Ask Okay. >> Okay, you guys ready? The meeting will please come to order. >> The meeting of the Bureau of Summerville Board of Adjustment will please come to order. Adequate notice of this meeting as required by the open public meeting
act has been on January 21st. A copy of the notice specifying the date, time, and location was posted on the Bolton board outside of Burough Hall, given to the clerk administrator, mailed facts, or emailed to the Courier News and placed on the Burough website. If any member believes that this meeting is
being held in violation of the Open Public Meeting Act, please state your views at this time. These proceedings are judicial in nature. Only those items on the agenda may be commented on or questioned. Proper judicial decorum will
be maintained. Next item. Pledge >> to the flag of the United States of America. and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for
all. >> Wow, that sounded great. >> Roll call, please. >> Chairman Ardere, >> here. >> Ed Alllet >> here. >> Robera Carpinets >> here. >> Morgan McLaclin >> here. >> Rich O'Neal >> here. >> Brian Viddimky
>> here. >> John Flores >> here. Eric Alvarez >> here. >> Store Daniels >> here. >> We have a quorum. Does anyone have a any conflicts? >> Okay, let's go. >> What do you have next? >> Minutes. >> Minutes. Someone like to move approval
of the minutes of the last meeting. >> I'll move them. >> Second. >> Move and second. Any comments, questions? Roll call, please. >> Chairman Ardere, >> yes. >> Ed Alllet, >> yes. >> Robera Carpinets, >> yes. >> Morin McLaclin, >> yes. >> Rich O'Neal, >> yes. >> Brian Vadimsky,
>> yes. John Flores. >> Yes. >> Do we have no resolutions tonight? Michael, >> what you got? >> No resolutions this evening, sir. >> No resolutions. Right. >> Correct. >> Yeah. Just a minutes. >> Okay. Next.
>> Next, we have the hearing. 2025 012Z Nan Realy Holdings LLC, 20 and 30 West End Avenue, block 131, lot 19 and 20. Before we do that, would you want to talk about Lisa Terospike?
>> Is uh Martinez here? >> Jeff, >> you want to do it real quick? Art. >> Yeah. >> Uh just Jason, one second. Uh Mr. Martinez, you want to come to this is the trees. He sent an email. The trees are planted over eastern red buds, a one
and a half inch diameter. I do believe the board has the resolution and a drawing and the package showing the layout. This was the patio roof leaders uh going to the street planted two trees which were in keeping the species with
what the burrow planted >> actually supply tree >> he's looking for a leaf of the diame ordinance requires two and a half inch >> it'll grow >> yeah the trees are budding so send email
and he's looking for relief on the inspection because he says the improvements were done. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I want to say last July. >> Okay. >> What do you need from us? >> Uh relief. The board was so to accept
the street trees and accept the improvements on the property without the subsequent inspection. >> Okay. Second. >> Move a second. Roll call, please. >> Chairman Ardere, >> yes. >> Ed Alllet, >> yes. >> Robera Carpinets, >> yes.
>> Morgan McLaclin, >> yes. >> Rich O'Neal, >> yes. >> Brian Viddimky, >> yes. >> John Flores, >> yes. >> Case carried. Thank you, Mr. Martinez. >> Thank you, sir. >> Yeah. Okay. >> What do we have next?
Good evening, Mr. Tuvel. >> Sure. >> There we go. Everybody can hear me now? >> Okay. >> Yes. >> All right. Good evening, Mr. Chairman, members of the board, members of the public. Um Jason Tubel, um attorney for the applicant. Um this is an application for 20 and 30 uh West End Avenue. Um
it's an application for preliminary and final major site plan approval. There are use variance and bulk variances also requested as part of the application. Um the application is to develop the property with a threestory with basement self storage uh facility of
approximately 73,260 um square feet. Um let me talk a little bit about the goals of the project and kind of what you're going to be hearing throughout the course of of this evening. And I do appreciate the board working with us and rescheduling us for a convenient time at that last time we
were here. So, we really appreciate that as well. Um, so the goals of this project um were to do the following things and a little bit more, but I'll I'll hit on the high points. One is to design the project with an aesthetically looking building. Um, and you'll see
that through the architectural testimony um that we have. Jason, I just want I just want to confirm. I did review the uh notices submitted by the applicant and they are sufficient and the board can exercise jurisdiction over this application. >> Okay. Thank you, Cliff. I appreciate
that. Um so one, as you'll see, the the applicant went at great lengths in terms of the architecture of the building. So that's that was one of the goals. The second was to enhance the landscaping of the property. So you'll see throughout the course of our civil engineering testimony, there's a robust landscaping
scheme proposed for the property um with a lot of evergreen and shade trees being proposed. Um another was storm water management. Right now on the property, I'm sure this is of no surprise to anyone. The application or the property as it exists today does not comply with
the um stormwater rules that exist or the newer ones. And there's really a lack of storm water infrastructure. So the goal is to improve storm water management on the property and reduce runoff to the adjacent um properties and roadway. In addition, lighting, the
lighting will be significantly increased or improved from what it is today and not have an impact on the surrounding properties. And then finally, with respect to self storage, and you'll hear this during the course of the testimony, it's one of the lowest trip generators and parking generators that there are um
in terms of land use land use categories and land uses in in the state of New Jersey. And we'll provide that testimony as well. Although we need devariances in connection with this application, which is why we're in front of the board of adjustment, the setbacks comply, the coverages comply. So from a from a mass
from a perspective of setbacks, yard requirements and coverages, the application does does adhere to the ordinance in which the property is located. Needless to say, we obviously have to put on our proofs for devariances associated with the application. I just wanted to hit on some operational characteristics that
were noted in the board um planners letter. This this also typically comes up during the course of the presentation and I think it's helpful for the board and the public to understand this while you're hearing the engineering and the architectural testimony. So first and foremost hours of operation the the
self- storage facility will be available to anybody who's utilizing it, a customer from 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. Then the facility shuts down in terms of you could obviously leave if you're still inside, but your security access would stop and you could no longer go inside
the building. the office. So, there'll be a retail small retail office where you could sign up and, you know, get your unit or you could buy a box and tape and things like that. Um, that'll be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. And there's usually only one to two
employees um on a shift. It does not require many employees to be there at one time. Um, in terms of garbage and recycling, that is only once to twice per week. One thing to note about self- storage facilities, specifically this one, a a renter cannot use the dumpster
on site for their own personal use. It'll only be for the office of the self-s storage facility. So, you have a couch in one of these things and you want to get rid of it, you can't get rid of it in the in the dumpster. You have to remove it from the property. Um, in terms of deliveries, they don't
get large tractor trailers. It's just what you would normally get to a business, a UPS truck, a U uh post office, Federal Express, Amazon, just the typical things that you would you would get in in a neighborhood. And then finally, this was also in the in the letter. There's no hazardous materials
that can be stored inside the facilities. Um there you can't run a business outside of the facility in in one of the units. You can't sleep in one of the units. Those are all I just wanted to make that clear because it came up in one of the um one of the comments and we could also testify to that, but I just wanted to make that
clear from the beginning and just hit that off. Um just throughout the course of the presentation, we're going to have several witnesses testify, but this evening we're going to call two um our civil engineer um Olivia from Stonefield Engineering and Design. She will testify
on storm water, site layout, landscaping, lighting. She'll go over all those items. And then we'll also have our architect speak about the um elevations, the floor plans, and the aesthetic design of the building. So that's what we plan on for this evening.
We will obviously provide testimony from a traffic engineer at a later date and a professional planner at a later date since this is a devariance and we have to demonstrate why we meet the statutory criteria for those. So with that, uh Mr. Chairman, I would ask your permission to call our first witness who's our civil
engineer from Stonefield Engineering and Design. Certainly the way this is going to work is that the uh engineer will give her testimony. At that time once she is done we'll open it to the public for questions on her testimony only.
Later there will be time to comment on her testimony. But right now when she's finished there will be questions from the board and then the public >> just on what she talks >> or did you mention curfew?
>> Curfew. >> Oh yeah. There'll be no new testimony after 10 p.m. >> Thank you. So uh Mr. Chairman, the way we um we we're going to utilize your the great technology you have in this room and TVs. Impressive. And we're going to put the um the exhibits on the screen so
the public I think can see them a little bit better than if we just had a board up. Um so if that's helpful to everyone >> and the board can see those screens, right? They're up there on those screens. >> Okay. Right. >> Ma'am, would you stand and raise your right hand? You saw the testimony you're about to give in this matter will be the
truth. So help you God. >> I do. >> Please state your name and spell your last name for the record. >> My name is Olivia Canon spelled K O N O N I K. project engineer atfield engineering and design located at 700 famous.
>> Thank you very much. Mr. Chuvel, your witness, sir. >> Sure. Thank you, M. Thank you, Cliff. So, Olivia, if you could just give the board the benefit of your qualifications as a civil engineer, educational background, licenses held, whether they're current and in good standing, and your experience as an expert witness before land use boards in the state of
New Jersey. >> How many boards have you appeared before? >> Uh, five plus. How many have you ever appeared before this one? >> I have not. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Speak into the microphone, please. >> I have been qualified as an expert
witness in front of five plus boards and I have not been qualified as an expert in front of a brief rundown of your qualifications. >> Sure. I graduated from Rowan University with a bachelor's in civil engineering. I'm a professionally licensed engineer in the state of New Jersey and my
license is in good standing. Okay. >> Name of the five boards that you've been qualified at. >> Uh Franklin Township in Gloucester County, Red Bank in Mammoth County, Aberdine in Mammoth County as well. Uh
Greenbrook Township, and thank you Brick in Ocean County. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. So Olivia, let's get started just by orienting the board to the existing conditions of the property. um as well as describing some of the
property characteristics that led to your design of the site plan. >> Yes, of course. So, I would like to log the first exhibit which is an aerial exhibit prepared by my office Stonefield Engineering on April 14th, 2026.
>> That will be that was not submitted with the material. So, it should be marked >> correct. >> Applicants A1, please. >> So, we'll mark it for the record. Yeah, we'll mark it A1 and we'll call it um aerial map. >> Yes, that's that's fine. >> Thank you.
>> So, the north arrow to the top of the site, the site obviously is in yellow with the site um label on it. Frontage is West End Avenue as mentioned previously. So, this is two lots actually. It is lot 19
and lot 20. Lot 19 is on the right side of the sheet. This is 20 West End. Has a lot size of 62 acres. And on the property, there is an existing two-story building which is not in use at this time. There's a brick paver walkway that
is shared by and connects to uh lot 18, the funeral home to the right of the property. And access for vehicles is provided to the site via a single full movement driveway. This also provides access to the rear uh large asphalt
parking lot which also can be accessed through lot 18. Lot 20 to the left which is 30 west end has a lot size of 64 acres. It's currently a vacant lot where no building has stood since about uh 2015 so about a
decade now. Both lots are zoned in the professional office residential zone and these two lots will be consolidated to create our project site of 1.26 acres. >> All right. And Olivia, can you just speak to whether there's any storm water
management infrastructure um currently on the site? >> As it appears, there are only inlets and a storm water conveyance system that uh conveys water to West End Avenue. >> Okay. So, why don't we go to the proposal if that's okay? >> Sure. I'd like to present my next
exhibit, which is the colorized site plan rendering. >> So, we'll mark this as A2. And just so the board's aware, nothing about the plan is is altered. It's just a colorized version with the landscaping superimposed on on the site. >> Very good. >> This is correct. So, we can mark this as
A2. >> And as Jason said, um this is just an exhibit to better represent our submitted plans. There are no revisions as a part of this exhibit, but this is a clear visual of what the site plan will look like as well as, you know, proposed
striping, landscaping, etc. So, the proposed development, it will fulfill a need for self storage in this area while providing Somerville with a beautiful new building on two underutilized lots. It's a quiet use for downtown. As Jason mentioned, it's very
leisurely for the patrons that rent out units, so no one's really rushing to get here during the morning rush hour. The building facade is aesthetic as you'll see and the storage facility itself is state-of-the-art. The architecture and the feel of the building has been upgraded so it really looks like a nice
warm brick office building instead of a cold metal structure that is usually associated with self storage. So in the proposed conditions the development features a building with a footprint of 18,225
square ft. The building is three stories tall and has a basement bringing the gross square footage to 73,260 ft. Access to the facility is provided via a proposed full movement driveway along the eastern side of the property
frontage and we'll be patching any curb and installing blue blue stone walkway wherever is necessary. Parking and loading are located on the right side of the building and there is a sidewalk proposed that connects the existing brick pavers and masonry path
uh to lot 18. This also provides access to the sidewalk along west end for pedestrian access to the right of way. The application does not request zoning relief or bulk requirements. The building is within allowable setbacks. It provides substantial buffering and
screening on all the side and rear yards. And then along the frontage there is thoughtful and aesthetic plantings that are proposed to add to the streetscape. So we really try to limit the variance relief and the zoning relief to the building use itself.
As Jason mentioned, storm water is improving. The development is classified as a major development per NJD stormwater regulations and we have designed the storm water features with all NJP storm water regulations and
green infrastructure requirements. >> So just just to be clear, what does that mean? That means that there'll be reductions that are required, material reductions in the water that's leaving the property versus what exists today. If you just just I'm not saying you have to get so technical but just briefly
explain the positive aspect of that. >> Yes. So in any major development there are several requirements that the DP requires for um the treatment of storm water the recharge and then also uh the the physical quantity that is being um
conveyed back into the system. So uh when it is a major development you have to meet all these requirements and generally um there is more treatment more recharge and less water that goes into the existing system as a just by
nature of the design. So it it is almost always improving conditions that are on site and given that there is there are no um storm water features that I could at least see or that were surveyed it's a it's an overall improvement right now
water just collects on site gets uh conveyed through the inlets and then just goes um to west end. So, >> all right. And then just going back, I know you briefly touched on um the uh these the landscaping. I think you were going to get to that more. Can you just
in describe how many trees are being proposed? Kind of break down um the quantities of that and where they're going to be located on the site. >> Sure. So, 74 trees are proposed as a part of this application, supplemented by 76 shrubs, and then there is a
copious amount of ground cover proposed as well. The landscaping com plan complies with all shade tree parking lot landscaping and overall buffering requirements. And um I know we're removing some trees,
but like I said, we are adding in 74 trees, 61 evergreen, and 13 deciduous deciduous >> deciduous. >> Yes, there are 29 trees in the rear buffer. There's 32 trees on the right buffer,
six trees on the left with two mature trees remaining, and then there's two in the front as street trees part of the streetscape aesthetic and then uh five trees within the parking area itself. >> All right. And I know the the board planner had recommended certain that the
applicant consider certain species versus what's being proposed on the plan. Would the applicant agree to consider or utilize the species recommended by the board planner? >> Yes. >> Okay. And then just sticking on the buffer, not necessarily the plantings, but the separation of the building from
the surrounding properties. So, first and foremost, I know that the ordinance requires in this zone that there be a setback of 25 ft in the front yard. That complies, correct? >> That is correct. >> We're exactly the building is proposed exactly at 25 ft. >> Yes. >> All right. But as as to the rear yard,
there's also a 25 foot setback requirement. >> Yes. And as you can see on the exhibit, we clearly exceed that. I would say more than 25 ft is is landscaping currently. And there is also a burm in the rear. So it actually elevates the physical
landscaping that is there and creates more screening than um just what is shown in this 2D version. >> And the building itself is approximately 79 feet away from the rear yard. >> Yes. Yes. >> So So more than triple what's required. >> Yes. a substantial uh rear yard buffer.
