Planning board continues review of 75 Chapel Street conversion after safety, fire and stormwater questions

Rafael, the applicant's representative, presented a proposal to convert an existing four‑unit building at 75 Chapel Street into a six‑unit residential building without expanding the footprint or height. Rafael said the project complies with dimensional requirements for the district and that the plans provide 13 parking spaces where 12 are required.

Several board members said they visited the site and described narrow drive aisles and rear stairs that open directly onto the driveway. A board member said those exterior stairs and the driveway configuration create a safety risk for pedestrians stepping out of the building into a circulation lane; members suggested reconfiguring stairs or adding physical protection (bollards) and asked for circulation diagrams and signage to clarify one‑way traffic patterns.

Members also asked the applicant to supply a full fire‑alarm and sprinkler plan for a six‑unit conversion; the applicant said both systems will be provided and that he would confirm a sprinkler budget with his client. The board requested a full utility/stormwater plan and a demonstration of snow‑storage and removal measures, noting the site is almost entirely paved and may have limited room to store plowed snow.

The chair and other members also stated they observed on‑site dumpsters that appeared uncovered and overflowing, which they said was not in compliance with accepted trash/recycling storage practices; the applicant said he would address stormwater, trash, stair access and fire‑department comments and return with revised plans. The board voted to continue the matter to Feb. 2, 2026 to allow the applicant to submit revisions addressing pedestrian egress, circulation, stormwater and fire‑safety requirements.