Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Development Review Board approves Central Rentals LLC plan for 18 units
Summary
The Northfield Development Review Board approved Central Rentals LLC's conditional-use application to convert an existing building into 18 rental units and confirmed related site details including 20 parking spaces, a boundary adjustment for rear parking, planned utility upgrades, and scheduled asbestos abatement work.
On March 26 the Northfield Development Review Board voted to approve Central Rentals LLC’s conditional-use application to convert an existing building into 18 rental units.
The applicant presented a final floor plan and told the board that the project "ended up with 18" units. Board members reviewed the site plan showing 20 parking spaces and discussed a recent boundary line adjustment that added room for rear parking. The board evaluated the application against the town’s conditional-use criteria (Section 2.12) and found that the proposal would not create an undue adverse effect on community facilities, neighborhood character or traffic.
Members and the applicant discussed utilities and renewable-energy questions. The applicant said the utility (GMP) is upgrading service and had set a transformer to allow a full solar system; the board discussed whether roof-mounted solar panels could create a hazard for the adjacent town sidewalk through snow or ice shedding and noted that insurance or signage might be required if that became an issue.
A board member reported that the Vermont lead and asbestos abatement office had raised concerns about the building’s age; the board said an inspector had visited and that Midstate Asbestous would assist with interior asbestos abatement work. The applicant acknowledged that an asbestos inspection and any required abatement will be handled before occupancy.
On procedural items, staff asked the applicant to notify the office in writing before installing a perimeter fence (fences are exempt from a building permit but the office records notice for a $15 document fee). The board did not attach additional conditions to the approval but asked the applicant to remain aware that insurance, town review of sidewalk safety, or unforeseen abatement needs could prompt follow-up.
A board member moved to approve the conditional-use application; another member seconded the motion and the board voted in favor. The meeting also included brief administrative items: a reminder about a forthcoming organizational meeting to elect officers and a minor home-occupation item slated for next month.
The board adjourned after the vote; staff will follow up on the fence notification, asbestos remediation coordination, and any sidewalk safety issues raised during the discussion.
