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Planning Board moves YMCA plan forward; board asks staff to prepare positive motions with conditions
Summary
Developers presented updated site plans and engineering responses for a 68,470 sq. ft. YMCA facility; the board asked staff to prepare positive motions for both a special permit to allow front‑yard parking and site plan review, and discussed landscaping, a possible berm, reduced parking, bike racks, bus drop‑off and emergency vehicle access.
Kevin Clauer, representing the YMCA project team, presented revisions to the site plan for a proposed 68,470‑square‑foot YMCA at the Brookhill/Bridal Kiln Road site and requested a special permit to allow parking in the front yard under section 2 40 14.1 I 5 B of the zoning bylaw.
Clauer and the project team described plan updates responding to an engineering referral: corrected percentage calculations, relocated EV bollards to a two‑foot strip, sight‑line drawings for Kirk Kiln showing sight distances around 500 feet, revised landscaping with details for five bicycle racks that provide parking for up to 10 bikes, and added permeable surface and drainage details. The team noted roughly 14,000 square feet of the building will be occupied by a pool, which affects parking calculations; consultants said the proposed parking is likely sufficient but acknowledged the Zoning Board of Appeals provides a mechanism to adjust parking requirements if needed.
Board members and the public discussed a berm or other planted screening along the west property line adjacent to existing homes. Stuart Clark of Greensill Environmental said he had discussed options with Mes/Chuck Martinson and that a berm could be feasible if plantings and design are coordinated; the project team offered to continue working with abutters and planning staff and suggested small plantings and fencing as alternatives.
Fire and water referrals were reviewed. The design team said the project provides emergency vehicle access and a bus drop‑off loop intended for loading only; the team said the fire department reviewed and was satisfied with the proposed swept path and access. The Water Department referral indicated an existing water main can be extended to serve the site and suggested a hydrant; the applicant said installing a hydrant at the turnaround was desirable and the owner was willing to install it.
After discussion the board closed the public hearing and asked staff to prepare positive motions for both the special permit (front‑yard parking) and the site plan review for a decision at the next meeting. No final vote was taken. The applicant said snow removal will be staged at the end of aisles, the team will continue to refine landscape and berm options with neighbors, and there is flexibility to add a few additional parking spaces if future demand requires it.
