Published in the September 19, 2019 edition.
By MARK SARDELLA
WAKEFIELD — The Zoning Board of Appeals and the developer of the Tarrant Lane property continue to tie up loose ends in anticipation of a ZBA decision, which could come as soon as Oct. 9.
The proposed 40B project would be built on a 3.4 acre site off Hopkins Street near the Reading line and would consist of 173 rental apartment units divided among three multi-story buildings along with a clubhouse. There will be an open courtyard between the buildings with recreational space for residents. Under the courtyard and buildings there will be a covered parking area, with additional parking spaces located on a surface parking lot.
At the most recent hearing, the board and representatives of developer Anthony Bonacorso reviewed aspects of the plans that had been tweaked in accordance with previous ZBA suggestions. Bonacorso has been represented throughout the hearings by Wakefield attorney Ted Regnante.
Bonacorso has agreed to contribute $140,000 toward bringing Wakefield water across the Hopkins Street Bridge to serve the area that includes the project. Currently the area gets its water from Reading. The developer also agreed to provide an easement through his property that would provide a better distribution for Wakefield water going into the nearby Wakefield Vista complex, but he balked at contributing additional monies toward that effort. The ZBA agreed that Bonacorso should not be required to pay for something that benefits another development.
Architect Rob Schaefer discussed some design changes, including the elimination of a retaining wall at the entrance in favor of more landscaping. He also showed updated renderings showing the exterior building finishes, including siding, wide plank panels on the upper areas and stone veneer around the base. Schaefer also reviewed lighting fixtures that will be attached to the building.
ZBA member Chip Tarbell said that he wanted brand names for all materials, so that even if a certain item is unavailable at the time of construction, the board will have a specific style and color as a reference point.
Regnante said that manufacturers names would be provided on updated plans.
Landscape architect Elliot Brundage discussed the plans for trees at the entrance to the property and alongside the buildings. Tarbell questioned the size of some of the trees proposed, suggesting that they were too small.
Board members disagreed with the plans to use bituminous curbing and asphalt Cape Cod berm in the parking areas inside the development, suggesting that they would be easily damaged by snow plows. ZBA members urged the use of vertical granite curbing throughout the project.
Regnante said that he would have Bonacorso cost it out and get back to the board.
When the hearing was opened to public testimony, Reading Select Board member Andy Friedman said that he was concerned about the impact of the project on traffic going into Reading.
Tarbell pointed out that a full traffic study had been done and there had already been numerous discussions related to traffic.
Regnante said that if the project is approved, excavation of the site would probably take 10-12 months before construction would begin. The entire process, from start of work to occupancy of the buildings is expected to take about three years.
The hearing was continued to Oct. 9.
