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Jan 10, 2013 Minutes The Northampton Zoning Board of Appeals Zoning Board Minutes of Meeting Jan 10, 2013 City of Northampton Council Chambers, 212 Main St., Northampton, MA Members Present: Time  Chair, David Bloomberg  Vice Chair, Malcolm B. “Barry” Smith  Sara Northrup Bob Riddle, Assoc. Member  Elizabeth Silver, Associate Member Staff:  Senior Planner, Carolyn Misch Planning Director, Wayne Feiden 5:30 PM. David Bloomberg opened the continuation of the hearing on a request by Betty and Nicholas Duprey for Commercial Finding to change use at 375 South St, Northampton, Map Id 38C-20. Thomas Lesser, representing the applicant, suggested Paul Truehart (Paving Company) speak to changes he made at the site prior to the hearings. Truehart described that 14 arborvitae were planted in about a 5’ strip along the eastern edge. He described other improvements his company made on the site. The Board went condition by condition from March plan and approval comparing it to the work done and/or on the plan. The Board asked where the tree/landscaping was located. Truehart described what was planted. Staff clarified landscaping shown on the plan. David Bloomberg asked why couldn’t a 5’ wide strip at back of sidewalk be maintained? Lesser stated that 18” between sidewalk and curb. Could that be a substitute for 5’ wide on back of sidewalk? Sara Northrup asked if property line on schematic plan was correct and asked if the curbline shown was accurate? Mark Darnold, of Berkshire Design Group representing the applicant, noted schematic and can’t be read into the details. Sara Northrup asked if the curbline shown on schematic was accurate? Mark said he couldn’t sure. Curbline stayed same and sidewalk stayed same, therefore 18” left over between 2 layouts. David Bloomberg asked to clarify that they are asking for 18” of greenbelt vs. 5’ planting? Lesser willing to have more than grass and noted that this is not a full service car dealership. Just retail sales of cars. The would fully plant with flowers. Staff clarified that there were 4 trees to be there from the previous approval. The Board moved on to discussion of light poles. Duprey indicated they would remove the 9 lights as specified in the previous approval and they would remove the floodlights on the corner of the building. They also indicated they would turn of lights when closed but the center parking lot lights would need to stay on for security purposes rd They argued for keeping the 3 curb cut but with a locked gate to be opened only for snow plowing. Sara Northrup clarified relief requested from March conditions were 3. Buffer of 6’ wide to abutter (5’) minimum with 14 arborvitae. maintained Curb cuts (3) 10’wide. door. 5’ x 30 ‘ length as originally approved. Landscape in front of building Landscape 5’ strip on Northampton end with 4 trees. Agree to lowest wattage bulbs Removal of floodlights. No spillover offsite. Sign lights turned off at 8 PM. Continue curbing to southern western edge of property No banners and streamers permanent. Remove one ground sign (one wall sign and one ground sign) Board discussed whether they felt comfortable to close the hearing. Barry Smith asked if it was appropriate to impose traffic mitigation? Board members discussed that they were not convinced of their jurisdiction. Upon motion by Barry and second by Sara Northrup the board voted unanimously to close the hearing. Upon motion by Sara Northrup and second by Malcolm Smith the board voted to approve the finding with conditions discussed. Sara Northrup left. 7:30 David Bloomberg opened the request by Hale Custom Signs for a Special Permit for a rear wall sign higher than 10’ at 327 King St. Map Id 24B-038. David Bloomberg asked if there were any questions. The representative from Hale signs noted that the back of the bank is the actual entrance, which is the reason for the request. There was no public comment. Upon motion by Elizabeth Silver and second by Malcolm Smith, the board closed hearing. Upon motion by Elizabeth Silver and second by Malcolm Smith, the board voted unanimously to approve special permit. 7:35 adjourned.