Winooski DRB closes hearing on planned unit development at 114 Saint Peter Street; decision due within 45 days

The Winooski Development Review Board on May 15 heard a planned unit development application to add a duplex behind the existing building at 114 Saint Peter Street in Winooski and closed public testimony, with the board saying it will deliberate in a closed session and issue a decision within 45 days.

The project applicant proposes two new three‑bedroom dwellings behind the existing duplex, bringing the property to four dwelling units in total, and is being considered as a priority housing project under Winooski Zoning Ordinance §5.14. The application shows eight on‑site parking spaces though city requirements call for four; applicant representatives said the additional spaces are a marketing preference. Staff and neighbors discussed stormwater, water connections, a large street‑edge tree and property‑line questions.

“The applicant is proposing to construct a duplex on the back portion of the lot located at 114 Saint Peter Street,” a city staff presentation said, describing the proposal as priority housing under section 5.14. Planning staff told the board that public works and code enforcement have reviewed the proposal and flagged no items that would prevent further review during the building‑permit process, while noting some conversations remain ongoing about stormwater and utility connections.

Planning staff Ravi said the planned unit development site plan — which shows building placement and other site elements — is typically sufficient for a PUD approval and that the board would not normally require architectural drawings for the existing building. “I wouldn’t expect drawings for the existing building to be provided,” Ravi said.

The applicant’s representative told the board they are examining whether the existing water service main and the pipe diameter can serve both the existing building and the new duplex and that one option is routing service through the existing structure. “We are looking into that to see if that’s doable,” the applicant said. The applicant also described a proposed 5‑foot‑wide, 1‑foot‑deep swale on the west side of the site and said there are additional low areas in the backyard where stormwater containment might be installed.

Neighbors urged preservation of mature trees and raised concerns that construction and a new basement could damage root systems. Breer Kremz, who said she lives two doors down at 106 Saint Peter Street, told the board she values the yard canopy and opposed adding a parking lot and additional impervious surface. “Just because we can build more property on land based on the residential guidelines and the building guidelines, I don’t think that means that we should,” Kremz said.

Nearby residents and the applicant’s surveyor also discussed a large street‑edge tree and whether its trunk crosses the property line; the applicant’s team said the initial survey shot likely captured the tree near the project property edge and offered to take additional shots around the tree circumference or work with the neighbor to better define the boundary. The applicant’s representative said they do not intend to remove the large tree but acknowledged some trimming is likely needed for the proposed building and construction access.

Board members asked technical questions about drainage routes from the existing roof, snow‑management plans and egress for units. The applicant confirmed the new building will include a basement level for mechanical equipment and storage that would be accessible to tenants. Outdoor lighting was noted as an outstanding item to be reviewed with the zoning permit if the PUD is approved.

The board closed the public hearing after receiving public comment and moved to deliberate in a closed session. The board said it will provide a written decision within 45 days of the hearing. No formal approval or denial was made at the meeting.

City staff also noted planning updates including upcoming discussion of inclusionary zoning and transportation‑demand management rules, and invited interested residents to apply for vacancies on city boards and committees.