City of Newton, Massachusetts

Department of Planning and Development

Setti D. Warren Mayor 1000 Commonwealth Avenue Newton, Massachusetts 02459

Telephone (617) 796-1120 Telefax (617) 796-1142 TDD/TTY (617) 796-1089 www.newtonma.gov

Candace Havens Director ______________________________________________________________________________

MEMORANDUM
PublicHearingDate:March13,2012 LandUseActionDate:May8,2012 BoardofAldermenActionDate:May21,2012 90DayExpirationDate: June11,2012 DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: March9,2012 BoardofAldermen CandaceHavens,DirectorofPlanningandDevelopment EveTapper,ChiefPlannerforCurrentPlanning DerekValentine,SeniorLandUsePlanner Petition #4412 by Young Investments/Newton Community Service Centers for a SPECIAL PERMIT and SITE PLAN APPROVAL for an EXTENSION of a NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE, APPROVAL to construct a multifamily dwelling withnineunitsandofficespaceat429CHERRYSTREET,Ward3,WestNewton,on landknownasSBL33,12,12,containingapproximately13,398sq.ft.oflandina district zoned BUSINESS USE 1. Sec 3024, 3023, 3011(d)(8) and (j)(1),3015(h), Table3footnote3,305(b)(4),3019(d)(2),and(11),3019(h)(1),3019(h)(2)b),c), (3)a),3019(m)oftheCityofNewtonRevZoningOrd,2007.

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Board of Aldermen and the public with technical information and planning analysiswhichmaybeusefulinthespecialpermitdecisionmaking process of the Board of Aldermen. The Planning Department's intention is to provide a balanced view of the issues with the informationithasatthetimeofthepublichearing.Theremaybe otherinformationpresentedatorafterthepublichearingthatthe Land Use Committee of the Board of Aldermen will want to considerinitsdiscussionatasubsequentWorkingSession.

PreservingthePast

PlanningfortheFuture

Petition #44-12 Page 2 of 8

EXECUTIVESUMMARY Thesiteconsistsof13,398squarefeetoflandinaBusiness1zone.Itiscurrentlyimprovedwith theformerNewtonCommunityServiceCenter,atwostorybuildingof1950svintage.The proposalistodemolishtheexistingbuildinginordertoconstructathreestorybuildingwith officespaceatstreetlevelandnineresidentialunits.Seventeenparkingspaceswillbeprovided inabelowgradestructure.Thepetitionerisseekingaspecialpermittoallowathreestory multifamilydwellingwithincreasedFloorAreaRatio(FAR),buildingheightofgreaterthan24 feet,aretainingwallgreaterthanfourfeetwithinthesidesetback,andawaiveroffour requiredparkingstallsaswellasvariousdimensionalstandardsfortheconstructionofthe parkingfacility.IfthispetitionisapprovedbytheBoardofAldermen,approvalshouldbe conditionedonapprovalofavariancefromtheZoningBoardofAppeals(ZBA)for encroachmentintotherearsetback. ThesubjectsiteislocatedwithinwalkingdistancetomanyneighborhoodamenitiesinWest Newtonvillage,aswellasexpressbusandcommuterrailservice.AlthoughthePlanning Departmentissupportiveoftheconceptofmultifamilyhousingatthissite,weareconcerned thatthepetitionersprojectmaybetoodenseforthissitegiventhatmanydimensional standardscannotbemetbyright,especiallyinlightofthefactthatitiscompletelynew constructiononthesite.

I.

SIGNIFICANTISSUESFORCONSIDERATION: Whenreviewingthispetition,theBoardshoulddeterminewhetherthefollowingapply: 1)Thesubjectsiteisanappropriatelocationformultifamilydwellings. 2)Athreestorystructurethatis34.75feetinheightwillnotadverselyaffectthe neighborhood. 3) An FAR of 1.47 and a building of 19,751 square feet is appropriate in the contextoftheneighborhood. 4)Aretainingwalloverfourfeetinheightwithinasidesetbackwillnotcreatea nuisanceorserioushazardtovehicles,pedestrians,orabuttingproperties. 5) Access to the site will be appropriate for the type and number of vehicles involvedandawaiverforfourrequiredparkingstalls,parkingstalldimensions, andmaneuveringaislewidthisjustifiedandwillnotcreateanuisanceorhazard tovehiclessinceliteralcompliancewithparkingstandardsisimpracticaldueto thesizeandshapeofthelot.

