NAHANT — The Planning Board determined Tuesday night that more information was needed before it could consider Northeastern University’s request for a site plan review.
The board needs to approve a site plan review before plans for Northeastern’s expansion can move forward, a project that faces heavy opposition in town.
During its meeting, the Planning Board decided to not hold a public hearing for the site plan review; board member Daniel Berman reminded the public that the panel only has a limited scope when it comes to how it can base its decision.
“We will not be able to address the issues beyond the scope of the review and therefore we will not be able to accept any comments or materials that are not within that scope of review,” said Berman. “I observe that there are a lot of people here. I can see that there are a lot of people here who oppose what Northeastern is proposing and there may very well be people here who support what Northeastern is proposing.
“Whether you oppose or support, think it’s good or bad for the town, think it’s good financially or bad financially, those issues are not within the scope of our review,” he said.
Berman and his fellow board members stated some issues that arose from the site plan review, which included Northeastern using improper Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps.
Board member JS Bianchi said that he viewed the application as incomplete due to this issue. He said the board plans on asking the university why the incorrect maps were used and will allow time for the university to provide an explanation. There were also concerns about incorrect tide times being used in the application.
Sheila Hambleton, another board member, also said the board needs more information about earth removal, which she said could affect the topography of the town.
The board will also look into whether the use of Northeastern’s proposed building qualifies for protection under the Dover Amendment. Board member Pat O’Reilly specifically mentioned concerns about ensuring that if the project falls under the Dover Amendment, that the university uses the building as described.
During public comment, various residents stressed possible concerns about the project. Marilyn Mahoney said she was concerned about the potential 24/7 lighting of the proposed parking lot, which might be necessary in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The planning board will be under a time crunch as its members will have to reach a decision regarding the site plan and send it off to the Town Clerk’s office in the span of only two scheduled meetings. Berman said some special meetings might have to be scheduled with one possibly occurring next week.