>> Okay. So, just going back to the storm order and landscaping comments, you'll agree to comply with any of those technical comments set forth in the board engineer and planners letter. >> Yes. >> All right. Why don't we uh go to lighting right now? >> Sure. >> And can you just describe the lighting that's proposed on the site and whether
it has any impact on the surrounding properties in the area? >> Yes. So all proposed lighting on site is back shielded and all the neighboring properties are pro protected from light spillage by the landscape buffer. There is slight light trespass onto the
frontage and the pedestrian sidewalk. This has been identified as acceptable for the pedestrian facilities per the U review letter. So it really just provides an extra level of safety to the the front right of way.
>> Okay. And then in terms of the lights themselves, they'll be full cut off fixtures, LED. Is that correct? >> That is correct. >> All right. And what that means is, correct me if I'm wrong, from an LED perspective, they're energy efficient lights. >> Yes. >> And when I say cut off, I mean the light
source will not be visible from somebody passing by. You'll only be able to see it if you're directly under the fixture itself. >> Yes. The fixtures that we selected have a distribution that that doesn't bleed too far out from what they are trying to illuminate. And in your professional
opinion, does the lighting have any negative impacts on the surrounding properties? >> No. >> Okay. And then there was a recommendation um in the uh in the review letter regarding having them be dimmable during hours in which there's I guess when the self- storage facility is
closed. Would the applicant be agreeable to that comment as well? >> Yes. >> Okay. So now what I'd like to talk about is sort of the site circulation and the parking. I know the traffic engineer will get more into the parking variance aspects of this, but if you could just
describe for the board and the public how the parking is oriented on the site and as well as the access to the parking. >> Yes, >> excuse me, Mr. Tuo. >> Sure. >> When do you think the parking or the traffic engineer will be here? >> We were going to do that, Mr. chairman third because I wanted the um first to
establish the site and how it lays out and then I also think it's important for the board to see the architectural plans and the floor plans to understand how the facility is utilized and that will lay the foundation for the parking um and the traffic testimony. >> Okay, thank you. >> Sure.
>> Yes. So, access to the site is provided fe via a full movement driveway along the eastern property line of our site. We have eight parking spaces on site, one ADA. This is compliant with New Jersey regulations. And then there's a
40 foot wide loading area that is centered in the against the middle of the building also on the right side. All right. And if you could just describe from a site perspective, when you're designing a self- storage facility, what is a standard ratio of
parking to the square footage that's being proposed? In my experience with self- storage facilities, it's usually one space per 10,000 to 12,000 square feet. So given we're 73,000 square foot building, that um puts us at eight
spaces required. So um I would say that we have adequate parking for this use. >> All right. And obviously the traffic engineer will get more into that, but I just as a site engineer, I just wanted to you to indicate what how you would design the site. >> Yeah. In in my experience, eight spaces
is plenty for a building this size. >> Okay. And now, can you describe where the loading is on the site? If I were to come with a, you know, U-Haul truck or something like that, and I wanted to bring my items to store, where would I unload those mater? >> Yes. So, I think everyone, yes, can see
my cursor. So, the loading area is over here where my cursor is. Basically, the the length of the cursor. So, um patrons would access the site. They would pull up to this uh loading area. They would back in and then they would be able to
utilize the the the double doors that are in this that area and the architect can get into it a little bit more. But there are elevators and and facilities right there for people to um you know assist with with loading and then also bringing their items to their storage units.
>> Okay. And again, there were some comments regarding curbing and grading um as it relates to some of the um circulation items. Would the applicant agree to comply with those items? >> Yes, we will agree to comply. >> All right. Can you also indicate where the trash enclosure is located on the
property um and whether or not a vehicle can a trash vehicle can properly access that? >> Yes. So, the trash enclosure is located to the north of the parking area. And then in my experience with trash trucks, they're able to just come in and uh
collect trash, usually front loing, and then they would be able to back up and do a a three-point turn to exit the facility. >> All right. And is it your understanding, as I indicated earlier, that trash pickup would occur once to twice per week? >> Yes. This is not a large generator of of
trash generally. >> Is it also your understanding that the ma that the dumpster or the trash enclosure would be masonry and would match the building? Yes, it would match the building. >> And it would also be locked and only accessible by the hauler that's picking up the trash. >> Yes, that is my understanding as well.
>> And the trash would be private hauler that's arranged and paid for by the applicant. >> Yes, correct. >> Okay. Um let's talk about um utilities. Can you explain how what utilities will service the site and um how they'll be utilized?
>> Sure. So this is a generally low demand on public utilities. Water and sewer are serviced via West End Avenue. These um the demands for water and sewer are generally limited to the employees.
And then uh gas and water are also planning to have connections along West End Avenue as well uh with a transformer for the electric service located in the front left corner of the building. Okay. >> Properly screened. >> Okay. And there'll be outside agency
approvals needed as well, correct? >> Yes, absolutely. >> And that'll be soil conservation and any utility provider that's required as well as the county. Um, and is there any DOT requirements? >> This is on a DOT road, so we will need to submit to the DOT and get their
feedback as well. >> Okay. If the as it relates to civil engineering, if there's if there isn't a comment that I specifically mentioned to you that is within the review letter, your office would agree to comply with any com technical comments set forth there in as it relates to civil engineering.
>> Yes, that is correct. I've reviewed the letter and can state that we will comply with any civil technical comments. >> All right. And I should have mentioned the date of the letter that we've that I've been referencing the whole time. That's the April 10th, 2026 letter that was prepared by Cole um and associates
um as it relates to the application. >> This is this is as revised, correct? >> Um this is revision one actually. >> That's exactly what I'm referring to. I just want to make sure that's in the record. >> Yes. Thank you, Cliff. Um okay. I just wanted to make sure we've touched on
everything. Oh, right. In terms of having an an EV charger on the property or an electric vehicle charger, this does not require one because under state law, you have to be providing 25 or more spaces in order to necessitate an EV charger. Correct. >> Yes, that is correct.
>> Okay. Um All right, Mr. Chairman, that's all I have for the civil engineer at this time. We're happy to answer any questions from the board or the public on her testimony. >> Anybody from the board have any questions of the testimony just given? I have one. There's only one person on
site. >> If there's only one person on site, why the need for the large dumpster? >> It's a the trash enclosure provided is a standard trash enclosure size and generally will have a uh recycling bin
and a a trash bin. So, how much garbage does one person generate per week? >> Generally, not too much. Um, you know, I don't imagine that there will be an overflowing trash demand. Um, but this
is a a standard size for a commercial use for closures. >> Yeah, the goal is just to have one bin for the trash and one bin for the recycling. But we'd be happy to work with your board professional if we can make make it consolidated even a little bit more and add another parking space or some more landscaping. We'd be happy
to work with Mr. Cole to do that. >> Mike, is it a requirement for >> trash compactor there? >> No, it's actually a waiver for the dumpster in the P. >> So your question about the the
the generation for one person. Yeah, it begs the question if the public's not in the dumpster. >> Why are you >> two times a week, >> right? >> Two pick up two times a week. So why the requirement for two times a week if the customers aren't using the dumpsters?
>> That is generally the standard pickup increments for a commercial use. It would, you know, once the site is in use, it could be adjusted based on how much trash is actually generated on site. >> Here's the problem with the dumpster. It's an attractive nuisance. So whether
it's secured or not and you only have one person on site to monitor it, it's going to become beds, couches will be thrown in front of that. >> Yeah. So that's that's not permitted under the the leases within the um within the facility.
>> I I I understand that, but let's be realistic. >> No, no. You you you would you you would lose your unit if you did that. But if the if the if the point is you prefer not to have the dumpster, we can work with with Mr. Cole and figure out a better way to eliminate trash from the
building. I mean, that's that's not a critical issue to this use. That's why I indicated before that it's it's really limited. So, we can work with you on that. That's not a a concern. >> Okay. >> Anybody else? >> Yeah. Just just briefly, you're not here to talk about the management of SD.
You're here to talk about the construction and design. Am I right? >> That's correct. So the day-to-day management and operation of controls, you're you're not involved in that. >> That is not my expertise. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Anybody else from the board have any questions on the testimony just given? >> I just have one on the street trees. I
have it down as being deficient. Two street trees. >> Yes. So our landscape architect had the um the two trees that are remaining in the towards the left bottom corner of the building as street trees. But there is ample room to provide street trees um
along the frontage. So >> add two more. >> Yeah, we can absolutely add two more. >> So we'll we'll uh withdraw the request for that waiver and as a if the board were to approve the application, we would add the additional uh street trees to or shade trees to comply. >> Street trees. >> Yeah,
>> street trees. >> Yeah. Just um you said you had experience designing such uh facilities before. >> Yeah, I've I've done a self storage or two. >> Okay. Um, are >> will there be garbage cans inside the building like in the hallways of the
areas where the patrons are? >> I I will have, and I should have said this at the beginning, so I apologize for not doing so. I will have an e, sorry, expert's the wrong word, but I will have a a witness come testify who has over 30 years of experience in
management and development of self- storage facilities, as Mr. O'Neal, I think, was alluding to that he wanted earlier. that can speak not only to the garbage issue. Obviously Olivia is designing it per what engineering practices would typically necessitate but to the questions that have been
asked in terms of how it plays out in reality. I will have somebody testify who has many many years managing storage facilities um in the region. >> Okay. So I have another question about parking. If two employees are there and there's eight spots that leaves only and
one of them is a handicap that leaves only five for patrons. Is that correct? >> Yeah, >> that's correct. And but I'll also in addition like I said there'll be two witnesses to discuss that issue. >> One will be the the person I just mentioned who has who man who has the
management experience in the self storage in terms of how that overlaps. The other will be the traffic engineer as well. >> Okay. Thank you. >> No problem. Anybody else from the board have any questions of the testimony? Okay. Anyone from the audience have any questions of the
testimony just given? Please come up to this microphone. Um, give us your name and address. >> Hello, my name is Mary Hodes. I'm at 14 South Clark Avenue in Somerville here. Um, I believe part of what you would be
designing would include fencing. >> Yes. And and I'd like to know what type of fencing you're you're going to be establishing around it. What type of material, how high. >> So, currently there is a fence on the left property line um that is intended
to remain that is on the neighboring property. So, there's already a fence along that um that property line towards the rear. There's there's >> Before you continue, just indicate on the plan where that is just so everybody can see. >> Sorry. There's a fencing along
along this left side over here. And then towards the back, there is pretty significant buffering there. There's also um some of the neighboring properties have fences as well. And as you can see, we have this this quite significant landscape buffer. And then as I was mentioning before a little bit
as well, that there's a burm. So it actually the the the grade level raises about three or four feet and provides even more screening towards the rear of the site. There's also currently a bamboo buffer back there which is is pretty strong and there's just some
mature vegetation back there. So the rear of the the property is screened and we're not providing a um a fence on the right side of the property. We have pretty extensive buffering there as well. And then um >> when you say the right side, just to be
clear, the easterly sorry the eastern property line. Um, so there's no fencing proposed along the eastern property line and then of course none along the frontage. >> Okay. And is the fencing being placed on the outside of the
um landscaping or on the inside towards the building? >> So any fencing that I mentioned is already existing and off of our property and it would it would remain. We're not currently proposing any fencing due to our robust landscape efforts. >> Okay. And there's
the existing fences. How high are they? >> I would say probably eight feet from what I saw. I was not able to measure it though. So that is my assumption. >> Okay. So in the back I'm having difficulty visualizing this. In the back. >> Could you speak into the micro home
please? >> In the back of the property where you're going to have a burm and on the other side of that burm towards towards the residential area is where the fences are. So you have an eight foot fence and a burm that's coming up
taking over half of that. >> I would say that it is supporting it and adding additional screening. You already can't see through back there. Um and any additional landscaping that we would provide would just enhance the buffer and just really make it feel like
there's a large separation between the next property and our property. >> Okay. So, no other fencing is going in for security for your patrons? >> Not at this time. >> What does that mean for tomorrow? >> No, it's just it's not proposed.
>> There's none proposed, but I don't think if the board felt an additional fence in the rear was appropriate. We we I think what Olivia is trying to say is that based on what was out there today versus what we're proposing between the burm and the landscaping, it wasn't necessary. But again, nobody's the
applicant's not opposed to putting an additional fence if the board felt that that was appropriate. That wasn't anything that we're not against it at all, but it was just something that didn't what didn't seem necessary at the time. >> Okay. I I would I would also, you know, if that comes to the board, be cautious about what the appearance is.
>> You know, does it look like a jail? >> No, it would it would of course be something decorative that Yes. >> And it would have to be approved by the reviewing professionals as well. >> Thank you. Sure. Thank you. >> Anyone else? Come speak into the mic. Please identify
yourself. >> I'm Marge Sullivan. My address is 8 South Richards Avenue in Somerville. Um would you put the landscape uh map up again? >> You can't see it. Oh, even though it's okay. When I look at that, I just want to make sure I'm understanding the way.
>> Do you want us Hold on. Do you want us to zoom in a little bit so we can see it a little bit better? No, >> you're good. Okay. Well, I'm actually concerned about what's across the street. A as I look at this diagram, it seems to me that the access into the facility is almost directly uh opposite
uh the access on the opposite side of the street, West End Avenue, which is the entry into Somerville Barrow Hall. Uh could you uh uh verify that I'm reading the map correctly or the diagram? Answer that. Uh yeah, I mean yes, that is correct that our driveway
is uh AC across the street from the Burough Hall driveway. >> Okay, >> that's all I wanted to know. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I was going to say that >> anyone else that it's okay. >> Good evening. My name is Elizabeth
Eisinger. I live at 25 Mercer Street and um I'm here on behalf of several neighbors. I have two questions that directly relate to things you that you mentioned in your testimony. I apologize if I misunderstood anything. >> Sure. Go ahead.
>> Um, first, you said that you are doing this because there's a demonstrated need in the area for more self storage. In a 10second Google map check for self storage, I found seven current self- storage places within
>> five miles and 15 within a 10 to 15 drive. >> I'll just I can I can address that. >> How was that? >> Yeah, she she in in fairness to in fairness to your question, she did say that when when she started the testimony and that was probably just more anecdotal discussion and not civil
engineering discussion. >> However, however, It does relate. >> No, I'm I'm going to I'm going to respond. I'm going to respond. >> Okay. >> What I what I was what I was going to say I was just being being fair to you that because she did say it, >> but the person the planner >> and the self- storage witness that I was
that I mentioned that I would talk about that will demonstrate the radius need for self- storage how that works in terms of how it's evaluated where they are can address that. That's really not within Olivia's area of expertise. But we but in terms of professional planning having providing for the general welfare
that type of testimony that needs to be provided we'll address it at that time. >> All right that's fine. Um the I'm concerned about Can you put the picture back up with the the drawing? >> Oh yeah. It just keeps on if you don't if you don't
>> Jason that's fine. >> Oh yeah. Okay. So, within, you can't really see in this image, but if you were to scroll out a tiny bit, within one to two blocks, you would see that it's a um that it is a driveway next to
an elementary school adjacent to a church, the town council, which was just mentioned, the public library, a senior center, and all of these entities use wheelchairs, strollers, families. There's a heavy Somerville is a town
where we have an unusual amount of of walkers and pedestrians. >> What was the question? >> The question The question is it looks like a very narrow area for trucks. I have myself rented moving trucks in um
and used self storage facilities. So I speak of personal experience when I ask how are you going to have someone who is not used to driving a truck >> manage to get in there turn around safely. It looks very tight for even a a
small pickup truck. Um I understand you said that it wouldn't have actual moving moving trucks but typically how are you going to manage visibility in and out of that tight space? There's no um there's
it is with you can't see it here. The the road splits a little in the head. It's the main entryway to our downtown main street. >> So, I'm wondering how are you going to mitigate for safety there? Are you planning to have mirrors or cameras or
extra light? Are you going to have a blinking light? It it's an excellent question and you it's it's what it's one of the categories that I have the traffic engineer actually go over in detail and Olivia is not that person but but what what I'll let you know exactly
so the public can also know the traffic engineer is going to go over the parking the trip generation and also access to the site and what you're talking about is site distance and and what can be and the turning radius and we're going to have the traffic engineer go over that in excruciating detail I promise.
