Commission tables Chase Bank site plan at Foxon Road to July 9 after ADA, sidewalk and façade questions

Chase Bank’s proposed retrofit of the former TD Bank building at 1289 Foxon Road, presented on June 4 by Stonefield Engineering and an architect for the applicant, was tabled to the commission’s July 9 meeting for revised plans addressing sidewalks, ADA compliance, and façade details.

Civil engineer Matthew Chekow of Stonefield Engineering described minor site improvements limited to the building pad area: a mill-and-overlay of the parking area, curb repairs, replacement or upgrading of ADA stalls to concrete, and additional perimeter lighting using six downward-facing, dark-sky-compliant LED fixtures. "We have no objection to keep that sidewalk as part of the application," Chekow said when commissioners flagged a sidewalk in the rear parking area.

Architect Richard Manlapig described façade work intended to bring the building up to Chase’s prototype standards with a painted stucco finish, a new entry canopy, and relocated rooftop screening. Commissioners suggested wood-tone accents to reduce a “battleship” appearance and asked the applicant to show north and east elevations at the next submittal. Manlapig said the design is flexible and that they can add accent materials.

Commissioners asked questions about an existing light pole that interfered with a sidewalk, crosswalk striping, accessible routes from rear parking to the front entrance, the location of ATMs and drive-up functions, and sign panels. Chekow said the team would move the light pole, retain and improve the sidewalk and striping, and replace or add ADA ramps to create compliant paths to the entrance and ADA stalls.

Planner David Perkins said building-permit submissions will follow the site-plan approval and that the applicant should return with updated architectural drawings. The commission voted to table the application to July 9 to allow the applicant time to revise plans to the commission's satisfaction.