town of bennington planning commission minutes 1 veterans memorial drive, bennington, vt 05201 SEPTEMBER 6, 2000 @ 7:30 p.m. Commissioners Present: Chairman Donald Hicks, Robert Burgess, Vice Chairman Barry H”rst, Secretary Jim Frechette, Mike Lochner, Dick Cutler, Jamie Jerome, Janet Thompson and Michael von Ouhl. Also present: Jim Secor, Paul Bohne, Charles Kiraji, Marcel Donaj, Tony Tomasi, Cory Webb, and Robyn Baker. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. 1. Minutes of August 2, 2000. Commissioner H”rst moved to approve the Minutes of August 2, 2000 as amended. Commissioner Lochner seconded. The motion carried. Commissioner Jerome abstained. 2. Minutes of August 16, 2000. The following correction was noted: ¨ Under Item 4 Moeller is the correct spelling. ¨ Page 2, Item 5, Mr. Secor indicated the location and change in style of the lighting. Commissioner Jerome moved to approve the minutes of August 16, 2000 as amended. Commissioner Lochner seconded. The motion carried. Commissioner Thompson abstained. 3. Charles and Diane Kiraji, 700 Main Street, design plan review of changes to exterior of building. Mr. Kiraji explained that they would like to bring the color back to what it was originally, darker blue-grey. They also plan to improve and enlarge the windows. They would like to relocate the set of stairs on the front of the deck on the right to the left so that customers could access the ramp more easily from the parking lot. Commissioner Cutler asked, and Mr. Kiraji noted that they would add new stairs on the left side, closing the deck. Commissioner Cutler moved to approve the design plan as presented. Commissioner H”rst seconded. Commissioner Thompson asked about signage, as it is not indicated on new plan. Mr. Kiraji noted the location of the existing sign, and noted that they sign on the front of the building will not be there. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Weston Hadden Convalescent Center, Hospital Drive, site plan amendment for expansion of parking lot. Jim Secor was representing the applicant. Chairman Hicks noted that there have been several changes in this parking plan over the last few years, and the Commission is familiar with the setup. Mr. Secor explained that they plan to expand the upper end parking, adding 12 spaces, restripe the current 3 to make 2 ADA accessible. They plan to extend the wood guardrail and relocate two trees. They also plan to add a new sugar maple at the intersection. Act 250 has granted approval. Commissioner H”rst moved to approve. Commissioner Von Ouhl seconded. The motion carried with seven in favor. Jerome abstained. 5. Town of Bennington, Union Street, Police facility, site plan and design plan amendment for parking lot and alleyway. Paul Bohne was present. He explained that when they presented the plan for the police station they obtained input for developing the land to the east of the police station parking lot. They have kept the parking nose in when entering from Union, but cut an opening so that cars can back out, proceed around, and exit onto South. They will be losing one space that is part of the police station and one of the public spaces on the north side of the lot. The existing fence and debris will be removed. There will be demarcation between Wills' parking and the four spaces behind Pea Pod and Faustina's. There will be a stamped brick pattern, paved, for pedestrian access from Union Street. They plan to continue the sidewalk from Wills and brick stamp that across the parking lot to the alleyway. Other improvements will be a drainage area and catch basins. They will add two lights to illuminate most of the area, adding two concrete poles with the same type of lights as on Main to illuminate sidewalk. They plan to add another light on the existing pole. Mr. Bohne noted that they intend to plant columnar maples. The intent is to keep this area for police personnel only. Pads and enclosure fencing will be added behind Carmody's and near the Banner for four dumpsters. Commissioner Lochner asked if there was enough room for two-way traffic at the edge. Mr. Bohne noted that the area was being used that way informally now. The total area there is 30 feet; the driveway itself is about 18 feet. Commissioner Lochner felt that it might be better for everyone to exit between Wills and the police station. Commissioner Thompson asked about signage. Mr. Bohne noted the police business, handicapped parking, and exit to South Street signs. Arrows on the pavement might also be considered. Commissioner Burgess asked if there was a light pole behind Wills. Mr. Bohne noted that there is one just off Union that is a brace pole, another with a guy wire to the north, and another behind the Pea Pod. Their intent is to plant trees under the wires. Two will be columnar maples, not much spread and easy to keep topped. Commissioner Burgess asked if they felt that people could make the turn to get into the exit. Mr. Bohne noted that there are 42 feet from the point to the building. Mr. Secor agreed that it was tight, but possible. Chairman Hicks noted that there have been