Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planners tell BAR Nichols project may need variances, special use permit and utility upgrades
Summary
BAR staff and participants flagged zoning limits (two apartments per building without variance), the need for a special use permit for a music venue, and local electrical and drainage constraints that will require site engineering before a formal application.
Planning staff told the BAR that certain elements of the Nichols Hardware concept will require administrative approvals beyond BAR review, including a variance for more than two apartments in a building and a special use permit for a music venue. "A music venue would only be permitted by a special use permit," a staff member said, noting the planning commission and town council would review impacts such as volume and parking.
Participants raised infrastructure constraints that will affect feasibility. One attendee said utility capacity on 21st Street is already at its limit: "Everybody on 21st Street is maxed out, and the muni won't do any upgrades for electrical supply on 21st Street," a participant said. Staff and the developer agreed site engineering, possibly coordination with neighboring property owners, and minor site plan filings for drainage and egress will be necessary before a formal BAR application.
Board members and staff also noted building‑code and egress requirements for rear stairs, ramps and accessibility, and advised Nichols to provide more detailed elevations and site engineering drawings at the next submittal. The discussion left outstanding items for follow‑up: confirmed parking arrangements, utility upgrades, and any variance requests required to reach the proposed apartment counts.
