6 10 26 WO PB Draft Minutes

bility and the pedestrian environment. ○ Mr, Jarmel highlights the site's proximity to retail and restaurants, which he says are less than a quarter-mile west. ○ The surrounding area also includes the zoo, arena, and park ○ He believes the site's access to public transportation and nearby retail makes it possible for residents commuting into the city to live without necessarily owning a car. ○ He also notes that Sheridan Avenue is treated as a front yard because the property is a corner lot. ○ The proposed Sheridan setback is approximately 25 feet. ○ The existing restaurant extends beyond that setback line, while the proposed building is essentially at the setback line. - Ms. Moore confirms that all amenity spaces are intended for residents and that affordable and market-rate residents will have equal access.

9 ○ Mr. Jarmel confirms there will be no distinction in amenity access based on affordability. ○ Affordable and market-rate units will have the same general finishes and amenities, with differences limited to factors such as rent, unit sizes, and unit mix. ○ Units will include built-in washers and dryers and similar HVAC systems. ○ Mr. Jarmel confirms that the project will not use P-TECH HVAC units, addressing a planner's earlier question. ○ Exterior grills will be colored to match the building's finished materials so they blend into the façade. - Mr. Jarmel explains the proposed rooftop HVAC equipment: ○ Most apartments will have individual/unitary HVAC systems capable of heating, cooling, and bringing in outside air for ventilation. ○ The exact equipment has not yet been finalized, but Mr. Jarmel confirms it will not be a P-TECH system. ○ If a split system is used, the apartment would contain the furnace and air handler, while a condensing unit would be located on the roof. ○ The roof plan currently shows approximately 95 condensing units. ○ These units are expected to be approximately 2.5–3 feet high and will be hidden behind the parapet. ○ Additional air-handling equipment may be needed for corridor and commercial- space ventilation. ○ Such equipment has not yet been finalized but is expected to be approximately 4 feet high and positioned centrally on the roof so it will be screened by the parapets and not visible from ground level. - Ms. Moore asks Mr. Jarmel to describe security measures separating the small retail component from the residential portion. ○ The project contains one approximately 1,250-square-foot retail space with its own entrance directly from the Northfield side. ○ Eight parking spaces are designated for visitors and retail users. ○ Those spaces are covered and accessible from Northfield but are located before the controlled residential garage gates. ○ Visitors can park there and then walk to the retail entrance or residential lobby. ○ The residential lobby includes a vestibule and electronic visitor-call system allowing residents to be contacted and visitors to be buzzed in. ○ A package room is located near the lobby, with delivery personnel such as Amazon and FedEx drivers receiving controlled card access. ○ The mailroom provides access for the postal service. ○ Stair doors are controlled by card access so unauthorized people cannot

nnel such as Amazon and FedEx drivers receiving controlled card access. ○ The mailroom provides access for the postal service. ○ Stair doors are controlled by card access so unauthorized people cannot freely enter the residential floors from the garage. ○ A secondary elevator lobby on the east side is accessible only from inside the parking garage and has a dedicated elevator. ○ Vehicles entering the garage from Northfield encounter an entry gate controlled by tenant proximity readers. ○ Only tenants or authorized individuals with security credentials can enter the secured garage. ○ Once inside, residents can access secured stairwells or elevator lobbies. - Mr. Moore notes that Mr. Gomes has incorporated similar security and safety measures in other apartment buildings in Essex County. ○ Mr. Jarmel estimates that Mr. Gomes may own more than 1,000 apartment units

10 ○ Mr. Jarmel confirms that similar security systems and amenities, including Zen Gardens, have been used in Mr. Gomes's other buildings. ○ Mr. Jarmel considers the proposed amenity package more than sufficient for the size and type of the building and describes it as a high-end offering with substantial resident amenities. BOARD QUESTIONS - Chairman Bagoff asks whether a green roof could be incorporated, particularly with plants or small shrubs around the perimeter to improve the view from Northfield and for neighbors to the north. Mr. Jarmel says a green roof was not considered in the original design. He states that he believes the client would consider it if the Board recommended it, noting that he is working on other buildings for the client that incorporate green-roof features. - Chairman Bagoff asks about a fire-safety room and confirms that the building will be sprinklered. Mr. Jarmel confirms that the building will have sprinklers. He explains that a dedicated fire command center is not required by building code for a low-rise building of this type. However, if the Board and fire department consider such a room important, Mr. Jarmel says it could be accommodated in the main lobby. ○ Mr. Jarmel explains that the building code already requires the fire stairs to function as areas of refuge. ○ The five fire stairs are fire-rated and designed to remain safe for a longer period during a fire. - Chairman Bagoff asks how building height is calculated and whether the measurement uses sea level or an average between the high and low points of Northfield. Mr. Jarmel explains the project's civil engineers calculated the average grade according to the ordinance's criteria. The resulting average grade is elevation 393.54 feet above sea level. Building height is then measured from that average grade to the top of the roof. - Chairman Bagoff asks whether the faux green wall could instead be a real living green wall. Mr. Jarmel says the applicant can discuss that possibility with the applicant but expresses concern about the maintenance requirements of a living wall. ○ The Chair suggests a compromise: using living plants on the lower portion closest to the roadway and faux greenery above, where maintenance would be easier while still producing a blended appearance. ○ Mr. Jarmel asks to defer the issue so that Mr. Gomes can address the Board directly regarding the