Petition #44-12 Page 3 of 8

CHARACTERISTICSOFTHESITEANDNEIGHBORHOOD A. NeighborhoodandZoning ThesiteislocatedjustnorthofWestNewtonSquare.ItisbetweenWashington StreetandWebsterStreetandbordersamunicipalparkingfacilityonElmStreet totherear.ThesubjectsiteiswithintheBusiness1zone,butisinareawhere severalzoningdistrictsintersect.Singleresidencezoningbeginsnorthofthesite, consisting of a number of single and preexisting multifamily houses. The businesszonebeginsatthepetitionerssiteandextendsinasoutherlydirection toWashingtonStreetandincludestheGreaterBostonChineseCulturalCenter, the petitioners abutter to the south. To the east of the site (across Cherry Street) is a large area of public use property, which includes a park, the police station, and the court house. This is a neighborhood that can support some higherdensityhousing,withanumberofneighborhoodamenitieswithinwalking distance.Theareaisalsotransitaccessible,withthecommuterrailandexpress bus service to downtown Boston and other points running along Washington Street and the Massachusetts Turnpike. There are other multiunit residential buildingsintheneighborhood,includingsixattacheddwellingunitstothenorth at the Townhouses at West Newton Square, and seven units across Webster StreetwithinthehistoricAllenHouse. B. Site Thesiteiscurrentlyimprovedwitha8,292squarefoot,oneandonehalfstory building. The building is of rather plain, unremarkable architecture. The site slopesdownfromCherryStreettotherearofthesitewheretherearecurrently 14 existing parking stalls within a large area of bituminous pavement. This parkingfacilityisaccessedbytwodriveways,oneoneithersideoftheexisting building.

II.

PROJECTDESCRIPTIONANDANALYSIS:

A.

LandUse Theproposalistoreplacetheexistingbuildingwithanineunitresidentialbuilding withasmall992squarefootcommercialofficespaceatstreetlevel.

Petition #44-12 Page 4 of 8

ModelofProposedConditions

B. BuildingandSiteDesign Theproposedbuildingwillbe19,751squarefeet,includingthebelowgradeparking facility. The apartments will consist of a mix of unit sizes. There will be five three bedroomunits,twofourbedroomunits,andtwotwobedroomunits.Theunitswill range in size from 1,422 square feet to 2,288 square feet. All of the units will be duplexunits,comprisedofeitheracombinationoffirstandsecondfloorspaceora combination of second and third floor space. Every unit will have a balcony. The balconieswillbequiteeffectiveinbreakinguptheexteriormassofthebuilding,as well as providing some outdoor space for the residents. This will be valuable, consideringthereisverylittleopenspaceprovidedonthesiteatgrade.Asmalloffice of992squarefeetwillbeprovidedatstreetlevel. Thebuildingwillbecladinacombinationof6paintedcementboardand12stained wood clapboard. To construct the building as proposed, the petitioner must obtain zoningreliefinseveralareas.AnFARof1.0isallowedbyright,withupto1.5allowed by special permit. The petitioner is seeking a special permit for a proposed FAR of 1.47.Abuildingheightof24feetisallowedbyright,withupto36feetallowedby special permit. The petitioner is seeking permission to construct a 34.75 foottall building.Thepetitionerisalsorequestingrelieftoallowathreestorybuildingwithin abusinesszone. SincethepetitionerssitebordersaPublicUsezone(themunicipalparkingfacilityto the west), a setback of the building height or 15 feet (whichever is greater) is required. The proposed building is set back 2.7 feet from the rear property line. In ordertobuildthestructureasproposed,thepetitionerwillneedtoseekavariance fromtheZBAinadditiontothisspecialpermit. ThePlanningDepartmentnotesthatthisprojectisseekingmanytypesofzoningrelief and is a new construction project. As a new construction project, the Department recommends that the petitioner consider reducing the intensity of the site thereby eliminatingtheneedforsomeofthereliefrequested.

