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TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Department of
Community Development and Planning
STAFF REPORT
This Staff Report is a technical analysis of the submitted application material and the required
findings of the Watertown Zoning Ordinance. It is based only upon information submitted prior
to the public hearing and may be revised or updated with new recommendations, findings
and/or conditions as new information is obtained by Planning Staff during the public hearing
process.
Case #: PB-2017-01 Master Plan Site Plan Review Approval
Subject Property: 485 & 615 Arsenal Street, Arsenal Yards
Parcel ID: 1301 2 1; 1301 2 1A; 1302 2A 1; 1302 2D 2; 1301 2D 2A,
2B, 2C and 2D
Zoning District: Regional Mixed Use District (RMUD)
Owner/Petitioner(s): BP Arsenal Group LLC, 800 Boylston Street, Suite 1390, Boston,
MA 02199
Zoning Relief Sought: §5.18, RMUD (Regional Mixed Use District) Zoning District –
Final Site Plan Review for Phase 1 of Master Plan Permit PB-
2016-03
Special Permit Granting Authority: Planning Board
Site Plan Review Meeting(s): March 28, 2017
Staff Recommendation: May 5, 2017 - Conditional Approval
Planning Board Hearing: Scheduled May 10, 2017
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I. PUBLIC NOTICE (M.G.L. C. 40A, §11)
1. Procedural Summary
Petition PB-2017-01 (Site Plan Review) is scheduled to be heard by the Planning Board
(Board) on May 10, 2017. As required by M.G.L. c. 40A, sec.11 and the Watertown Zoning
Ordinance, notice was given as follows:
• Published in the Watertown Tab on April 21 and 28, 2017
• Posted at the Town Administration Building on April 14, 2017
• Mailed to Parties in Interest on April 25, 2017.
2. Legal Notice
“485, 615-1, 617 Arsenal Street - BP Arsenal Group, LLC, 800 Boylston Street, Suite 1390, Boston, MA 02199,
herein requests the Planning Board grant a Site Plan Review Approval in accordance with Watertown Zoning
Ordinance §5.18(h)(5), Final Site Plan Review, so as to retrofit Buildings A (485 Arsenal) & E (615-1 Arsenal)
to resemble their historic footprint and character and to install, grade and landscape the parking and
roadway access around these buildings. RMUD (Regional Mixed-Use District) Zoning District PB-2017-01”
II. DESCRIPTION
A. Site Characteristics
The subject property is an approximate 23-acre site fronting on Arsenal Street to the north and
Arsenal Park and ‘Little’ Greenough Boulevard to the south/southwest.
The existing site has approximately 260,000± Gross Leased Area (GLA) of retail, comprised of the
enclosed mall buildings and the Old Navy as well as Golfsmith portion of the (Home Depot)
building along Arsenal Street. The site has a main parking field facing Arsenal Street. The two
Arsenal buildings are attached with a 1980s addition that encompassed the original smaller
1800s Magazine Building, which still has one external façade facing the front parking lot of the
site.
The western portion of the site, identified as 485 Arsenal Street, includes several original one to
two-story Arsenal structures (the Arsenal Mall and two office buildings comprising Harvard
Vanguard). The site does not include a portion of a condominium development (Home Depot
and its parking field to the south), but includes the portion of that building that was Golfsmith.
The Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates office buildings (53,000± GLA of medical office space)
and its parking is not included in the redevelopment, although it is part of the overall site.
The eastern portion of the site, identified as 617 Arsenal Street, is occupied by an existing two-
story commercial building which includes a parking garage. The building includes 64,000± GLA
of retail and office space, and also is not included in the requested Master Plan at this time, but
is part of the overall site.
An approximate 100-foot wide section of property located on the southern end of the site
connects the western and eastern portions of the site and is included in the Master Plan. Under
a separate permit, the Home Depot site was reviewed for adjusting the parking lot and ‘ring
road’.
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B. Surrounding Land Use
The Arsenal Street corridor has a mix of uses that include restaurant, retail/office, service, and
industrial/R&D to the north. There are two residential complexes (Arsenal Condominiums and
the Arsenal Apartments, a senior housing development) and the Arsenal Park to the west. The
Commanders Mansion is located further to the west, and the Charles River Reservation and
Greenway are located to the south and east of the site.
