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Feb 14, 2013 Min The Northampton Planning Board Minutes of Meeting February 14, 2013 City of Northampton Council Chambers, 212 Main St., Northampton, MA Members Present: Time  Chair, Mark Sullivan Vice Chair, Jennifer Dieringer  Francis “Frandy” Johnson  Stephen Gilson  Debin Bruce John Lutz Karla Youngblood, Associate Member  Ann DeWitt Brooks Associate Member Staff: Planning Director, Wayne Feiden  Senior Planner, Carolyn Misch 7:00 P.M. Mark Sullivan opened the hearing regarding Request by Mansour Ghalibaf for Site Plan/Special Permit Amendment for 115 Conz St, Northampton Map Id-39A-34 Mike Liu, Landscape Architect representing the applicant, described landscape plan and request for relocation of bike rack at the rear of the hotel for employees, near the employee entrance. Ghalibaf noted that the berm along Conz St. will screen asphalt of the hotel driveway from Conz Street. Anne DeWitt Brooks asked what “flower bed by owner” means. Liu stated that it will change with the seasons similar to Hotel Northampton. Francis Johnson asked if there were any bike racks at the front for visitors/guests. Ghalibaf noted that they can park in the employees covered storage area at back. Debin Bruce noted that there are bikers who would want to come to the front door. Why not put it at the front. The current location of the bike storage is invisible which is inconsistent with the community effort to promote bicycling. We shouldn’t be hiding it. Staff suggested additional bike loops at the front entry. Stephen Gilson noted that there appears to be ample room for 3 bike loops to the left or right of the front door. Board discussed possibilities for relocation. There was consensus that the planting plan and berm was a valuable improvement from the original plan. Mark Sullivan asked about existing trees along Conz and if they would they be saved? Liu stated that they were too far into the site where construction was going to take place. The Board discussed options for saving. Ghalibaf stated 2 additional loops in front would be ok and then asked for no covered shelter in rear or alternatively could he put 4 in the back and 2 in the front? Board noted that 2 additional loops uncovered should be located at the front. There was no public comment. Upon motion by Francis Johnson and second by Stephen Gilson, the board voted to close the hearing. Stephen Gilson acknowledged the planting plan. Mark Sullivan asked about condition regarding preservation and relocation of trees. Bruce and Gilson stated they didn’t think it was necessary. Upon motion by Francis Johnson and second by Anne DeWitt Brooks the board voted unanimously to amend the permit with the following conditions: In addition to the 6 sheltered bike loops in the rear, 2 additional bike loops shall be located at front (uncovered) entry of the hotel. The sheltered loops and bike racks at rear of the building can be moved to another location at the rear as applicant sees fit. Upon motion by Ann and second by Debin Bruce the board approved minutes of Jan 10, 14, 24. Discussion of upcoming meetings schedule. 7:40 PM. adjourn