The Marion Planning Board met on Monday and began with a Pre-Submission Conference with Sippican Holdings, LLC for development at 14 Barnabas Road.
Steve Gioiosa of SITEC Engineering was representative to the holdings company, describing work on the lot that was once a part of the Lockheed Martin complex. He stated, “the current owners are looking to repurpose the existing building. We’re not looking to expand the building but repurpose it for residential purposes.”
Gioiosa added that 50% to 60% of the acquired office space has already been leased out, though the owner has not been successful in leasing out the lot in question as office space and instead is seeking a residential use as a “commercial rental property.”
Planning Board Clerk Eileen Marum asked the first question, clarifying that the development would have 49 residential units but asking “would these be apartments or condos?” to which Gioiosa stated they would be apartments and also saying the owner/developer, Sippican Holdings, LLC, would be responsible for snow removal, parking facility upkeep, infrastructure like sidewalk and road work, landscaping, and other general maintenance.
There were also concerns over traffic impact, as each residential unit may require two parking spaces. A traffic study was conducted, noting minimal impact. The representative also noted the property’s former use as an industrial contractor office faced the same original concern.
There were other questions and concerns from members of the public, including a push for a definitive decision on the use of the property to be decided by Town Meeting. Ultimately, the board unanimously decided to conduct a Major Site Plan Review.
The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department’s conference room.
Marion Planning Board
By Sam Bishop