During permit review, community members scrutinize plans for new Waterbury apartments
Street view of the proposed apartments at 51 S. Main St. in Waterbury. Image courtesy of gbArchitecture
Shannon Flaherty reported this story on assignment from The Waterbury Roundabout. The Community News Service is a program in which University of Vermont students work with professional editors to provide content for local news outlets at no cost.
Waterbury residents expressed concerns to the Development Review Board recently about the design of a three-story 26-unit apartment building proposed for 51 South Main Street.
As part of the application for a conditional use permit, representatives from GBA Architecture in Montpelier and Downstreet Housing & Community Development updated the board at its Sept. 6 meeting on plans for the building. They said they have made design changes to address community questions about drainage and the scale and look of the complex to better fit with the character of the town’s historic district.
Downstreet is a nonprofit that builds and manages affordable rental housing for mixed-income residents. The Barre-based organization owns and runs three apartment complexes in Waterbury, two in downtown and one in Waterbury Center. It has proposed the three-story building at 51 S. Main St. to include four studios, 17 single-bedroom apartments and five two-bedroom units. Architects and developers told the board that they have refined the front of the building and designed a new setback, so the structure is in line with neighboring properties.
Nonetheless, several neighbors who spoke at the meeting remained skeptical. The complex would sit on what is currently a parking lot and was for years before Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 the site of the town and village offices. The building was destroyed by flooding and voters last fall approved selling the property to Downstreet to construct housing.
At the recent permit review hearing, downtown resident Katya d’Angelo said that the firm’s rendering of the building looks like a “great marketing image” but doesn’t necessarily reflect how it would align with the historical character of the neighborhood. Several other audience members described the design as somewhat “modern and industrial.”
Residents of Randall Street whose properties back up to 51 S. Main St. asked about details pertaining to the rear portion of the project. Lucy Ely Pagan asked about screening and landscaping and Karol Smith wanted to know about trash containers and removal of a tree that provides shade in her yard. Anne Imhoff who lives next door to the site asked about cars idling in the parking area and a project representative said “no idling” signs could be posted to discourage that.
Developers have planned for 30 parking spaces, front and back porches, and a landscaping plan that adds year-round color to the property. The plan also calls for removing a few crabapples and other trees. They would keep a maple tree and art installation on the site, and add a wooden privacy fence behind the building. A board member questioned whether the landscaping would include adequate recreational space such as room where residents might be able to have barbecue grills and for children to play in addition to the area allocated to parking.
Chris Balzano, a GBA architect on the project, told the board and residents at the meeting that architects have worked closely with a historical design consultant from Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, a large East Coast engineering firm with offices in South Burlington. On its website, Montpelier-based GBA Architecture touts its experience with new construction that blends into historic areas.
In an interview the day after the meeting, Downstreet’s Director of Real Estate Development Nicola Anderson explained that building materials will help the complex blend in with neighboring historical buildings, including a brick facade that will match the type and height of the commercial office space next door.
The developers said they will continue to take feedback from the community during the permitting review process and remain open to making design changes based on that feedback, she added.
Board members asked questions regarding drainage on the site. Architects described the system of ground catch basins to collect water from the building and on the site to direct it to the existing storm drain system. There is some work still being done to determine whether an existing line to connect to the municipal water system can be used or if it will need to be moved based on the building design and the line’s location that runs under a concrete slab. GBA Architecture has applied for permits to tear out the sidewalk to create new water and sewage connections if needed. Project designers said they have not yet determined if that will be necessary.
A board member asked whether Waterbury residents would have priority renting in the new complex. Anderson said Downstreet Housing would work with local agencies to prioritize town residents while following federal fair housing practices.
Other details project officials noted included that renters will have access to a mailroom, a laundry area and a bike rack, as well as free, unassigned parking.
The Development Review Board will continue its review of the project at its Oct. 4 meeting. Developers said they hope to begin construction next summer.
The project permit application and design details are posted on the Development Review Board page where board agendas and minutes also can be found.
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