The discussion surrounding Kings Cafe’s application was a focal point of the meeting, raising concerns about pedestrian safety and accessibility. The applicant sought to amend the existing site plan to accommodate outdoor seating by reallocating ten indoor seats to an outdoor area. This change required modifications to the parking layout, including the elimination of one parking space to create a new handicapped parking area. The board’s engineer recommended several safety measures, notably the installation of parking bollards to prevent vehicles from encroaching on the sidewalk and seating areas.

Concerns were raised regarding the relocation of the handicapped parking space closer to Jackson Street, which was seen as a safety improvement due to increased visibility. The applicant responded to these concerns by revising the site plan, which included adding bollards around the seating perimeter and ensuring the new parking space complied with accessibility standards. The board debated the adequacy of a proposed four-foot-wide sidewalk, ultimately aligning with standards that accept such width in similar settings.

The board also examined the need for a variance related to the proximity of tables and chairs to the principal building, as the proposed arrangement placed them closer than the required distance. The applicant justified this variance by highlighting spatial constraints and existing impervious surfaces. A waiver regarding the site lighting was noted, with assurances that existing building lighting provided adequate illumination for the new seating area.

The board’s discussion touched on the necessity of Historic Preservation Commission approval, given the property’s location within a historic district. The applicant’s willingness to adapt its plans based on board and community feedback was well-received, with the board acknowledging that the revised plan addressed initial safety concerns while enhancing the area’s aesthetics.

In addition to the Kings Cafe application, the meeting addressed several procedural matters, including the administering of oaths for newly appointed board members, the election of a vice chairperson, and the appointment of board professionals. The board also approved resolutions concerning 518 Washington Street LLC, clarifying that the actions were not related to workforce housing, as some public perceptions suggested.

The meeting further covered an application related to an ice cream parlor’s site plan modifications. This plan proposed relocating a handicapped parking space and adding outdoor seating, necessitating a variance for reduced sidewalk width and parking space adjustments. The board emphasized the importance of public safety in their deliberations.