02-11-2015, 12:35 AM
I had to dig, but I did find a working link to the staff report
A few thoughts on this project:
-Intensification of Belmont is a good thing, but I echo the other comments, mixed-use would have been nicer to see
-I think those interior units facing the parking garage, I think from building A, could be challenging to live in with car noise, fumes, and lights a constant source of distraction
-I am disappointed with the city essentially trading part of a public good (the Iron Horse) so the developer could build closer to the property line
-I am upset that so many mature trees (50+?) had to come down as a result of the above; they provided a nice wind break year round, and shade in the summer
-the Record article indicates that the project will take 6 years to build out, so that construction fence right next to the trail edge is going to be there a long time essentially narrowing the trail's useable width and forcing trail users pass through a construction site for years
-there seemed to be some consultation with adjacent property owners, but trail users had little opportunity to contribute
-according to the committee of adjustment minutes no wind study was done because of the difference in heights between this property and the surrounding properties; I suspect that in winter, snow will likely accumulate on the trail being right in the lee of the buildings
-I would be very surprised if a fence didn't go up between the trail and the building at some point; which is conveniently not shown in the visual
-it isn't clear who, city or developer, will be responsible for maintaining that new green space/gazebo between the trail and the development, once it is installed by the developer
A few thoughts on this project:
-Intensification of Belmont is a good thing, but I echo the other comments, mixed-use would have been nicer to see
-I think those interior units facing the parking garage, I think from building A, could be challenging to live in with car noise, fumes, and lights a constant source of distraction
-I am disappointed with the city essentially trading part of a public good (the Iron Horse) so the developer could build closer to the property line
-I am upset that so many mature trees (50+?) had to come down as a result of the above; they provided a nice wind break year round, and shade in the summer
-the Record article indicates that the project will take 6 years to build out, so that construction fence right next to the trail edge is going to be there a long time essentially narrowing the trail's useable width and forcing trail users pass through a construction site for years
-there seemed to be some consultation with adjacent property owners, but trail users had little opportunity to contribute
-according to the committee of adjustment minutes no wind study was done because of the difference in heights between this property and the surrounding properties; I suspect that in winter, snow will likely accumulate on the trail being right in the lee of the buildings
-I would be very surprised if a fence didn't go up between the trail and the building at some point; which is conveniently not shown in the visual
-it isn't clear who, city or developer, will be responsible for maintaining that new green space/gazebo between the trail and the development, once it is installed by the developer
Everyone move to the back of the bus and we all get home faster.