C. Nature of the Request
The Petitioner requests a Site Plan Review Approval for Phase 1 of the Master Plan Special
Permit. The First Phase will rebuild the exterior facades of the two remaining buildings on the
site and will also implement much of the stormwater measures for the site, as well as
landscaping and hardscape around the buildings. The Phase also includes a partial road
reconfiguration around the buildings and the adjacent Home Depot parking lot. This Phase does
not include any new buildings proposed as part of the Master Plan.
D. Permitting History
This project is the first phase of the Arsenal Yards Master Plan Special Permit with Site Plan
Review (PB-2016-03) approved January 11, 2017, for a mixed-use project that proposes a uses
such as retail, restaurants, a bowling alley, and a theatre comprising approximately 374,000
square feet in total and up to 503 residential units within 7 buildings. The proposed project also
includes the removal of buildings, portions of buildings, and the majority of the large parking
fields, and replacing them with new buildings with a focus on an outdoor pedestrian experience.
The project was proposed to be built in phases with review by the Planning Board of each Phase.
The approved Master Plan had an extensive process with a number of meetings. Five separate
community meetings were held from May through August of 2016 and three meetings (part of
the Public Hearing) were held by the Planning Board (October 2016 through January 2017). The
final approval included numerous amenities and mitigation measures such as:
• Adding a passive park space between the new buildings proposed to the east and the
existing main Arsenal building with direct access to Arsenal Park (the Petitioner has also
offered to participate in and fund some improvements within Arsenal Park)
• Provide onsite open/green space (over 3.2 acres) that is mostly open to the public and
provides substantial stormwater improvements for the site.
• Complete Streets measures that include traffic calming adjacent to Arsenal Street and
support for improved safety near School Street and near Watertown Square.
• A Transportation Demand Management Program that requires monitoring and remedies
to limit offsite parking.
• Pedestrian and Bicycle safety and connectivity – The site is improving north-south
connections through the site and there is a central corridor designed to prioritize
pedestrian and bicycles over vehicles and facilitate off-road access through the site and
into Arsenal Park and beyond.
• Limiting offsite light pollution and glare with a condition for lighting for each phase.
• Offsite construction monitoring (ensuring that construction does not damage
surrounding structures).
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• Existing and proposed buildings/structures are to the north and east of residential and
public parklands, which limits any shadows created by taller structures.
The approved offsite transportation mitigation includes a contribution of $2,059,000 for Items
addressed in the mitigation package include but are not limited to traffic signal upgrades with
new equipment, pavement striping, and widening, signal retiming, and mill/overlay work on
Arsenal Street. Utility peer review confirmed that the sewer capacity is adequate and the
Petitioner agrees to contribute $810,000 toward sewer line repairs, inspections, and town-wide
study. The site meets its storm water requirements on-site.
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
An Informational/community meeting was held for the project on April 20, 2017. A summary of
the Community Meeting is included in the record. At the time of this report, no other public
comments were received on this phase.
Comments at the community meeting focused on:
• Questions about Master Plan approval and overall site development plans
• Through access and park interface/design
• Façade and how designs are reviewed
• Parking and interim plans
• Landscape and tree locations
• Communication concerns (use of Facebook for community updates)
IV. ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
A. Plan Consistency
As identified in the approved Master Plan Decision, this project is in keeping with the 2015
Watertown Comprehensive Plan and the Regional Mixed Use District (RMUD) Zoning District.
This Phase of the project does not implement the suggested Arsenal Park Connector, as
identified in the 2014 Charles River Basin - Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity Study. A key
suggestion identified creating a north-south connection between the Watertown-Cambridge
Greenway across the Arsenal Mall Site and through Arsenal Park to the Charles River Greenway.
The proposed two-way cycle track that connects the spur of the Watertown Greenway through
the site to Arsenal Park achieves a safe connection to the Arsenal site and also provides the
critical connection to the south and the Charles River. The approved Master Plan requires that
the project finalize the connection up to the park prior to the relevant Phase. The approval also
discussed contributions to improvements to the park.
