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Home My Public Portal About1_ACEC Application_26 Jan 2018_201802091322453816 R E k J4PWIONFORM s }\. Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals my ` JAN 19 89 Main Street a er7to�wqn7, MA 0247 n t7 PLANNING BG YaIJJ2-6 a.gov I Pr1 ?: i TO BE COMPLETED BY STA\MATBRTOWN, MA Case Number: f J Notice to Annlicant:An application may be denied for outstanding �� - C L'/i 'C,/ taxes or charges to the Town(f-r7atertown Ordinance, Chapter ❑ Fees received: XWI). Upon deeming the submittal complete,the application will S' be am ed/filed at th To " le 's office by DCD&P Sta . ❑ Complete submittal: X Date: / /! 8 nut" ensurer' A /o al(As r tinted by Ch.40,Section 57) V TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT Site Address: 47 Nichols Avenue List application requests below: Watertown, MA 02472 'Special Permit(SP) Variance(V) 8 ISite Plan Review(SR) H SP/SR Parcel ID#s: 1228 10 0 - I Special Permit Finding(SPF) For an amendment to previous relief,provide case#s: 89-90.31 SP Zoning District: NB /T I SR(Site Plan Review)meeting date,if required: Petitioner(s): Armenian Cultural and Educational Center, Inc. Phone: (617) 926-6067 (Address: 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472 Email: acec@acecwatertown.org Signature(s): Date: Owner(s): Armenian Cultural and Educational Center, Inc. Phone: (617) 926-6067 Address: 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472 Email: acec@acecwatertown.org Signattue(s)): Date: r7 / /� i� Agew: 141,0Wf 67 9/ �� Phone/Email: 01' r/ 52—7 Z/o� Othry,nr_ 9 �// ) r r �c�nCt��/Cc�' one/Ema�l: C' i t The Petitioner must be the fee simple owner or hold sufficient "interest" in the subject property (in which case evidence must be pro- vided as to the nature of the property interest and the fee owner shall co-sign this application. For legal entities such as corporations, LLC, etc, list the type and legal status of ownership, the name of trustees/officer members, their affiliation and contact information.. NATURE OF REQUEST Applicable Sections of Zoning Ordinance(Specify Section(s)oft&ZONING ORDINANCE from which relief is sought): 1) Section 5.04 - Maximum Building Coverage 3) Section 6.01 - Required Off-street Parking Spaces 2) Section 5.04 - Floor Area Ratio Brief description of the project as it relates to the zoning relief requested—Include existing dimensions,proposed dimensions, and any non-conformities that exist: The ACEC requests consideration from the Town of Watertown's Planning Board, per Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 40A, Section 3 (commonly known as the Dover Amendment). The project's goals encompass the addition of 8,410 square feet of Gross Floor Area to the existing facility in two phases. Phase I shall infill the unfinished North Wing on the ground level (- 3,800 square feet) with an addition of an egress stair to the second floor and lavatories for the second floor classrooms. This phase shall also include the renovation of the existing building, and a Deep- Energy Retrofit of the entire building. Phase 11 shall complete the envisioned project with the expansion of the existing library on the second floor (-910 square feet) and the installation of a n,mpliable roof over the existing courtyard (-3,700 square feet). ermrt pp ication Form Page 1 of 11 SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS ❑ Signed Applications(3 original& 17 copies) ❑ Full Set of Plans,collated(20 Copies and PDF version) 1. Certified Plot Plan(for all applications) ❑ Written Supporting Statement(20 Copies) 2. Architectural Drawings(Floor,Elevations,etc. if applicable) ❑ Release/lndemnification Waiver(1 copy signed) 3. Grading/Drainage Plan (if applicable) 4. Roof Plan(if applicable) ❑ Newspaper Billing Authorization Form(1 copy signed) 5. Parking/Circulation Plan(if applicable) ❑ Any additional information relevant for review 6. Landscape Plan(if applicable) 7. Site Utility Plan(if applicable) 8. Lighting Plan(if applicable) NOTE: THE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED "COMPLETE" UNLESS ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS ARE SUBMITTED. FILL IN THE APPLICABLE PROJECT DATA BELOW Data Required Existing Proposed Staff Comments A. Use(Article V,WZO) /� 2.a* 2.a* B. Dwelling Units f NIA NIA NIA C. Lot Size I 31,286 31,286 31,286 D. Front