>> Okay. I'm mostly concerned about that entryway and exit way. Okay. Okay. Well, I'm sorry. I'm a walker and I'm a I'm a local person and I'm the only chance I get to speak publicly. >> I'm sorry. Okay. Thank you.
>> I got you. >> Anyone else have any questions on the testimony given by the engineer? >> I can answer it. >> You want to go ahead and I'll let you I'll let you go. Hi, my name is Nina Sonning. I'm at 31 Mercer Street. So, my question is, are
there going to be any cameras at this location? Like, so people My concern is safety, you know, you say that it's open, it closes at 10 p.m. And is there anyone going to be in there at 10, you know, watching this area because open
space like invites trouble. >> Yeah. So, so again, >> and is there gonna be cameras? Again, that's not really her. She's into the site design and the items we discussed. But, um, I'll I'm glad you're asking all these questions so we could be prepared
when the appropriate witness comes. But, yes, the the the entirety of the facility will have cameras and the exterior will. We don't usually testify to security protocol because you don't want people knowing your security protocol, but I'll but there are there are there is security there. Yes.
>> Okay. Yeah. because obviously open space >> but I'll have that >> late night people walking back and forth it's a danger >> they have they have another expert who's going to testify >> okay all right thank you >> is there anyone else who has any
questions on the testimony given by the engineer testimony given by the engineer >> yes good evening uh my name is Jack David I live at 51 West Main Street in Somerville um I'll keep it quick For the plants and trees on the property, are
you going to be planting mainly species native to New Jersey? >> Yes, we are planting um native species. There were some comments in the board reviewers letter that um asked us to swap out some species, so we plan to comply with those comments.
>> Okay. Excellent. Will that result in all of the trees and plants on the property being native to New Jersey or just a yes proportion? Okay. >> Yes, all of them. Excellent. Thank you. >> There will be no invasive species proposed. >> Excellent. Thanks. >> Yes,
>> clear. One, one is Summit Street, Summerville, New Jersey. Um, two questions. Um, as far as the noise mitigation measures, um, what is being proposed in my experience when you're loading and unloading, especially if you unloading the big U-Haul trucks, it is
pretty noisy. If the facility is open from 6:00 a.m. in the morning until 10 p.m. at night, that's quite noisy for the neighbors. As well as if you're proposing to have a dumpster and a private pickup service, those are
usually off hours and those usually extremely noisy as well. >> So, um, the application has to comply with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection noise guidelines. We cannot deviate from those whatsoever. So we would have to comply with the state standards for noise
regulation. >> Can you elaborate on how you propose to comply? >> We anything that's on the site would have to comply. Well, those that are regulated would have to comply with all the decibel level requirements. Olivia wouldn't be the person to answer that.
That has nothing to do with civil engineering, but noise requirements are from the building department and from the state code, and we have to comply with those. Yeah, I think we could consider that this is a a pretty typical commercial use as well. Um so it would be, you
know, no noisier than cars coming to the shop or um when trash gets picked up from Shopright as well. >> I think the cars coming to shop right don't usually have lift gates, you know, opening and closing, people losing and unloading things. That is correct.
>> That's testimony. >> Yes. >> Yep. >> Just dealing with questions. >> I know. I'm just I'm just asking question. Um, second question I have, um, maybe a silly question. I'm not an engineer, but you testified that the storm water runoff will be significantly improved.
>> Um, >> so could you say what percentage of the lot will be covered by the building and by the pave pavement as opposed to what is it is there now?
So currently on the neighboring lot uh lot 20 so the lot that is to the left it's fully pvious so it has um zero or imperous coverage. Uh the existing imperous coverage for
lot 19 is 16,900 square ft and we are increasing this by about 10,000 square feet. So as a part of this increase, this you know triggers us being a major storm water development. So we have um proposed
storm water management facilities to account for the increase in impervious. >> But can you just to answer her question just completely can you just indicate what percentages you have to meet to reduce the storm water that leaves the property? >> Yes. So there are three uh major design
storms that we have to design for in New Jersey. Uh 2year, 10 year and 100year. So, in the two-year storm, you need to reduce the amount of storm water runoff by 50%. So, if it's 1,000 cubic yards, in the the two-year storm, it has to go down to 500.
>> That's leaving the property. >> Leaving the property. Yes. And then for the 10-year storm, it is a 25% decrease. And for the 100red-year storm, it's a 20% decrease. >> And can you just explain how you achieve that through your design? >> We use a program called HydroCAD. We
import our um drainage areas based on the impervious and the pvious coverage. We account for any roof area. We account for um our storm water features. There's uh ways to model basins in this in this uh program. And then it provides us with
the output based on the amount of rainfall that is expected for this county. >> Thank you. Um just to clarify, I may be a silly question. When you're saying to reduce the runoff by certain percentages, does reduce comparing to what's there now or what would it would
have been without the the runoff at the management system? >> Uh with what it is now versus to what we're proposing. >> Got it. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Hello. Michael Weiss, 218 West Summit
Street in Somerville. U my question is very similar. Um but I don't think Um, I heard the exact answer. So, to put you on the spot, um, exactly by how much is the impervious surface increasing in your design versus what's there today? >> So, 16,900
is what is there today and we are increasing it to exactly 26,857. >> So, is that twice less than twice? >> Um, it's >> less than twice >> less than twice. It is about an 18% increase and about
10,000 square feet. >> And just but just to be clear, just to answer it fully too, it's it's it's slightly less than what's um permitted. >> Yes. It complies with impervious coverage. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Hi. Uh I'm Logan Stall, 208 Grove
Street, Somerville, New Jersey. Um I also had a question about the storm water runoff. Um, just how what specific features are you implementing to reduce storm water runoff? It looks I can't see the drawing super well. Is there like a retention ditch or something or >> Yes. So, it's not shown in here, but we have a pvious pavement system proposed.
>> Do you want to do you want to go to the technical drawings and just show it? >> Sure. >> But we we'll go this is the exhibit that was more illustrative. We'll go to the we'll show it on the technical drawings so you can see it. >> These are the um site plan drawings which were submitted as a part of our application. >> Yeah. So, Cliff, I don't think we need
to mark these. These are part of the been submitted as part of the application. You need not submit them. There's no exhibits. >> Yeah. Just reference the sheet that you're on, Olivia. >> Yes. So, I'm on the drainage plan sheet C6 dated >> March 3rd, 2026. So, the area that is
shown in blue is our uh pvious pavement system. >> So, um >> Okay. So, the entire new lot is intended to be pvious. >> Uh the parking area >> parking area, sorry. Um, and then my other question is related to um they've
one of the one of the the existing vacant lot is pretty shady as it is and you're planning to make a whole new uh like redo the entire parking area. Is that have you done any studies on if that will increase like the heat retention on the site? >> We have not done any studies for that but we are proposing u shade trees on
site. >> Okay. >> So >> can are you able to quantify whether it'll retain more or less heat after this development? uh not at this exact time, but that is potentially something that we could provide more information about. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Go back to the not
>> Yeah, just to be clear, the storm water management hasn't been approved. There's a bunch of questions on that. We're going to >> Yeah, of course. >> go through that. Like there's no recharge and I understand the reasons why, but there has to be some clarification on that. Just let the audience know it that the storm water management is still under review.
>> Yeah. And that's why we agreed also to comply with your comments, but Yes. >> Right. Yes. >> Hello. David Lang, 18 cam in place in Somerville. Uh the I think it's lot 20. Uh that's has nothing on it right now.
Do you have a a better count of how many trees are to be removed? >> So there's a total of 24 trees being removed on both sites. Uh if you wanted to know exactly how many were on the >> because I know there are some beautiful specimen trees. They're they're quite tall. I was just curious to see. So all
of those are going correct. Uh yes. >> And there are how many of those >> on lot 19 or 20? If you'll just allow me to count. >> Sure. >> 23 trees are being removed on lot 20 and the other three are on lot 19.
>> Thank you. >> And I would just like to remind everyone that we are proposing 74 trees. Yes, >> they they will be. >> All right. Yes, ma'am. >> Don't don't engage. Don't engage. >> Hello. >> Yes, ma'am.
>> Just don't engage. >> Uh Sher Russ, 19 Ramer, Somerville. Um couple of questions. I too have moved and uh use self storage and I'm curious as to how you're going to ensure that somebody doesn't come in there with a moving truck, which is what I've
typically done every time I've moved. >> Right. So, nobody said there weren't there wouldn't be a moving truck. It was just I just mentioned that there was no tractor trailers or any of those types of delivery vehicles, but yeah, somebody could definitely bring a U-Haul vehicle or something or some sort of moving
truck. There's no no doubt about that. >> My moving truck was a >> Yeah. Yeah, I was a tractor. I'm just I'm just saying when I moved here to Somerville and I used a place in in Hillsboro, my stuff came up from Florida on a tractor trailer. >> Yeah. Yeah. There there's you would be
able to use like an SU40 or something like that and we would have to provide and I we might even have done so already turning templates that show that this that the templates can navigate the site. No. So there are that was unclear. I'm sorry. >> Yeah. Yeah. I didn't understand that. >> No, no problem. No problem. >> Um and how are you ensuring that people
aren't storing hazardous materials? What's the oversight for that? Like any self- storage facility that that exists, they're um they are inspect people are are in charge of signing leases and if they suspect anything is improper, they can um remove people from the facility
or remove their tenency. >> Thank you. >> And and I can have the person that I mentioned who's managed the facilities elaborate more on on that question. >> Great. And uh one more question about the well two actually the pvious parking area. How how many square feet is taken
up by the pvious uh material? >> I believe it's now let me just get the exact square footage. >> I think it's 7,000 and change. Is that right? >> Um
>> just take a look. Let's make sure we answer it correctly. Apologies, this is a long record of data. >> Oh, yes. Um, the permeable pavement surface is 5,735 square ft.
>> Thank you. And don't know a lot about the wastewater management or the water management, but you you stated it conveys water to West End Avenue. And when I heard that, I thought, >> please speak up. >> Um, you mentioned that it conveys the
water to West End Avenue. And so, in my mind, I was thinking about the floods we've had here on West End Avenue. Yes. So, the water is going to come from your facility into that road. >> So, there is an existing storm water conveyance system. There's a bunch of piping um throughout the West End.
There's inlets along our frontage on on West End. So, we are planning to connect our storm water piping into one of those inlets, which is what is being um which is the existing condition today for lot 19. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> But just also just to fully answer that, there'll be less water going into the system. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. Chris Fogerty. I live at uh 25 North Dowy Avenue. My backyard looks directly at the red brick building today. Uh the
empty lot with the grass and the trees. From my kitchen table, I will see everything that goes on unloading. So, I have concerns about what happens between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. when there's no um supervision at the site. So, how
how without supervision do you prevent a a person police in a unit from leaving. Let's say they're moving out and they leave. >> She's not going to be able to answer that because she >> it came up in the test. >> She's just the civil engineer. I was just indicating what the hours were at the beginning, but I'll have that person
that manages the facilities go over that. >> You said third or fourth, >> right? >> Yeah. I I can't control um >> what is ma'am when we get when that person's
time testify. That's when they will be done. >> I'm I'm sorry. >> When it's time for that person to testify is when we will find out and you'll be able to ask those questions. >> I hope so.
>> No, I only have two witnesses this evening. I just have the architect, the engineer, and the architect. That's it. >> That would have to be scheduled. We have to see what's on our agenda. I know we're full for May and when I talk to Jason, May and June,
we will determine that, >> but not right now. >> Because we don't know how far we're going to get tonight. >> Yep. I I have a second question. >> Yes. >> Regarding the storm water mitigation, you seem to take a lot of credit in improving the storm water. Is there a
way to develop the property without breaking five ordinances to improve the storm water mitigation? >> Um the ordinances that we're seeking relief for are not related to storm water management. >> Okay. So it can be developed without
>> ordinances and improving the storm. >> You could you could do nothing on the property and add storm water management to the site of course. >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. >> Anyone else? Hi, Scott Schwitzer 8 way. Um, real quick question. Your picture there is an
aerial 2D view from the top. Do you have any pictures from street level or whatever the architectural term is from the side? >> Because this is going to be >> Yeah, the Yeah, the architect is going to have um the building elevations. >> Okay. >> So, you'll be able to see it 360 um vertical what it's going to look like.
>> Okay, good. Thanks. >> Yeah, no problem. I better not hear another wind. >> Hi, good evening. I'm Tegan Livingston, 49 West Spring Street. With all due due respect to the engineer here who doesn't
seem to be able to pronounce deciduous, I would >> Come on. >> I would be careful of >> ma'am. Not many people can. >> Olivia, don't engage. >> Okay. I would be able I I would be careful about assuming that these things
are going to all be okay. Quite quite honestly, I'm very opposed to this. I think it's very >> This is testimony. Are you asking a question? >> Because I'm making I am making a statement right now.
>> The time for statements will be later. >> Statements will be later. Okay. I'm opposed to this. But thank you. Yes. Anyone else? >> Hi, Richard Bowski. I live at 91 Brookside Avenue. >> Uh, again, not probably out of your expertise, but one of you mentioned the
EV charging. >> Yes. >> That there's one one spot. So, my first question is >> No, no, no. I said I said that that that I'm sorry if you didn't hear. I know it's it's hard. Um, there there there is none required here. So, there won't be an EV charger.
>> Are you anticipating the >> No, no, no, no. There's no EV. My the only reason I mentioned that is because the um review letter wanted us to just address whether there would or would not be one. So I mentioned because there's not more than 25 spaces in the parking lot, one is not required. Therefore, one
is not proposed. >> Okay. >> Heather McNall Lang 18 came in place in Somerville. I'm looking at the plan for the plantings and I'm looking at the location of the trees and how far out
towards the street they come. My concern with that is line of sight. You have a lot of walkers and I'm afraid someone's going to come out and hit a walker. what's being done to make sure that the lines of sight are sufficient and
probably more than so because of the number of walkers we have in Somerville. Yeah. So, for each site, we prepare a um sight distance triangle that comes out of the driveway. It's usually around the stop bar. Um and it's kind of just like
a triangle that that goes both ways. It's not shown on this exhibit, but um our landscape team does not plant anything within that site triangle. >> And the and the site triangle the um the distances and the visibility are all industry standard and we have to comply
with those. Correct. >> Yes. Correct. >> Okay. And and and and I was going to have the traffic engineer just mention that as well, but we'll we'll comply with all the site distance requirements. >> And is are those to the street or to the sidewalk? >> Both. You would have to see both. Yeah. In both directions. Yeah. Thank you.
