Revised Mann Chemical plans reviewed by School Comm.
Published on November 18th, 1998
STONEHAM, MA - In preparation for their meeting with the Zoning Board of Appeals, the owners of the former Mann Chemical property presented another version of the plan for an office building next door to the Middle School to the School Committee last Thursday night.
Though initially surprised with some of the changes to the plan from its last review, the School Committee approved the latest version that increases green space, despite not living up to what was expected in additional Middle School parking.
In order to accommodate increased parking at the school, property owners Norma and Jeff Cataldo, of KLKM, LLC, altered the original design for their property at 103-105 Central Street. That design is contingent on ZBA approval of variances.
The revised plan shows the building being moved north on the property, a move that increases green space and eliminates the need for one variance.
In moving the building, however, another variance to the north side setback will be needed, as the building will now lie just five feet from the railroad right of way. A variance for the rear setback is also needed.
Charles Houghton, attorney for the owners, stated that, in reviewing the plan with the Building Inspector for presentation to the ZBA, the decision to move the building was considered essential in order to free up additional green space on the Middle School side. The move additionally serves to increase public safety by separating the office building driveway from the Middle School driveway by over 100 feet.
"We really felt that the two buildings needed to be separated by green space," stated Houghton. "We figured the Board of Appeals would not be too happy with the elimination of all green space."
ZBA approval of the plan is critical to the School Committee since it will gain additional parking that the property owners are legally under no obligation to provide. Because of the Cataldo's interest in working with the School Committee in a mutually satisfying agreement, last month's Town Meeting warrant article for the town acquisition of the Cataldo's land was indefinitely postponed.
The downside to this latest revision, however, is the reduction in parking spaces for the Middle School. Following discussion on the previous plan at the last School Committee meeting, 46 Middle School parking spaces were determined to be granted to the School Department from the Cataldo's. The plan presented on Thursday showed approximately 41 spaces due to the increased green space.
Committee member Marie Christie stated she was disappointed in the reduction of parking spaces from last review.
"The Building Committee and School Committee were in agreement...they agreed to a plan that would give them (46 spaces)," she said.
"We're doing the best we can without eliminating all the green space," replied Houghton. His clients, he reminded the committee, would also incur a loss of approximately nine parking spaces, down to a total of 143.
"It's a trade-off," stated Jeff Cataldo. "If we eliminate the green space, we'll hurt the area."
Committee Vice Chairman Jeanne Craigie favored the increased green space, however. "I hear what Marie is saying...(but) I think they've taken a big leap in moving the building."
School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Connelly suggested that an area behind the Middle School, previously intended to remain as green space, be considered for parking use to make up for those lost in this latest revision.
The plan's engineer stated that it might be possible to put back two of the lost Middle School parking spaces in the rear of the lot.
"I'm extremely pleased with the additional buffer zone," stated Connelly. "I'm disappointed that we lost those spaces, but hopeful that well make up some," he added.
The committee voted 3-1 in favor of the revised plan, with Christie in opposition.
Houghton stated that School Committee support would be appreciated at the December 3 ZBA hearing.
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