B. Master Plan Special Permit §5.18 (h)
Projects of 2 acres or more in the Regional Mixed Use District (RMUD) with an approved Master
Plan Special Permit must also obtain a Site Plan Review Approvals for each phase of
development, subject to the review procedures under §9.03 Site Plan Review of the WZO, in
which the ten criteria listed in §9.03(c) must be evaluated along with design review.
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This Phase includes:
Building Proposed Use Square Footage
Existing Building E
1/E 3
Retail/Restaurant 80,000 s.f. plus 7,000 s.f. of common area
Existing Building A Retail/Restaurant 167,000 s.f. plus 12,000 s.f. of common area
This first Phase of the proposal updates and redevelops the existing buildings (buildings A and E)
on the site, and activates the newly created streetscape adjacent to these buildings, internal to
the site. The project also will create the River Green, an enhanced access point and pedestrian
connection through the site and into the adjacent Arsenal Park. This Phase is designed to be
operational on its own prior to future phases being implemented and prepares the site for
future phases. Therefore, the new and existing areas of the site have been designed to provide
a seamless transition.
Site Plan Review Criteria §9.03(c)
A Developer’s Conference of the Site Plan Review Committee was held on 3/28/17. Present at
the meeting were members of the Site Plan Review Committee (consisting of Town Staff and
Committees) and the Petitioner, who presented the proposal, after which members of the
Committee responded with questions, comments, and suggestions. Staff reviewed the ten
criteria for Site Plan Review provided in §9.03(c) of the WZO and has incorporated
Staff/Committee comments where appropriate:
1. Landscape: The landscape shall be preserved in its natural state, insofar as practicable, by
minimizing tree and soil removal, and any grade changes shall be in keeping with the general
appearance of neighboring developed areas. Adequate landscaping shall also be provided,
including screening of adjacent residential uses, provision of street trees, landscape islands in the
parking lot and a landscape buffer along the street frontage.
Conditionally Met: This Phase’s landscaping is in-keeping with the approved Master Plan,
providing more detailed landscape plans for around Building A and E to the proposed curb lines.
The layout of the site and the interim measures for the transition to areas not altered as part of
this Phase are appropriate. The site work includes the connections to the adjacent Home Depot
parcel and implements the recommendations for that offsite area, as identified in the Master
Plan. Details should be submitted for interim site management/temporary landscape for the
exposed land areas on/around Building F and G as part of the Building Permit.
Two larger areas of open space/landscape are proposed adjacent to the cinema (Cinema Plaza)
and adjacent to Building A connecting to the park (The River Green).
The Cinema Plaza is primarily hardscape (this is a destination area with potential for substantial
foot traffic) with an adjacent landscape to provide a transition between the site and the Home
Depot parking lot. This transition area provides a bank sloping down to the existing parking lot
and a mix of foundation and over-story plantings to provide a visual break between the ring
road and the parking field.
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The River Green to the east of Building A has varied levels and individual areas to allow for
programed play/use. There are several trees proposed along the central access of this
landscape. The design for this area has desirable features including the creation of various areas
for congregation and programing. One feature that provides flexibility and allows for year-
round use is the area of synthetic lawn. This area is pervious and provides open space, but does
not provide vegetated landscape.
One item not included in the project suggested by Planning Staff was to consider the inclusion of
a water feature in the ‘river green’ area near the new entrance to Arsenal Park. A water feature
such as a fountain provides activation and can be a desirable amenity for many users, and
especially children and families. This type of feature may be designed to be more artistic in
nature, or can have a more traditional look, but would require continued maintenance.
2. Relation of Buildings to Environment: Proposed development shall be integrated into the
terrain and the use, scale and architecture of existing buildings in the vicinity and shall be in
accordance with the Comprehensive Plan or other plans adopted by the Town guiding future
development. The Planning Board may require a modification in massing so as to reduce the
effect of shadows on abutting property in all districts or on public open space.
