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ARB members press developers on sidewalks, bike access and buffers to nearby school
Summary
Board members asked detailed questions about bike- and pedestrian-friendly connections, sidewalk continuity to courtyards and vegetation to screen the commercial site from an adjacent school's courtyard; staff and the applicant committed to addressing these matters during final design.
During the ARB presentation and Q&A, multiple members sought clarity on pedestrian connections, bicycle accommodations and buffering from an adjacent school.
A board member asked how the project would be "bike friendly," and the project team noted bike racks at amenity courtyards, wider sidewalks and pedestrian crosswalks designed to slow vehicle speeds. "The wider sidewalks as well allow for more pedestrian access, allow the bikes to to safely traverse in and out of the sidewalk areas," one team member said. A resident/board member who lives near Oakland Avenue expressed hope for a stronger visual barrier between the school courtyard and the commercial area and urged additional vegetation; staff and the applicant acknowledged tree removal caused by grading but said enhanced planting could be included during final landscape design.
Members also asked whether the internal road would connect to West Sadler Avenue; town staff (Elise) said there is no property to make a full connection now and the road would likely stop and potentially pick up on the other side. The ARB approved the ordinance package but left sidewalk continuity, detailed planting plans, and final right-of-way connections to subsequent engineering and landscape reviews.
