Hull's Hometown News Source Since 1930
By Dolores Sauca-Lorusso
Although some concerns have been raised about the redevelopment of the former Atlantic Aquarium property into residential units, the developer said the plans are being modified to reflect the suggestions of the planning board and the design review board.
REVISED LOOK. After meeting with the town’s design review board, the developer of the proposed Residences at the Aquarium development at 120 Nantasket Ave. modified the street-level wall to include plantings and a more open design. The first level of the building will be used for parking. [Courtesy photo]
Jonathan Leavitt, a principal of 120 Nantasket Avenue LLC, said abutters want to see the current “eyesore” erased and the charm of the neighborhood restored. His Residences at the Aquarium proposal calls for 21 units in a new four-story building.
Chris DiIorio, director of community development and planning, said abutters have expressed concern “regarding the dangerous condition of the existing building and its attraction to criminal behavior.”
Leavitt, a Brookline architect and developer, said he was happy to incorporate suggestions of the design review board into the plans.
“The plans are better as a result of the design review board’s input and I appreciate their comments,” said Leavitt.
He said the design review board made suggestions about treatment of the façade of the building, as well as the back side and garage. Their ideas include landscaping and lighting.
“When incorporating the comments of the design committee, the garage is much more approachable and less foreboding,” he said. “The garage wall goes up about 40 inches. It is possible to see in and out. There are quite a few openings. The garage is bordered by plantings in the ground and vines going up the wall. Based on comments received, we are also making a photogrammetric plan to address lighting on the site diagram.”
Some additional issues raised include keeping State Park Road open during construction, project density, traffic, flooding, environmental impacts, and whether the building would be rentals or condominiums.
The primary concern of Marie Schleiff, an abutter on State Park Road, is developing the right type of building on the property and constructing it based on current regulations.
“I don’t want to be seen as an obstructionist, but I want to be sure whatever is built there is something that fits the local area and enhances the property,” said Schleiff.
The longtime resident expressed her concern that many areas of the project such as traffic, density, and environmental concerns need to be looked at more deeply, especially regarding any types of grandfathering considerations.
“I have lived in Hull for over 25 years. I know the problems with seawater and what happens when there is a storm,” said Schleiff. “And the area is already plagued by traffic and parking congestion.”
Although she wants a positive outcome for the site, Schleiff questioned whether it is truly feasible to have a four story 21-unit building on a half-acre of land bordering state Department of Conservation and Recreation property.
“We are doing everything to comply to all ordinances in the Nantasket Beach Overlay District,” Leavitt said. “State Park Road will definitely remain open. The building is not in a floodplain, but it is ‘wet floodproofed,’ which far exceeds standards by state codes.
“The preference for the building is condos, but the possibility of some rentals can’t be ruled out,” he added.
DiIorio said that concerns about stormwater are being reviewed by the town’s engineering consultant; however, reports had not yet been received. Leavitt added that the engineering consultant is clarifying such civil issues as groundwater collection and roof runoff because the plans did not show gutter placement.
The planning board was scheduled to resume its hearing on the project after the Times’ deadline this week; watch next week’s edition for an update.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! CLICK HERE
Click here for the latest schedule of town government meetings.
Annual Town Meeting
Is scheduled for May 1, 2023. Click here for details on how to submit a citizens petition for the warrant.
• Christmas Tree Pickup is under way! Click here for the schedule and full details!
• See for yourself! Your town government meetings are broadcast on Hull Community Television. Click here for the full schedule.
• Updates on the road paving projects going on throughout Hull
• The Atlantic Avenue reconstruction project
• Best Educational Use of School Facilities Study & Updates
• Town Departments at Work: The role of each part of your local government
• Summer Guide 2022
Use the links below to submit your news to us or email: news@hulltimes.com
Press Release
Letter to the Editor
Community Calendar
Obituary
Announcements
Submit a Photo
Classified Ad
To reach the advertising department: office@hulltimes.com
>Town of Hull Emergency Management Facebook Page
>Town of Hull website
> Town of Hull blog
TO SEND A NEWS ITEM:
news@hulltimes.com
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT:
office@hulltimes.com
• Town of Hull Budget
• Annual Town Reports
• 2022 Assessors Maps
• Assessed Values-Property Lookup
• Hull Zoning Bylaws and Zoning Map
• Railroad Bed Study: Final Report 1992
Copyright © 2018-2023 · All Rights Reserved
Recent Comments