Conditionally Met: The first Phase proposes to remove an awkward below grade vehicular
connection between this site and the adjacent Home Depot site and demolish the 1980s
sections of the mall. This opens up the site to create a more standard grid with primary and
secondary roads with substantial pedestrian connectivity created where little now exists. The
two larger existing buildings are being retained and much of the façades are proposed to be
rebuilt with new windows included (to look similar to what the buildings looked like historically).
The project also proposes to remove an original Arsenal building (Magazine Building), which was
surrounded by the newer part of the development. There is initial interest in reusing the roof of
the building within the Arsenal Park, but public meetings need to be held to determine the
viability of this. A condition of this approval should include the consideration for removal of and
reuse of the Magazine Building’s roof to allow for its relocation to Arsenal Park, if it is
determined that a large covered space is a preferred option within the Park.
The Master Plan Special Permit is conditioned to require the Petitioner submit, at the time of
Site Plan Review for each Phase(s), materials showing how development in the Phase(s)
conforms to the Arsenal Project Design Guidelines and the Town’s Design Guidelines within
§9.03(d). The Petitioner has submitted Arsenal Yards Tenant Design Standards to address the
design of the buildings and what can and cannot be altered as part of each façade. The manual
provides detailed requirements for storefronts, types, new construction, and historic facades.
The manual addresses the entire Master Plan implementation and suggests a submittal
procedure. Staff suggests that the Petitioner develop a checklist and architectural review
submittal template to be used for submittals to DCDP for sign-off prior to any tenant exterior
façade designs being finalized for Building Permits to confirm plans are in-keeping with the
Master Plan and Design requirements.
3.Open Space: All open space required by this Zoning Ordinance shall be so designed as to
maximize its visibility for persons passing the site, encourage social interaction, maximize its
utility, and facilitate its maintenance.
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Conditionally Met: Open space in the first Phase will include vegetated areas and public plazas
for people to congregate with flexible s open areas for public gathering and entertainment. The
Phase also includes open space within the parking lots with appropriate shade trees. This Phase
also provides two access points to the adjacent parklands.
The Board conditioned the Master Plan to require that the pedestrian/bicycle connection to
Greenough Boulevard be designed to ensure that it creates a safe and appropriate connection,
with review by DCDP staff, the Conservation Commission, and DCR. The DCDP and Conservation
Commission have reviewed the proposed design submitted as part of this Phase and
recommend it for approval as part of the Master Plan. Staff suggested looking at an option for
access to the open space from the proposed landing on the ramps (including benches for
resting) and suggested considering the flat area within this open space for a dog park. Initial
staff review found that there would not be a concern with a dog park located on the stormwater
area. The Petitioner shall submit documentation showing DCR sign-off for this connection prior
to construction of the ramps. Additionally, there shall be DCDP staff review of a modification to
the ramp and open space area adjacent to Greenough Boulevard to accommodate passive
recreation such as benches and consider the accommodation for dogs somewhere on site.
4. Circulation: Special attention shall be given to traffic circulation, parking areas and access
points to public streets and community facilities in order to maximize convenience and safety of
vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian movement within the site and in relation to adjacent streets.
Special consideration shall be given to infrastructure and design that will enhance public transit,
such as bus shelters, on-site transportation demand management measures, and participation in
a Transit Management Association.
Conditional Approval: This project is in-keeping the approved Master Plan by implementing
several of the proposed realignments to the internal road network using complete streets
techniques. The Master Plan received approval with a number proposed improvements to the
site circulation. This Phase implements key aspects of the final plan to allow safe access for all
user types to the site and the existing buildings to remain. This initial Phase is primarily
removing buildings and shifting the roadway to its final location on the site.
This Phase does not propose any changes to the current access from Arsenal Street or through
the site into Arsenal Park.
This Phase proposes appropriate bicycle facilities and the racks meet the requirements of the
WZO. The site’s total bicycle parking provisions will require final review during each phase with
appropriate mix and number identified for long-term enclosed and short term (customer or
visitor) parking, visible and near building entrances.
This Phase provides appropriate universal design principals to allow an inclusive and accessible
environment and shall be ADA/MAAB compliant.
