A key aspect of the meeting was the presentation of the school’s plan, which aims to increase on-site parking spaces from 21 to 31 to alleviate street congestion. This proposal included redesigning the parking area to improve traffic flow and address neighbor concerns about light spill and vegetation preservation. Dan Chanel, a civil engineer, outlined plans to utilize permeable pavement in the redesigned parking area, exceeding local and state stormwater management requirements. The redesign also aims to reduce on-street parking significantly, from 65 spaces to 34.

Many residents acknowledged the school’s positive presence in the neighborhood but expressed apprehension about the proposed parking lot’s impact on real estate values, lighting, and stormwater management. Residents like BEC Morano and Eric Nicely highlighted potential issues with visibility and light pollution from parked cars. Others, including Serge M, cautioned against the school outgrowing its footprint, fearing increased traffic and congestion reminiscent of larger campuses.

Flooding remained a prominent concern among residents, with multiple community members sharing personal experiences of water accumulation in the area. The proposed increase in impervious surface coverage, from 41% to 46%, was particularly worrisome for those like Brad Olsen, who recounted losing a vehicle to flooding in 2020. Despite assurances from the school that their stormwater management plans exceed current requirements, skepticism persisted about the effectiveness of the proposed measures.

The board engaged in detailed inquiries about the stormwater management plan, with experts explaining the system’s design to manage runoff rates effectively. This involved using a pervious pavement system that allows water to seep through and store in a stone bed beneath the surface. However, the technical explanations did little to assuage residents’ fears about worsening flooding conditions.

Another focal point of the meeting was the impact of the proposed development on the residential character of the area. Variances requested for the project included exceeding floor area ratios and height limits, which some residents feared would alter the neighborhood’s aesthetic. The addition of eight parking spaces on Prospect Street, designed to resemble a typical residential driveway layout, was debated for its potential to disrupt the area’s residential feel.

The meeting also addressed lighting concerns, with discussions about the new LED lighting fixtures proposed for the parking area. These fixtures are designed to be “dark sky compliant,” minimizing light pollution by directing light downwards. Despite this, residents remained concerned about potential glare and the overall brightness of the area at night.

The landscape plan presented by Mara Roller, a licensed landscape architect, emphasized preserving mature trees and maintaining existing buffer zones to protect the neighborhood’s greenery. The plan also included a bio-retention basin to aid in stormwater management, with specific plant varieties selected for both aesthetic and functional purposes. However, residents questioned the effectiveness of the proposed buffer in mitigating light pollution and maintaining privacy.