The most pressing topic of the meeting revolved around the Emerson District development, a multi-phased project encompassing residential units, retail space, and infrastructure improvements. A central point of contention was the phasing plan for the completion and dedication of roads, especially the completion of 13th Street and Monmouth Street. The applicant sought approval to delay the improvement of these roads to phase four due to legal encumbrances and unresolved title issues. However, planning board staff highlighted that the obligation to complete and dedicate the roads remained, and there were no practical construction constraints preventing it. After much discussion, the board voted to condition the issuance of building permits for phase four on the completion of these streets, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the original redevelopment plan and conditions.

The project, already in various stages of completion, proposed the removal of 94 parking spaces from the basement. The architect presented changes that included the restoration of original entrances, adjustments to the delivery areas along 14th and Monmouth Streets, and a delay in the use of the roof until the completion of phase four. The board and the architect engaged in a conversation about the restoration of original entrances and the phasing of the project. The engineer provided updates on the construction progress, addressing concerns about the phasing and completion of the different parts of the project.

The applicant clarified the total number of residential units and parking spots in the development and expressed potential interest in adding 16 lost units back in a future amendment to phase four. The board members raised concerns about the type of units to be added back, stressing the importance of maintaining the intent of the original plan. Additionally, the board discussed the exemption of the Adaptive reuse portion of the Emerson District from parking requirements and the implications of the proposed changes.

The public portion of the meeting brought forward resident concerns, with one resident expressing frustration over the lack of notice and the impact of new developments on the neighborhood’s character. Another resident voiced worries about potential flooding, obstruction of views, and parking. The board considered these inputs alongside the technical discussions.

Another development discussed was the proposal for a new four-story residential building at 319 to 321 4th Street. The applicant sought variances for rear yard setback, parking spaces, and landscaping. The architect presented plans, including the addition of landscaping and planters to mitigate the landscaping variance. The board unanimously approved the application after discussing the proposed roof deck, green roof, and reviewing a shadow study.

The meeting also touched upon a minor subdivision for a property on Palisade Avenue, which involved demolishing an existing structure to create two new lots. The application was approved with existing conditions.

In addition to these items, the board debated over parking space configurations for an application that presented a choice between two angled parking spaces or four head-in spaces. Concerns were raised about the impact of angled parking on the neighborhood and the potential loss of parking spaces. The board decided to carry the matter to a future date to allow for further consideration and revisions to the parking plan.