>> No problem. >> Hi there. I'm Regina Santos at 135 Mountain Avenue. Um, what is actually the width and the length of the parking lot? To go back to the question with regard to how large of a truck because I
have also been used a large moving truck and I was one person's uh storage within a larger truck. Okay. and the larger truck would I'm I'm also my question relates to what's going to be the policing of the parking spaces in the
front if there's only technically five spaces plus one handicapped and when people go to self storage they hang out for a little bit going through their boxes and all who's going to look at time limits and what's going to happen if people need to go and park in the street
>> sorry I didn't want to interrupt you >> no that's that that's >> okay so let her answer the first part of your question. Yeah. Yeah. Let her answer that technical question. The latter part I was going to have the other the other person mention that's more of a managerial issue than the second part of your question. But the
first part is something Olivia should respond to. >> Yes. So the width of the main drive aisle, not including the spaces, is 25 ft, which is 1 foot wider than is required for >> that's the width from the building to where the >> for the the actual like where the
driveway is. If you were to take the driveway and just go straight up, that is 25 ft wide. And then towards the um the loading area, that's actually 48 ft wide from the building to the curb line on the other side. >> That can't be the way you're drawing.
>> I I'll I'll have I'll I'll have her go just depict it so you can see. So Olivia, use your cursor. >> Yes. So >> So hold on. So So hold on. So, this area between um >> the end of the parking lot, >> the end of the parking stall to the other side of the curb is 25 ft. Okay.
>> And then these stalls are 19 ft long. And then the sidewalk is 5t wide as well. >> And what's the length between because 25 ft is not very wide, which is great, but what's between the street where the sidewalk is to the back
>> straight from I'm trying to figure out how somebody's turning around. Yes. So this is from my quick calculation it seems to be about 150 ft long the entire drive aisle. >> And just just to finish the the question um the width from the loading space
across just show that that was the 48T dimension that you mentioned. >> Yes. Yes. Sorry that is from the building itself where my cursor is to the opposite side of the curb. >> Okay. So, there'll be some, you said the person's not here, but there'll be somebody to kind of maneuver how many
different trucks can get in there at any time. >> We've supplied turning templates, but I'll have the um Okay. If if I that question has come up now a few times, so I'm worried if it's too large, then they're going to be probably out on West End. That's fine. That's a perfectly legit question. So, I'll have the I'll
have the traffic engineer walk through the truck turning templates. That's >> the length of time. >> Understood. Okay. I got you. >> Thank you very much. help out. >> Kelly Allen, 58 West End Avenue. Um, I have a question regarding traffic and safety. Um, I I just saw an accident on
that intersection on Friday through >> related to the uh, and I'm just wondering what uh, analysis have you done for traffic and safety? >> There there was a whole traffic report that was submitted with the application. um you can see it as part of the as part of the file, but the um traffic engineer
was going to testify as it relates to the uh findings of that traffic report, the methodologies which were used, the data that was collected. So, he will he will do that at a later date. >> Okay. Thank you. >> No problem. >> Thank you. >> Hi, Margaret Weinberger, 42 North Midoff
Street, Somerville. I have some questions about the building itself. So, this is going to be where people can pull in a brick building. the building is solid brick or it has that fake brick facade. >> So the the architect is testifying next. That's a perfect question for the
>> I'll ask the architect and then my um Oh, okay. That was that was the question I wanted to ask. I wanted to find it. People will come into the front door of the building and there'll be cubicles. They'll walk down halls and there'll be the storage space. The >> the architect will show you the floor plan so you can see see how it lays out.
Thank you. >> Sure. Anyone else? >> Jason, the easement on the uh joining property is is Olivia going to address that? I don't know if it's I don't know it's legal or >> the access easement to the rear.
>> Yeah, there's an access easement that I mentioned that if it's not being used, it goes through the property towards the uh north >> that fronts on >> High Street. We're not proposing any changes to that easement at this time,
but we can evaluate that with with the applicant. And >> yeah, the question is is it proposed to be extinguished? I don't know if Jason, is that really a question to you? >> I would have to ask the I I'll >> But as you can see, there's no access to any adjacent parts. >> I agree. It's just sitting there. It's not
>> Yeah. >> Uh Tomasco, 175 East Spring Street. How do you plan on removing snow from this property? >> That was not a >> Well, it's become storm water. >> No, that she she can answer that question. >> Um yeah, so snow removal and storage, I
would imagine, would um you know, a plow would come onto site and they would push everything towards the rear of the property to where that kind of darker green is in front of the trees uh in the in the rear yard. >> Okay. Okay.
Anyone else? Going once. Thank you, Olivia. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Our next witness or witnesses are um our two architects. Um if they can come up, >> Jason. Yes.
>> Your witnesses will remain through available through the proceedings, will they not? >> Yeah, we're not we're not going anywhere. >> Good. Okay. Just want to make sure of that. Okay. So, I'm gonna have two architects from the firm that prepared the architectural drawings sit. Um, let's
swear them in and I'll have them both go through their qualifications. >> Sure. Uh, I'm going to if you would both stand and please raise your right hand. Um, if you would uh do you solemnly swear the testimony you're about to give in this matter will be the truth. So, help
you God. >> I do. I do. >> Okay. Please, sir. And then you, sir? >> William Miller, USA Architects, uh, Gaudy Avenue, Somerville. >> Thank you. And you, sir? >> Dylan Cino, USA Architects, 20 North
Audi Avenue. >> Could you repeat your first name? You >> uh, Dylan Cino. >> Yes. Okay. Uh, all right. M. Mr. Tuvel, you might want to set up how you want to do this. Yeah, I'll do that. I know. Yeah. I >> All right. So, just so I >> would advise you to do so. >> Yes. So, um, Mr. Miller is the New
Jersey licensed architect that supervised the um the drawings and the preparation and then Mr. Cino is the project manager that um did the dayto-day on the plans and will be testifying this evening. But just go through your qualifications and qualify you. Um Bill will Bill, can you just go
through your qualifications as an architect, educational background, licenses held, and experience testifying? >> Sure. Um um I'm a graduate of Mercer County College uh with an associates degree in
architecture, University of New Mexico with a bachelor's degree of in architecture. Was licensed in uh 1987 and have practiced ever since. I've um
testified in most every board in Mammoth and Ocean County, Middle Sex County. Uh I have testified before uh Somerville in the past. >> And your license is current and in good standing. >> Yes. >> And you supervised the preparation of these plans and the drawings? >> Yes.
>> Okay. So, let's one at a time. We'll accept the board accept. >> We'll accept Mr. Miller. >> Okay. And then Mr. Cino, if you could just go through your professional background and credentials as well. Yep. So, I have a bachelor's of architecture from Philadelphia University. Um, I've
been with the firm for 10 plus years now. Um, I've been in front of the board of Somerville uh two times now and um two times in other boards in in in the state of New Jersey as well as three other boards in the state of Pennsylvania. >> All right. Would the board accept Mr.
Cino as well? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> There's no procedural issue with this. You can certainly deliver it as you proposed. >> Thank you, Cliff. Okay. So, um, Dylan, let's get started. Let's walk everyone through, I guess, with with the floor plans first and then we'll go through
the elevation. So, just when you're on these are, uh, colorized exhibits, correct? >> Correct. Yep. And these and these were the exhibits that were shared with the board. >> Okay. Um, so they were submitted, right? >> Correct. >> So, Cliff, these were submitted, so I don't think we have to mark them. >> Right. I was going to say they've been
previously sub previously submitted with the with the body of the application. So, you don't have to present them as new as new exhibits. >> All right. And Dylan, just reference the sheet that you're on when you're going through it. >> Okay. Yep. So, this first exhibit is the proposed typical floor plan. Um, this is
sheet AO2. Uh, so this is a typical first floor plan. Um, which you could see that the program is pretty simple in nature. Um, the majority of the footprint uh inside is dedicated to the various side storage units. Um on this
particular level we have uh 75 total units that vary between you know sizes of 5x5 by 5 by 10 by 10 x 20 and so on. Um the southeast corner that um fronts
west end a is dedicated as a main entry point. Um so that corner kind of becomes symbolized and emphasized um on the which we will get into where we look at the elevations. Uh and this would house a dedicated administrative spaces for small office.
Um there will be on-site restroom facilities. Um and obviously, you know, circulation in the on the east facade. Um more towards the middle of the plan, you would have the access for um loading
and deliveries. Um, and directly inside of the building would be the vertical circulation of the elevators. Um the next sheet which is AO3 this is a proposed roof plan where we um it's it's
very schematic right now where we would uh show a you know a general location of rooftop mounted equipment um which would be uh screened by a perforated corrugated metal um and we are also
proposing um vegetated roof. I'm going to jump to the um sheet A05 which is the proposed exterior renderings. Um there is inspiration that is actually taken from the uh existing
dwelling that is on site um in terms of the materialities. So this would be um all four facads will be um incorporating the full bed masonry um with similar color brick um full bed cast stone and
um a lot of inherited detailing that was um also pulled throughout various architecture that we feel um would comply with this you know location of Somerville. Um so you know implementing some cast stone sills uh cornises
header headers and that nature. >> Um on the third floor you could see the windows have an arch top which also um pulls characteristics from um the surrounding context. Um, so again, you know, the building, if you kind of erase
the the use of the building from your mind, you know, we really want to create a building that we feel is beautiful, that would fit in with Somerville. Um, you know, the the longevity of these materials, the on on behalf of the applicant, we feel he's going above and
beyond to, you know, create a a product that is going to last, uh, that's going to fit in with this with this neighborhood. Um, and, you know, again, it's we feel that it's going to contribute um rather than um you know
what what is currently there. So, >> and just and just to be clear on the exhibit, uh Dylan, the bottom um image is from the parking lot looking I guess it would be west, correct? >> That that is this would be a view that
would be looking um towards the west. Yeah, the northwest. You're correct. So, as as you approach um if I zoom in here, this would be a view from the corner of West End A and Mountain A. You can see
on the left here is the Unity Bank. Um so, again, you know, in contrast with the typical um you know, dwelling height, um we're, you know, we feel we're within scale. Um we have a total
height of 36 feet and 8 in. um to the top of the caststone cornice. Um and the screening for the mechanical equipment would be about four feet from the average roof level um which we um feel
strongly would not be visible from the from a person's eye level. >> Right. So that's what I was going to indicate. So the the ordinance permits a 35 foot building height. Correct. Right. >> That's correct. So this is about a little less than two feet higher than
that. Correct. Okay. And then in terms of mechanical equipments that would be located on the roof, um you're indicating that the the parapit or the the top of the roof would screen those mechanical equipment. Correct. >> Correct. And we're taking another measure to to um screen those mechanical
units um you know with an added layer. Um >> Okay. And they would also be centered in the roof. In the roof as well. >> That's correct. Yep. >> Okay. Um, and there was a question earlier, but in terms of sound attenuation, all those mechanical all those mechanical equipment would be
speced to comply with all New Jersey uh no noise requirements. Correct. >> That's correct. >> Okay. All right. Please continue. >> I just reference the sheet again. >> Yep. So, we're still on AO5. >> Okay. Um, you know, just in just a few last items
to touch on. Um, in terms of materials, uh, we'll have a we'll have a base of another full bed, um, uh, groundfaced veneer. Um and uh between the windows on
um you know on the jam sides, the heads and the below the sill um at these kind of caststone bumpouts as you could see. Um it's kind of an expressed vertical seam aluminum panel. Um so again all of the materials uh are used are you know
traditional. It's kind of blending you know that old and new characteristics. Um, we're pulling in language and flavors from the surrounding context and these these details that we feel are just going to um, you know, add more character to to this building.
>> Okay. Um, can you speak to sustainable features or any um, energy efficiency aspects of the building? Yeah. So, in all of our work um particularly with a um a cladding such as full bed masonry,
the thermal efficiency of this envelope um you know would be uh well above what is um required by code. Um as well as the um double glazed windows um insulated roof. Uh, so it will it'll
have substantial thermal performance. >> All right. And then I think one of the one of the members of the public just wanted to con confirm that all all four elevations were shown so that they could see what it looks like from all different perspectives. If we could just make sure that we do that for everyone,
that'd be great. Okay. >> All right. And these are your building elevations, correct? >> Correct. Yep. These these are the 2D elevations that show all four facades. >> Okay. And there was a comment about from the planner about I guess the one facade on the lower right hand corner. Y
>> about uh potentially upgrading that facade as well. Can you can you speak to that? >> Yeah. So the the the design decision um is also from an economical standpoint knowing the that this north facade faces a a um you know pretty vegetated area of
the site. Um and we really wanted to to you know create the focus on the facades that really are visible from West End A and Mountain A. Um so you know knowing that this is essentially the back of the building um you know the that level of
detailing and the level of materiality is uh and fenestrations um and really the what's spent there is dedicated towards what we feel are the main facades. Um so that's the decision right now. >> Okay. Um but based on that comment,
you'll you'll speak to the client and we can talk about um perhaps enhancing that facade uh more than what's what's presented now? >> No, of course. Yes. >> Okay. Um in terms of the of the building itself, can you just speak to ADA compliance and fire suppression?
>> Yes. So, um there's uh currently we're showing um five ADA compliant um exterior entries and exits. Um uh the the the building will be fully uh sprinklered.
Um and uh from the basement um floor um you know, egress and code compliance is is is was thought out and not a concern. >> All right. and the fire um uh department had issued a letter in connection with
this application. Did you have a chance to review that letter? >> I did and everything that is noted on there um we we will comply and it's it's a pretty standard stuff that we would uh we would we would have done anyway. >> Okay. Um and then just to be clear,
there's there's elevators and stair corridors and all things that are necessary um per code within the building. >> That's correct. Yep. >> Okay. Okay. All right, that's all I have uh for for the architect. Oh, just uh Bill, just to verify as the as the architect that supervised the
preparation of the plans, you agree with everything that Mr. Cino testified to, you can confirm that as well? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Before before we have qu questions of Mr. Cino, we're going to take a break.
>> Okay. What time should we come back, Mr. Chairman? >> About 10 minutes. >> 10 minutes. Okay. package. >> The existing building is >> we should have seen him on the Yes. >> President
which isn't really just that your map. It's huge. It's gorgeous. Red large windows. >> I would drive down Gaston, not Gaston. I would drive down Gaston all the time.
I'm like, what are they building here that this size? >> It took a long time. >> It did. To build the stairwells, too. I'm like, what is a good professional 24-hour shift? So, they sleep dormitories.
>> They've got the doors are giant. They were holding old fire trucks in there for a long time. Like before it officially opened, they had like old fire trucks on display. So >> they get more traffic coming in. >> Oh yeah.
>> Yeah. Think about it too. And then come back later, you know. If you look at the faculty, this is >> it's this month's thing to do.
>> Yeah. I was going to say it's >> the last meeting I was at, there was like >> that was new, too. I think I think it was last year Sue and I were here for the restaurant doing Main Street.
Um yeah, I would imagine like everyone would like excited about it, but I guess it was like it won't come. >> That's true. >> Very often you hear someone go out of their way to say something positive >> for an existing build too. It's like
okay well it's already there. I I mean the last one that I came here was for our office and it was for a sign and a fence and it was the only thing on the meeting
supposed >> typically get a review letter three or four days before the meeting. No matter what that or you'll get one and then he'll schedule you three months out. >> So either or I prefer the latter. I
don't like getting >> all of those guys. I just read tomorrow. Wow. Baby, They give you a hard time. And I didn't bring one either, but You want to focus?
All right. >> Keep it around. It's not going to be thin. Mother Don't worry. Okay, Let's let's reconvene. >> Okay, Mr. Duval, you ready?
