Planning Ahead: Top of The Lake - my 4/23 letter to the ZBA

Here's the text of my letter sent today to the ZBA:

Zoning Board of Appeals

Town of Wakefield

RE: Proposed development plans under review at 200 Quannapowitt Parkway

Dear Chairperson Hatfield and the entire Board:

Thank you for beginning the review of development plans and permitting for the 200 Quannapowitt Parkway site. As a town member, I am interested in the proposed overall redevelopment plan in terms of its consistency with our town master plan, housing production and open space plan as well as the overall environmental, traffic and municipal impacts.

My questions and observations are based on information from current and previous public meetings; I have not had the opportunity to view the plans at town hall. I acknowledge the developer’s property rights and good intentions to work with town and abutters to build a mixed-use property which is attractive and a welcome addition to our community. This site is a critical gateway into town and will significantly impact our town’s crown jewel-, most immediately in terms of public views, access and usage of the Lake. Longer term as a gateway, we want to encourage the most attractive, sustainable, and inclusive development as possible.

· What percentage of the residential units will be affordable? I strongly urge a minimum of 25%.

· To what extent is this mixed-use and consistent with town plans?

· Any special or other permitting should require development to the highest LEED or Enterprise Green/Passive House standards. To what extent is this indicated in the plans?

· What will be the components of a complete stormwater management system? How do the plans minimize impervious surfaces? How will this address snow storage, removal and water treatment?

· What climate resiliency features are incorporated into site and building plans?

· How will this proposal minimize and remediate negative impacts to existing wetlands?

· What will the building elevations/heights? The extent of fill required is unclear.

· What factors were used to calculate the traffic impacts? What features are proposed to reduce car traffic generated by these new units?

· The new buildings will create additional traffic and runoff along North Avenue and Main Street outside of the site. What will this added impact be and how will it impact current and future town projects to green the Lake and prevent additional lake pollution?

I also encourage posting as much information as pdf’s for remote public access given social distancing concerns. Thank you for consideration of these points and for working in collaboration with other town boards for the betterment of Wakefield. I appreciate your service.

Sincerely,

Theo Noell

8 Fernwood Road, Wakefield