times when large pick up trucks make the area impassable. He dislikes the traffic exiting onto South Street. Mr. Bohne feels that these spaces are available for people who are comfortable using them. Wills has always used the property. Not ideal, but trying to create new parking space. Chairman Hicks asked if the police would be restricted, and Mr. Bohne noted that they would use it in emergencies. Mr. Bohne noted that there is a 13-foot driveway now. Commissioner Burgess was concerned about existing trees, and Mr. Bohne noted that they would add seven trees and eliminate one. Commissioner Lochner moved to approve the site plan as presented. Commissioner Jerome seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Bohne noted that they would take the comments about the width of the parking area into consideration. Mr. Bohne noted that they also plan to improve the alleyway from Union to Main between Carmody's and the Banner. He reported that the Banner agreed to lease the alleyway to the town so improvements can be made. They would like something to demark the alley as you walk down Main Street. It is currently bricked. In addition they would like put a kiosk mimicking the kiosks at the Four Corners, but two-dimensional with a signboard in between two posts. They also plan to open the alleyway up and add a structure I-beam attached to the I-beam in the alleyway with dimension to mimic the roof at the kiosk, so that it will be covered. The same type of structure will be put on the back. At the back of the alley, they will mimic the same post at the kiosk, and will have internal light, so that the alley will be illuminated. They plan to continue the stamped brick through the alleyway. They will add five light fixtures, industrial type with both downlight and uplight. They will paint the ceiling structure a light color to wash the entire area with light both day and night. Mr. Donaj asked if the lights would be solar powered, and Mr. Bohne indicated that they would not. Mr. Bohne feels that the alley will be utilized more if it was attractive and clean and properly drained. Mr. Donaj asked if the water would run off the Banner roof, and Mr. Bohne did not feel that it would, as they would drain through roof leaders. Commissioner von Ouhl moved to approve the design review plan of the alley. Commissioner Frechette seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 6. Dana Woods, John Webb, 203 Northside Drive, preliminary site plan review for taxi service. Cory Webb was present. She explained that they are looking for approval of the site plan for a taxi service at 203 Northside Drive. Chairman Hicks asked how many cabs there would be, and Ms. Webb noted that there are currently four, and they are planning on six. The cars will have radio service. The applicant feels that there is adequate parking. Chairman Hicks noted that he is more concerned about traffic exiting onto Northside Drive. He feels that if the cabs are on the road 70% of the time, it lessens the possibility of traveling in and out. Ms. Webb noted that they hope that the cabs will only be there at night. They will not be interfering with the Video Stop parking. The building is existing and was previously used as the Bicycle Barn. The entrance is through its own driveway and parking for Video Stop adjacent to the Pizza Hut entrance. There will be no crossing into the Pizza Hut lot at all. Commissioner Thompson moved to approve the preliminary site plan as presented and forward the matter to the Zoning Board of Adjustment with no adverse comments. Commissioner Jerome seconded. Commissioner Lochner feels that this is an open area, and would like to see some shrubbery blocking the view from Pizza Hut. The applicant agreed. Commissioner Lochner noted that the 15 x 15 parking spots are not in compliance with the Bylaw. Ms. Webb noted that there is ample room. Commissioner Lochner noted that it varies whether it is straight in or angled parking. Maintenance on the fleet would be serviced at garages. There will be no unregistered vehicles present. Commissioner Jerome asked about the screening in front of the six parking spots. Commissioner Lochner noted some four foot evergreens would be appropriate. Commissioner Thompson amended the motion to include 17 evergreens, a minimum of four foot in height, alongside the building and the front of the cars to screen from Pizza Hut. Commissioner Jerome seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 7. Sacred Heart St. Francis deSales Parish, 238 West Main Street, site plan review of storage building. Tony Tomasi distributed the elevations that were requested at the previous meeting. He noted that the Commission requested elevations, landscaping, and drainage details. Commissioner Jerome asked about the landscaping plan. Mr. Tomasi explained that they would be set against the tree line on the back side. He agreed that they could put some landscaping in on the east and west. The building will be on a green space, just to the left of the dumpster. Commissioner Burgess feels that the landscaping is pertinent on the west. He is concerned