>> I'm I'm ready right now. Okay. All right, we will reconvene. >> Okay, we miss we're missing Ed. >> Okay. U Mr. Miller, was that the uh end of Mr. Cino's testimony?
>> Uh we were up we were done. >> Yeah, we we were up to questions, Mr. Chairman. >> Okay. Anybody from the board have any questions? >> Yeah, I do. >> Okay, Rich. >> The rental compartments, how are they partitioned off? What are they made out of? I don't see anything here under plans that how are they constructed? Are
they solid walls? Are they mesh? I mean, what what are they? >> Um, so they will be solid walls. Um, >> what? >> I'm sorry. >> Of what and how high? >> Um, so typically, um, they'll be, you know, steel framed, um, and cladded in a type of metal that's durable. Um, since
the building would be fully sprinklered, the top of it would have to, you know, be some type of um, you know, metal mesh of some sort that's obviously secure. Um, and, you know, uh, typically about 8 to 10, uh, 8 to nine feet in height. Um, because that would work with our floor
to floor height and the, you know, the structure and the mechanical systems. >> Let me try to I'm Irish. It takes you a while to absorb the the compartments about 8 ft high. >> Yes, around 8 to 9 ft high. about your ceiling height. >> Uh so our floor to floors are currently
12 ft. Um so you know if you subtract the uh the depth for the structure um you know we're still weighing the options if we'll do like a cast in place concrete or a traditional uh steel frame. Um you know and then have head
clearance for mechanical systems. Uh so you know you're going to probably be left with around you know a foot and a half clearance. What would be the ceiling of the rental compartment, the rental unit? >> Um, yeah, like I mentioned, um, since the building is sprinklered,
>> um, you know, in case, god forbid, there was ever a fire, the that that ceiling would have to be, um, to allow, uh, the the fire suppression system. >> Um, >> I think his question is, what's the the top of a unit? If you're in a unit, Yeah. >> If you were at the floor looking up,
where does the the top end? >> Yeah. Um, >> okay. So the wall the walls will go full height to the underside of the floor above. >> So they'll get basically up to 12. >> Yes. But the ceiling will be below that.
>> Okay. >> The mechanical systems will be above the ceiling including the sprinkler system. The sprinkler heads will be above the ceiling of the of the unit. And that sprinkler or that ceiling will be
um like a wire mesh three 4 inch squares. >> Okay. >> To allow for the sprinklers to allow the water to come down into the unit. >> Okay. So the it's it's basically a it's a foursided box with an open roof.
>> Yes. >> Okay. Then you've got your mechanicals and a head space. >> Yes. >> Okay. Just following up on that real quick. Is is each of the units um sprinklered? >> Yes.
>> Yeah. I have a question in regards to um to the tent of the windows, will it be specifically visible? So like will you be able to see right through? And then the second part to that question is um since if it's going to be visible, I know in some storage facilities the
lights turn off when nobody's walking through the hallways. Will those lights be on pop on you know once a person is going to their unit? >> Um they will be um you know to to bring a level of sustainability they'll be on occupancy sensors right so but we do
plan to have these windows um tinted in some fashion uh so that the the illumination from from within the building isn't so obtrus obtrusion out outside of the building visibly. Um, so, uh, but yeah, to answer your point, yes,
it will be it will be fully lit. >> Okay. So, so there will be a tent. So, like if I'm looking from like let's say Bur Hall >> and I'm looking at inside the windows, I won't be able to see like the number on the specific unit. >> No. Yeah. Okay. So, it'll be like a tent. >> Correct. >> Kind of like you wouldn't know what it
is. And which leads me to my second question. >> I don't see any monument sign or how do you guys plan on advertising? Like where where would like where would you design like advertising for a business. >> Um, so we haven't um we haven't proposed
uh what that signage looks like yet, but you know, in the event where the where the a tenant would come on board, um you know, we'll we'll have to we'll have to work towards that design then when when that happens. >> Question on the basement. The storage
units, the three above grade units have an open ceiling. Are the basement compartments constructed the same way. >> That's correct. Y >> where are the bathrooms? >> So on this uh this plan, they're not currently shown. Um uh so but they will
be dedicated uh on-site restroom facilities. Um they'll be accessed um you know on each floor. >> Why why aren't they on the plans? >> Um so just just the means of being at a
the level that we're at right now. Um, so, uh, you know, we haven't dove deep into the actual plumbing counts and and you know, to that level of detail yet, >> but I if if you want, we could add you could add them. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Exactly. >> We we could we could we could show them
for the next meeting if the board wants to see it. >> Yeah. Because we can't deal with conceptuals. We have to know exactly what we're what we're going to vote on. >> That's fine. That's fine. >> Yeah. I mean, you you also called AO2 a typical floor typical floor pan plan. So
that's the that's not the actual floor plan. >> So just just to be Yeah, just to be clear on that. What typically happens with self- storage facilities and I've as the as an attorney for one, I've probably worked on over 20 of them now.
I would say over the last maybe 5 to 10 years. Um is that there's a generic floor plan like this and it's based on square footage. So each floor like here is around 18,000 square feet. And what the market demand will dictate later
when they go to build it is whether they need more 5x5s, whether they need more 10 by10s, but the square footage will remain the same, but the type of unit might might differ a little bit, but the square footage will not will not change. The floor will not change. The hallways
will not change, but the size might go. You might have more 5x5s or more 10 x10s just based on what the um on what the market demands at the time. >> Are these units modular that you can change them? If you had a 5x5, could you convert it to a 10 x 10 later on?
>> Um yeah, if you if you were to, you know, add a demising wall or change the depth of the unit and, you know, in that run if there's two stacked on either side, that's that's definitely doable, >> right? But the square footage on the box would not change. >> No, it wouldn't.
So, it's the 309 self- storage units. That's an estimate, correct? High end or the low end or >> that's >> I understand it's a plus or I get it. But >> yeah, I would say it could fluctuate up or down, but the square footage stays the same.
>> Up or down 10% something like that or >> I would say that that's probably accurate. Yes. >> That probably affects the parking impact. >> No, no, no. The traffic engineer will speak to that. It's all based on square footage and the IT data that the part traffic engineer will speak to will show
that all self- storage facilities are all based on square footage uh per the IT data. >> Now on uh drawing AO5 the renderings. >> Sure. Go to go to that exhibit. >> A5 you said? >> Yeah. >> Okay. The bottom drawing shows sidewalks
on either side of the driveway, but the drawing in the upper left doesn't show sidewalks on either side of the driveway. >> Yeah. The I mean the the site design and what was testified on by the civil engineer that would be what is that's
proposed. >> Okay. So, and then like AO2 has a whole bunch of tree plantings um and it doesn't have sidewalks. So is AO5 an actual uh representation of what people walking down the street are going to see?
>> Um it is more of a conceptual level in terms of what is um surrounding the buildings but we will definitely um you know reflect what is actually being proposed. Um >> but just to be clear the reason that the landscaping is not as robust here as it
was on the site plan is because we didn't want to take away from the building. We wanted you to actually see the building in the exhibit versus the engineering site plan which actually shows them all. So you wouldn't want to obstruct it in the exhibit and have the plantings there. >> That's another reason too. Yes.
>> So um AO5 I mean there are BMS on the site. Is that correct? >> The BM is in the rear. >> There's no Okay. There's no BMS on the side. The east side. >> No, there's one on the east side. >> Is is >> the north side? >> Yeah, I believe it was on the on the
north. Yeah. On the north side in the back in the rear >> and the north side and the east. >> Okay. >> And but so AO5 is more a representation of what the building will look like, not the site. >> That's correct. >> I've got a question on the sprinkler system. I'm kind of a nut about
sprinkler systems. They you're going to put you're going to sprinkle this building as I understand it. You do 12 on 12s whatever whatever is decided but your units are going to be flexible so they could change. So in effect you don't necessarily have a sprinkler head in the center of or in each of these
units then correct. >> Well if the units are modified the sprinkler system gets modified with so we do that all the time in in the all commercial buildings. So you would modify to accommodate each individual unit. >> Yes.
>> And Bill, is that a building or fire code requirement? Is that what Okay, >> that that falls under um building codes and fire codes. >> Things happen. >> Uh one more question about the site. The site currently has a lot of bamboo on the the back, the northern end. Is that
on your property? >> Do you know the answer to that? >> I do not know the answer. >> Do you want me to bring Olivia back just to answer that, Mr. Flores? >> Yeah, please. >> Okay. See, Cliff, she didn't leave. >> She's fine. She's No, I appreciate she's on recall and I thank you. >> All right. Can you just answer that
question, Olivia? >> Yeah, I think it's a little difficult to tell. Um, we would have to go out there and and confirm where the property corners are, but knowing bamboo, I would imagine that some of it encroaches onto our property >> and the if it's on the property as the plan to remove the bamboo as well as the trees.
>> Um, if the board would want us to remove the bamboo, then we could do that. It does provide pretty strong buffering at this time. So, um, it would be up to the board's discretion in that case. >> I'm just wondering if the bamboo on the
property will impede your the plans for the landscape. >> Oh, it won't. No. >> Okay. Thanks, L. >> Thank you. >> You mentioned uh before you said when a tenant is on site, what did you mean by that when we were talking about the sign?
um like when you know the management process is is is you know has a say in you know the signage and uh what it should read and all that stuff. >> Yeah. So when the self- storage facilities get to answer your question when the self- storage facilities get approved then typically they'll have a
management company. So that's why you see public storage extra space cube smart. So if they if one of those happen to be the management company they might request a sign. Um if it's an independent management company, they may or may not request a sign. But when um
those names that you're familiar with are the management company, that's what he meant by tenant. >> Okay. So it is not owner occupied. >> Say that one more time. >> So it is not owner occupied. >> No. So what happens is the owner works
the owner owns the site and works with the management company on um on the on the building. So that's I I could have the person that I was going to have testify explain that a little bit more, but it's it would be like if you owned a multif family building, you would be the owner, but you might utilize a
management company that specializes in that, you know, specific field to run the day-to-day operations for you. >> It's essentially a site lease, isn't it? >> Correct. Exactly. >> It's like a warehouse. >> Yeah. >> Very similar. >> Yeah. >> So, just go back to your plan. And it's a little misleading as John was saying,
AO2. Uh we don't see the sidewalk coming out from the building uh on either side there. And the other is the bathrooms. I'm looking at what you designed. I know you said your flex space inside, but it would be good to see where the bathroom.
>> I agree with that. We should have done that. I agree. We will add that to the plan. Uh there's a number of of entrances uh on four corners or three of the four corners. H how do you get in? Do people get like a passcode or is it a a card of
some sort? >> So why don't you explain the main entry and then I'm assuming there's also secondary means of egress for fire purposes. So why don't you just walk the board through that? >> Yeah. So the main entry like um you know if someone was coming to
um speak to management um they wanted to rent out a unit they would utilize the main entrance on the corner the southwest the southeast corner um you know anyone coming to bring in um goods or anything or their their their
belongings um uh they would utilize the the one that's kind of centered on that east facade. Um the uh the single leaf doors that are on each um corner of of where each stair is um those would be
intended just for egress only. >> Emergency egress. Correct. >> Correct. Yeah. >> Okay. And then uh walk me through what a vegetated roof is and the maintenance of it and what's the what's the long term?
>> Yeah. again. So um you know this is this is just um what we are proposing um uh but um you know in terms of maintenance um you know they would have a dedicated maintenance personnel that would periodically
um you know do whatever type of periodic maintenance that that needs to happen um you know throughout the the week. Um but um you know again this is uh something that we wanted to present to the board um you know to see uh you know how how
it's how it's received. Um in terms of impervious um you know this is uh not needed. Um but uh yeah from a from a just a design standpoint um you know we wanted to propose this. >> So so to so just let me just make it
clear what it is. The queen roof, the vegetative roof is an extra stormwater management facility. We did not count it in our calculations. It would be actually above and beyond what the civil engineer testified to. So, it was going to be another sustainable feature to the building. How that's how they're
maintained. We can provide more information to the board on that, but typically they're they're literally box trays. They're boxes of plantings inside. They're very simple and you just put boxes on the roof. That's one way of doing it. I'm not saying that that's the way they're going to do it now, but that's what I've
seen is the most simplistic way of doing it. And then if the board wants a green this type of fixture on or facility on the roof, what typically happens is two things. One is a maintenance manual is provided to the town on how the the roof
would be maintained. To your point, similar to like the operations and maintenance manual that you provide for a stormwater basin, we would provide it for this so that the board engineer, the b the burrow sees how that's done. And then two is you would record a green roof deed restriction on the property
that a outlines it on the roof and b requires them to maintain it pursuant to that manual. So if that's something that the board wants, we showed it as an option as a nice sustainable feature. Those are the things that we would do to ensure the maintenance and longevity of that feature.
>> How do you get access up to the roof? >> You can answer that. >> Um there is a uh right now there's a 4ft x4t roof hatch. >> Um >> so we didn't want to, you know, typically to have um more convenient access to roof levels, we'll extend, you
know, one of the stairs. Um but we didn't want to do that for this uh for this building. um you know just because of you know we didn't want to be so beyond the height requirement. So >> and and the roof is just for maintenance purposes that there's no other access to it.
>> Right. That's correct. >> And then because I see it it's a beautiful building. Uh will the plants start to grow over the building and on the sides and start to come down? >> I think uh I think they would be maintained so that doesn't happen.
>> Yeah. They're typically just honestly almost like in a pot and um and it's not like I I know you're being it's not ivy that would grow over the building and that's not how it works. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> If I could um the
if you can you go back to the roof. >> So if you can see down the center of the building adjacent to the green area there's a line with two boxes. Those are the um the roof drains that are required
to drain water off the roof. The roofing system obviously from the that's the west from the west >> goes all the way to the east underneath even the um the planting system to the
to the east wall. So that the roof is intact and the plantings are in a structure above the roof so that we maintain
that the roof is watertight, but at the same time, we have a system that collects water. So, you know, it's it's kind of belt suspenders. >> Yeah, I understand that. But there it just not enough detail on the plans in
my opinion. You you show you comply with D and IBC codes on the green roof, all the setbacks. I'm I don't think the hatch complies at all with the IBC code. I don't think you can maintain a green roof of that size for a 4x4 hatch, but we can. The details are needed. There's
just no details on that system. >> Normally, we provide that during construction drawings to the building department, not necessarily at planning level. Well, the problem with that is if you're showing something that the building code requires a different
offset, that's not what the board approve should the board approve it. So, I I don't I think you need to show that it complies with both the DP green roof requirements and the IBC requirements. >> We'll do that. >> Uh just so the maintenance, the
setbacks, the site safety >> uh requirements are are addressed. >> Okay. And just just to clarify one more time, um comparing AO5 to AO2, will there be sidewalks
um on either side of the driveway or will there not be sidewalk? >> Just go to the site plan. We'll just go to the site plan and confirm if you whatever is on the site plan, Mr. Flores would be the answer, but I just want to get that >> which one is the site plan? >> I'm going back to A2, which was the um which we're going to show you. Well, it
would be on the technical plans also. Just go to the just go to C. Go to C2. >> C2. >> Go to the technical drawings. Do me a favor. Go to the technical drawings because that might just be Go to Go to the >> I got to go further up. Further up.
