The Planning Board reviewed a proposed three-story building on South Clinton Street that would contain 16 dwelling units and requested a waiver for seven required parking spaces.

The applicant’s architect, Jason Electric of JL Architecture, said the board’s requested setback change to secure a zoning variance required stepping the building back five feet, which in turn reduced on-site parking from seven to six spaces; he said the team would seek a waiver for the seven-space shortfall. Jason Electric described material choices—brick veneer, dark and light stucco panels and black metal coping—and said the design team lowered rooftop mechanical elements and eliminated a taller stair tower to align the roofline with adjacent buildings.

The Police Department initially raised concerns about reliance on off-site municipal lots for required parking; staff and the applicant clarified which city lot would serve the project and confirmed it met the board’s 600-foot proximity standard when measured along sidewalks (245 feet as the crow flies; ~490 feet walking distance). With that clarification, police indicated the parking arrangement would be acceptable.

Board members probed two central issues: compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood and the project’s massing. One member said the building’s mass “seems like it’s too big compared to the area” and asked the applicant to show the proposed elevation spliced into a streetscape photo with adjacent buildings for context. The design consultant suggested several refinements—carrying banding around the base, testing lighter gray wraps to reduce flatness, and reconsidering Arborvitae as the primary screen plant because of shade and deer pressure. Staff requested additional planting, a stronger front planter or alternate softening strategies such as vine planting or balcony planters.

Engineering comments about drainage and added manhole covers were received and the applicant’s civil engineer is working on them; the board asked for stormwater details, a drainage tie-in to the proposed storm line and confirmation on excavation protections for adjacent foundations because of the site’s tight lot lines. The project remains under review; the applicant will return with a streetscape montage, responses to Chris Kroner’s architectural recommendations, finalized drainage plans and an updated parking/waiver submission.