Yard Setback I 0 115, ** 2.6' 2.6' E. Rear Yard Setback ' 15'120' ** 4.8' 4.8' F. Side Yard Setback(left) 110'1[12'110']** 0.4' 0.4' G. Side Yard Setback(right) 110'1[12'110']** 0.4' 0.4' H. Building Coverage 150% 130% ** 60% 71% I. Impervious Coverage 190% 185% ** 75% 75% J. Height/H of Stories I 35'135' ** 32.5' 35' K. Lot Area per Unit I NIA NIA NIA L. Gross Floor Area 15,643 27,333 32,061 M. Floor Area Ratio(FAR) I 0.510.5 ** 0.75 1.02 N. Open Space 110% 115% ** 38% 38% O. Parking Spaces I 63 104 (102+2hp) 104 (102+2hp) Other data: Table 5.01.2.a: Educational Use Zoning District NB IT THIS APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED IN PERSON TO THE ZONING OFFICE ON THE 2ND FLOOR OF THE TOWN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. Permit Application Form Page 2 of 11 ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR SUBMITTAL Section 9.03 Site Plan Review 1. Landscape: The landscape and parking area will remain in its existing condition and will be in keeping with the general appearance while providing aesthetically pleasing landscape for the surrounding neighborhood with a focus on maintaining environmental sustainability. 2. Relation of Buildings to Environment: The proposed renovation shall be integrated into the existing site enclosing the vacant and boarded areas directly below the second-floor of the existing building. It is the belief of the Applicant that the proposed renovation shall have no effect of shadows on abutting properties that does not already exist. 3. Open Space: The proposed renovation will permit the existing open space to remain consistent with current use of the building and property. 4. Circulation: The proposed renovation will provide sufficient space for the traffic circulation, access points, and sufficient space for emergency vehicles to enter and perform whatever duties that may be required. S. Sur face Water Drainage: The aggregate areas of hard surfaces (roofs, hardscaped areas) shall not be altered and it is anticipated that impervious surfaces will not be added, therefore the proposed renovation shall not increase the drainage loads on the site. The DPW drainage calculations has determined that there will be no changes to the existing drainage loads. The Applicant is not aware of the existence of any underground leaching pits on the premises. 6. Utility Service: The existing utility connections will remain as is and will not require any foreseeable changes. 7. Environmental Sustainability: The footprint, size and use of the existing structure and property will be environmentally sustainable. The Applicant has engaged in the review and consumption of its energy usage and will make every effort to reduce the carbon footprint and enhance the environmental sustainability. The Applicant has identified energy and cost saving opportunities including the modernization of existing mechanicals, programmable building system operations, the use of renewable energy practices, solar energy and landscape strategies around the perimeter of the building and to promote garden space in its courtyard. 8. Screening: Screening, such as plantings, shall be provided for if necessary to reasonably preserve and or enhance the aesthetics of the environment and the surrounding properties. Such landscape efforts will be in keeping with maintaining environmental sustainability and aesthetically pleasing landscape for the surrounding neighborhood. 9. Safety: The proposed renovation will be designed to facilitate building evacuation and maximize accessibility by fire, police, and other emergency personnel, vehicles and equipment. The existing large parking area will not be diminished from its existing size and will augment safety though reduced on-street parking and an area prescribed for a safe distance from a structure for fire drills and emergency response planning. Additionally, the building capacity provides an excellent shelter in place location and may be offered as such to neighboring entities [with signed MOU] who so request its use as a temporary shelter in the event of an emergency. 