Further up. Further up. No. Go down. Down. Go down. Go down. >> There you go. >> There's no sidewalk. >> Sidewalk on one side. Yeah, it's only on the It's only on the
one side of the building, >> but it doesn't go out to the street. >> Yeah, it connects it connects to the Let Olivia answer. >> Yes. So, there is only sidewalk on the against the building on the right side of the building or the left side of the
drive aisle on the opposite side. Um where we're concerned on if there is sidewalk or not. We are we're not proposing sidewalk as shown in the architectural rendering, but we are proposing a ramp and sidewalk connection to the the brick pavers that are there
currently. So that connects to the um the funeral home that is on lot 18. So if you can kind of see um uh towards the right bottom corner of the site rendering, there is um this this brick paver pattern um with a landscape
islands in the middle. Yeah, where the where the cursor currently is. So that is the sidewalk that is being proposed on the right side. Um it's just meant to connect into the neighboring property. >> So someone who maybe has a small unit
and wants to cart a bunch of stuff and not drive it, but rather walk it because we are a walkable community, they would have to go up to that shared sidewalk and then cross the driveway. >> Yes. And if they were pushing a cart of
some sort, there's a ramp that leads to a flush curb. Then they would cross the um the drive aisle and ex enter the sidewalk/ the building using the ADA access aisle that will also have a ramp and and sidewalk associated. And then
they would be able to either go to the left or the right of the sidewalk. >> Back to your >> Yeah. Excuse me. I have a question in regards to Um, just looking at AO4, what type of I see there's three, maybe even
four type of uh exterior brick. Can you can you speak to the to to the type of exterior that will be here? >> Um, the design even from the foundation to to the >> Yep. So, at the at the base, um, we're we're proposing a again all this is full
bed masonry. Um, so this would be a uh like a ground face CMU veneer. Um, kind of a typical water water table condition. Um, you know, we'll have sill detailing that would be continuous throughout that separates that material
and what's above it. Um, and you can see the tannanish color is the uh cast stone. Um, and the red is the full bed uh brick. And >> on the north elevation, what what is that on um AO4? You said the the north
>> Yeah, the north elevation. >> Yeah. >> Um so again for just to be um you know kind of uh conscious in cost and and and and all that knowing that there is um a
lot of attention to detail in the rest of the facades. Um this is just um showing a uh horizontal cladding of some sort. Oh, cladding. >> Yeah, like a uh could like a fiber cement.
>> And would this would this be evis ephus or >> No, like a fiber cement uh horizontal like clap siding. Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. Um metal frame construction. >> Yes. Yes.
>> Okay. And and just so I understand so management company wants to lease this space. Let's say it's approved and management company wants they want signs they um
what what is the process by which those signs are installed? >> There's you mean from a from a procedural perspective? >> Yeah. Two options. Option number one is you comply with the sign ordinance and you just get a permit through the building department has to fully comply
with the ordinance. Option number two, just like anybody else, any business or any home, if you want to get a variance, you have to come to the board and apply for a variance if you seek one. Okay. Yeah. >> In reference to the management companies, um you named a couple. They
all have their own color schemes. I know it's like you all >> just just on the on the signage, but the but the but the building would if the board approves the application, it would be with the the way that the architecture is proposed. Yeah, you're right. Like extra space, for example, is green and cube and cube spart is is red
or whatever. But um I've also seen it where they've made adjustments to their signage based on um municipal requirements as well. But the building would have to stay the same if the board I especially since it's a use variance I would assume the architecture is crit
would be critical to any thing that the board decides. So we'd have to keep it that way. >> And those signs are rarely small. >> So like like like I said they would yeah they would have to >> they have a they have a choice. >> They'd have to comply or they have to justify a variance. That would be their
business decision on that. >> Jason, they couldn't comply because it's a use variance. So any signs would board approval. >> Okay. It's fine. >> Mike, refresh my memories in the SID. >> No, >> that's outside the SID. >> Correct. >> Um, had a question on your mechanicals.
Um, all your mechanicals going on the roof. So, there's going to be there's going to be no furnaces or anything like on levels. >> It's mechanicals will go on the roof. >> So, you're going to be running pretty large duct work through the building to get down at least to the basement, the first floor. >> Um, it's really not depicted on your
plans. That's why I was asking. >> It hasn't been engineered yet. We don't know the size of the ducks and >> and on the archite it kind of seems like on the um civils there's an overhang over the loading area. Is is there an overhang because it's not depicted on
the architectural rendering >> see like a shadow there. I'm not quite sure if that's just the ramp or >> Yeah. The only the only overhang that we're proposing is the canopy over the main entrance on that south southeast corner. >> Nothing over the loading dock or loading area. Sorry. No, not
>> not currently. No, >> the access to the facilities, everything's at grade. Is that a traffic engineer question of a single unit truck comes because you're up in the air of 3 ft. Uh the doors right now are all flush and there's only two doors, the double
door accessing it. It's the biggest door. There's no rollups or any accommodations for a single unit truck. Anything that's raised, if you're pulling something off a truck that's raised, you're going to have to ramp which eats up more space from the building. Get down to a door at grade.
I I'm just I don't Jason, is that the traffic engineer going to answer that or is that a architectural question? >> I I mean I can speak to why we designed it and such is that we didn't want to have any rollup doors. We didn't want that aesthetic to be prevalent, right? So, you know, carrying the same language
as the the double the double, you know, leap storefront doors, uh, as you know, where you would load in, uh, product and all that stuff. Um, you know, again, we just we kind of wanted the building to feel as if, um, you know, it's it's timeless. You don't know what it really
is used for. Um, so, but, you know, like the Yeah, like you know, typically with these moving trucks, they do have, you know, built-in ramps. Um, you know, I can speak. I just moved out of my apartment two weeks ago and I, you know, I had one guy lifting everything and I
had to carry it. So, you know, but yeah, but to answer your question, uh, everything is accurate and Yeah. >> Yeah. It goes back to the traffic engineer because, uh, the circulation only works, it doesn't work for a single unit truck, which requires 70 feet and
you have 50 feet. So, I'm just saying if it was elevated, you wouldn't lose the extra space on top of the 70 for the ramp or whatever. >> Yeah, I saw and I saw that comment in your letter that we got. So, we'll we'll address it. >> I've got a question on is there going to be a gate? I don't know if that's a traffic engineer and architectural
question. >> No, that's more of an operational I think question. You saying at the at the front entrance? >> Well, typically these places have gates. >> Yeah. >> You know, I just I don't see one here. I wasn't sure how you're going to manage that. >> Yeah. Um I don't know if one's proposed right now. I'll ask the applicant if
that's something that he's looking to propose. >> Okay. >> And if obviously if they are, we'll show you the detail of it. >> Okay. >> Can you go back to the sidewalk that is in between this property and the funeral
home? Is that going to stay there? That brick sidewalk? That will. So, part of the sidewalk's going to be on your property and part of the sidewalk is going to be on the funeral home property. >> Uh, yes, that's how it exists today.
>> And that will go the entire length as it's illustrated. >> Yeah. Whatever is there um to to that's existing today will remain between the two properties except for where we need to connect into it. >> Okay. I'm going to make a suggestion the
next time that you come maybe you can redo these plans a little bit so that there's a little bit more focus so we can see exactly what we are asked to approve >> uh because it's a little fuzzy. >> Okay. >> While Lydia is up the sidewalks front
are blue stone. >> Yes. Are you guys proposing to decorative concrete for the replacement of the of the sidewalk or >> Yes, we will comply with the the blue stone requirement. Um, >> got
you. >> Anybody else on the board have any questions? >> One, we on the elevators. Uh, will they accommodate a stretcher? >> Yes. >> Right. >> Yeah. something. This three elevators or is like one elevator and a freight
elevator? >> Um so they're all designed um to you know they will be big enough to accommodate the stretcher. Um you know the the height will be um adequate so for large furniture um and you know the
the byparting doors would be the same width as what you were bringing into the building. >> That's what I was just going to ask you. >> Yeah. It's going to be the type of the elevator doesn't really have a machine room or anything like that. Those all >> um the shaft. >> Yeah. Typically lately we've been doing
machine roomless elevator. So to avoid that. Yeah. >> Anybody else on the board have any questions? >> Okay. Anyone from the audience have any questions on the testimony just given by
USA Architects? >> Come forward, please. This is actually traffic expert, but because they were talking about parking. >> Can I bring up parking right now? >> We're just talking about what USA architects just uh
>> just the architectural testimony. >> Okay, then I'll wait for the traffic. But by the way, was I clear just on the Cubes smart public storage issue that the applicant owns the building and that the Cubesmart the public storage if if
they were to be involved is just a management company. They're not all they do is manage. They're not an owner. They're not a ground tenant. Just just to be clear if if they even get involved in the first place. Okay. >> I think you were clear on that. Yes. >> Okay. Just wanted to make sure. Okay.
>> Sarah. >> Hi. Michael Weiss, 218 West Summit Street. Um, we talked at length about fire suppression and uh, we learned that there will be sprinklers in every unit. Um, what about smoke detectors? >> Yeah. Yeah, there'll be a um, you know,
full uh, fire alarm system. >> Well, there'll be detectors in each unit. >> Smoke detectors. Yes. >> In each unit? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Um, we made a point to bring up energy efficiency. Um
I just wanted to um ask what is the primary purpose of the building? Um the purpose primary purpose of the building is to um maintain what the function is inside um keep a thermal envelope um be energy efficient as
possible >> for human occup occupancy. >> Sorry. Um well it's I mean it's not intended for um you know uh human occupancy as if it were utilized as a different use but um knowing that you
know people will be in this building. Yes. >> Will it be climate controlled 247 as designed? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Next. Next. >> Cynthia Holland 91 Prospect Street Somerville. Do you have any renderings
that show an aerial view that show the size of this building in perspective to the funeral home and Burrow Hall and some of the other uh businesses as well as a scale view from a street level that shows the size of this versus the funeral home in Burrow Hall because it's
hard to get the perspective um from the renderings that I'm seeing here. >> Yeah, the the three renderings that you see on the screen are are what we had submitted to the board. >> Will you be blow up the two tops. >> Was was your question as it relates more
to the height >> is to the height and also the total size of the building with relative to the buildings adjacent to it and around it. >> Okay. Um so Dylan just again speaks the fact of the matter is the the the building is only is less than two feet
taller than what's permitted. Correct. >> That's correct. Yeah. And and you know, typically with um with these surrounding uh dwellings that you know, since have been converted into commercial use, um that that kind of typical height and that average height is is kind of a
basis of you know, we wanted to fit in with the kind of the scale of the neighborhood. obviously not paying attention to what's across um you know on the southwest corner of the site, but um but you know, at least for this um side of the street and um kind of the
the that that overall vicinity um we feel the scale is is is appropriate in terms of the height. >> Would you be showing anything that actually enables us to see that scale? because it's difficult to tell from this rendering on the left the scale of the
um the funeral home next to it versus this building as well as if you were on West End Avenue looking at Burough Hall to your like left and this building to your right the scale of those buildings >> right >> I understand you're saying this is just two feet above what's allowed but it I'm
trying to get a better understanding of the scale of the building versus the surrounding buildings >> yeah and it's certainly um you know we can we and we can do that study and see you know how this relates to more of a you know uh a zoomed out scale right so
yeah >> so that will be at the next meeting we'll be able to see that >> we can provide that if if that's something the board would also um you know like to see >> I would >> thank you >> next >> Greg Coner 108 North Midal Street um you
said that some of these pictures. You've stripped away the landscaping so you could get a better view of the uh the the building itself. Do any of the images represent it with the landscaping? >> Um as what is specifically proposed on
the civil drawings? Uh no. Um these are an intent to focus primarily on the architecture at this point in that discussion. Um but again we can certainly um you know uh coordinate with uh you know the latest uh plantings and
and those locations um you know and provide those updates. >> I would assume the board would want that before they make an approval. They'd want to see what the end picture would look like. >> Of course. >> Yeah. >> We can't deal with concepts >> seriously the planning board uh can we
can't. You got to know all the colors >> and the materials that are going to be used. >> Yep. And then the other question might be out of line for this uh audience, but um so really concerned about the person the the company that's going to be
managing this is not known yet. So what happens if a company moves in and after three years they decide it's not really profitable for us to man this from X to X. we're going to put a gate on the front with a how would those approvals and things have to >> I mean through that's a good question
those would all be anything if the board were to approve the application anything that we testify to or stipulate to would be a condition so that's why I think the chairman was also saying conceptually they they want everything refined because and same thing as to operational
characteristics if if there is a gate and the board wants a gate and we put it on the plan you couldn't remove it without coming back to the board Um, same thing with um hours of operation, right? And things of that nature. You know, I I indicated 10 pm is when it would close. If they wanted to stay open
later, they could not do that without coming back to the board. Those >> conditions would most likely be in a in any resolution that the board would would approve in addition to the plans which would have the plantings in the areas that they have to be and things of that nature. That's why you have
approved site plans. Um because if you deviate from them, you're you're violating your approval just like any property that receives an approval. >> Jason. >> Yeah, sure. >> It is a condition of approval that the applicant is bound by all representations made in testimony. >> Of course. Yes. >> And that is a condition in all my
resolutions. So depending on what the board decided to do, that would be in there. >> Right. And even and the board can then in its deliberations not to stay on this issue add additional conditions that they felt was appropriate as well. >> Correct. So it's not there's no room for
interpretation by the applicant. If there's a problem, it ends up becoming an enforcable situ pardon me, an enforcement situation. And at that point, you know, there could be penalties, there could be prosecution or something like this. But the terms and
conditions of the resolution essentially have are like a contract. They have the they have the force and effect of law. >> Thank you for your time. Hi, I'm still Elizabeth Eisinger and I still live at 25 Mercer Street in
Somerville. Um, I have a >> Sorry, >> I like stability. >> Yeah, I do too. I'm very happy to live in Somerville. Um, I have a couple of questions about the the windows and the um the way they're going to actually be in it's sort of really hard to see, but
will we from the street be able to see the overhead lighting? Will we see the actual units? What what can the public expect to see as we walk down the street? Likewise, how much of the area around will people say on the third
floor be able to see into people's homes? Can they see or the or the library who's coming in and out? I'm thinking of the safety of people walking around. Um do we know what the what the windows are going to be like? Um yeah, like I mentioned earlier, um you know,
we're planning to uh tint tint the glazing. Um and you know, that's just an effort so that the uh illumination from within the building isn't so obtrusive outside. >> Okay. >> Um you know, but even if it was used as say an office building, I think the you
know, you would still have the visibility of people within being able to see outward, right? Um, you know, I think the essence of of, you know, some of that overhead lighting would be visible. >> Okay. >> Um, uh, the I think the palette of, you
know, how the colors are within is very simple and neutral. Um, you know, a lot of white, you know, we don't plan on having any >> crazy colors from within the building. So, um, so yeah, I think I think that it's it'll be uh kind of subtle in
nature. >> Okay. Um, and that's what we're proposing right now. >> Okay. And then you were talking about, you don't know exactly how many units, but the number I wrote down, somebody mentioned 309. So, in the ballpark, we're talking ballpark 300 units at
least 250. Is is eight are eight parking spaces a realistic number for 300 odd units? >> Well, I'll I'll again, I'm sorry. I know that's been a question that's come up a lot, but
>> um Olivia the engineer said that she when her office when they design self storage stoages, they they do it at one space per 10,000. Okay. >> So here here there's um 73,000. So there'd be about um you know eight eight spaces, but I will have the traffic engineer
be very comprehensive on how they analyze the parking. >> Okay. And there's one quick last question. There are doors around. So we've we can see the rendering of the doors in the front. There's going to be one door that the public will enter. There's going to be one door when people come in with their stuff. Then there are
fire doors on the it look like the other three sides of the building. >> Right. >> Um are they going to be emergency exits only and will you know don't go through them or they'll there'll be a noise or can people open them up if they and hold
them open to let bring in stuff like you might in an apartment building if there's a back door? >> Yeah. I mean, the intent for those three doors from the from those corner stairwells is just to be egress only. >> Okay, great. Thank you. >> Regina Santos, 135 Mountain. Um, those
doors in the back, what do they out into? Because I understood there would be no pavement. So, are you just stepping onto grass? Are you stepping onto the burm? Like, what exactly is there that you're coming out to? >> It's the Yeah, the surrounding sites. So
again, like the in event of emergency uh exit, you know, you would have to evacuate the building as quickly as possible. So um you would just exit to >> So there's no walkways or anything. You're basically coming out to to dirt or to grass or something out there. Correct. Correct.
