*Revised* Planning Board Meeting
Planning Board reviewed architecture for the Rocky Hill development (north and south neighborhoods) and discussed open-space, trail, and utilities review; the Board approved the site plan/special-permit draft decision for 2–4 Elmwood Street; applications for an ADU at 84 Congress St. and a six-unit historic renovation at 29 Water St. were discussed and continued for further review.
The Planning Board meeting focused on design and permitting updates for several development projects. The Rocky Hill development team presented updated architecture for the north and south neighborhoods (building types, materials, balconies, dormers, amenity buildings and palette) and described design review committee input; board members and DRC representatives discussed rhythm of dormers, façade articulation, side elevations, and preservation of detail versus simplification. Applicants reported ongoing technical review (VHB peer review expected), DPW/fire comments in process, and intent to file a definitive subdivision. Open-space and trail layout, trail buffers within wetland buffers, potential connections to adjacent properties and the regional trail network, and snow-management and parking/alleys issues were discussed at length.
Public comment included a Coastal Trails Coalition request to widen and upgrade the Elm Street/animal-hospital sidewalk connection to an 8-foot shared-use path and to improve the signalized crossing, and to upgrade the project perimeter trail surfacing to stone dust to make it accessible. Neighbors raised site-specific concerns at other hearings: abutters to 2–4 Elmwood asked about setbacks, impact on light/privacy, mature tree protection, and emergency egress; the Board discussed tree protection, requirement for final landscape plan approval by staff, and conditions (including a recorded historic preservation restriction) that must be satisfied. The Board approved the staff draft decision for 2–4 Elmwood Street (vote 5–0 with 1 abstention). Other applications — Rocky Hill Development, 84 Congress Street (ADU), and 29 Water Street (historic renovation to six units) — remained under review and were continued for further technical and historic/conservation review and coordination (next review dates referenced).
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