10. Design: The footprint, size and use of the existing structure and property will remain the same. The ACEC building was opened in June 1980 without the completion of the North Wing[that was part of the originally approved plan]due to financial challenges. Completion of the unfinished North Wing would provide a separate and dedicated entrance to the second floor, enhance security and offer lavatory facilities for children grade 2-5 on the same level as the classrooms. Additionally, the newly enclosed North Wing shall provide the space for continued support of cultural offerings and offer the Corporate Members space within the Center. Permit Application Form Page 3 of 11 ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR SUBMITTAL Section 9.03 Site Plan Review PARKING SUMMARY ACEC Parking Use Summary (See Parking Analysis and Permits) Required by Zoning I Actual Usage Daytime Evening(Weekdays) li Daytime Evening (Weekdays) £t (Weekdays Only) Full Day(Weekends) I (Weekdays Only) Full Day(Weekends) Primary Use: Secondary Use: Primary Use: Secondary Use: School Community Center School Community Center (a) (b) (a) (b) (Spaces Provided[Parking Lot Capacity] I 104 104 104 104 (Requirement ByWZO I (63) (93) - (75) (d, e) ISt.Stephens Nursery School Permit li (13) I (13) IElementary School Use I - (c) - I (13) - (Surplus or(Deficit) I 28 11 I 78 29 Notes: a) School Use hours are typically from 7:30am to 3:30pm on weekdays and during school season. b) Community Center Use hours are year-round, typically as follows: Weeknights: 6:30pm to 12:00am Saturdays: 7:30pm to 1:00am Sundays: 7:OOpm to 11:OOpm c) Elementary School Use, by teachers and staff, is included in the"Requirement By WZ0" count. d) Parking spaces used during atypical/occasional special events, when the largest assembly space (Gymnasium) is utilized at full capacity. e) Bingo events (Wednesday evenings in the Gymnasium) use approximately 15 parking spaces. The majority of participants arrive and depart by chartered buses. Permit Application Form Page 4 of 11 ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR SUBMITTAL Section 9.03 Site Plan Review PARKING ANALYSIS -Al HAROUT KELIAN I ARCHITECT LEED LETTER Date: December 11, 2015 Project: Armenian Cultural and Educational Center Project Address: 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472 Subject: Off-Street Parking Requirements Distribution: George Bashirians, Steven K. Parnagen, Stepan Chlloyan, File Dear Mr. Bashirians, Per your request, Off-Street Parking Requirements for the Armenian Cultural and Educational center(ACEC) are calculated and presented below. Reference: The Watertown Zoning Ordinance Amended as of August 18 2015. USES Note: Watertown's Zoning Department has indicated that they will accept the calculations for the Primary Use only. Calculations for the Secondary/Tertiary Uses are presented for information. Primary Use: Elementary School. During daytime hours of the school season, spanning between September and June the ACEC provides facilities for the St. Stephens Elementary School and the St. Stephens Saturday School, with eight classrooms, a library, a gymnasium (used also as an assembly space), common spaces and an outdoor play area. Secondary Use:Community Center. During evening hours throughout the year the ACEC provides venues for lectures, concerts,dances, Bingo, music and dance rehearsals, meetings, and other cultural activities. The Gymnasium space is used almost exclusively for these purposes. OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE REQUIREMENTS (Article VI of the Watertown Zoning Ordinance) A) Primary Use; Elementary School: 63 Off-Street Parking Spaces. Zoning Ordinance Section 6.01 -Schools Two methods are used for this calculation. The greater value is selected as the requirement for this use: Method 1: 1 Off-Street Parking Space per Staff Member plus 1 per 3 students of driving age • The School has 17 staff members for its normal operations • The School has no students of driving age. Method 1 = 17 Spaces Method 2: 1 Off-Street Parking Space Per 8 seats in Largest Place of Assembly • Space: Gymnasium • Aisles: Minimum 60" wide • Seats: 22-inches wide, 36 inches between rows, resulting in 21 rows and 24 seats per row • Seat Count: 504 Method 2 = 63 Spaces 154 Beech St#3,Belmont,MA 02478 tel:617-932-9270 fax:617-934-2472 email:harout.kelian@novarch.com Permit Application Form Page 5 of 11 ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR SUBMITTAL Section 9.03 Site Plan Review PARKING ANALYSIS (Continued) lA HAROUT KELIAN I ARCHITECT LEED L E T T E R (Continued) Page 2 of 2 BS) Secondary