GELD Waiver Request Denied [with video]

Groton Planning Board refused to grant a waiver to Groton Electric Light Department after the more detailed construction docs for the new Station Avenue building showed that the roof pitch of the proposed structure was in fact two and a half feet higher than the original drawing.

The change in the roof pitch resulted from a recommendation by the Design Review Committee that suggested that the pitch in the front of the building and the rear of the building match, as, according to GELD Attorney Bob Collins, that this would make the overall building more attractive. The architect prepared the drawings incorporating the suggestion. It was only when the construction docs were prepared that the change in pitch became evident.

Land Use Director Michelle Colette told Planners that the GELD plan had already gone out to bid and that a "change would be costly" to the plan that was approved at a height of 35 feet.

Member Tim Schwarzkopf said he would not support it, contending that the "building is too large for the site. I will not grant a waiver to a building that I thought should not be built.

However, Chairman John Giger said, "I wonder if this issue of two and a half feet is in the best interest of the town to go back and open it. We certainly have granted field changes for other projects."

GELD Manager Kevin Kelly told the Board, "I just want closure either way at 35 feet or 37.2 feet."

Member Jason Parent then moved to deny the request for the waiver, stipulating that the ridge not exceed 35 feet as approved in the Special Permit. The Board voted to deny the request with member George Barringer abstaining.