This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
07/28/2017 12:00 AMPending the approval of a special exemption from the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC), a new, mixed-used development could be coming to the intersection of Hemingway and Dodge avenues.
Attorney Timothy Lee, who represents the owners of 75, 83, and 93 Hemingway Avenue, said at a public hearing on July 5 that there is a total of 4.51 acres on the property, and 71 proposed age restricted (55+) units, as well as two commercial buildings.
One of the commercial buildings would be 6,175 square feet and would be used for retail space, and the other building would be 4,500 square feet and would be used for medical offices. Lee said that offering those types of services would make it attractive for people in the complex. The commercial portion will be in front with the residential units in the rear of the property.
In a discussion after the meeting, Lee said he believes the retail space will be used as a small grocery or convenience store so that potential residents would be easily able to purchase items that they would need. He said that, coupled with the potential medical offices, would help create a self-contained environment for the property.
Bob Mangino, architect for the project, said at the hearing that he thinks the architectural design fits the character of the neighborhood. He said the residential portion would be a three story slab-on-grade, with a community area on the first floor.
The building also plans to have a solar energy system on both the residential and commercial portions. Lee said the reason behind that was to stay environmentally conscious, and to make the building more economical.
Lee said the current owners acquired the property about a year ago and have been before the PZC previously. At one point, 146 units of housing were approved with no commercial portion, and Lee said that since the residential portion has been decreased by half, therefore the density has been decreased by half.
Jim Galligan, engineer for the project, said at the hearing that most recently, the number of units was reduced from 76 units to 71 to decrease the size of the building. The reason was to leave a buffer zone from the coastal jurisdiction line to satisfy Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) requirements.
There was some question at the hearing if the proposed development had addressed some concerns from DEEP. At the hearing, Lee said yes, and in a follow-up afterward said the engineer has been in contact with DEEP, and Lee doesn’t foresee any problems.
It was brought up at the hearing that an adjacent property was concerned about stormwater runoff and the magnitude of the project, but Lee said that he is willing to talk anyone who wishes to discuss the nature of the application.
One of the reasons Lee said the location is a good one for the development is that Hemingway Avenue is a “major thoroughfare” in town, and that elderly housing is permitted in that district.
No decision was made about the exemption at the July 5 meeting, and the public hearing will remain open until the Wednesday, Aug. 2 PZC meeting to allow for public comment.