Use; Community Center(Assembly): 93 Off-Street Parking Spaces Zoning Ordinance Section 6.01 -Other Places of Public Assembly such as for Meetings, Entertainment, Recreation, Adult Education, 1 Off-Street Parking Space per 5 fixed seats or 10 Linear Feet of Bench Floor Area where no Seats or Benches are Provided • Assembly Space: Gymnasium • Fixed Seating Provided: None • Aisles: Minimum 60 inches wide • Benches: 44-feet total per row, 36 inches between rows, 21 rows • Total Length of Benches: 924 Linear Feet 112)Tertiary Use;Community Center(Institutional): 41 Off-Street Parking Spaces Zoning Ordinance Section 6.01 -Other Institutions,such as Museum, Private, Professional or Trade School. 1 Off-Street Parking Space per 600 Square Feet of Gross Floor Area • Gross Floor Areas: Basement 900 First Floor 14,349 Second Floor : 9,310 Total 24,559 Square Feet of Gross Floor Area DEFINITIONS Gross Floor Area: The total area, expressed In square feet, of all floors of a building excluding all parking and loading areas, all parking structures,traditional roof appurtenances such as mechanical penthouses, all other mechanical rooms, atriums, flagpoles, chimneys and similar structures but including basements and mezzanines to the exterior walls thereof, and including partitions,stairwells, corridors and porches with permanent roofs. Bench Floor Area: For the purpose of calculating for a single Parking Space, the Bench Floor Area encompasses a physical floor area of 10 feet by 3 feet [10 linear feet for seating, 3 feet for row-spacing]. These areas are arranged on the floor to allow for circulation aisles and for visibility of the stage area. Sincerely, , �C`✓J'y'-fit Harout Kellan, Architect LEED 154 Beech St#3,Belmont,MA 02478 tel:617-932-9270 - Fax:617-934-2472 email:haroutkelian@novarch.com Permit Application Form Page 6 of 11 ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR SUBMITTAL Section 9.03 Site Plan Review - PARKING SPACES STATEMENT QCARMENIAN CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL CENTER ^ ^ 47 NICHOLS AVE. WATERTOWN, \fA 02472 TEL. (617)926-6067 1A'1VAN'.AC'EC'WATERT0WN.0RG EXECUTIVE GEORGE BASHIRIANS STEPAN CHILOYAN GAGIK EISAGHOLIAN ARA SARKISSIAN January 5, 2018 VATCHE SERADERIAN BOARD OF TRUSTEES JOHN AVEDISSIAN Parking Spaces AVG BARMAKIAN GEORGE BASHIRIANS I A MIG BANOSSIAN STEPAN CHILOYAN Employees of St. Stephen's Nursery School [Elton Avenue] and the LAuREN DESILVA St. Stephen's Elementary School [Nichols Avenue] have been issued GAGIK EISAGHOI,IAN SIMONESSAJANIAN a permit to park in the ACEC lot on Nichols Avenue at no charge. ALLEN GEVORKIAN CHRIS HAJIAN RICHARD GHAZARYANS 1. Nursery School - 13 permits issued HOVANESS JANESIAN BARKEVKALIGIAN 2. Elementary School - 13 permits issued DIKRAN KALIGIAN HAGOP KESSISSIAN HAGGPKESSISSIAN All employees have been instructed to use the lot and to not park MAYDA MELKONIANon the street during school hours Mondaythrough Friday7 AM to 3 MICHICt1AEL MENSOIAN a OI g ARANAZARIAN PM. Permits renew each year and permits are issued to new USA SEDRAKIAN ARA SARKISSIAN employees as necessary. VATCHE SERADERIAN JOSH TEVEKELIAN GENERAL MANAGER KENNEPH G.BEDROSIAN OFFICE MANAGER LIANA PERT, Prepared and submitted by Kenneth G. Bedrosian Permit Application Form Page 7 of 11 ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR SUBMITTAL Section 9.03 Site Plan Review PARKING PROVISIONS STATEMENT ARMENIAN CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL CENTER 47 NICHOLS AVE. WATERTOWN,MA 02472 TEL. (617)926-6067 WWW.ACECWATERTOWN.ORG January 5,2015 EXECUTIVE GEORGE BASHDLANS STEPAN CHILOYAN Parking Provisions GAME EISAGHOLIAN AEA SAEIGssrm VATCHE SERADERIAN ACEC parking lot spaces- 104 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Special Events JOHN AbErnssm During special events including but not limited to church bazaars,cultural AVO BARMAIGAN events and celebrations,the ACEC has implemented traffic control by hiring GEORGE BASHIRIANS RAZMIG EANOSSIAN traffic control personnel to direct traffic and parking. This has proven to be S rEPAN CHIIAYAN beneficial to our neighbors and has minimized congestion at peak times during LAUREN DESILVA events. GAOIK EISAGHOLIAN SIMON ESSAJANIAN Overflow Provisions ALLENOEVONHIAN During certain special events,and on a case-by-case basis when parking ' cHwsxAluN g P Y- p g MCHARD GHAEANYANS demand