The Planning Board gave its endorsement to Watertown’s design standards and guidelines, but made some changes to what size residential projects the to apply the new rules for what can be built in town.
Thursday evening, the Planning Board held the second public hearing on the design standards, and voted 3-0 to approve the new rules.
Members of the town’s Planning Department made some changes to the original proposal which was discussed on March 31 (click here to see the new draft).
One of the proposed changes was to a apply the rules to residential projects of 10 units or more. The original proposal called for applying the rules to projects of four units or more. This change did not sit well with many residents at the hearing.
Resident Maria Saiz said she thinks small projects can make a big impact on life in town.
“Smaller projets have a tremendous impact on our community and our neighborhoods,” Saiz said. “We’re the ones who have to live with the results (of development) for years to come.”
Resident Jonathan B0kian said he would like to see it apply to projects smaller than 10 units, but recognizes there are some challenges.
“The problem I see is the rules calls for a $10,000 payment to fund the review by the new design consultant,” B0kian said. “I can see some flexibility being made.”
He suggested that the Planning Department review smaller projects, but not charge the $10,000 fee until it reaches a larger size, “maybe 6 or 8 units,” Bokian said.
Town Council Vice President Steve Corbett said he liked the 10 unit rule.
“I don’t believe the town and residents should micro manage projects,” Corbett said. “It is not just the fee. There is a cost to redesign a project which is significant for a small project.”
The Planning Board decided to approve having 10 units be the start of the fee and full review, with projects between 4 and 10 to have some review.
A couple other items in the draft bothered some people, including total length of the projects allowed in town. The design standards call for 300 feet being the longest a building can be, with longer length possible by getting a special permit approved by the Planning and Zoning boards.
Chris Regnier, of Goulston & Storrs spoke on behalf of the Elan project being built at Arsenal and Irving streets by Greystar. He said the project is on a long, thin piece of land, requiring a building longer than the limit.
“It is important we have the ability to be longer than 300 feet,” Regnier said. “We may not be the only project that would need to go more than 300 feet.”
Some residents said they thought 300 feet was too long and did not want to see anything longer than that, even with a special permit.
Planning Board Chairman John Hawes said he did not like the rule allowing zero feet setback between properties, which would allow buildings to be attached to the one in the property next door.
Others agreed, including resident Barbara Ruskin.
“My answer to the zero setback (question) is ‘Never!'” she said.
The design standards and guidelines will now go to the Town Council to discuss and give final approval. No date has been set for the first meeting.
See the story from the first meeting here:
Planning Board Gets Look at New Rules for Developments in Watertown