Hill House seeks to reconfigure sloped parking; commission asks for tree counts, screening and maneuverability data

At a Jan. 21 pre‑application review, Hill House representatives described a plan to reconfigure a sloped driveway parking area with the intent of improving maneuverability and adding net parking capacity. The proposal would eliminate five parallel, difficult‑to‑use spaces and replace them with angled spaces (11 in the same footprint) to yield six additional usable stalls.

Applicant representative Mr. D'Andrea said the change would better accommodate the site’s aging residents and that the diagonal configuration provides safer access. Commissioners emphasized several requirements before the commission will consider final approval of any modifications: a clear count and inventory of trees proposed for removal; a concrete planting/screening plan (including whether mature trees can be added inside the site); and confirmation that the proposed geometry allows safe vehicle circulation. The commission also noted that any loss of noise‑attenuating vegetation on the state right of way (I‑95 corridor) cannot be treated as applicant landscaping; where possible, Hill House was asked to strengthen on‑site plantings and explore planting easements with the state.

The applicant said he would return with a final plan including a tree removal count, a denser planting proposal at the driveway island, and further coordination with the conservation committee.