Car share parking will be identified and electric vehicle charging stations will be located in
appropriate locations, with review by DCDP staff as part of phase development.
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Most transformers and switches are placed within landscape islands to blend with the landscape
and provide as much screening as feasible. One switch box is proposed adjacent to the Arsenal
Park entrance, replacing a larger shade tree in apparent decline. DCDP staff looked at the health
of this tree and it has been pruned to remove deadwood at the tips of many branches. The loss
of this tree at the gateway to the park is still a concern, so staff suggests that the switch be
placed to minimize impacts to pedestrian and bicycle connection to the Park and into the
Arsenal Yards site. The landscape (yew bushes and other shade trees near the park entrance)
should be assessed and updated landscape plans should be included in the phase that includes
the multi-use path into the park.
Transportation mitigation is addressed as part of the Master Plan Approval and is not part of this
Phase’s review.
5. Surface Water Drainage: Special attention shall be given to proper site surface drainage so
that removal of surface waters will not adversely affect neighboring properties or the public
storm drainage system. Proposed developments shall seek to retain storm water runoff on site
to the maximum extent possible, incorporating best practices in storm water management and
Low Impact Design techniques. In cases where storm water cannot be retained on site, storm
water shall be removed from all roofs, canopies and paved areas and carried away in an
underground drainage system.
Conditionally Met: The Stormwater Management Plan was approved as part of the Master Plan.
This Phase is in-keeping with the approved plans and, as required within the Master Plan
Approval, all utility and grading plans shall have final review by DPW prior to approval of any
building permit for any phase of the Master Plan.
6. Utility Service: Electric, telephone, cable TV and other such lines and equipment shall be
underground. The proposed method of sanitary sewage disposal and solid waste disposal from
all buildings shall be indicated.
Conditionally Met: All utilities to the site, including electric, telephone, cable TV and other such
lines are now and shall continue to be underground. All water mains, service lines and hydrants
will be reviewed and approved by DPW prior to installation. Sewer mains installed in the access
drives and connected in Arsenal Street have also been reviewed and will require final approval
by DPW. Mitigation will be required to be provided on a proportional basis as the phases are
approved.
The Master Plan indicated that trash and recycling will be located at the southwest corner of
Building A and the south side of Building E. The dumpster areas will be required to be screened,
and managed privately.
7. Environmental Sustainability: Proposed developments shall seek to diminish the heat island
effect; employ passive solar techniques and design to maximize southern exposures, building
materials, and shading; utilize energy-efficient technology and renewable energy resources; and
minimize water use. All Mixed Use Developments in the NB, LB, CB, I-1, I-2, I-3, and PSCD Districts
must meet LEED Certifiable requirements as outlined by the United States Green Building
Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (current edition as applicable) as a
minimum. Design documentation shall be provided by the Petitioner to the Town to verify that
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the project could achieve the minimum number of LEED points to achieve certification. Such
documentation may include but not be limited to a project narrative describing how the project
design intends to achieve selected LEED credits, and a LEED checklist with criteria (or points)
which shows the project will achieve a minimum of 40 points.
Conditional Met: This Phase’s initial LEED checklist indicates that Building A has a LEED score of
52 points and Building E1 has 51 points. As the Phase is permitted additional documentation
will be submitted to show compliance with the requirement that the buildings within the site
achieve LEED Silver Certifiability.
8. Screening: Screening, such as screen plantings, shall be provided for exposed storage areas,
exposed machinery installations, service areas, truck loading areas, utility buildings and
structures, and similar accessory areas and structures in order to prevent their being incongruous
with the existing or contemplated environment and the surrounding properties.
Conditionally Met: The Petitioner proposes to screen onsite utilities with a mix of evergreen
and deciduous plantings as well as architectural screens and fences. As required in the Master
Plan, the project shall be required to provide appropriate screening for all storage areas,
exposed machinery, service areas, loading areas, utilities, and rooftop equipment. Further,
appropriately screened HVAC plans shall be submitted and reviewed as part of the final Site Plan
submittals for each building or phase. Transformers and switches will also require further
review for placement, with a preferences for underground where feasible.
