The proposed six-story storage facility on American Legion Highway was a focal point of the meeting. The application, representing Chem’s Development Corp and Ed Dohy, outlined a plan for the site, which is situated in a coastal flood zone. The developers highlighted a reduction in impervious area by approximately 18,000 square feet, equating to a 26% decrease across the property. This initiative aims to increase open spaces and includes a conservation wildlife mix and various plantings. The development also features a 24-foot-wide access drive encircling the building and a 9-foot-wide concrete parking/loading apron adjacent to the structure.

Environmental concerns were central to the discussion, particularly regarding the site’s history of contamination and its location within a FEMA floodplain. The site has undergone environmental assessments revealing past leaks of oil and gasoline, leading to residual concentrations of heavy metals and other contaminants. The developers proposed extensive grading and stormwater management improvements, including importing clean fill to elevate the building above FEMA elevation standards by up to seven feet at the back of the site.

The commission raised questions about the long-term maintenance of the site, specifically the potential for litter accumulation and flood storage capacity. The developers committed to a long-term operation maintenance plan, including regular trash cleanup and the installation of a chain-link fence to prevent debris from entering adjacent wetlands. The proposed stormwater management system is expected to remove 85% of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) through hydrodynamic separators and catch basins, with water directed into a detention system to maintain existing runoff rates.

Concerns about reflective glass on wildlife, particularly birds, prompted a commitment from developers to consult architects on implementing treatments to reduce ecological impacts. The discussion also touched on the site’s accessibility for city personnel and how elevation changes might impact foundational pilings.

Attention then turned to the River High School project, where the commission examined the implications of the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and the project’s compliance with environmental regulations. The school is set to replace a heavily asphalted area with a design that increases vegetated surfaces to improve stormwater management.

The project aims to ensure flood protection by elevating the building above anticipated floodwaters, with compensatory storage providing 4,100 cubic yards of additional floodwater storage. However, skepticism regarding the effectiveness of underground storage solutions and their hydraulic connectivity drew attention. The commission debated the viability of placing storm surge storage beneath the school and sought assurance that compensatory storage would match or exceed existing hydraulic benefits.

The timeline for the project’s approval was another point of contention. With the FEIR expected soon, participants expressed differing opinions on whether to proceed without it. The commission emphasized the importance of aligning documentation and permits to transition smoothly through project phases, with some advocating for a special meeting to expedite the process post-FEIR release.

Throughout the session, the necessity of ensuring the site’s suitability for a new high school was underscored. Concerns about flood mitigation measures, such as raising the site and implementing compensatory water storage, were discussed, with some commissioners voicing doubts about their adequacy. The commission also considered procedural aspects, including drafting an order of conditions and the possibility of appealing decisions to the Department of Environmental Protection.