WESTFIELD—The city’s Planning Board had determined that more information was needed before they could act upon a special permit for a parking lot and school to be constructed on Root Road.
The proposal, from Sage Engineering and Frank DiMarinis from Roots, is for a three-story school capable of housing about 600 students and a 112-space parking lot, with the parking lot also acting as parking during off-hours for nearby facilities. The Planning Board requested additional information about the project and continued the hearing until Dec. 19.
Frank DiMarinis talks before the Westfield Planning Board Tuesday night, with Luke Showalter of Sage Engineering standing behind him and Brian Balicki of Sage Engineering seated behind him.
According to Luke Showalter of Sage Engineering, who was one of the representatives of the plan, the school could have a capability of being from grades kindergarten through 12th grade. The request was initially for a two-story building to be constructed, but Showalter said due to potential tenant’s needs a third story was requested.
Which school would actually occupy the building however, was not divulged at the meeting.
“We are in talks with some schools but its confidential at this point,” Showalter said.
According to Roots owner Frank DiMarinis, who also spoke at the hearing, he could not specify on who the potential tenant was either, but noted that currently it would be from fifth grade through high school, with the exact number of students being between 555 and 585.
The building would be about 14,000 square feet, according to Showalter, and the pavement area around it would occupy about 43,000 square feet.
The 112 parking spaces would be for both students and faculty, with use during off-hours being allowed for the nearby Roots Athletic Complex. According to DiMarinis, the amount of spaces exceeds the necessary amount for schools, based on the city’s zoning ordinances.
Members of the board voiced concern over what may happen if the project is not finished and the parking would be utilized. However, according to City Planner Jay Vinskey, any use of the building would have to go through the Planning Board.
In addition, the board could necessitate that both the parking lot and building must be completed as a condition of the special permit, or else they will be in violation.
“If they built a parking lot and not the building it’s not the complete plan,” Planning Board Chairman Philip McEwan said. “You can condition that both the parking lot and building has to be completed.”
Another concern brought forth by the board was how children would be brought to the school and how they would leave, especially via vehicle. A suggestion from the developers was that the bused in students would possibly be coming in smaller buses.
Planning Board member Jane Magarian said that children running between vehicles in the parking lot could be dangerous. She suggested specific zones where students can be loaded and unloaded to and from vehicles.
Showalter said that a plan could be arranged.
“I would like to see a specific plan for that and present it, please,” Magarian said.
Concerns were also brought up about traffic and how it could impact the current level there.
Planning Board member Rob Carellas said that the traffic pattern could be significantly bigger if more parents are dropping students off.
DiMarinis said though, that the facility could utilize a staggered approach to when students arrive to help alleviate that.
A traffic study was requested by the board, which is expected to be done.
Carellas also spoke of the safety of the potential elementary school children from teenaged drivers that may be attending. To that, DiMarinis said that there would also be staff present and assisting. He also said that signage and markings could also be used.
During the meeting, Magarian also requested a plan for how cars would be stacked when they come to drop students off, training of employees and that there is a way to make sure children do not exit vehicles when they are not supposed to. Carellas also requested a number of cars and buses expected.
“We’re trying to work together with you here but safety is my number one concern,” Raymond St. Hillaire, Planning Board member, said.
DiMarinis said that safety was a concern for him, as well.
Also regarding safety, the question of sidewalks being put in around the area was also brought forward by the board. McEwan said that this was especially important when considering the other facilities and activities in the area.
“I would love for the city to install sidewalks on Root Road,” DiMarinis said.
He also said that if the board wanted them installed by him, he would do so. According to DiMarinis, he has tried to install sidewalks for his facilities, but has had some issues with the city. In addition, he said that the city would have to grant access to the right-of-way in certain areas for them. For passing between facilities through nearby wooded area and wetlands, DiMarinis said that a trail currently exists and that he can apply to improve it with the Conservation Commission.
Another concern was brought forth by Westfield resident Kristen Mello, who asked about what sort of chemicals would be used in the school for classes such as science, as well as what would be done with waste from the school. In addition, she questioned water safety and if treatment would be done.
According to DiMarinis, the building will have a septic system that will be designed and will follow all state and local health department regulations.
The board voted to continue the hearing until Dec. 19, and requested additional information including a traffic study, a list of chemicals that may be on site, trash disposal plan and traffic and pedestrian circulation.