Petition #44-12 Page 5 of 8

C.

ParkingandCirculation The petitioner is proposing a belowgrade garage which will accommodate 17 parking stalls. One handicap parking stall will be provided at grade. The plans submittedfortheZoningReview(AttachmentC)initiallyindicatedthat19stalls wouldbeprovided.Duetoconstraintsrelatedtotheconstructionofthebuilding, thepetitionerhassincedecreasedthesizeofthegarage,andintheprocesslost two parking stalls. However, the footprint of the office space was reduced commensuratelyandahandicapstalladdedatgradesothattheamountwaivedis unchanged. In addition, the belowgrade parking facility will require a number of reliefs in ordertobeconstructedasproposed.Aparkingwaiverforfiveoftherequired22 parking stalls is being sought. Half of the parking stalls provided do not meet dimensional requirements and are only 9 by 16, where 9 by 19 is required. In addition, a waiver is required to allow a 22 maneuvering aisle where 24 is required.Ahandicapstallhasbeenprovidedwithinthefrontsetback,utilizingan adjacentwalkwayasmaneuveringspace.Reliefwasoriginallyrequestedtowaive the handicap parking requirement and is no longer necessary. However, relief is necessarytolocatethisstallwithinthefrontsetbackperSections3019(h)(1)and 3019(m). The Planning Department is very concerned that maneuverability will be limited within the belowgrade parking facility. Although the Department is generally supportiveofgrantingsomerelieffromparkingfacilitydimensionalrequirements (particularly within village centers), the combination of reliefs requested by the petitioner will greatly affect the efficiency of the parking facility. The ramp entering the parking facility is only 12 wide, but is intended for twoway traffic. Thereshouldbeasignalsysteminordertocontroltheentry/exitofvehicles. Landscaping Thepetitionerhasnotprovidedalandscapingplanandshoulddosopriortothe working session. Most of the site will be covered by the proposed building; however there are some opportunities to provide landscaping in order to soften theappearanceofthestructureaswellasbreakupitsoverallmass.Thecurrent buildinghasverylittlegreeneryseparatingitfromCherryStreet.Moresubstantial landscapingwouldbeofgreatbenefittothestreetscape. A chain link fence is being shown surrounding the property. The Planning Departmentbelievesthattherearemoreaestheticallyappropriatetreatmentsfor theboundariesoftheproperty. A retaining wall is proposed along the entrance of the parking garage that will exceedfourfeetformostofitslength.Thewallwillalsobelocatedwithintheside

D.

