Planning board carries 38 Lincoln Road use-variance after traffic, fire-access concerns

The Butler Planning Board on May 21 carried the application for 38 Lincoln Road so the applicant can provide additional information about fire-truck access and turnaround.

Attorney Richard Clemack, Esq., summarized prior testimony for the application, describing two buildings on the site — a two-family house and a commercial building with two residential units — and saying the applicant is seeking approval to convert the site to ten residential units with no commercial space. Board members noted a variance is needed because the lot is undersized.

Traffic testimony came from Nicky Kennedy of Stonefield Professional Engineers, who was sworn as a licensed traffic engineer and reviewed parking and ingress/egress schematics. Planner Donna Holmqvist presented exhibit materials that included traffic counts (Exhibit A-2: 12 vehicles at peak A.M.; a traffic generator of about five trips in or out during the peak hour), an aerial image of the neighborhood and plans showing Lincoln Road widened from 21 feet to 28 feet and 12 on-street parking spaces sized 9 by 18 feet.

During the public-comment period, resident Al Strumolo, speaking on behalf of his in-laws at 37 Lincoln Road, raised concerns about increased traffic and snow removal. Laurie and Al Stirling also discussed parking and snow removal during public comment. After a brief recess, the applicant agreed to carry the hearing to the next meeting to supply additional information demonstrating safe fire-truck maneuverability and to address neighbors’ concerns.

The hearing will resume at the board’s next applicable meeting so staff and the applicant can provide the requested materials and templates for emergency vehicle access.