d faux greenery above, where maintenance would be easier while still producing a blended appearance. ○ Mr. Jarmel asks to defer the issue so that Mr. Gomes can address the Board directly regarding the design decision. - Mr. Guarino asks why the county required removal of the deceleration lane along Northfield Avenue. Mr. Jarmel says he did not personally meet with the county and therefore cannot explain the reason. He states that civil engineer Anthony Faccino met with county representatives and could return to answer the question. - Mr. Guarino asks about the mechanical operation in the underground parking lot. Mr. Jarmel explains that the underground parking will use mechanical vertical stackers, with two parking spaces stacked vertically. The system is operated by a push button. The traffic engineer will provide more detailed testimony regarding the proper operation of the mechanical parking system. - Mr. Guarino asks if the parking spaces will be assigned to residents. Mr. Jarmel explained the mechanical parking spaces will be assigned to particular apartments and will not be shared with other residents - Mr. Guarino asks about fire department access to the roof and whether firefighters will have a way to enter the building from the roof and reach the floors below. Mr. Jarmel

11 states that the roof access will comply with the applicable building code. He adds that if the Fire Department wants something beyond the minimum code requirements, the applicant can provide it. - Mayor McCartney asks about the parking entrances and access for residents and visitors. Mr. Jarmel confirms that the easterly driveway is intended for residents only. The westerly entrance includes eight spaces for visitors and/or retail users - Mayor McCartney confirms that there will be no vehicle ingress or egress onto Sheridan Avenue. Mr. Jarmel confirms that there will be no vehicle access to Sheridan Avenue - Mayor McCartney asks about green features beyond the EV parking spaces. Mr. Jarmel says ○ The roof would use either a white roof or an EPDM/TPO roof. ■ He states that this would help reduce the heat-island effect because the existing property is almost entirely blacktop. ○ Modern mechanical equipment will comply with current energy and refrigerant requirements. ○ The building will use highly efficient LED lighting. ○ Each apartment will have its own HVAC system, allowing residents greater control and improving building controls. - Mayor McCartney asks whether the applicant has determined what will occupy the approximately 1,200-square-foot retail space. Mr. Jarmel says there have been some thoughts and ideas regarding the retail use. No specific retail tenant has been identified at this point. - Council President Scarpa asks whether more trees and greenery can be incorporated in front of the building. Mr. Jarmel says the answer is yes and explains that the rendering did not accurately show all of the landscaping proposed. Significant foundation plantings are proposed along the front of the building. No new trees are currently proposed along Northfield because the county may need to approve them. Trees are proposed along Sheridan, as well as at the corner near Northfield - Mr. Klein asks about the sidewalk and curb treatment. Mr. Klein says he does not object to eliminating a grass strip between the curb and sidewalk because road salt tends to kill grass during the winter. He suggests using a more durable material, such as a rock strip, in that area. Mr. Jarmel says the applicant can consider that suggestion. - Mr. Klein asks about the distance between the proposed building and nearby property identified as Lot 81. Mr. Jarmel displays Google

area. Mr. Jarmel says the applicant can consider that suggestion. - Mr. Klein asks about the distance between the proposed building and nearby property identified as Lot 81. Mr. Jarmel displays Google Maps/Street View imagery to illustrate the relationship between the proposed building and the existing homes along Sheridan. He points out that the existing homes have retaining walls and that the terrain becomes steep very quickly - Mr. Klein asks whether additional trees will be planted in the area shown on the plan. Mr. Jarmel confirms that additional trees, including evergreens, are proposed. ○ Ms. Moore and Ms. McGovern discuss marking the Google Street View images as an exhibit. ○ The images are to be marked as Exhibit A4, consisting of Google Earth/Street View freeze frames showing the house and rear side as discussed during the testimony. - Council President Scarpa asks what type and size of trees are proposed. Mr. Jarmel says many of the proposed trees are junipers. The proposed red cedar junipers will be approximately 8 to 10 feet tall. - Mr. Klein asks whether very large transplanted trees may have a lower survival rate than smaller trees, such as trees with a 2- or 3-inch caliper. Mr. Jarmel agrees that this can be

