The Zoning Board of Appeals on July 14 reviewed a site improvement application that included fencing, screening and landscaping for a property with a Verizon Wireless facility and asked the applicant to revise materials to remove barbed wire, address prohibited chain‑link in the district, provide easement documentation for plantings on adjacent parcels, and show lighting for off‑street parking.

Steve, representing Verizon/Aerosmith Development, attended with site plans and discussed the fence and screening details. Staff and board members flagged several issues: the drawings showed chain‑link fence with barbed wire and an overall fence height of 8 feet plus a foot of barbed wire; the board reminded the applicant that chain‑link has been prohibited in the district since February 2013 and that barbed wire is not permitted. Staff recommended cladding if chain‑link remained or, preferably, replacing chain‑link with a permitted fence material.

Board members also raised that some proposed evergreens (Arborvitae) appeared to be located outside the subject parcel on an adjacent lot owned by the same owner. Staff said an easement or written agreement would be required to ensure that plantings intended for screening remain in place and are maintained; the applicant indicated willingness to pursue an easement after board approval and was told the easement should be a condition of approval.

The staff report also noted that off‑street parking areas must be adequately illuminated without glare onto adjoining properties; no site lighting plan was included in the submission. Board members suggested the applicant revise the fence and landscaping drawings, remove barbed wire, consider a higher permitted fence (without barbed wire) if needed for security, and return with an easement and a lighting plan.

The board adjourned the public hearing and application review to the Aug. 12 meeting to permit the applicant to submit revised drawings, an easement agreement for screening plantings, and documentation on fence materials and lighting. No final vote on variances or conditions was taken on July 14.