that the building will be close to the wires. Commissioner Burgess noted that drainage plans were requested. Mr. Tomasi reported that he was unsure of what they meant by drainage. This will be raised about a foot above the parking lot. The east side will be raised 3-5 inches, then the parking lot slopes down. The west side would be higher. Commissioner Lochner was concerned about landscaping to screen the new dumpster pad as well. He feels that this is an incomplete plan. Commissioner Cutler asked about the vinyl siding. Mr. Tomasi noted that cost and ease of maintenance were the reasons that they chose that. Commissioners Jerome asked Commissioner Burgess about overhead wires. Commissioner Burgess noted that the wires are 24 feet. Mr. Tomasi noted that Central Vermont Public Service recently cut the tree line back a little bit. Commissioner Burgess would like to see the building relocated in relation to the wires. Commissioner Cutler asked how the dumpster enclosure would be incorporated with the building. Mr. Tomasi noted that it would be located right next to the building on a new pad, which would abut the building. The pad is planned to be right next to the current dumpster. They have not planned to enclose the dumpster, as it has not been in the past. Commissioner Jerome asked what side of the building the dumpster would be located on, and Mr. Tomasi noted the west. Commissioner Jerome felt that it would be possible to put it on the east side. Commissioner Cutler felt it would still be visible. Commissioner Thompson agreed that the plan was incomplete, and would like to see some landscaping for the dumpster. Mr. Tomasi was unclear what they were asking for. Commissioner Jerome noted that they asked for elevations, landscaping plans, and the enclosure of the dumpster area. Commissioner Jerome feels that building and grounds committee could develop an adequate plan. He feels that the drainage issue has been resolved, but the landscaping issue still exists. Commissioner Cutler feels that the dumpster enclosure should be compatible with the building. Commissioner H”rst would like to see the location of the power lines indicated on the plans when the applicant returns. Mr. Monks noted that overhead wires are indicated. Commissioner Burgess feels that the building should be set back. Mr. Tomasi feels that there is no place else that will support the building without major landscaping of the lower level parking lot. Commissioner Jerome asked if the wires crossed over the building, as he does not feel that they are allowed to build a building under power lines. He feels that they should consider a new plan in two weeks addressing landscaping, the dumpster, and overhead wires. Chairman Hicks feels that the building is satisfactory except for the wires. Commissioner von Ouhl moved to continue the matter for two weeks. Commissioner Burgess seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 8. Bruce Carman, Mortimer Street, denial without prejudice of site plan for counter top shop. Mr. Monks noted that the Zoning Board of Adjustment has determined that the proposed use was not a conditional use. Commissioner H”rst moved to deny without prejudice. Commissioner von Ouhl seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 9. Other Business ¨ Mr. Monks reviewed the warning for September 20, 2000 ¨ The next meetings will be at the CDC Assembly room. Commissioner Frechette felt that they were supposed to move into the Fire Facility. Mr. Monks noted that acoustics and lighting were not good in that facility. ¨ Chairman Hicks reviewed the BCRC transportation issue survey. He asked the Commissioners to bring ideas to the next meeting. Mr. Lochner noted that this came out of the August 17 meeting. This survey, along with a look at the current town plans is to be consolidated so that they can prioritize and guide. Mr. Lochner reported that Cynthia Browning was elected Chair. The first meeting was organizational with a discussion on the purpose. He reported that Mr. Hurd gave a talk on the Aldi curb cut problem. The committee developed a statement in support of the application. They have a report from the special task force on Kocher Drive. Negotiate with planning group on Kocher Drive project if they could give them information. Commissioner Burgess was not sure that what they saw at the Select Board meeting was what they expected to get. He noted that six proposals were presented. The town agreed on D or E. Could use any part of the plans prior to that. One proposal was to take out the entire roadbed and replace it. He reported that Ron Hall would like to see them use the base that is there to cut the cost. The Park Street intersection did not enter into discussion. Commissioner Burgess feels that they still need more input from both the Planning Commission and the Development Review Board. Mr. Monks noted that there would be a more detailed report presented to local boards at a future time. As there was no further business, Commissioner H”rst moved to adjourn. Commissioner Jerome seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Robyn C. Baker