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TOWN OF HINGHAM

Planning Board


NOTICE OF DECISION
Planning Board
Special Permit A3 (Parking Determination)



IN THE MATTER OF:

Applicant:         Kristen Grossman 
                          4 New Towne Dr
                          Hingham, MA 02043

Premises:        50 South Street
                          Hingham, MA 02043
           
Deed Reference:    Plymouth County Registry of Deeds, Book 23778, Page 207
           
Date:                 August 20, 2014


Discussion and Findings: 
This matter came before the Planning Board at the August 18, 2014 regularly scheduled meeting on the application of Kristen Grossman for a Special Permit A3 Parking Determination, with waivers if necessary, under Section V-A Off-Street Parking Regulations of the Town of Hingham Zoning By-law to allow space for a health club specializing in stationary bicycle exercise program a/k/a spinning classes within an existing 1,200 SF second floor unit at 50 South Street, property zoned Business A and Downtown Overlay District. 
Al Kearney, Agent and Kristen Grossman (Applicant) presented the application.  Mrs. Grossman said the proposed class schedule is Monday -- Friday 6 am, 8:30 am, 9:30 am and 6:30 pm and Weekends at ~ 7 am and ~ 8 am, with a 25 bike class size to start, ultimately increasing to a maximum of 35 cycles.  Classes typically last 50 minutes and then there is a gap for clean up of equipment before the next class. 

The Board discussed the parking downtown and acknowledged that 5 spaces were allocated to the previous office use but that this use would have a higher parking demand.  The Board discussed peak parking periods on weekdays and weekends, and noted that St. Paul's was well attended early Sunday morning.  The Board discussed with the Applicant if there was a plan to hold classes on off-peak hours.  The Applicant stated that the morning classes would end at the time or slightly after the majority of the businesses open in the morning on weekdays, and, would not begin again until suppertime.  On weekends there would be fewer classes, with none on Saturday afternoon or evening.

The Board discussed the letter submitted by Dr. Kramers and stated that he raised some good points.  Ms. Sneath spoke from her experience working for the Downtown Association and her time with HDIC stating that at peak times parking was very difficult to find now downtown.  Those peak periods are midday during the week and Saturdays at suppertime.  The Applicant stated a desire to have the flexibility to add classes as demand arose but the Board felt that they would like to hear from more of the businesses in the area before a further expansion occurred.  The Applicant requested to be able to have early afternoon classes for teens who don't drive (so there would be no parking impact) and agreed that Sunday or Monday afternoons starting at 4 pm would be good for that group.  The Board discussed an interest in having a one year look-back discussion with the Applicant regarding parking availability in the late mornings but stated that if the Applicant wished to expand prior to the one year they could apply for a modification at any time and come before the Board for consideration.

After additional discussion the Board moved, seconded and so voted to act favorably on the Special Permit A3 Parking Determination finding that there was adequate parking, subject to the following conditions: 


Vote:
It was moved, seconded, and SO VOTED to APPROVE the Special Permit A3 Parking Determination, finding that there was adequate parking for the use as discussed and presented, subject to the following conditions:

1. The Applicant shall return to the Board for a look back at one year from opening to assess the adequacy of parking in late morning hours;

2.  The applicant shall return to the Board for a modification before expanding hours or classes;

3.  The approval is for 25 bikes;

4.  Classes shall end by 10:30 am on all days and do not begin until 4 p.m. on Sunday and Monday for teen classes, and do not begin until 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays - Fridays with no afternoon/evening classes on Saturday. 

This Decision shall not become effective until (i) the Town Clerk has certified on a copy of this decision that twenty (20) days have elapsed after the decision has been filed in the office of the Town Clerk and no appeal has been filed or that if such an appeal has been filed, that it has been dismissed or denied, and that (ii): a copy thereof has been duly recorded in the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds and indexed in the grantor index under the name of the owner of record.


For the Planning Board,



____________________
William Ramsey, Acting Chair
Hingham Planning Board
August 25, 2014