DRB RECOMMENDATION - CONDENSER SCREENING - RIVER ROCK Salem
Redevelopment
Authority
MEMORANDUM
TO: Tom Daniel,AICP, Director, Department of Planning & Community Development
FROM: Paul Durand, Chair, Design Review Board
SUBJECT: DRB Recommendation—Screening plan for AC condenser units at River Rock
Townhouses, 72-82 Boston Street
DATE: September 27, 2019
CC: Mason Wells, Staff Planner to the Planning Board
All projects proposed in the North River Canal Corridor(NRCC)Neighborhood Mixed Use
District that require Site Plan Review by the Planning Board are also required to receive a
recommendation by the City's Design Review Board (DRB). The DRB's role is to review
proposals to ensure that they are designed to complement and harmonize with adjacent land
uses with respect to architecture, scale, landscaping and screening.
Proposal: On behalf of the property owner, LAR Properties, LLC, Khalsa Design, Inc.
submitted a proposed screening plan for the AC condenser units placed on the south side of
the townhouses. The installed condensers sit on a 12-foot by 6-foot concrete pad and extend
upward to a height of 86 %-inches (i.e.just over 7-feet). Khalsa Design has proposed a
combination of a varied, mostly evergreen screening that blends into a 'front-yard'aesthetic.
The sizes of the plantings are such that when installed they will provide an immediate
screening for most of the condenser area and will grow to fully screen it. The applicant will
adjust the irrigation system to accommodate new plantings around the units.
Referenced Plans and Documents
1. Information package prepared by Khalsa Design, Inc., 17 Ivaloo Street, Suite 400,
Somerville, MA, 02143, dated 9/11/19, containing the following plans:
a. River Rock Residences Proposed Plant List, sheet SKL-2, dated 8/21/19;
b. Architectural Site Plan at First Floor Level, sheetA-022, dated 2/17/17;
c. Materials and Layout Plan West, sheet L1.1, dated 2/17/17; and
d. Photos of the installed AC condenser units as viewed from both north and south
on Boston Street.
2. Staff comments dated 9/19/19.
DRB Review: Throughout the DRB's various reviews of this project, the applicant did not
definitively indicate the location of the condensers, though during the Board's review on March
22, 2017, the Board noted that it did not want to see the units placed on the roofs. The
prominent location of the units is highly visible as pedestrians and vehicles travel northward on
Boston Street and when they enter the site and navigate through the parking area. The view
of the units as pedestrians and vehicles travel southward on Boston Street is less prominent
due to the footprint and architecture of the townhouses that provide some screening from a
distance.
While the Board does not appreciate the prominent location of the condenser units, members
believed that they could be successfully screened to minimize their visual impact. Members
also found that the proposed size for each of the plants at time of installation was appropriate
and will immediately provide some visual screening, which is important.
Members expressed support for planting a variety of species that will screen the units year-
round, though have suggestions for alternative species that may better survive snow load.
Specifically, the Board voted to make the following recommendations for your consideration:
1. Swap the proposed Emerald Green Arborvitae for a heartier species that can withstand
a heavy snow load. The landscape architect suggested planting 3 'Blue Holly', aka Ilex
meserveae variety—such as 'Blue Princess', which members of the Board concurred;
2. Install a six (6) foot tall lattice trellis or similar on the western side of the condenser unit
area, parallel to Boston Street, as close to the units as appropriate, with the plantings in
front of the trellis.
a. The Board was not specific in terms of the design of such structure though
advised the applicant to ensure that it complemented the site's other
landscaping features and fences; and
b. The Board recommends speaking with HVAC professionals to determine
setback requirements, if any, for such fencing prior to installation.
3. Ensure that the size of the plants at time of installation is as indicated on the Proposed
Plant List, sheet SKL-2; this will ensure that there is an immediate impact and visual
screening of the units.
Signature of the DRB: By the signature below, I certify that this recommendation accurately
reflects the actions of the Des* Review Board.
Paul Durand Date
Chair