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Developer asks Amherst board to allow smaller evergreen specimens in buffer at North Main Street site
Summary
A representative for Cal Bico Properties LLC asked the Zoning Board to allow planting 1- to 2-foot evergreen specimens instead of the code-required 6-foot specimens in several buffer areas at 1255 North Main Street, citing existing tree cover and cost.
A representative identified as Khalid Bikawi told the Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 24 he represents Cal Bico Properties LLC, owner of property at 1255 North Main Street, and asked the board for three variances that would allow smaller (1- to 2-foot) evergreen specimens in required buffer areas instead of the 6-foot specimens called for in Amherst code.
The variances the applicant set out to the board are reductions in the required planting-size standard for three locations along the north, south and east property lines where Chapters 11.37.03(b) and 11.37.07(c) require a 10-foot or 30-foot buffer with staggered rows of 6-foot evergreen plantings. The applicant and staff clarified that the request was not for narrower buffers but for shorter nursery stock specimens (the applicant said 1- to 2-foot nursery stock) in areas where dense mature trees and an 8-foot fence already provide visual screening. The applicant said he would install full-size (6-foot) specimens along the North Main Street frontage where there is less existing screening.
Board discussion focused on whether the request was “substantial” under the standard for variances and on long-term compliance: several board members and staff said smaller nursery stock would require time to reach code stature but that existing mature trees and fences reduced immediate visual impacts. One board member noted the applicant had amended a prior request and proposed the current layout as a compromise. Khalid told the board cost was a factor: “...the price...a big tree is gonna cost me $200. The smaller tree is gonna be a lot less,” and he said much of the rear and side area already contains dense, mature trees.
The transcript records no final vote on the variance requests during the public session; the board said applicants would be notified of decisions in writing within 14 days.