12 the case. He states that the proposed trees are already substantial at approximately 8 feet tall. He cautions that trees should not be planted too close together. ○ Ms. Moore reiterates that the project includes the proposed buffer and that the applicant will meet with the municipal forester regarding the trees, buffer, and residential character of the site. - Mr. Cardoza asks about the operation of the building's lobby. Mr. Jarmel states the lobby will be unmanned and will not have a concierge. - Mr. Cardoza asks about package deliveries and whether there will be restrictions on delivery hours. Mr. Jarmel states the lobby will remain accessible 24 hours a day to authorized users. Delivery personnel who are authorized to enter the building will be able to obtain access as needed. - Mr. Cardoza asks where delivery vans such as UPS or postal vehicles are expected to park. Mr. Jarmel says delivery vehicles are not intended to park on Sheridan. Delivery vehicles should use the eight visitor spaces located off Northfield - Mr. Cardoza asks about deliveries to the proposed retail space. The retail space is approximately 1,250 square feet. Mr. Jarmel expects deliveries to be made by relatively small vehicles such as vans. - Mr. Cardoza asks whether a delivery van would have enough room to maneuver if the parking area were occupied. Mr. Jarmel says the project provides a 24-foot-wide drive aisle. He states that a standard delivery van should be able to make a K-turn within the drive aisle - Mr. Cardoza asks whether delivery companies will be instructed not to stop on Northfield in front of the retail space. Mr. Jarmel says the applicant can provide directions to companies such as Amazon, UPS, and FedEx regarding where deliveries should occur. He acknowledges, however, that actually enforcing where delivery vehicles stop can become an enforcement issue. - Mr. Cardoza asks a question regarding roof access for the fire department. Mr. Jarmel explains that the building code does not require a stairway to the roof and that the plans show roof hatches. ○ Mr. Cardoza notes that the local fire department prefers stair access, and Mr. Jarmel says that the project could accommodate stairs if necessary. - Mr. Cardoza asks about the three parking spaces outside Parking Entrance A and whether they would be assigned to residents or used for visitors and retail overflow. Mr.

ommodate stairs if necessary. - Mr. Cardoza asks about the three parking spaces outside Parking Entrance A and whether they would be assigned to residents or used for visitors and retail overflow. Mr. Jarmel explains that the spaces would primarily be assigned to residents. If they are not needed for residents, they could instead be used as overflow parking. - Mr. Cardoza asks about the width of the parking entrance. Mr. Jarmel explains that it is approximately 25.9 feet wide at its narrowest point and approximately 27 feet wide where it comes in from the road. - Mr. Cardoza asks about security measures and whether security personnel would be provided since there would not be a concierge. Mr. Jarmel explains that the lobby vestibule would have card-controlled access. The outer door could remain open, while the inner door would remain locked. A virtual concierge/intercom system would allow visitors to contact a resident in the building. The resident could remotely buzz the visitor into the building or come down to let the visitor in. - Mr. Cardoza asks whether the project would have sufficient security cameras. Mr. Jarmel says it definitely would. - Mr. Cardoza asks whether the camera data would be stored off-site with sufficient storage, and Mr. Jarmel indicates that the system would provide the necessary security coverage and storage.

13 - Ms. Kapferer asks what consideration has been given to the timing of the entry gate to ensure that vehicles can enter the property without creating backups onto Northfield. Mr. Jarmel defers the question to the traffic engineer, who can address gate timing and related traffic issues. - Ms. Kapferer asks whether the sidewalk, grass, and planting areas along Northfield and Sheridan were designed with consideration of matching or mirroring the treatment at a similar building across from Cody Arena. Mr. Jarmel says that he did not personally make that comparison and suggests that the civil engineer who previously testified may have addressed it. - Ms. Kapferer asks about the elevation along Sheridan, noting that the roadway has a significant slope, and asks how the first floor would appear from the street and whether portions of it would be obscured. Mr. Jarmel presents the Sheridan elevation and explains that Sheridan is relatively flat toward the northern portion of the site before becoming very steep farther up the road. He states that the project's elevation identified as 00 is approximately 9.5 feet below the average grade at the main front door. Mr. Jarmel explains that the entire lower portion of the building would be faced in brick. Near Northfield, where the Zen Garden and amenity spaces are located, there would be windows and decorative metal grills. The decorative grills would be open toward the parking area but would screen the cars from view. A series of doors would also be provided, including doors associated with the building's egress stair. - Ms. Kapferer asks whether the doors shown along the lower level would be at grade. Mr. Jarmel confirms that they would open out to grade. - Mr. Cardoza asks whether AED devices would be provided in the building. Mr. Jarmel says he had not previously testified about AED devices but believes the applicant could readily accommodate them. - Mr. Cardoza asks what number or placement would be appropriate. Chairman Bagoff recommends having an AED on every floor. - Mr. Cardoza asks about providing an AED in the garage as well. Chairman Bagoff suggests that AEDs would be more appropriate in the gym or amenity areas rather than specifically in the garage. - Mr. Cardoza asks whether a column appears to be located on the culvert near the EV parking area. Mr. Jarmel identifies the columns on the plan and adds that