is anticipated to exceed capacity,arrangements are made with HOVANESS JANESIAN neighbors to allow use of their parking facilities. BARKEV KALIGIAN DIRRAN KALIGIAN HAOOP KEssISsm HAOOP KESSISSWY MAYDAMELKONIAN MICHAEL MENSOM ARA NAzARm LISA SRIUSSI AN ANA 9ARKISSLW VATCHE SE N JOSH TEVEKILIAN RECEIVED E GENERAL MANAGER KENNRrH G.BEDROSIAN JAN 2 2 R OFFICE MANAGER 2�1R LIANA BERL PLANNING BOARD WATERTOWN, MA Prepared and submitted by Kenneth G. Bedrosian Permit Application Form Page 8 of 11 ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR SUBMITTAL Section 9.03 Site Plan Review - PARKING STUDY (Page 1 of 3) MEMORANDUM TO: Mr.Jeffrey Heidelberg FROM: F.Giles Ham,P.E. Boylston Properties Vanasse&Associates,Inc. 800 Boylston Street,Suite 1300 35 New England Business Center Drive Boston,MA 02199 Suite 140 Andover,MA 01810 (978)474-8800 DATE: June 5,2017 RE: 6882—Watertown,MA SUBJECT: Armenian Cultural and Educational Center Parking Study Watertown,MA As requested,Vanasse&Associates,Inc.(VAI)has conducted a parking study at the existing Armenian Cultural and Educational Center(ACEC)in Watertown,Massachusetts. Specifically,a parking study was completed to determine the availability of excess parking in the parking lot such that extra spaces could be utilized as overflow parking for the adjacent office building located at 480 Arsenal Street. Parking studies were conducted on February 4,2015 an updated on May 24,2017 to determine the availability of parking. It should be noted that the ACEC expansion plans allow for better event and community space and is not expected to impact parking during the day. The ACEC parking lot will be restriped to the original layout as shown on the attached figure. As shown on the plan the parking lot has a capacity of 104 parking spaces which includes 44 tandem spaces and 60 other spaces. The original parking study was conducted on February 4, 2015 between the hours of 8:OOAM and 5:OOPM. The results of the survey are depicted in the attached figure. As shown,the peak parking demand occurred at 3:OOPM with 46 occupied spaces. This time coincides with parent pick-ups as parents utilize the lot for short term parking. An additional parking survey was conducted on May 24, 2017 and at the peak 3:OOPM time the demand was less at 29 cars parked exclusive on the Athena parking which is there on a temporary basis. Based upon the above and the most recent parking counts it can be concluded that up to 60 parking spaces are available for overflow parking for the adjacent office use during the day (6AM-6PM). At times of events at the center, which are anticipated to occur during evenings and weekends,the space will not be utilized by the adjacent office use. The office space will provide an additional 150 spaces for use by the ACEC during these night and weekend times. It is recommended that after initial use of the space that an updated parking survey be completed within 2 months to insure that adequate parking is available for the shared uses. cc: File GA7319 Watertomkmem V.Heidelberg 060217.docx Permit Application Form Page 6A of 11 ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR SUBMITTAL Section 9.03 Site Plan Review - PARKING STUDY (Page 2 of 3) 00 uj ' � a W nn 7 W N W I. z _ 2zZ) F-2 0 o O O 00 z 0 1 I v C< x W Z'} W 0 3 1 ZaO /•, I ; al 12, J Z W W r. I W r I IM x Permit Application Form Page 6B of 11 ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR SUBMITTAL Section 9.03 Site Plan Review - PARKING STUDY (Page 3 of 3) 10 c W � c � I 00. d3 tiq I 0% I `4a 4) 0% to 4iQ, Y I °0z CI w a o, °0r o 0 00 E 6 00. 00. V °1 I 0 004, Q rn o 0 6 L� oL� o L� oL� o 6 b Puewea aoedS�ui]aed p a i k WV 61:6Z:8 L104/Z/9'F).p-Zyd.6599L\599L\.N Permit Application Form Page 6C of 11 ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR SUBMITTAL Section 9.03 Site Plan Review - DEMOLITION OF BUILDING ON ADJACENT LOT Q^ ARMENIAN CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL CENTER V c 47 NICHOLS AVE. WATERTO,\iN, AIA 0247.1 TA.L. (617)9S6-H(167 R'\1'1P.AC'EC'II'ATEi1 ,rOAN'N.ORG EXECUTIVE GEORGE BASHIRIANS STEPAN CHILOYAN January 5, 2018 GAGIK EISAG14OLIAN Am SARKISSIAN VATCHE SERADERIAN Plan for Demolition BOARD OF TRUSTEES JOHN AVEDISSIAN AVO BARMAKIAN The building permit application for the completion of the north GEORGE BASHIRIANS wing of the ACEC will be submitted