The lengthy wooden bridge access (shading valuable wetlands) to and from the proposed Baywatch Realty Trust (40B) property on Route 105/Front Street in Marion was eliminated from the revised plans presented on Thursday at the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.
The presentation by Kenneth Steen, of Kenneth Steen Real Estate Inc. and Edward Gless, Existing Grade, representing Baywatch Realty Trust, shows a revised plan eliminating the bridge and presenting a new access, adjacent to the Wave Restaurant recently acquired from owner Todd Zell. The revised plans show an access point coming in and on property adjacent to the restaurant parking area, now in a wooded area. None of the existing parking of the Wave Restaurant would be impacted by the project.
The other substantial change in plans was the roadway in, out, and through the proposed development. The previous roadway varied from 22 feet to 24 feet. At issue was whether a 49-foot ladder fire truck could make its way through the complex, with the existing landscape design, as presented, in an effective and timely manner. The new design has the entire project having a 24-foot street width.
“We needed to have a full 24-foot street width and a 100-foot radius for fire trucks that could handle a fire in the area with this density,” Building Inspector Scott Shippee said. “I’m glad to see that you’ve addressed this concern.”
During the 14-year effort to develop the 40B Baywatch Realty Trust property, the Marion Conservation Commission, along with residents, were dismayed by the wetlands that would be shuttered from sunlight by the length of the bridge.
“A wood bridge of that size was not a good option,” said Shippee said. “This is a better proposal, if the radius of the fire truck is addressed and the landscaping on the turn is also modified to not interfere with the height of the truck which would turn at that bend.”
The public is welcome to view the plans, which contain considerable changes, at the Marion Town House or at the meeting and weigh in and provide comments on the proposed 92-unit development, which will take shape after permits are approved.
At issue was whether the changes presented were substantial or insubstantial. Marion ZBA Chair Eric Pierce deemed them substantial, prompting a public hearing to be held on July 25 at 7:45 pm at the Town House. The audience applauded his and the board’s decision to see the final proposed plans, with the landscape, roadway, and other issues discussed in a final plan to be presented to the Marion Conservation Commission for final approval.
In discussing another item, the board agreed to continue a request by Kathleen Mahoney, 40 Dexter Rd., until July 25.
Elsewhere on the agenda, the board continued the application for a Special Permit for Matthew Stelmach Jr. who applied to the ZBA to allow the construction of a sunroom and garage addition at 5 Spinnaker Ln. The request was continued to July 25.
By Joan Hartnett-Barry
