The primary focus of the meeting was the proposed development’s stormwater management plan. A representative from the applicant assured the board that the new design would manage all water generated on-site, reducing outflow compared to existing conditions. The plan includes an underground detention system and curbed parking lot, designed to capture 80 to 85 percent of runoff. Despite these assurances, community members and board members sought further clarity on whether these measures would effectively prevent water from running onto other properties. An engineer confirmed that the current conditions had no strong water detention, and the project aimed to improve this by containing all runoff. However, some skepticism remained, prompting a requirement for further plans before final approval.

Aesthetic considerations also featured prominently in the board’s discussions. The design of the building at 681-685 Hamilton Street, particularly the façade and window treatments, were scrutinized for compliance with Hamilton Street design standards. The applicant’s representatives presented a digital portfolio of the proposed building, highlighting the use of materials such as brick, cement fiber panels, and stone. The design aimed to create a cohesive aesthetic with neighboring properties, yet board members voiced concerns about the parking lot’s appearance, some suggesting it resembled a “sterile” or “prison-like” environment. Suggestions were made to incorporate a mix of materials or colors to enhance visual interest and create a more inviting space. The applicant’s team expressed willingness to work with planning staff to refine these elements.

The project also required variances related to parking lot setbacks and buffering. The proposal sought to reduce the parking lot setback from the required 20 feet to as low as 0.5 feet in certain areas. A variance was also needed for the northern buffer, where a five-foot minimum width is required for screening from a neighboring residential property. The project’s representative argued that the variances were justified by the site’s constraints and that the design adhered closely to the Hamilton Business District standards. Nevertheless, the board underscored the importance of providing adequate buffering to mitigate potential impacts on adjacent residences, such as light pollution and noise from the development.

A significant aspect of the meeting was the board’s debate on whether to grant preliminary approval or require a more finalized plan. Concerns were raised about the potential for unforeseen issues arising from granting approval without comprehensive engineering details. One board member noted, “There’s a little too many unknowns,” suggesting that preliminary approval might be more appropriate until further details could be clarified. The board ultimately leaned toward granting preliminary approval with the condition that the applicant return with revised plans that address the board’s feedback and community concerns.

The meeting also touched on the project’s compliance with parking requirements. The plan proposes 38 parking spaces, including six designated for electric vehicles, aligning with the ordinance’s requirements for commercial and residential components. However, the Environmental Commission suggested dispersing the EV charging stations rather than clustering them, a suggestion the applicant agreed to explore while maintaining electrical efficiency.

Community engagement was highlighted during the meeting, with public comments addressing concerns about notification procedures and the potential impact of the development on the surrounding area. One member of the public raised issues about the terrain of the property and its implications for light and visibility. The board acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the need for plans that ensure compliance with community standards.