The Planning Board on Monday continued a minor site plan review hearing on the four-space expansion of the parking lot at 85-89 West Main Street until it can receive feedback from the Conservation Commission and the Department of Public Works director about a potential stormwater runoff issue.

Victor Teglasi spoke on behalf of the applicant. The proposal he introduced sought to add four spaces to the current 41-stall parking lot. This would be achieved by reducing some of the landscaped islands and by restriping of some current spaces. Nine of the spaces are for compact vehicles, while two spaces are accessible. The one-acre parcel is located at the corner of West Main Street and Lumber Street, and the lot serves as the parking area for UniBank, Starbucks, Verizon and a nail salon.

“This application is really very important to us,” he stressed. “Although this is categorized as a minor application, this project would have a major effect on resolving a chronic shortage of parking spaces at the site.”

Engineer Andrew Steiner described this as “a pretty straightforward application.” But as the hearing progressed, an emailed comment from DPW Director Kerry Reed triggered a deeper discussion.

Steiner explained that the site is zoned as a rural business district with a Water Resource Protection Overlay District (WRPOD) overlay. He noted that the new spaces are spread throughout the lot and would not change the overall layout. It would give the businesses more parking flexibility.

There would be a “slight increase” of about 500 square feet of impervious area, which is what Reed pointed out in her objection to the plan. Steiner said there would be a minor increase in peak runoff rates. Plantings would be added to counter the increase in impervious area and its effect on the existing wetland.

Teglasi added that the increase in runoff amounts to 0.1 gallons of water.

The owners of this commercial parking lot at the corner of West Main Street and Lumber Street want to add some spaces. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Steiner also requested a waiver from the town’s electric vehicle parking infrastructure requirement, given the small number of spaces being added. The costs associated with installing it would make the project not worthwhile because five spaces would have to be configured for electric vehicles.

Teglasi and Steiner indicated that they would be willing to have the hearing continued to hear the Conservation Commission’s perspective regarding runoff, as its hearing will be held Tuesday. Steiner also said he was willing to meet with Reed to address her concerns.

John Gelcich, the acting director of the Land Use, Planning & Permitting Department, pointed out the DPW concerns regarding stormwater management. While a peer review consultant is not usually used on a minor site plan review, he said the board should decide whether it should request one in this case. He also suggested that a waiver may be warranted regarding the EV space requirement, given that the applicant would have to “rip up” the parking lot for the infrastructure installation.

Chair Rob Benson questioned whether the Conservation Commission could call for a peer review. Gelcich explained that its peer review only would apply to issues under its jurisdiction. The two entities could call for a joint peer review, with the Conservation Commission focusing only on the area under its purview. Benson also noted that this case is difficult because the board has to balance the needs of the businesses and their customers with concerns raised by town staff.

At that point, member Parker Happ requested that the applicant “go bigger” than four spaces. Gelcich explained that there is no more room for additional parking. Fire truck access also had to be taken into consideration.

Member Peter Mimmo asked whether the new spaces would be designated for particular businesses. Teglasi explained that Verizon already has “claimed” one current space for its use and wants one of the new spaces. Teglasi said the spaces were a “big issue” for Verizon.

Added Teglasi: “They threatened not to renew their lease.”

In a straw poll, the board was slightly in favor of waiving the EV requirement, depending on whether stormwater runoff would be a concern. Member Lucia Lopez said she was afraid that granting the waiver would set a precedent, and member Amna Diwan agreed.

Said Benson: “If we don’t do that, I think this project just ends.”

The hearing was continued until the next meeting on July 7.

Baypath animal shelter approved

The board voted 8-0 to approve the construction of a proposed 8,400-square-foot animal shelter facility and related infrastructure off Fruit Street by Baypath Humane Society, as well as its stormwater management plan.

The only concern raised was about tree protection. Peer review consultant Tighe & Bond noted in a letter that the board has discretion to protect trees with a caliper of 10 inches or greater.

Engineer Kevin Quinn, who spoke on behalf of the applicant, noted that the trees on the site are “relatively young.” Because the site formerly was a gravel pit, there were no large trees there. Any trees removed would be for the construction of the project.

Benson noted that the project is on town-owned land, making it a “unique situation.” The applicant responded to a request for proposals (RFP). Because of the town’s longtime desire for this project, he did not believe a tree survey was necessary.

Conditions were added regarding the submission of a construction management plan and an operations management plan, as well as management of construction-related debris, dust and noise.

Revvity minor site plan approved

The board also approved 8-0 a plan to install ground- and roof-mounted HVAC equipment at 5 Parkwood Drive, the site of Revvity Health Sciences.

Architect Scott Richardson spoke on behalf of the applicant. He explained that Revvity is planning to renovate both of its buildings, with more significant changes to be made to the lab building. This would require ground-mounted HVAC equipment that would be placed in a former paved parking area with 14 spaces. The pavement will be replaced with concrete slabs and gravel, increasing the pervious area.

The rooftop exhaust system, he added, is “peeking from” the roof and not really visible from the road.

Gelcich explained that this modification is “very minor.”

Diwan named OSPC representative

Earlier in the meeting, Diwan was approved 8-0 as the new board representative to the Open Space Preservation Commission (OSPC).