Petition #44-12 Page 6 of 8

setback,andthusrequiresrelief.Thepetitionershouldprovidedetailsofthefence andlandscapingatthetopofthiswalltoensurethatpedestriansafetyhasbeen considered. In addition, there should also be notification to pedestrians that vehicleswillbeexitingacrossthesidewalkfromthebelowgradegarage. III. COMPREHENSIVEPLAN: TheComprehensivePlanseekstoprovideadditionalhousingunitsonunderutilized parcelsinvillagecenterswithincloseproximitytopublictransportationoptions.If thepetitionerworkswiththePlanningDepartmenttoscalebacktheproposalto bettercomplywithdimensionalandparkingstandards,thisprojectcould accomplishthisobjectivewithoutadverselyaffectingoroverwhelmingthe neighborhood. TECHNICALREVIEW: A. TechnicalConsiderations The Zoning Review Memorandum (Attachment C) provides an analysis of the projectwithrespecttozoning.Thepetitionerisseekingrelieftoconstructanine unitmixedusebuildingintheBusiness1zone.Thebuildingwillalsorequirerelief forabuildingheightof34.75feetwhere24feetisallowedbyright,aswellasfloor arearatioof1.47where1.0isallowedbyright.Siteplanapprovalisalsorequired forbuildingswithover10,000grosssquarefeet.Theconstructionoftheparking facilitywillrequiremultiplereliefs:foraretainingwallenteringthegaragethatis withinthesidesetbackandisgreaterthanfourfeettall,awaiveroffourrequired parkingstalls,awaiveroftherequiredminimumlengthofaparkingstallfrom19 to16,andtoallowamaneuveringaisleof22where24isrequired.Ahandicap stall is now being provided but requires relief in order to be located within the frontsetback. EngineeringReview The Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works has reviewed the petition and has provided a memorandum; see (Attachment D). The petitioner shouldcomplywithallrequirementsinthismemo. FireDepartmentReview TheNewtonFireDepartmentwillneedtoreviewfutureversionsoftheplansfor firesafetyandaccess.TheDepartmentisnotgenerallysupportiveoftrashstorage asclosetothestructureasitproposedinthisplan.

IV.

B.

C.

Petition #44-12 Page 7 of 8

V.

D. NewtonHistoricalCommission Althoughtheexistingbuildingwasconstructedinthe1950s,ithasbeendeemed notpreferablypreservedbytheNewtonHistoricalCommission. E. InclusionaryHousing ThepetitionerisrequiredtoprovideoneaffordableunitperSection3024(f)(3). Thepetitionerhasnotindicatedwhetherhewillsupplythisunitorwillseekrelief from this requirement. This informationshouldbeprovidedpriortotheworking session. ZONINGRELIEFSSOUGHT Based on the completed Zoning Review Memorandum (ATTACHMENT C), the petitionersareseekingthefollowingreliefs:

Section3011(d)(8)toallowmultifamilydwellingsintheBU1zone Section3015(h)&3015Table3toallowathreestorystructure,34.75feetin height,intheBU1zone Section3015Table3toallowanFARof1.5intheBU1zone Section3011(j)(1)toconstructabuildingofbetween10,000and19,999square feetofgrossfloorareaintheBU1zone Section 305(b)(4) to permit the location of a retaining wall over four feet in heightwithintherequiredsetback Section 3019(d)(2), 3019(d)(11), & 3019(m) to waive four required parking stalls Section 3019(h)(2)(b) & 3019(m) to allow dimensionally nonconforming 9 by 16parkingstallswhere9by19isrequired Section 3019(h)(3)(a) and 3019(m) to allow a maneuvering aisle of 22 feet where24feetisrequired Section3019(h)(1)tolocateaparkingstallwithintherequiredsetbackfromthe street Section3024(f)provideoneinclusionaryhousingunitorseekrelief PETITIONERSRESPONSIBLITIES Thepetitionershouldsupplyalandscapingplanpriortotheworkingsession Thepetitionershouldindicatehowheintendstocomplywiththeinclusionary housingrequirementpriortotheworkingsession. ThepetitionershouldworkwiththePlanningDepartmenttoscalebackthe projectandtoredesigntheparkingfacilitytothatitissaferandmorefunctional.

VI.

Petition #44-12 Page 8 of 8

ATTACHMENTS: ATTACHMENTA:VICINITYZONINGMAP ATTACHMENTB:VICINITYLANDUSEMAP ATTACHMENTC:ZONINGREVIEWMEMO ATTACHMENTD:ENGINEERINGDEPARTMENTMEMO

ATTACHMENT C
Telephone (617) 796-1120 Telefax (617) 796-1142 TDD/TTY (617) 796-1089 www.newtonma.gov

