2024-02-08-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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No further questions from the Board. Charles Yang, 26 Brandon Street, Lexington, identified himself as a resident that lives behind the property who strongly disagrees with the proposal. He stated the building is 15 feet away from his back yard and is concerned about the noise levels that would come with the addition of a playground in the rear parking lot and sees it as a permanent impact. Mr. Yang described his neighborhood as quiet and thinks the addition of a playground at Sol Solecito would increase noise levels in the neighborhood and potentially decrease property values for he and his neighbors. Alternate Member, David Williams, questioned what the Building Commissioner’s, James Kelly, stance is on this proposal. Zoning Administrator, Julie Krakauer Moore, quoted James Kelly’s comment from the application stating: “Plans seem well thought out, and the daycare is primarily drop off, I've never seen that lot full, it’s likely the most undesirable location for someone to park, and the owner supports the application, I would recommend approval.” Board Member, Norman B. Cohen, questioned what the hours of the daycare are and asked to clarify that the playground would not be available for public use. (No, this is for toddlers who go to the daycare and they will not be using this all day long or into the night) Mr. Clifford asked what are the basic operating hours are and how many children the daycare cares for? (29 children in total currently but they will not utilize the playground at the same time. The playground will only be used between 9:00AM and 12:00PM) Mr. Barnert questioned what the hours the daycare is open are. (8:30AM to 5:30PM) Mr. Clifford clarified this is a matter of parking requirements only, not whether or not the Applicant can put a playground in. They can put in a playground by right per MGL 40A and the Board is only here to consider the reduction in parking that would be caused by a playground. No further comments or questions from audience No further questions from the Board. Mr. Patel summarized they are wanting to add a playground to a parking area that is rarely used. The playground would only be used by toddles in the morning during warm weather months. The children already go out for walks on the Minute Man Trail and go outside to walk around. He stated this would be a good addition for the children and there would still be enough parking spaces for all tenants of the building. Hearing was closed at 7:54PM. (a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes, Norman P. Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, Nyles N. Barnert – Yes and Kathryn Roy – Yes) Ms. Roy stated that adding an additional parking spot in the rear and requiring employees of the daycare to park in the rear as suggested by Mr. Barnert is a good condition to add. Mr. Clifford stated a condition that if the daycare is to close at any point, the applicant shall restore the parking lot to its prior (current) condition.