simultaneously with the RAZ,MAN STE AIN CHILD AIN demolition application of the condemned rear commercial "barn LAUREN DESILVA structure' at 60-62 Elton Avenue. Once the building permit is GAGIK EISAGHOLIAN SIMONESSAJANIAN issued and the demolition permit application is approved all ALLENCHRIS GEVORKIAN necessarysteps will be taken to ensure that the demolition is done CHRiS HAJIAN M RICHARD GHAZARYANS without impact on the surrounding areas. HOVANESS JANESIAN BARNEV KALIGIAN DIKRANHAGop EssisAN 1. Dig Safe will be contacted to identify potential utilities in and HAGOP KESSISSIAN HAGOP KESSISSIAN around the structure to be demolished. MICHA LMEN OI 2. Waltham Pest Control will provide a certificate that MICHAF.L MENSOIAN M ARANAZARIAN appropriate procedures to exterminate any rodents has been USA SEDRAKIAN ARA SARIUSSIAN done and that the structure is pest free. VATCJOSH TESEELIAN N 3. The Watertown Department of Fire and Police will be JOSH TEVEKELtAN contacted to determine the need for detail on the day of GENERAL MANAGER KENNETH G.BEDROSIAN demolition. OFFICE MANAGER 4. Any other Town requirements will be met as necessary. LIANA PEEL Prepared and submitted by Kenneth G. Bedrosian Permit Application Form Page 9 of 11 ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR SUBMITTAL Appendix A - ACEC Applicant Information Applicant The Applicant, Armenian Cultural and Education Center, Inc. ("ACEC"), is a Massachusetts non-profit corporation and the owner of 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472 ("Property"). The Applicant is governed by a Board of Trustees and an Executive Board. Proposed Proiect Completion of 1980 Approved Plan and Purpose The ACEC building was opened in June 1980 without the completion of the North Wing[that was part of the originally approved plan]due to financial challenges. Since then, this part of the building has remained unfinished, compromising the appearance of the building, energy efficiency and limiting the use of the then- proposed building. After 37 years of service to the community, the Board of Trustees are committed to the completion of the 1980 approved project in Build-Out Phases (see summary our the first page of the application): Build-Out Phase I shall encompass the completion of the unfinished North Wing (approximately 3,800 square feet) which shall provide a separate and dedicated entrance to the second floor, enhance security and offer lavatory facilities for children grade 2-5 on the same level as the classrooms. Additionally, the newly enclosed North Wing shall provide the space for continued support of cultural offerings and offer the Corporate Members space within the Center. This phase shall also include the renovation of the existing building, and modernization of the mechanical system for energy efficiency and cost savings. Build-Out Phase II shall complete the envisioned project with the expansion of the existing library on the second floor (-910 square feet), and the installation of a retractable roof over the existing courtyard(3,700 square feet). The retractable roofshall provide a garden count environment with sustainable plantings and green space. Designed with insulated glazing, the retractable roof shall protect the space f om the elements during the winter months by preventing heat loss and conserving energy. During the spring, summer and fall the roof may remain open for open-air use or closed to conserve energy during inclement weather. Use of the Property The ACEC complex serves the entire Greater Boston Armenian Community as the center for educational and cultural programs and events. The ACEC is the gathering place for community members and especially the youth who participate in the cultural, educational, social and sport activities offered. Additionally, the Center rents the function hall to many greater Boston international ethnic and religious organizations, local and national political entities and privately for weddings and other family events. The Corporate Members and sister organizations [please see Appendix B] hold a variety of events including cultural exhibits, lectures, art exhibits, musical performances, fundraisers and meetings at the Center. The ACEC rents for daily use Monday through Friday the second floor and portions of the first floor [gym and lavatories] to the St. Stephen's Armenian Elementary School ("Day School") Grades 2-5. The Day School is a private elementary school founded by the St. Stephen's Church in 1984 with just 8 students and has grown to a current enrollment of approximately 160 students with 30 faculty members. The Day School is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools in New England. The School is dedicated to educational excellence in an environment rich in Armenian Culture and fosters a strong connection with the Watertown community and surrounding cities and towns. The St. Stephen's Armenian Saturday School is a pre-k to twelfth grade language program established in 1937 that holds weekly classes at the ACEC. The students learn their forefathers' language, history and literature through newly published textbooks and workbooks as well as the Armenian culture,traditions, songs and dances. The school is jointly managed by the Armenian Relief Society and the St. Stephen's Church. Permit Application Form Page 10 of 11 ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR SUBMITTAL Appendix B - ACEC Sister Organizations The Corporate Members and sister organizations include the following: •S Armenian Relief Society (ARS), a not for profit, independent, non-governmental and non-sectarian organization established in 1910 to provide educational and humanitarian assistance to Armenians throughout the world. The ARS serves the humanitarian needs of the Armenian people and seeks to preserve the cultural identity of the Armenian nation. The ARS is officially recognized by the United Nations as a non-governmental organization(NGO) with the UN Economic and Social Committee. Both Watertown(Shushi) and Cambridge (Leola Sasouni) chapters are based out of the ACEC. In addition to serving the humanitarian needs of the Armenian communities worldwide, the ARS works hand in hand with other international organizations to provide international disaster relief in times of need. ❖ Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), founded in 1933, serves as a community based youth organization that guides Educational, Social,Athletic and Cultural activities. •A Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society is a global organization that strives towards the preservation of the ethnic identity and cultural heritage of the Armenian people living outside their homeland and for generations to come. Hamazkayin International has been successful in establishing secondary and higher educational institutions that have prepared scholars, literary figures, and community leaders. It has also played a major role in the field of publishing, and for over eighty years, including thirty-five years in the United States, has contributed to the advancement of the Armenian culture. d• Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts (Homenetmen) is a non-profit organization founded over 85 years ago. From the beginning, the main organization had a twofold purpose. First, believing in a"strong mind, strong body" concept, Homenetmen has provided the Armenian youth with a moral, physical and psychological education outside the school environment. Secondly, it has tried to teach the youth the richness of the Armenian culture and heritage, while at the same time,preparing them to become outstanding law-abiding citizens. Hairenik Association (Hairenik Association Inc.) is a publishing house that publishes the Hairenik Weekly and the Armenian Weekly newspapers. The Hairenik,published in the Armenian language since 1899 as well as an English version, has reported, analyzed, and commented on the historic events of modern Armenian history. Along with news of general interest to the Armenian-American community, the Armenian Weekly publishes editorials,political analyses, regular columns, and short stories and poems. Although the headquarters of the Hairenik Association, Inc. is located just steps away from the ACEC, it has been and continues to be an integral part of the fabric and educational purpose of the ACEC. •A St. Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church opened on October 20, 1957 and serves the Greater Boston Armenian community seeking to preserve the Armenian religious and cultural traditions. The Church serves the needs of its parishioners and the Watertown community home to one of the largest population of Armenians in the diaspora. Permit Application Form Page 11 of 11