City of Newton, Massachusetts

Setti D. Warren Mayor

Department of Planning and Development

1000 Commonwealth Avenue Newton, Massachusetts 02459

Candace Havens Director

ZONINGREVIEWMEMORANDUM
Date: January30,2012 To: JohnLojek,CommissionerofInspectionalServices From: SethZeren,ChiefZoningCodeOfficial EveTapper,ChiefPlannerforCurrentPlanning Cc: TerrenceP.Morris,attorneyrepresentingapplicant CandaceHavens,DirectorofPlanningandDevelopment OuidaYoung,AssociateCitySolicitor RE: RequesttoallowmultifamilydwellingsintheBU1zoneandwaiveassociateddimensional, sitedesign,andparkingrequirements Applicant:FirstCambridgeRealtyCorp. Site:429CherryStreet SBL:330120012 Zoning:BU1 LotArea:13,398squarefeet Currentuse:Nonprofiteducationalservices Proposeduse:Amultifamilydwellingwithnineunits andofficespace

Background:
Thepropertyat429CherryStreetconsistsofa13,398squarefootlotcurrentlyimprovedwithatwo storybuildinglastusedbytheNewtonCommunityServiceCenter.Theapplicantproposestodemolish theexistingstructureandconstructathreestorymultifamilydwellingwith1,116squarefeetofoffice spaceonthefirstfloor,anda19stallbelowgradeparkinggarage. Thefollowingreviewisbasedonplansandmaterialssubmittedtodateasnotedbelow.
Architecturalplans,byPerkinsEastman,unsignedandunstamped,dated12/7/11 o A101GarageandFirstFloorPlans o A102SecondandThirdFloorPlans o A201ProposedElevations o A301ProposedSection ExistingsiteplanbyVTPAssociates,unsignedandunstamped,dated11/5/11 ProposedsiteplanandzoninganalysisbyVTPAssociates,unsignedandunstamped,dated12/6/11 EmailfromGregoryModzelewskidetailingthegrosssquarefootageoftheproposal,dated12/6/11

Preserving the Past

Planning for the Future

 ADMINISTRATIVEDETERMINATIONS: 1. Theapplicantproposestoconstructamixedusebuildingwithninedwellingunitsand1,116square feetofofficespace.ThepropertyislocatedintheBusiness1(BU1)zone.PerSection3011(d)(8), theapplicantmustobtainaspecialpermitfromtheBoardofAldermentobuildamultifamily dwellingintheBU1zone. 2. TheproposeddevelopmentmustcomplywiththedimensionalstandardsofSection3015,Table1 andTable3(seechartbelow). BU1Zone Required/Allowed Existing Proposed LotSize 10,000squarefeet 13,398squarefeet Nochange Frontage 80feet 83.3feet Nochange Setbacks 1 10feet 7.3feet 10.3feet Front 17.37feet2 14.9feet 18feet Side(Right) 3 4.7feet 13.6feet 5.6feet Side(Left) 2 17.37feet 41.1feet 2.7feet Rear FAR 1.0byright,1.5byspecial Notprovided 1.47 permit BuildingHeight 24feetbyright,36feetby Notprovided 34.75 specialpermit MaximumStories 2storiesbyright,3stories 2 3 byspecialpermit
1. 2. 3. PerSection3015(d)andTable3,Footnote1,averageofabuttingfrontsetbacks PerSection3015,Table3,Footnotes3and10,requiredsetbackisonehalfbuildingheightwhenabutting residentialorpublicusezones PerSection3015,Table3,Footnote2,sidesetbacksmaybeadistanceequaltothesideyardsetbackofthe abuttingpropertywhennotabuttingresidentialdistricts

3. PerSection3015,Table3,buildingsintheBU1zoneareallowedtwostoriesandaheightof24 feetbyright.Amaximumofthreestoriesand36feetofheightisallowedbyspecialpermit.The applicantsplansshowathreestorybuildingthatis34.75feetinheight.Toconstructthebuilding asproposed,theapplicantmustobtainaspecialpermitfromtheBoardofAldermen,perSection 3015(h)andTable3. 4. PerSection3015,Table3,byrightdevelopmentintheBU1zoneislimitedtoafloorarearatio (FAR)of1.0.AmaximumFARof1.5isallowedbyspecialpermit.Theapplicantsplansshowa proposedFARof1.47.Toconstructthebuildingasproposed,theapplicantmustobtainaspecial permitfromtheBoardofAldermen,perSection3015,Table3. 5. Theproposedstructurehasagrossfloorareaof19,751squarefeet,notincludingthebelowgrade basementparkingfacility.PerSection3011(j),toconstructabuildingofbetween10,000and 19,999squarefeetofgrossfloorarea,theapplicantmustobtainsiteplanapprovalfromtheBoard ofAldermenperSection3023.

