Commission approves peer-review and moves Hyde Park mixed-use project forward with conditions

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to advance a redevelopment proposal at 71 Water Street and 25 Elizabeth Street (Hyde Park Properties) for a six-story, 32-unit mixed-use building after a detailed presentation by the project team. Commissioners approved moving the project forward with conditions following a peer-review process and coordination with multiple city departments.

Project overview and applicant presentation Attorney Adam Blank presented for Hyde Park Properties alongside design team members including Selen (architect, Bienfeld Architecture), Mark Ochman (engineer), Eric Raines (landscape architect), and traffic engineer Steve Cipolla. The applicant proposes a six-story building with about 32 residential apartments (including three workforce/affordable units), ground-floor retail/fitness space, garage parking with approximately 31 spaces, substantial rooftop amenities including a pool and roof deck, and an emphasis on glass and premium finishes.

Peer review and BFJ comments The applicant reported iterative work with BFJ Planning (peer reviewer). BFJ had narrowed its comments to four principal areas: coordinate civil, architectural and landscape drawings; require a signage plan (to be provided later); confirm accessible pedestrian access from lower-level lobby to the sidewalk on Elizabeth Street; and confirm electrical and mechanical equipment placement and compliance with flood and building-code elevations. BFJ recommended approval subject to addressing those items and the applicant said it had already addressed most comments and would resolve the final equipment/elevation issues with SPN/building department.

Environmental/traffic/drainage points Engineering and landscape testimony said the redevelopment will slightly reduce impervious coverage and add underground infiltration and water-quality measures that should reduce peak runoff and improve water quality compared with existing conditions. Traffic analysis estimated the project would generate fewer peak-hour vehicle trips than the prior office/warehouse use and not cause significant intersection impacts.

Commission action and conditions The commission voted in favor of moving the application forward and approving the schematic subject to conditions that include drawing coordination, submission of a signage plan prior to final sign-off, confirmation of pedestrian access and building access details, and final verification of electrical/mechanical equipment elevations with the building department and utilities. The vote was recorded by roll call as unanimous among commissioners present.

Ending The commission approved the project to proceed subject to the listed conditions and encouraged continued coordination with TMP, DPW and building officials before issuance of building permits.