>> Okay. My next question is, is there individual light switches and electrical outlets inside of the units? I've had self storage that allowed that. Is that the case here? And then if that's the case, how do you propose doing the flexible units? That's that I've never
heard of. >> Yeah, I mean that that would definitely be um be the case here as well. Um >> so every unit will have an outlet of its own, an electrical outlet of its own. >> Yes. Yes. >> So that people can work inside the unit. Again, back to my question, they're not
just storing things. No, they could not work inside the unit and run a business inside the unit. >> No, not run a business, but you can certainly like repair small appliances or equip that would not be allowed whatsoever. You could not do work like that inside the units. >> Then what would be the purpose of having
the outlets? >> Yeah, I'm not I'm not aware that the I'll I'll ask the client if the outlets inside the units are are necessary. The light switches obviously are if you go inside so you have light inside but I can I can answer I can find that out for you but there's no work permitted inside
the units. >> Okay. Um then back if you could put the the other pictures up that the renderings that they're not really the renderings I guess for the moment the size and scale of those. Back to the question about the mature trees that are
there are going to have to be taken out for the building. What is the size and scale of the trees that are being proposed? Are we talking about something that's five foot tall or you talking about bringing in some heavy duty mature trees? Because >> that's not a question for the architect. Do you want do you want the engineer to
come back and answer that, Mr. Chairman? >> Yes, please. >> Sure. >> Yeah, that would be for her. >> Sorry. Um, so typically when trees are proposed, they uh evergreen trees are between six and seven feet. Same thing with shade trees. So this is just the um
largest appropriate tree to plant based on constructibility and just maneuvering trees from a nursery to a uh where they're being planted. Um but there are the evergreen trees and the shade trees
there will grow of course very large once they're reach maturity >> that's if if possible I'd like to propose that something be done because that will take years to make something that large and there is absolutely a way
of getting larger scale trees to replace the larger scale trees that are being done so that's just a comment >> this is what I would suggest on that issue. Um what I've been told from boards and from engineers is that bringing in something that's really tall
sometimes um inhibits that ability to grow. So when you bring it in shorter, it actually grows better. But I'll we can leave that up to your board professional if he feels that bringing it in at 8 to 10 is better. I No, I understand the comment. No, just just
trying to balance the size of the that building to what's around it and the fact that you're taking out very big trees. >> Yeah. >> Like you should put some very big trees back in >> the those the trees proposed don't comply with the height.
>> Yes. Next. >> I think the applicant is agreed to make the trees comply with the burrow ordinance. >> Correct. >> Uh Chris Fogerty, 25 North Di Avenue. Um I am I have concerns around the windows. Um what's the purpose of the windows in the structure? You're not looking
outside the building. >> I mean as a you know kind of your what you would have your preconceived notion of being a typical self- storage building, right? It's it's mostly just kind of blank liveless facade, right? So
this is an effort to really have uh you know fenestrations that complement the materiality. Um, you know, we're creating a rhythm. We're also implementing arched windows, which is, you know, obviously pretty inherent throughout the area. Um, so it's it's
it's the architecture that really is focused on creating a building that we feel um is is contextually appropriate. Um, and again, to my previous point, um, you know, the idea of not knowing what
the use actually is, um, is is a big goal for this. Um, so that that answers your question. >> No, not completely. So the windows, um, you know, light comes in, light goes out. Um, you mentioned that there'd be some kind of barrier inside of it to
reduce the amount of light that goes either way. Is there options to make it completely opaque, you know, by and still keep the character of the windows from the >> from the outside? >> If you if you put an office building there, which I believe is permitted, at basically the same height, you can have
windows there also. and there would probably be a lot more activity occurring inside the building. So, I just I'm I I understand the question. It's just it's it's it's very subjective. Like some I could see some people liking the windows from an
aesthetic perspective versus an opaque um >> so the hours of operation from 6:00 to 10, nobody's going to be there. So, what prevents people from just going up there and peering around? >> You have to leave by 10:00.
Yeah. >> Right. >> And management leaves at 6, >> correct? But the building is still being monitored. >> Um, second question. Um, back to the rendering on on the picture there. >> Can you speak into the microphone?
>> Yes. On the picture there, I think the picture is a bit misleading on the top left. What's the square footage of the foundation of the proposed storage unit versus the square footage of the foundation of the funeral home? That information I do not have.
>> Okay. >> I eyeball in the pictures. It looks about nine or 10 times the size from the square footage. >> The building is under 3,000 square feet. The footprint and the storage building is 18,000 and change.
>> So, also uh when you update the pictures, there's things missing from the rendering. There's two buildings on the funeral home property. That building's missing. Uh the the back fence of my property should be on there, but it looks like it
was AI trees in the back. So, it misleads to make make it look like there's more space back there than there really is. >> I think so. >> No, I think I think that's a valid point. I think the board also wanted us to refine the the rendering as well. So, I we'll do that. I agree with that.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Sure. >> Next. Hello, Mary Hodes. Um for 14 South Clark Avenue. Um it's a pretty building. I don't see any place that signage could
go up on that building because of the windows. So, I'm anticipating that there would be a big change to the building moving forward. Um, >> I'll just I'll for the in terms of building signage, um, the intended
location would be to be above the main entrance canopy. So, it would be, um, letters mounted on the on the top of the canopy. >> I I I have an idea on the signage because you've just brought it up. The board just brought it up. We should have
a box just showing where it would be outlined on the building just so there's no confusion the next time we come back. the the the management company obviously would pick the artwork or the letters that were on it, but to your point, I think it's it's valid. We should
probably just put put it there to show the size and where it would be on the building. >> Okay. Thank you. Um also, um you spoke about a uh color palette for the inside of the building. I have noticed on many
storage units um that have windows that the inside of the building is decorated with the signage, windows that lights on so you see through it. So that sort of gets around
the exterior rules of the building. So I don't know if the board wants to allow that type of signage on the inside of the building that you would see from the street. I mean, yeah, and like I mentioned earlier, um you know, I completely agree and that's not that's not the intent
here. >> Uh that's not um the product that we're trying to design. Um you know, in terms of the actual signage for the management company, you know, they might have their, you know, their own colors or standards of font size, font, you know,
style. Yeah. >> But again, that has to go in front of the board. >> That little rectangle above the door. It would be mounted on top of the uh canopy. >> Okay. Yeah. So, it could be a couple of feet. >> Okay.
>> Thank you. >> It'd be really helpful if the window tint was specified so that I had some comments about the interior lighting is not shown on the the plants level, intensity, whether it causes light trespass. So,
>> yeah. You're saying that there should be a speck on the tent, >> something information that indicates if light can pass through. >> If it's going to be a very dark tent, then I'm not concerned with light trespass at 2:00 in the morning on the neighbor's property because it's not
going to happen. You might have a welfare issue, but I know we have cameras because you can't see what's going on. But the windows are going to be visible. Then the the interior lighting needs to be fully vetted from a standpoint of illumination 24/7 plus the
issue of what is the glare coming out of these windows. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> It goes back to the tent question. >> Okay. >> Amry Ryder 214 West Summit. Um you mentioned about the mechanicals being on the roof. So couple of questions. One is
does that then essentially add to the height of the building? No. >> Is it higher than the roof? >> Uh >> or flush with the roof? >> Well, just answer that first and then we >> Yeah, I mean the mechanicals would probably be about you know maybe three
four feet above the roof level. Um but um to the the standard um you know is to the average roof height. Um so knowing that you know we have high points on either ends sloping towards the middles where the the roof leaders are um you
know that we're within that you know that uh like I I think it's 36 foot8 is the as the overall roof height um so you'd have the you know mechanical units that would be slightly above that. Yeah. >> And when you presented that you said that you felt that it wouldn't be able
to be seen from the street is could you show renderings of that? >> Yeah. I mean from the from from our analysis and viewpoints of you know when we were looking at the doing these images um it is from a person's typical
eye level uh walking on the sidewalk or driving um it it would not be visible. No. >> Okay. And is there any uh way to is there any reason why someone couldn't park in those parking spots after hours?
Just like just like any commercial space that's closed, if somebody illegally parks there, they would be towed and the and the private property owner would tow somebody that did that. Just like any commercial property or residential property where people are not allowed to park. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Hello. Uh Jack Dav, 51 West Main Street. um question about the flexibility of the use of the building from a structural standpoint. Hypothetically, let's say you have a tenant. >> Um they the lease uh >> Yeah, just just to when you say tenant,
what what do you mean? >> Like a management company. >> Yeah, just Okay, let's just use that. I just make sure management. Sorry. Yeah, go ahead. Um, let's say a management company has a lease and they let's say the lease goes up, they they leave and for whatever reason there's trouble
securing another management company. Would there be anything structural about the building that would prevent it from being retrofitted for use such as like an office or some other commercial use that isn't a self storage
aside from moving some walls around? >> Yeah. No, I mean it very well could be. I mean obviously we we are not at the the stage of having a specific uh grid layout for the structure right um but you know a typical 20 to 24 foot on
center spacing of that of those columns um you know for even an office use is is pretty standard. >> Yeah. But just to be clear, even even if you looked at converting space, like spaces typic could be converted, >> you'd have to come back to the board, >> right,
>> for a full site plan review based on the parking requirement, based on setback, you know, you'd have to you'd have to you couldn't just do that >> and retrofit it on your own, >> right? Yeah. My my question was just like if you know, you just didn't want to be stuck with a building that you
could only ever use for self storage, hypothetically. That was just my question. Okay. So, thank you. >> So, from a from a a load standpoint that you were referring to, the storage loads are heavier than almost every other use. So,
there's flexibility there. And then, uh the spacing of the columns would be a secondary way to look at. >> Okay. Generally speaking, it would be a transfer slab. That probably that's probably where they're going to go. And that means the concrete strap pad is
structural. So it doesn't matter where you put the load on top of that slab. You don't have to worry about it because it's a transfer slab. So they answer your question of the employee transfer slab. They can put anything on the floor as long as the load and I agree that the self storage is a much higher load than
an office use. >> Okay, great. Thank you. >> Yes. Hi, Richard Wowski, 91 Brookside Avenue. Um, actually, I'm warming up to the building a little bit by a little bit, but regarding the the windows, I think
that could make or break the building and I would just add maybe um like translucent windows because if you have just blank windows, I actually just came back from Seattle and my hotel room was right across from public storage and all you saw were these garish
bright lights at night. That was all you saw was the windows. And this is I I mean I like the windows, but I think maybe translucent lighting, something softer that doesn't stick out like you're looking at a glaring building at night. >> I think that's what Mr. Cole was just asking for more specification for that
purpose. >> And then Okay. Then my specific question was on the elevators. Would those I assume there's probably two or three elevators he proposed. Would those be hydraulic elevators? And specifically, where does the mechanicals for those go? On the roof or in the basement?
um they would be uh traction elevators but um so here since we're not showing an actual control or machine room because they would be RMLS which is machine roomless elevator um so that equipment is accessed by the actual top
of the elevator cab um so that just you know obviously saves on internal space as well. >> So nothing on the roof for the elevators >> they would have a bit of an overrun but that's that's about it. Yeah. So, no. >> Overrun. >> An overrun meaning so the the elevators
on once they get to that top floor, that occupiable floor, um they have to have an overrun requirement of each shaft. Um so it'll be above, you know, the roof height about like a foot and a half. Yeah. >> Okay. >> But also screened by the parapit would
be screened, correct? >> Yes. It would be lower than the actual parapit. Yes. >> Okay. I'm just saying if they're on the front that would possibly interfere with your green roof >> on the highways unless how how high that goes up but your green roof is on the
same side there, >> right? Yeah. So, you know that the that portion of the green roof would probably surround it. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Marge Sullivan at South Richard's Avenue in Somerville. Um, mine is more um not
so much a question as a request and it pertains to um some of the um other >> Excuse me, Marge. We're just doing questions right now. >> Okay. Well, then I'll for frame it as a question. >> There you go. >> Show the picture of the street level
views >> there. Okay. So I would like to see >> and since you've already mentioned >> can you provide >> could you provide uh and you already mentioned I think that you don't have them tonight. So when you come back,
could you provide a street level view that's more zoomed out than the upper leftand corner there? Because I think an important question uh even though you've mentioned that you've tried to take uh context into account of the surrounding
area and the choice of brick and the windows and stuff. you've kind of completely left out the opposite side of the street in in that one upper upper view. And um I uh concur with uh Mrs.
Hollid's uh uh comment that we need to see the perspective of the street on West End as you leave town. This particular section of the P is the gateway into downtown. Someone else mentioned that and you just don't get
any feel for that in your perspective drawings. So could you provide that the next time please? Thank you. >> Yes. Next. >> Todd Deutsch, 200 East Main Street. What were the hours that you were proposing?
>> Um just >> for hours of operation >> where people would have access to their units. Yes. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. >> Okay. So, can you just explain um the exterior lighting? I don't see any exterior lighting on the building or illuminating uh the parking lot.
>> Oh, there was site lighting in the um engineering. Um do you want Olivia to come back and just show the lighting plan? She testified to that, but I could bring it we could bring it back up. >> Mr. Chairman, do you want her to do that, >> please? >> Okay, sure. >> Yeah, I'll just There was a sheet in the
technical set that we'll show it to you. Just just go to the lighting plane. >> All right. So, just Olivia, just reference the sheet that we're on. You just had it. You just had it. There you go. >> Yep. Okay. I keep doing that.
>> How do you >> Okay. Okay. So, Olivia, can you just explain? I know you testified to the foot candles before, but just explain um to the gentleman. Um you just want to know the lighting levels, sir. >> Correct. >> Okay. Sure. >> Yes. So, um as you can see, we have four
proposed aerial lights along the right side of the main drive. And then we have some um typical light location. >> Olivia, try to speak into the mic so that everyone else can hear. Um, and there are some typical light locations of wall packs mounted to the building. I
think Dylan will be able to provide a little bit more information about the building lighting itself and then um, >> but it's all modeled in your in your in your plan. Okay, >> that is correct. The walls that you're talking is that to illuminate
>> speaking to the mic that >> is that to illuminate the ground or create accent lighting >> uh for the building >> to illuminate the ground for pedestrian safety where there's sidewalks >> and and Olivia just to further answer that there those are shielded cut off fixtures correct?
>> Yes, those are um so the area lights have shields on them. You can kind of see it that there is a a crescent shaped shield on the back of the area lights. So, it's really shielding anything from um from spilling
out behind the light pole and then the wall lights are facing like straight down. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> So, are you proposing any uh accent lighting to the building itself? >> Yeah, we will be and that's something that we will uh prepare for the next
next meeting. >> That was Todd. I I asked the same question. And I also recommended that the lights be in conformance with the SID standards. >> Okay. >> So they're not just shoe box lights or full cut off that they comply.
