew Weir noted that the 30’ height requirement would not make sense given the building.
Mark Sullivan concurred.
Upon motion by Debin Bruce and second by Mark Sullivan the board voted unanimously to approve as presented.
Upon motion by Barry Steeves and second by Rick Klein, the CBAC approved plan as presented.
Planning Board voted on MINUTES:
Upon motion Andrew Weir and second by Marilyn Richards, the board approved all 3 sets of minutes. (Mar 8, 12, 22)
7:15 P.M. Stephen Gilson opened the request by Thomas Douglas for Special Permit for addition less than 30’ in height and Central Business Architecture Review for an addition at 60
Masonic St, Northampton, Map ID 31D-122 and 31D-252.
Francis Johnson recused himself and stepped down from the hearing as an abutter. (Andrew Weir voting)
Tom Douglas presented the application showing context of building next to Fly By Night.
Douglas noted that the tallest roof line is 32’ and lower roof is 27’ tall and noted that it was similar in height to surrounding buildings.
Sut Jhally, owner, described easement issue indicating that it is solely for access to 70 Masonic Street. He stated that the building would create a 5’ encroachment into passage way,
and provide cover for a parking space.
There was a board/applicant discussion of roof height and elevations. There was further discussion of easements and whether the abutter with rights to the easement was satisfied with
the agreement.
Staff read Department of Public Works comments.
Aelan Tierney asked about State Street elevation.
Douglas noted that there could not be any openings at all on that side because it was so close to the property line and opening would not meet fire code.
Tierny noted that the plan changes are much better than original plans submitted with the application.
Douglas clarified that the building included a real parapet not like paneling on existing building.
Bill Arnold, representing tenants at 35 Masonic Street who cannot attend raised concerns on their behalf about the setback and views that would be blocked.
The applicant clarified the relationship to staircase and door of the abutting structure and the proposed new building.
Tom Douglas requested withdrawal of the permit from the Planning Board review because permit no longer necessary as the 30’ height minimum was now met.
Upon motion Rick Klein and second by Aelan Tierney, the CBAC voted unanimously to close their hearing and issue approval based on the submission as presented at the hearing.
7:55 CBAC adjourn