Technical Review Committee
TRC voted unanimously to support the site plan and special permit for 26 Friend St., requiring coordination with OCED and DPW and submission of a Construction Management and Mitigation Plan (CMMP) to TRC before construction.
The Technical Review Committee reviewed the site plan and special permit application for 26 Friend St. TRC members and staff (DPW, Fire, OCED, DRC) provided detailed comments on utilities, sprinkler requirements, sewer inspection, parking access and easements, snow storage/removal, dumpster/tote access, curbwork, drainage/runoff in the rear alley, fence height, and building entry/backsplash details. The applicant representatives confirmed they will scope the sewer, size services for sprinklers, revisit curbing to allow vehicle access, identify snow storage on the plan, and explore grade/surface solutions for alley drainage. OCED and DRC discussed a fluid, public-private approach to improving the adjacent park and ideas to activate the park edge, such as wrapping windows and potential outdoor dining; the mayor has funding for some park work but any park improvements require city permission and coordination.
Following discussion, TRC moved and voted to support the project with conditions: the applicant must meet with OCED and DPW to coordinate park, parking, improvements, and utilities prior to issuance of a building permit, and the Planning Board must require that a Construction Management and Mitigation Plan (CMMP) — covering staging, parking, schedule, and snow removal — be submitted to TRC prior to construction. The Fire Department noted additional requirements including a sprinkler and a 3-foot FDC accessway and requested a safety plan. OCED will provide the CMMP template and a preconstruction meeting will be scheduled after Planning Board approval.