 6. TheNewtonLawDepartmenthasdeterminedthatthepublicparkinglotlocatedtothewestofthe siteiszonedPublicUse.PerSection3015,Table3,Footnote3,whenabuttingaResidentialor PublicUsezone,therearsetbackintheBusiness14Districtsisbuildingheightor15feet, whicheverisgreater.Theapplicantsplansshowabalconyontherearofthebuildingtobelocated 2.7feetfromthepropertyline.Toconstructthebuildingasproposed,theapplicantmustobtaina variancefromtheZoningBoardofAppeals. 7. PerSection305(b)(4),theplacementofaretainingwallgreaterthanfourfeetinheightwithina requiredsetbackrequiresaspecialpermitfromtheBoardofAldermen.Theapplicantsplansshow aretainingwalluptoeightfeetinheightnecessarytoprovideaccesstothebelowgradeparking garageandlocatedwithinthesidesetback.Theapplicantmustobtainaspecialpermitfromthe BoardofAldermenperSection305(b)(4)toconstructthisretainingwallasshown. 8. PerSection3019(d)(2),twoparkingstallsarerequiredforeachdwellingunitinamultifamilyuse. PerSection3019(d)(11),oneparkingstallisrequiredper250squarefeetofofficeuse.The applicanthasproposedninedwellingunitsand1,116squarefeetofoffice.Thereforethetotal parkingrequirementis23parkingstalls(9x2=18;1,116/250=5).Theapplicantsplansshowa totalof19parkingstallscontainedinabelowgradegarage.Therefore,theapplicantmustobtaina specialpermitfromtheBoardofAldermenperSection3019(m)towaivefourrequiredparking stalls. 9. Asanindoorparkingfacilitywithgreaterthanfivespaces,thebelowgradegaragemustmeetall therequirementsofSections3019(h). 10. PerSection3019(h)(2)b),stallsmustbeatleast19feetinlength.Theapplicantsplansshowten stallswhichareonly16feetinlength.Toconstructthisparkingfacilityasproposed,theapplicant mustobtainaspecialpermitfromtheBoardofAldermenperSection3019(m). 11. PerSection3019(h)(2)c),onehandicapparkingstallmustbeprovidedinaparkingfacilitywith19 stalls.Theapplicantsplansshownohandicapparkingstall.Toconstructthisparkingfacilityas proposed,theapplicantmustobtainaspecialpermitfromtheBoardofAldermenperSection30 19(m). 12. PerSection3019(h)(3)a),aminimummaneuveringaisleof24feetisrequiredfor90degreeangled parking.Theapplicantsplansshowamaneuveringaisleofonly22feet.Toconstructthisparking facilityasproposed,theapplicantmustobtainaspecialpermitfromtheBoardofAldermenper Section3019(m). 13. Theapplicantproposestoconstructninemultifamilydwellingsbyspecialpermit,therefore triggeringtherequirementsofSection3024(f).PerSection3024(f)(3),theapplicantwouldbe requiredtoprovideoneinclusionaryhousingunit.PerSection3024(f)(4)a),theBoardofAldermen mayallowthepaymentofafeeinlieuofprovidingtheinclusionaryunitifitfindsthatsucha paymentwillresultinanunusualnetbenefitofthefeeovertheaffordableunit. 14. SeeZoningReliefSummarybelow:

 ZoningReliefRequired Ordinance 3011(d)(8) Ordinance 3015(h);3015, Table3 3015,Table3 3011(j)(1) 305(b)(4) 3015,Table3, Footnote3 Ordinance 3019(d)(2); 3019(d)(11); 3019(m) 3019(h)(2)b); 3019(m) 3019(h)(2)c); 3019(m) 3019(h)(3)a); 3019(m) Ordinance 3024(f) Use AllowmultifamilydwellingsintheBU1zone StructureandSite Allowathreestorystructure,34.75feetinheight,inthe BU1zone AllowanFARof1.5intheBU1zone Constructabuildingofbetween10,000and19,999 squarefeetofgrossfloorareaintheBU1zone Permitthelocationofaretainingwalloverfourfeetin heightwithinarequiredsetback Permitarearsetbackof2.7feetwhere17.37feetis required Parking Waivefourrequiredparkingstalls ActionRequired S.P.per3024 ActionRequired S.P.per3024 S.P.per3024 SitePlanReviewper 3023 S.P.per3024 Variancefromthe ZBA ActionRequired S.P.per3024

Allowtendimensionallynonconforming9x16parking stalls,where9x19isrequired Provideonehandicapparkingstallorobtainawaiver Allowamaneuveringaisleof22feetwhere24feetis required InclusionaryHousing Provideoneinclusionaryhousingunit

S.P.per3024 S.P.per3024 S.P.per3024 ActionRequired Complywith30 24(f)

Attachment D
CITY OF NEWTON ENGINEERING DIVISION MEMORANDUM

To:

Alderman Ted Hess-Mahan, Land Use Committee Chairman

From: John Daghlian, Associate City Engineer Re: Special Permit #429 Cherry Street

Date: February 27, 2012 Lou Taverna, PE City Engineer (via email) Linda Finucane, Associate City Clerk (via email) Eve Tapper, Chief Planner (via email) Derek Valentine, Planner (via email) _______________________________________________________________________ In reference to the above site, I have the following comments for a plan entitled: CC:

Topographic Site Plan Showing Proposed Conditions at # 429 Cherry Street Newton, MA Prepared by: VTP Associates, Inc. Dated: January 31, 2012

Executive Summary: The project involves the demolition of an existing 1-1/2 story office building, and construction of a 3 story - 9 residential units on a just over 0.30 acre site. The site is relatively flat having a three foot differential over 170- foot depth lot. All new utilities are proposed for the development. No drainage calculations have been supplied for this review. The Engineering Division requires that an on-site soil evaluation is performed prior to the submission of the design. The engineer of record needs to perform these tests within 20-feet of each system and witnessed by a representative of the Engineering Division. The design indicates an overflow connection to the Citys drainage system. The engineer of record needs to demonstrate why this overflow is warranted.

#429 Cherry Street Page 1 of 5

4 Grade Change: The proposed retaining wall along the northern property line will need to be designed as a structural wall as it has a height of 8.5 near the underground garage entrance. A fence will be needed along its length for safety concerns. As a Public Benefit the applicant should improve the existing asphalt sidewalk & concrete curbing by installing new cement concrete sidewalks, driveway apron and new granite curbing. The abutting property to the south has concrete sidewalks and this development should improve the sidewalk along the frontage. The southerly driveway apron shall be removed and remodeled as a sidewalk in compliance to the Citys Construction Standards.

Construction Management: 1. A construction management plan is needed for this project. At a minimum it must address the following: staging site for construction equipment, construction material, construction workers vehicles, phasing of the project with anticipated completion dates and milestones, safety precautions, emergency contact personnel of contractor.

2. Stabilized driveway entrances are needed during construction which will provide a tire wash and mud removal to ensure City streets are kept clean.