>> All right. Thank you. >> Yes. >> Veronica Guaria, six drive. Um my one question would be um you are two feet above what is allowed. If the board
decided not to grant that variance, how would that affect the design of this building, would you cut off the top floor or how would that how would it be affected? >> Um, we feel like the we could still make
it work with um taking a little bit out of each floor level um to meet that that requirement if it's if it's necessary. I apologize. I've been sent by the row. Um I have one final question. >> Oh, my name is still Elizabeth Eisinger.
Sorry, I'm still at 25 Mercer Street. Um when um we were wondering if in the next round of renderings you could include the public transportation stops and how far they are from the building itself. My
understanding is there's a bus stop right across the street from the building and I'm not sure where the corresponding so the the direction towards Somerville is across is in front of the library. the direction the other
direction should correspond to it near your building and so I would like to ask that that be included. >> Okay. >> Hi, David Lang 18 came in place in Somerville. Uh how did you arrive at three stories? Is did it need to be that
that tall or could you have utilized more of the the footprint? It just it seems to be looming large on the property. What how what made you come up with three stories? >> Um I mean on behalf of our applicant um
you know the his performer and his goals for the project that's uh that's that's what we're proposing. >> So that's the minimum size for like economic viability for the project. >> Yeah. Yeah, and I think the planner could speak to it too later, but I think a we're able to have the the number of
parking spaces that we we believe are necessary. Two, we're within the the lot coverage requirement, and three, like what I indicated earlier, we also comply with all the setback requirements. So, that's why we felt the footprint from a planning perspective, and the planner will deal with this later, but um was
appropriate in this location in this for the property. >> Okay. Thank you. That's it. >> Other questions? Okay. >> Jason, the sewage, are you going to address is Olivia going to address that? The need for a TWWA is that
>> Oh, yeah, sure. She can she can touch on that real quick. >> Do you want her to answer that now? >> Yeah. I >> Yeah, >> the D the table doesn't address self storage, so the question comes up and it's all over the place. >> Yeah. Um I would imagine that because of
a self- storage use of you know this demands there's not a consistent NJD requirement for it. I would assume that 0.15 gallons per per square foot would
be probably uh appropriate for this use. Um, in terms of if you wanted to look at DP regulations, but truthfully, there are one to two employees on site. Um, the the bathrooms are not for public use. There's no one coming off off the
streets to use the bathrooms. Um, it's not allowable, I believe, in the facility, and we can make so since we have to show bathroom locations anyway. But, um, I'm not anticipating this to be over 8,000 gallons per day. Just to
clarify what you mean by the public can't use the bathroom. If you have a unit in the building, you can use the restroom. Yes. You just can't come off the street and use the bathroom inside if you're not a unit owner. >> Correct. Okay. Okay. >> So, I think I think the answer is we don't believe it's required, but we'll
confirm. >> Should the board we we'll deal with this in the back end should the board approve it. >> Sure. >> Right. >> We have a question pending. >> Yes. Heather McNall Lang 18 came in place Somerville. Um, since we are
asking for renderings, could we get one both in the daytime and in the evening time? I know when I've driven by self storage units in the past, uh, in the evening time, you can see the white walls with the bright orange doors, and
I'm not sure that's a view we want to be having all the time. And I know it comes down to a question of tinting, but so I'd like to have that addressed. >> That's a question. >> Yes. And the other question I had is what phase of development do you think you are with this project? Because it
seems to me that we've got some discrepancies between what the architects are saying and what the site uh and planner is saying because sidewalks, no sidewalks, lights, doors, all that. When can we see a picture,
>> a completed picture? Because right now I'm seeing different pictures. >> I don't think it's a discrepancy. I just think the purpose of the the rendering that the the architect showed was just really to make sure the building was done because I've also been involved in projects not just self storage but anything when you show the mature
landscaping in the rendering everybody says well now we can't see the building and it doesn't properly show us what's there so the so the architect that they just wanted to show what zoom in on the building so you could see it but I and the site plan controls on what is going
to be on the site but I don't disagree with what you just said and what the Borg just has been saying which is that's fine but we'd like to see a a completed rendering before we take action on the application and that's fine. So we will do that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> No problem.
>> Dominic Piccario, 20 West Cliff Street. Uh just a quick question on the 3D rendering if you could pull it back up. >> Um so on the other side you're facing the Unity Bank side. I believe this is the professional office residential district. Correct. >> Yes, it is. Right. >> Okay. So, we're proposing a three-story
structure and on that side you are showing the full layout to be with the Stuckco and the brick facade uh using the Hower building. There was one side that showed that there was mainly just non-finish structure, the brick side, correct? Yeah. Is that only facing the back side facing the other direction? >> Correct.
>> Okay. And then the mass of this building compared to the surrounding areas, I do see obviously the white building and the Unity Bank structure. Um is there any other structures that were considered? Is there a general average? I know that the P versus the B1 district is a very big delineation of the size of each
structure and what use it's used for. >> So just out of curiosity, was anything taken into consideration for different setback requirements, separate structures or any form to make this at least appear on a smaller scale whether it was the same size or not?
I mean I think I think uh our approach was a balance of you know trying to meet uh the applicants and our clients goals right for the project. Um obviously taking into consideration um you know the you know the structures
that are probably within close proximity. um you know but um you know making sure that at least the viewpoints along you know the this the current structures existing structures of what's currently there that it's not so um you
know massive in terms of height or you know and all that stuff. um you know obviously the footprint um and the and the and the stories like again you know we're trying to make the project work from you know a standpoint of of of the goals right
>> um but um but yeah I mean and to your point too like um having those viewpoints right like from you know a bit zoomed out and knowing you know what's on the opposite side and the scale of those buildings is you know um you know five times higher but Um but
yeah, so that's kind of the the the various decisions. Yeah. >> Yeah. I guess more just my only question obviously everyone's asking for renderings. So in that same concept of everybody walks down Mountain Avenue, comes to the beautiful building where the building department actually is set on, they walk into Main Street and they
see the buildings in the distance. But I believe that delineation of professional office versus B1 B2 is that it is smaller structures this more communityfriendly. People are walking in areas that aren't this city-esque environment. Being that you're close, I understand the use that you're trying to
present. I'm just trying to see if this was in any way designed that created more setbacks to create the appearance of these similar structures in that district. >> When you say setbacks, what do you mean by that? >> So, when I say setbacks, I mean setbacks of the building itself. So, how you have
small little increments that look like they might be like maybe 2 feet buildouts where the Stuckco is versus the brick. So just the setback in the building itself. Got it. Got it. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Donald, you suggesting he breaks up the massing. The setbacks. >> No, I never said that. Talking
>> about breaking up the massing because maybe the building is one of the largest buildings in the P. It might setbacks in the P are around smaller structures. Is that what you're trying to get? >> Typically, yes. But also just the mass of the structure compared to just the white building in this one image shows a
very drastic difference. So, just out of the look of it, again, if the structure is 70,000 square feet, it's not the contention. The contention is the actual view when you're walking down the street and see this big delineation or big building compared to a bunch of smaller ones in a row next to it as you get
closer to downtown. >> That's all. >> Okay, excellent. >> Anyone else? I think we do have somebody else. >> Yeah, >> I I'm Margaret Weinberger and I'm also
from the row. I 42. >> I would like to propose because it's very very obvious that almost a hundred people came tonight to express their personal displeasure. >> Question. It is a question and I guess
what I would like to ask you all is would you be willing if the chair would set another night that we could all come back and tell you all how we feel? >> Well, that's my comment. >> We're going that's the process
>> at the end of the uh of his application and we've gone through all the questions. Then there'll be time for comments. I'm sorry. >> The process is that when they are done, when they've presented their case,
>> there'll be time for comments on everything that we've talked about tonight and in the future because we're about ready to wrap this up >> for tonight. >> Yeah, I was going to say just wrapping wrap. We're not wrapping up the hearing.
I mean, we're wrapping up tonight >> tonight's presentation. >> Tonight's presentation. >> All right. Is is it We're okay. So, I I appreciate the board and the public's time this evening. Um, we obviously got a lot of constructive comments and questions throughout the night that we
have to respond to. So, I would ask if the board would um you know carry this without further notice to an addition to a date that the next date that's available for us to be able to respond and continue the presentation obviously.
>> When is our when is our next date >> or the next date that you have available? >> Um >> it's probably going to be June, Jason. Uh we're booked. >> It's uh first meeting in May is booked. The second meeting I do believe is your 206 application.
>> Okay. >> So, we're looking at June and there is one application pending service in June. We might be >> I want to say it's the first the first availability would be the first meeting in June, but we don't have a full board
for the first meeting in June. >> I'll I'll be back. >> What's the date of that meeting, Michael? Just over here. >> June 3rd. >> June 3rd. Okay. I'll I'll be here. Mike, >> I I don't know if the res are all the board members going to be here in the
first meeting. >> You got a library? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Um I do believe it's open >> which which which date in June the first the first meeting in June which is >> first meeting in June. They have public
service. >> I think it's the second meeting in June is public service. The second meeting one of the meetings Jason is available in June. >> All right. No, because we have to carry it to a date certain, right? I understand that >> if we're going to be okay on time.
>> I'll give you an extension. >> Thank you. >> Would you be June 10th? >> June 17. Yeah. >> So June 17th, you said >> June 17th, I do believe is PSE and J. >> Okay. So the only option would be June
3rd or we're in the July, which is wide open. >> Well, let let's I mean, >> please with the amount of public participation that we're having, we might need both. So I would say let's let's let's adjourn to June 3rd. We'll get as much as we can get done at that meeting. And
you know, if we can't finish at that evening, we'll we'll have to deal with another date after that. >> Okay. >> All right. >> All right. I have a suggestion before we do that. I think it should be renoticed. >> Yeah. since we're going that far.
>> N it's really it's such a we we renoticed for this meeting and I mean it it's not unusual to get carried two months and it to be carried without further notice and we did renotice for
this meeting. It's just because not only in not because you don't only have the regular notice that you have to do per the MLUL, you also have the regional notice that that's required. So I prefer not to, but if if you're if you if the board really wants it, I I'll
do it. I whatever the board suggests. It's just it's just an ownorous extra extra procedural there, but if that's what you want, I'll do it. >> You compliment us at the beginning, so keep complimenting us. Yeah, I I would suggest you be noticed.
I think it's fair. You see the public participation. This is a big project. >> Okay. And if and I guess if we're going to make plan changes and anything changes, it's it's the right thing to do anyway. So that's fine. >> Okay. So can I >> was actually going to say because so many plan changes have been requested or
revisions or better views, if you will, I think it would be better if you renoticed so people are aware. I I I understand but I I you know look you this is an important this is an important application and there are material issues involved.
I mean this is just something that we've got to be careful of. >> All right. I would just ask that an announcement though be made as to when we're going to have the meeting here and then I'll I'll renotice again. It's fine. >> We're looking at June 3. Michael. >> Yes. I I I would suggest that I'll I'll
reach out to Jason on tomorrow to confirm that. But I do believe June 3rd is the first availability. >> Okay. So June June 3rd 7 o'clock in this room 2026. >> Correct. >> All right. And I'll and I'll provide an additional I'll I'll renotice the
application. >> I believe I believe if it's if if we cannot do June 3, the next will be what? July 1. >> Yeah, it would be the first the first Monday, excuse me, first Wednesday in July, but July is wide open. Uh, J Jason, uh, the plans are going to be
revised. I was hoping that you could have it to the public and to the board >> with enough time. >> Yeah, with enough time. So, we're saying June 3. >> Are you suggesting sufficient time to get the plans done,
>> the revisions made? >> I asked I asked the applicant architect if that was enough time. He said yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. Okay. >> No, >> they will be when they're done.
>> When the applicant has complained completed what we call his chase and chief, that's the complete presentation of everything and the answering of questions of his witness. At that time there is a comprehensive time allowed
for people to give comments you know within certain re within certain limitations. Uh but but that's later in the process but in any there is no way there that citizens will not be permit will will not be
>> uh denied any any opportunity to comment. It's required by the MLU. So, so will the notice provide how many of the other witnesses will be here to finish out the the case that they're
making? >> I don't believe that if frankly under the circumstances the applicant has the opportunity to present its case as appropriate. I don't think the applicant is frankly under the law the applicant is not required to set forth what witnesses it will present.
So, I mean, that's to be honest with you, that would be that would not be appropriate to request that. >> I'll I'll notify I'll do my notice in the same manner I did for this one. And if there's any plan changes um that affect any of the relief that we're seeking, I'll obviously address that in
the notice. >> And and you'll you'll be making the plan the plan, pardon me, the plan revisions that have been discuss discussed. >> Yeah. I mean, obviously I have to look at all my notes and try to address as many >> I understand. I understand. >> Um, the other question I had for Michael
was you indicated you wanted the plans avail submitted by a certain time. What's that time? Just so we're all on the same page. >> That's Thank you for following up on that, Jason. Um, >> well, statutoily, Cliff, you can chime in. It has to be 10 days, but I have to
revise the report. >> Yes. So, uh, >> I want to give you enough time so you can do it and we can review it ahead of the meeting. >> No, we appreciate the courtesy of the applicant. I want to say that because I believe that you have been very reasonable. >> That's good for you.
>> 21 days. >> That's good for you. >> All right. Is is 21 days in advance sufficient? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, we'll get a 21 days prior to June 3rd, which we'll figure that we'll make sure we meet that. Okay. >> Okay.
All right. Okay. So, we will be we will we will be going forward on June 3rd. Okay. >> All right. Can can the board just make an announcement just like a very clear one as to when the next meeting is on the application? >> Move that we carry this until June 3rd. >> Yes.
>> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> It be June 3rd here at 7 o'clock. >> Great. Thank you very much. Is there any other visit to come before the board? >> I have one thing, Mr. Chairman. I need
some direction from the board. >> There's a use fairance application a use fairance application that uh >> and it's a completeness item. >> We're still in session, please.
>> Yeah, there is a proposed uh use fair variance in the P uh that's exposed that's proposing no expansion of the footprint using the existing structure and the push back is
the checklist requires floor plans layouts proposing a basement apartment >> so I in the last completeness I said I would take it to the board there's 10268B says the board can wave
requirements or require additional requirements as needed. Uh for this building, I'd like to see the floor plans. It's a requirement. I' like the board to weigh in on that. Floor plans of the existing structure and proposed
of the apartment in the basement. And then if nothing's being proposed except for egress wells, just to take photos of the facade of the structure. I'm getting push back on photos of the structure and not they don't want to provide any floor
plans >> and we won't we don't have to hear it. >> Well, I'm getting a lot of push back. >> So, I think what you're ask for, Mike, is no, we need to see plants. I'm just looking for the board to concur that the board wants to see floor plans for the use in the basement
>> and the board can so request >> for acclamation if nothing's being proposed to show photographs of the elevation so you can see the >> they can they can provide us with photographs and and plans >> that's the I'm just looking for feedback because if it comes from the board it obviously has more weight than it comes
from there. >> True. So, the board's good with the floor plans and photos and the Thank you. >> All in favor of seeing the floor plans. >> I thank you. >> Opposed? Nobody. >> Okay, Mike, you have your your
>> motion to adjourn. >> Second. All in favor? >> So, we're on what? Two weeks for >> All right, Ed. He