9. Safety: With respect to personal safety, all open and enclosed spaces shall be designed to
facilitate building evacuation and maximize accessibility by fire, police, and other emergency
personnel and equipment.
Conditionally Met: The site is accessible by emergency vehicles from the three entrances along
Arsenal Street and the access through the adjacent Home Depot lot. DPW and Public Safety staff
have completed initial review of site circulation plans to ensure that all safety requirements
have been met. Further review will be required for all intersections, and this review will include
onsite and offsite aspects. This Phase of the project had the interim and final circulation plans
reviewed and is satisfactory to the Town.
10. Design: Proposed developments shall seek to protect abutting properties from detrimental
site characteristics resulting from the proposed use, including but not limited to air and water
pollution, noise, odor, heat, flood, dust vibration, lights or visually offensive structures or site
features.
Conditionally Met: The approved Master Plan will protect abutting properties from detrimental
site characteristics. The project includes an updated stormwater management system which
will greatly reduce offsite stormwater and the water pollutants typically transported.
Construction related impacts, such as dust and erosion, will be mitigated through the
implementation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, including sediment and erosion
control, and construction management will be required.
The submitted lighting has been reviewed for design and Zoning compliance. This Phase
implements the first Phase of the Master Plan and updates the suite of fixtures that were
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conceptually proposed for the Master Plan. This Phase will set the groundwork for the exterior
lighting design of future phases.
Fixture heights: For wall-mounts, the Master Plan maximum mounting height is 20 feet. Pole
mounts are also limited to 20 feet. Submitted diagrams indicates heights of 12, 14, 20 and feet.
As part of the Building Permit submittal, the pole heights should be confirmed, and total fixture
height expressed as (base + pole + head). Further, all lights must be fully shielded and down-
directed as required within the WZO.
DESIGN REVIEW
The Town’s Design Consultant, Gamble Associates, participated in the required Developer’s
Conference and provided comments on the proposed Phase. Since the initial review, the
Petitioner has updated the plans to address some concerns raised by staff and the consultant.
Three areas suggested to consider in the overall project’s review and approval by the Planning
Board included:
1. Raised Tabletop – There was substantial agreement from the Committee that the
road network should be more seamlessly tied into the ‘River Green’ by
incorporating a raised intersection at the terminus of the open space. The
Petitioner discussed options with their Engineer and updated the plans to include
this suggestion.
2. Sustainability – Suggested incorporation of advanced energy saving solutions such
as solar electric, solar hot water, and geothermal solutions or other options like
district heating and cooling.
3. Architectural – Creates a strong sense of campus but should consider further
simplifying of the architectural palette of the new buildings to define and enhance
the public realm
The submitted plans implement a phase of the Master Plan and the Tenant Design Standards
provide clear guidance on façade improvements.
V. Staff Recommendation:
DCDP staff recommended that the request for Arsenal Yards Master Plan Phase 1 be granted
with conditions based on the findings that this Phase is in accordance with Watertown Zoning
Ordinance §5.18 (RMUD) to implement the first Phase in the redevelopment of approximately
23 acres for a mixed use proposal that includes a mix of Residential, Commercial, Retail and
Restaurant Uses.
See below for the Conditions Matrix.
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VI. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
# Condition Timeframe for
Compliance
To be
Verified
by
1.
Control Documents: This approval is based upon the application materials and
documents titled Arsenal Yards Watertown, MA, prepared by RJO’Connell &
Associates, Inc. for Boylston Properties and The Wilder Companies dated 4/11/2017
as modified by these conditions:
A. Cover Sheet
B. Existing Condition of Land, Feldman, 5 sheets
C. OS-1, Overall Site Plan
D. N-1, General Notes
E. C-1A and C-1B, Demolition Plans
F. C-2A and C-2B, Grading and Drainage Plans
G. C-3A and C-3B, Utility Plans
H. C-4A and C-4B, Parking and Traffic Control Plan
I. C-5, Erosion Control Details
J. C-6, Drainage Details
K. C-7, Utility Details
L. C-8 and C-9, Site, Parking and Traffic Control Details
M. L100, Overall Site Plan, Carol Johnson Associates, Inc.
N. L200, Overall Materials Plan, Carol Johnson Associates, Inc.
O. L201-L205 Materials Plans, Carol Johnson Associates, Inc.
P. L300, Overall Planting Plan, Carol Johnson Associates, Inc.
Q. L301-L304, Planting Plans, Carol Johnson Associates, Inc.
R. L400, Plantings and Materials Schedule, Carol Johnson Associates, Inc.
S. L401-L402, Details, Carol Johnson Associates, Inc.
T. SL-1, Site Lighting Photometric Plan
U. SL-2, Site Lighting Schedule, Details, and Photometric Plan
V. A1.10-1.11 Building A 1st Floor Plan Part A & B, Perllwitz Cheliknski Associates
W. A1.12-1.13, 2nd Floor Plans Part A & B, Perllwitz Cheliknski Associates, Inc.
X. A1.14, Building A, Mezzanine Floor Plan, Perllwitz Cheliknski Associates, Inc.
Y. A1.15-A1.16, Building A Roof Plan Part A& B, Perllwitz Cheliknski Associates, Inc.
Z. A1.20-1.21, Build E 1 & 3 1st Floor Plans, Perllwitz Cheliknski Associates, Inc.
AA. A1.22-1.23, Building E1 & E3 Roof Plans, Perllwitz Cheliknski Associates, Inc.
BB. A2.10-2.11, Building A Elevations, Perllwitz Cheliknski Associates, Inc.
CC. A2.20-2.30, Building E 1 & E3 Elevations, Perllwitz Cheliknski Associates, Inc.
DD. A3.10, Potential Pallet of Materials, Perllwitz Cheliknski Associates, Inc.
EE. A4.10-4.11, Perspective Views, Perllwitz Cheliknski Associates, Inc.
FF. Arsenal Yards Tenant Design Standards, March 14, 2017
Perpetual ZEO/
ISD
2. Plan Modifications and Amendments: Changes to the approved project shall follow
the procedure outlined in Section 5.18(h)(6) of the Watertown Zoning Ordinance. Perpetual ZEO/
DCDP
3.
Recordation: Prior to issuance of the first Building Permit, the Petitioner shall
provide a copy of this entire decision, showing that it has been filed and recorded
with the Registry of Deeds.
Building Permit
(BP) ZEO
4.
Codes/Regulation Compliance: The Petitioners shall comply with the requirements
of the Master Plan Special Permit, and all other applicable local, State, and Federal
requirements, ordinances, and statutes.
Perpetual ZEO/
ISD
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# Condition Timeframe for
Compliance
To be
Verified
by
5.
Prior Approvals:
This approval shall be subject the Decision and Conditions of Master Plan Special
Permit 2016-03
Perpetual ZEO
6.
Interim Landscape: Details should be submitted for interim site
management/temporary landscape for the exposed land areas on/around Building F
and G as part of the Building Permit for this Phase.
BP ZEO
7. Water Feature: Consider the inclusion of a water feature in the ‘river green’ area
near the new entrance to Arsenal Park. . BP DCDP
8.
Reuse of Magazine Roof: Consider the reuse of the Magazine Building’s roof to
allow for its relocation to Arsenal Park, if it is determined that a large covered space
is a preferred option within the Park.
Prior to Demo
Permit for
Magazine
ZEO
9.
Design Checklist: Develop a checklist and architectural review submittal template to
be used for submittals to DCDP for sign-off prior to any tenant exterior façade
designs being finalized for Building Permits to confirm plans are in-keeping with the
Master Plan and Design requirements.
BP of Facades DCDP
10.
Greenough Open Space: Submit documentation showing DCR sign-off for the
Greenough pedestrian connection. Additionally, there shall be DCDP staff review of
a modification to the ramp and open space area adjacent to Greenough Boulevard
to accommodate passive recreation such as benches and consideration for the
accommodation for dogs somewhere on site.
BP for Ramps DCDP
11.
Arsenal Park Entrance: The landscape (yew bushes and other shade trees near the
park entrance) should be assessed and updated landscape plans should be part of
the phase that includes the multi-use path into the park.
Relevant Phase DCDP