By MARK SARDELLA
WAKEFIELD — The Zoning Board of Appeals is continuing to look at the portion of a proposed Salem Street subdivision that falls under its jurisdiction.
The full project consists of a new cul-de-sac that would be created at 154 and 158 Salem Street. The two duplexes and one single family home along the cul-de-sac fall under the Planning Board’s purview, with the eight attached dwelling units proposed in the rear of the site falling under the Board of Appeals jurisdiction. The Conservation Commission is also involved, as part of the property is wetland, although no building activity is proposed on that part of the site.
The focus of last week’s ZBA hearing was on landscaping and architecture. Attorney Brian McGrail, representing developer Nicholas Leo, asked landscape architect William Fleming to discuss the landscape plan for the subdivision as a whole.
Fleming said that the goal is to create a landscape plan that is visually appealing while blending in to the existing context. He presented a layout of flowering ornamental trees and native shrubs and perennials around the interior of the site along with evergreens and deciduous trees along the perimeter. He said that there would be a total of 160 plantings.
McGrail added that there would be a plan in place to protect some of the existing trees around the perimeter of the property during construction.
McGrail then asked architect Nerijus Bubnelis to discuss the materials and design of the eight attached units in the rear. He described the interior layout of the units, before moving to the exterior design, displaying renderings from various viewpoints. Exterior materials include Hardie shingles and Hardie Batten boards in earth tone colors of beige, green and gray along with charcoal gray asphalt roof shingles. The eight attached units will feature a complex, gabled roof design.
ZBA member Chip Tarbell said that he liked the New England style, the colors and materials.
Board member Kasumi Humphreys offered a number of comments and suggestions related to the interior layout and design of the units as well as some of the external features.
Board member Joe Pride expressed concern regarding the lack of a sidewalk along the driveway extending from the cul-de-sac into the area of the eight attached units in the rear.
When the hearing was opened to the public, neighbor Scott Hanley of Tobey lane expressed concerns over snow storage as well as what he called “borderline deforestation” that will be needed to clear the side for construction. He added that he believes that the rear portion of the proposed development is too tight and congested.
Paul Leuvano of Salem Street was also concerned about the large number of trees that will have to be removed. He also wanted to know how much fill would be brought in to address the drop off of the property in the rear.
McGrail said that he was not sure that there would be any filling in the rear, but deferred that question to a later meeting when the civil engineer for the project would be able to weigh in.
Abutter Edward Smith of Salem Street said that he had concerns about flooding after all the existing trees come down. He was also worried about the impact of the project on wildlife.
ZBA chairman Tom Lucey again asked that the focus remain on landscape and architecture while offering assurances that the other issues will be addressed when the hearing turns to site/civil matters.
Kevin Geaney, a consultant representing the commercial property on nearby Nablus Road, said that he shared the concerns regarding drainage.
Lucey asked McGrail when his team would be ready to discuss the site/civil aspects of the project.
McGrail asked that the hearing be continued to June 25 to allow time for revisions to the site and drainage plan to be provided to Town Engineer for his review feedback.
The ZBA violated to continue the hearing to June 25.