By MARK SARDELLA
WAKEFIELD — The Zoning Board of Appeals is happy with the direction of a proposed new residential complex at 154 and 158 Salem Street after reviewing the latest changes to the plans last week.
At its meeting on Jan. 22, the board had assigned member Chip Tarbell to work with the development team to come up with a plan to reduce the density and unit count in response to concerns expressed by the ZBA, town staff and neighbors.
The plan originally included a 13-unit attached dwelling complex toward the rear of the property. That has now been reduced to eight units.
The proposed development also has to pass muster with the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission. Brian McGrail, the attorney for developer Nicholas Leo, said that the development team was looking for feedback and direction from the ZBA so that matters involving the other boards can move forward.
McGrail displayed a site plan and renderings that reflected the unit-count reduction and a modified architectural style. He also noted that the revised plan includes a new landscape buffer and other landscape features. He also showed a proposed new wall and fence on the property.
Reducing the number of units allowed for a reduction in the height of the townhouse units, Tarbell noted.
ZBA member David Hatfield said that he liked the redesign of the site plan and the architectural changes as well as the reduced unit count.
Other board members were also pleased with the direction that the project was taking, while suggesting minor changes to the site layout.
ZBA chairman Thomas Lucey summarized the board’s comments.
“This has taken a really positive turn,” he said.
When the hearing was opened to the public, Scott Hanley of Tobey Lane echoed the comments made by the board and thanked the developer for his willingness to reduced the size of the project.
Based of the positive feedback from the ZBA, McGrail said that he would assign the civil engineer to get to work on devising a drainage plan for the site.
Board member Mickey Feeley said that he would be interested to see the plan for storm water mitigation.
The board continued the hearing to its March 12 meeting.