DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD
BENNINGTON FIRE FACILITY, 3RD FLOOR
126 RIVER STREET
BENNINGTON, VT 05201

MINUTES
JULY 19, 2005


BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:  Michael Brady-Chair; Barry Horst-Vice Chairman; Albert Ray; Charles Copp; Ron Alderman; Michael vonOuhl; Bob Burgess; and Bill Barney.

ALTERNATE BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:  Richard Owens and Eugene Rowley

OTHERS PRESENT:  Dan Monks-Planning Administrator; Mary Dermody; Thomas Williams; Ann Bugbee; Jim Secor; Gary Corey; Dave Fredrickson; Margaret Fletcher; April Bernard; Fronia Simpson; Judith Fellows; Claude Delucia; and Recording Secretary, Christa LeBlanc

1.  MINUTES OF JULY 5, 2005:
	Michael vonOuhl moved and Eugene Rowley seconded the approval of the Minutes of July 5, 2005.
		The motion carried unanimously.

2.  READING OF WITNESS' OATH
	Dan Monks read the Witness Oath.

3.  DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
	None.

4.  ALTERNATE VOTING ASSIGNMENTS
	In the order of Richard Owens and Eugene Rowley.

5.  DENISE CYR, 219 RIVER STREET
	Design review of changes to exterior.  Barry Horst stated the Application Review Panel and the HPC had no problems and recommends approval.
	Bob Burgess moved and Richard Owens seconded approval for Denise Cyr, 219 River Street, design review of changes to exterior.
		The motion carried unanimously.

6.  TERRY DERMODY, 260 DERMODY ROAD
	Final subdivision plan review of four lot subdivision.  Dan Monks stated this configuration of lots was preliminarily approved by this Board over a month ago.  If the Board is satisfied with the submittal, the appropriate motion would be to close the hearing and discuss in Deliberative Session.
	
Charles Copp moved and Barry Horst seconded to close the hearing and discuss in Deliberative Session.
		The motion carried unanimously.

7.  CARE NET PREGNANCY CENTER, 109 SILVER STREET
	Design review of vinyl siding.  Thomas Williams stated the vinyl siding would match the clad board siding that exist on the house, the fascia and windows would be trimmed with metal and the porch would remain wood.
	Barry Horst moved and Charles Copp seconded to close the hearing and discuss in Deliberative Session.
		The motion carried seven in favor and two opposed. 

	Ann Bugbee stated the HPC's position hasn't changed with the use of vinyl siding on a historic building in the historic district.  They feel that this change would be inappropriate.

8.  HAWKS ASSOCIATES, LLP, 426 SILVER STREET
	Review of development plan for 53 unit condominium housing project.  Gary Corey stated he is creating a development of 53 units of quality housing on South, Grandview and Silver Streets.  This project is close to downtown and fits into the town plan and zoning bylaw. The access would be off of South and Silver Streets with an internal drive to access all units.  The utilities would be located in the drives and each unit would have their own private yard.  The walks and roadways are connected and interconnected through the site from Silver Street to South and Grandview Streets.  The development would consist of 12 new buildings and to renovate the existing building.  The buildings would be New England style with two stories and handicap ready.  The applicant is also asking for stacked parking for each unit.  
Gary also stated a meeting was held with the abutting neighbors and he addressed their concerns regarding buffering of the site, storm water drainage, traffic and safety, phasing of the project, and stated the units would be owned versus rented.
Jim Secor addressed what trees would remain on the property and what type of trees and fencing would be added to help buffer the site.  Jim also explained how the municipal water and sewer systems would tie into South, Silver and Grandview Streets and the development plan for storm water.
Dave Fredrickson, Margaret Fletcher, April Bernard, Fronia Simpson, Judith Fellows, and Claude Delucia all abutting neighbors expressed their concerns regarding screening of the site, the increase of pedestrian and vehicle traffic, off site parking, storm water runoffs, setbacks, stacked parking, sewer plans, and blasting effects.
Gary Corey stated a preblast survey of houses within 500 feet of the site will be done before blasting.
Bob Burgess moved and Michael vonOuhl seconded approval for a continuance for Hawks Associates, LLP, 426 Silver Street, review of development plan for 53 unit condominium housing project.
	The motion carried eight in favor and one opposed.




The Board expressed their concerns and asked the applicant to submit the following:
* Drainage affecting South Street from the property.
* Adequate year round screening including fencing or shrubbery.
* Screening exits with shrubbery to block headlights.
* More definite plan of landscaping for appearance.
* Setback requirements
* Traffic impact on the streets of Bennington.
* Off site parking possibilities that might occur.
* Blasting effects.
* Lighting plan.

9.  OTHER BUSINESS
	Dan Monks stated Jack Appleman submitted a fence detail for the 210 South Street project for the Board's approval.
	It was the consensus of the Board to accept the fence detail for 210 South Street.

	At 8:50 p.m. Charles Copp moved and Eugene Rowley seconded to adjourn the meeting and go into Deliberative Session.
		The motion carried unanimously.


Respectfully submitted,


Christa LeBlanc
Recording Secretary