TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD (DRB) MINUTES
March 1, 2023
KILBURN MEETING ROOM
Board Attendees: Tim Waker, John Watanabe, Ray Ferrarin, Cathy Stewart
Staff Attendees: Assistant Zoning Administrator Peter Brabazon
Public Attendees: Ron Rodriquez, Karen Geriak, Frank Parent ( LTE) Michael & Carolina Ellenbogen
Public Attendees via zoom: Jason Keener and Frank Parent (LTE)
Brabazon initiated recording. Waker called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Minutes of the February 1, 2023, Meeting.
Ferrarin motioned to approve the minutes. Stewart seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0.
Karen Geriak & Adam Dworkin, 4645,4697,4709 Main Street, Preliminary Site Plan review for 6 new parking spaces. Application 2023-01-01, Tax Map ID 31-50-35.02 & 31-50-37.00
The applicant proposes to add a total of six new parking spaces at the end of the driveway. The location is proposed to be opposite and behind 4709 Main Street (aka Mattress Firm). The application provided a draft plat plan by Ryan Downey LS from Point of Beginning Land Surveying and Consulting. The site plan does not indicate anything beyond the location of the six new parking spaces and property boundary lines as well as the centerline of the existing driveway. Initial reports indicate that the location may be rather steep and would need to have additional support structures added to maintain grades. Applicant should be willing to supply additional information to support the change in grade and what mitigation practices they will employ to keep stormwater from creating any additional drainage issues.
Adam Dworkin & Karen Geriak gave a brief overview of the project for the six new parking spaces. The plan is to lower the grade and install some retaining walls. However, based on the current submission there was not enough information to make any determination.
The applicant was asked if they would be able to stake out the location and indicate how the grade may be changed. The applicant said that he would be modeling their proposal to be similar to that installed at Dunkin Donuts. Ferrarin asked what the time frame for a start date was? The applicant said that they wish to start the project sometime in the spring.
Frank Parent of Long Trail Engineering (LTE) will provide site plan for the proposal.
The Board proposed a site visit for February 8th at 9 AM
Manchester Riverwalk, Inc. Depot Street Bridge, Preliminary Review Site Plan for new pedestrian bridge, Application 2023-01-04.00, Tax Map ID 32-52-25.00
Catherine Stewart has been involved with the Manchester Riverwalk project and has recused herself from the decision on the application.
Stephen Drunsic presented an overview of the pedestrian bridge. This project is designed to add some additional vibrancy to the downtown area. After two years of negotiation Manchester Riverwalk has been able to put together a right of way along north side of the Berkshire bank location.
The Select Board and Manchester Riverwalk currently have a Memo of understanding that allows for the development and construction of the bridge and ultimately turn the asset over to the Town of Manchester for ownership. The bridge is designed to be very low maintenance and would need to be maintained by Town resources. The Town Green walkways are currently maintained by the Town and the expectation is that the town sidewalk machine could be used to clear the snow in the winter.
The expected useful life of the bridge is approximately 50 to 75 years. The
The bridge is very stable and is 110 feet long and 8 feet wide this provides adequate room for
two couples and a stroller to pass without being cramped.
Army corps of Engineers permit is not required because the abutments are well above the
Flood Waters, therefore has no impact on the stream embankments.
The DPW and Rescue squad would need to give us a letter of service.
The IPE wood scheduled to be the decking for the bridge is highly recommended by the bridge
manufacturer. Jason Keener went through the sketches and the details of the
bridge and materials proposed. Lighting will be proposed will match existing lighting on the
Green and lighting on underside of toe kick.
Ferrarin asked, are you looking to be fully funded prior to the start of the project? The project
will not be started until they are fully funded.
The site visit is set for February 8, 2023 at 9:30 AM meeting at the Factory Point Green.
Ellenbogen Gallery LLC, 4620 Main Street, Site and design plan review for non-commercial addition with waiver. Application 2022-11-117, Tax Map ID 31-50-26.00.
Ferrarin made a motion to close the regular meeting and move to a closed deliberative session. The motion was seconded by Watanabe and the motion carried 4-0
The Board had the decision for the Ellenbogen Gallery prepared and went in to closed deliberative session. 8:10
___________________________________________ _____________________________
For the Development Review Board Date