The Land Use Committee voted to approve the following (see Report and watch the NewTV video):
- Request to amend condition 8 of a previously approved Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow expanded hours of operation for the patio until 10 PM at 344-346 Elliot Street – see Special Permit documents, Planning Presentation, and Draft Council Order. Three residents testified against extending the hours. The petitioner explained that ending outdoor dining at 9PM has a negative impact on the restaurant and staff especially during the summer months when people tend to go to the restaurant later. The petitioner explained that they would need to deny patrons the ability from sitting outside at 8PM and that would encourage them to go to other restaurants.
All other items were held.
- Request to construct a second driveway on the eastern lot line and allow parking in the front setback and within five feet of the front lot line at 97 Waban Hill Road North, Planning Presentation. Concern was expressed regarding two curb cuts and parking in front and close to the street and was held to explore an alternative way to meet the petitioner’s need.
- Request to demolish the existing dwelling and construct three single-family attached dwellings with dimensional waivers and parking dimensional waivers at 236 Chapel Street, Planning Presentation. It was noted that the plans submitted for this petition were not the same that had been approved by the Historical Commission and that the design needs to be amended because two units cannot share the same entrance. The item was held with four residents testifying – three in favor and one concerned about parking on Chapel Street.
- Request to demolish the existing dwelling and detached garage and construct five residential dwelling units in three buildings with dimensional waivers and allow for a waiver from the required number of parking stalls at 290 Watertown Street. The Petitioner’s attorney requested a hold on the item in order to continue discussions with the neighbor.