Many issues were raised but only a few were addressed due to time constraints. The hearing began at about 10:15 and ran until 12:45 AM Friday morning. Among the points of concern mentioned by the 19 public speakers or the board members:
- snow removal
- bike path and its proximity to the garage
- the massing and setbacks of the buildings
- room reduction
- new parking adjacent to Round House office building
- playground structure
- control of Pulaski Park
- environmental efficiency of buildings
- green aspects of buildings
- traffic noise/echo effect in garage
- openings on west side of garage
- vegetation screens and buffers
- scale of building against park
- proximity of dumpster to apartment house
- smell and noise of compacting dumpster; recyclables
- elevator in garage
- employee parking
- front patio access for public
- Pulaski Park handicap access
- bromine venting from swimming pool
- location of air conditioners
- tree removal at rear of park and heat island effect; replace like for like
- access for handicapped persons around site
- public access through hotel, similar to Thornes and public garage
- location of loading dock
- height related to Round House office building
- impacts on natural lighting
- tunnel effect of newly created alley ways
- thorough landscaping analysis
- darkness of ground floor porches-only windows in units
- emergency access
- distance between buildings
- presence of children and handicapped on rear porches
- carbon footprint of building
- natural light impacts on park
- loss of mountain views
- exterior materials to be used
- alteration of historic area
- air and noise pollution from garage
- ventilation
- tenants in apartments quality of life
- marketability of apartments/ need 100% occupancy to work
- public interaction with hotel/garage
- storm water concerns (DPW)
- corporate influence in the city
- best use of land
- air quality meters and testing
- bicycle racks
- developer constructing portion of bicycle trail
- market study
- relocating utilities
- parking, providing 14 more spaces than required
- blocking of potential roadway-Route 66 connector
- lighting on/in garage
- environmental cleanup/brownfield
- intersection fail rates unchanged
- park extension
- retaining wall near apartments
- grants and funding for cleanup feasibility
- role of Dept. of Environmental Protection and Bay State Gas
93 year old Phyllis Rodin prepares to state her case for Pulaski Park closure due to the presence of toxins
Valley Advocate journalist Kendra Thurlow zooms in on a schematic.
Mark Darnold of Berkshire Design Group addresses planning board
Darnold and planning boards members Steve Gilson and George Russell
a determined Rodin speeds off to fight another day
Joanne Campbell, Exec. Director Valley Community Development Corp.
Michael DePasquale, Kensington Avenue
Bill Pastore, New South Street apartments
architect Peter Frothingham
Mary Kasper, former arts council director
Michael Kusek, Crescent Street
planning board members-listening?
officials-listening?
Damia Stewart reads letter from Jordi Herold
Mike Kirby, "Only way to let project move forward is to be indifferent."
Mary Chapin, distances don’t seem right
architect Tris Metcalfe
