Board grants conceptual approval for Institution for Savings equipment relocation with conditions on dimensions and schedule

The Planning Board gave conceptual approval March 4 for an amendment to the Institution for Savings special permit that would relocate rooftop equipment (a radiator/generator) to a different building addition, subject to plan clarifications and conditions.

The applicant’s representative (S6) presented renderings, WSP structural analysis and a proposed stucco screen wall to reduce public visibility. The materials evaluated lower‑profile alternatives but the engineer’s memo concluded that replacing the existing radiator with a lower‑profile unit on the new addition would not sufficiently be hidden by the parapet and may not be feasible due to structural capacity. The applicant therefore proposed relocating the equipment to the 1980s-era addition and adding a galvanized steel frame and stucco screen whose top would align with the adjacent parapet.

Board members and staff requested additional dimensions and clarifications: an absolute elevation for the top of the radiator relative to level‑1 slab, a matching elevation for nearby rooftop equipment, and an explicit statement on the plans that any exposed piping, conduits and connections will be routed within the proposed screen so they are not visible from street level. The board also emphasized safety and continuity concerns: removing the existing radiator/ generator creates a period when the building will be without backup power. The applicant said worst case downtime could be longer but typical transition would be three to seven days and agreed to coordinate with the building commissioner and fire officials. The applicant offered a schedule that could extend from March into June 2026 depending on long‑lead items.

Because the bank (the building occupant) has operational reasons to seek early occupancy, the applicant requested the board to allow issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy tied to a construction timeline. The board signaled conceptual approval and asked staff and the chair to draft precise permit language and timeline conditions — including a reporting mechanism to the zoning administrator and building commissioner if timelines slip.

Next steps: applicant will add elevation callouts and plan notes about concealed routing, provide a specified downtime window for the generator transition, and return with revised plans and a draft enforcement/monitoring plan for staff review before final action.