Landscaping Detailed for Former Verizon Property

The Hampshire Companies' design team presenting its site plan to the Planning Board on Tuesday night at Bayley-Ellard for the former Verizon Property at 175 Park Ave.

This time, the majority of the hearing dealt with the landscaping of the property. Thomas Woltz, the landscape architect Hampshire has used for the site, detailed what he is proposing.

Woltz said his vision was to tell a story of the site and region's history, using the retreat of the Wisconsin Glacier and the terminal moraines left behind as his inspiration. Part of reflecting that was creating a "punctured plain." To do that, he is proposing to cut slots throughout the parking lot, creating bioswales which will be about three feet deep and help hold storm water. Hydrophilic grasses–those that thrive in very wet conditions–and perennials will be planted in those areas.

Woltz also said he'd be using native plants, but not just those that are native to the state but specifically to this region. He said there will be a tree-lined avenue coming into the site from the new entryway. Sycamores and carpinus trees will be some added to the drive. The trees already existing along the Park Avenue side will be maintained, with new ones added to help with shielding.

For the courtyard where the core of the building is being removed, Woltz is proposing an arching, sculpture-like wall of stone along with different vegetation.

Project engineer Kevin Webb also gave testimony on Tuesday, largely summarizing what has already been presented about the site. Webb said the proposal is to have 860 parking spaces, which is less than the 1,120 required by ordinance based on the site's size. He also said they are proposing to widen the opening to Park Avenue, hoping to create both left and right turning lanes.

Webb also described how they have reduced their proposed impervious coverage numbers from 62 percent to 58.3. He also said that rehabilitating a broken down detention basin on the site will also help with storm water management.

He said that though the proposed lighting on the site doesn't adhere to the specific numbers in the borough's ordinance, that the 25 foot poles (20 is required) will reduce by possibly 100 percent how many fixtures are necessary. He also said the wattage is significantly less than what had existed on the site.

Finally, he said that though the signs proposed for the site are larger than what is allowed by ordinance, that the materials used and positioning will make them subtle and allow them to blend in with the landscaping.

The hearing for the property will continue on Dec. 7  during the Planning Board's next meeting, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Bayley-Ellard.