Drainage: 1. On site soil evaluation is needed before approval of this plan. The testing shall be witnessed by the Engineering Division. 2. When a connection to the Citys drainage system is proposed, prior to approval of the Building Permit a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) inspection shall be performed and witnessed by the Engineering Division, the applicant shall retain a contractor that specializes in CCTV inspection. The applicant shall contact the Engineering Division 48 hours in advance to schedule an appointment. At the end of the inspection the video or CD shall be given to the inspector. Furthermore, upon completion of the connection to the drainage system a Post Construction video inspection shall also take place and witnessed as described above 3. A drainage analysis needs to be performed based on the City of Newtons 100-year storm event of 6-inches over a 24-hour period. All runoff from impervious areas need to be infiltrated on site, for the respective lots. The drainage

#429 Cherry Street Page 2 of 5

4. An Operations and Maintenance (O&M) plan for Stormwater Management Facilities needs to drafted and submitted for review. Once approved the O&M must be adopted by applicant, incorporated into the deeds; and recorded at the Middlesex Registry of Deeds. A copy of the recording instrument shall be submitted to the Engineering Division. 5. The maintenance of the proposed leaching galleys toward the rear of the property maybe difficult as vehicular access is restricted based on the improvements to the site. 6. It is imperative to note that the ownership, operation, and maintenance of the proposed drainage system and all apparentness including but not limited to the drywells, catch basins, and pipes are the sole responsibility of the Homeowners Association. Environmental: 1. Has a 21E investigation & report been performed on the site, if so copies of the report should be submitted the Newton Board of Health and the Engineering Division. 2. Are there any existing underground oil or fuel tanks, are they to be removed, if they have been evidence should be submitted to the Newton Fire Department, and Newton Board of Health.

Sewer: 1. The existing water & sewer services to the building shall be cut and capped at the main and be completely removed from the site and properly back filled. The Engineering Division must inspect this work; failure to having this work inspected my result in the delay of issuance of the Utility Connection Permit.

2. The new sewer service and/or structures shall be pressure tested or video taped after final installation is complete. Method of final inspection shall be determined solely by the construction inspector from the City Engineering Division. The sewer service will NOT be accepted until one of the two methods stated above is completed. A Certificate of Occupancy will not be recommended until this test is completed and a written report is received by the City Engineer. This note must be added to the final approved plans.

#429 Cherry Street Page 3 of 5

Water: 1. Fire flow tests will be required on the two nearest hydrants to verify the design assumption of the fire protection service. The fire flow tests shall be witnessed by the Fire Department and/or the Engineering Division. Hydraulic calculation will have to be submitted to the Fire Department for final approval.

General: 1. As of January 1, 2009, all trench excavation contractors shall comply with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 82A, Trench Excavation Safety Requirements, to protect the general public from unauthorized access to unattended trenches. Trench Excavation Permit required. This applies to all trenches on public and private property. This note shall be incorporated onto the plans 2. All tree removal shall comply with the Citys Tree Ordinance. 3. The contractor is responsible for contacting the Engineering Division and scheduling an appointment 48 hours prior to the date when the utilities will be made available for an inspection of water services, sewer service, and drainage system installation. The utility is question shall be fully exposed for the inspector to view; backfilling shall only take place when the Citys Inspector has given their approval. This note should be incorporated onto the plans 4. The applicant will have to apply for Street Opening, Sidewalk Crossing, and Utilities Connecting permits with the Department of Public Works prior to any construction. This note must be incorporated onto the site plan. 5. The applicant will have to apply for a Building Permits with the Department of Inspectional Service prior to any construction. 6. Prior to Occupancy permit being issued, an As-Built Plan shall be submitted to the Engineering Division in both digital format and in hard copy. The plan should show all utilities and final grades, any easements and final grading. This note must be incorporated onto the site plan. 7. If a Certificate of Occupancy is requested prior to all site work being completed, the applicant will be required to post a Certified Bank Check in the amount to cover the remaining work. The City Engineer shall determine the value of the uncompleted work. This note must be incorporated onto the site plan.

#429 Cherry Street Page 4 of 5

Note: If the plans are updated it is the responsibility of the Applicant to provide all City Departments [Conservation Commission, ISD, and Engineering] involved in the permitting and approval process with complete and consistent plans.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me @ 617-796-1023.

#429 Cherry Street Page 5 of 5