Arlington Redevelopment Board - Jul 20th, 2026

Meeting held at 27 Maple St. Materials were available from https://arlingtonma.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=6557.

It was the first meeting for new board member Michelle Shortsleeve. Vince Baudoin was unable to attend tonight's meeting.

Review Meeting Minutes

The board approved minutes from their June 15th and July 6th, 2026 meetings.

Docket 3907 - 635 Mass Ave

This is a special permit application by Chase Bank, to establish a branch in Arlington Center.

(Claire Ricker, Planning Director) Ms. Ricker says the applicants are proposing to establish a 4426 square foot bank branch, along with making changes to the exterior and signage. They will make the main entrance ADA compliant, add exterior lighting, and add signs in the parking lot.

(John Leone, Attorney) Mr. Leone says that 635 Mass Ave has been vacant for several years. They plan to redo the front entrance, the exterior, add lighting and signage, and close up the entrance in the northwest corner. The will revise the side entrance. Chase will continue the office use at this site.

(Steve Revilak, ARB) Mr. Revilak notes that the application materials say the previous use was a bank. He hasn't been in town long enough to remember a tenant other than Coldwell Banker, which was a real estate brokerage.

(John Leone) Mr. Leone goes through the history of the commercial tenants at 635 Mass Ave. There was a bank in this location, prior to Coldwell Banker moving in.

(Steve Revilak) Mr. Revilak notes that the application materials say they will provide one long-term bike parking space. He didn't see it on the plans and asks where it will be located.

(John Leone) Mr. Leone says there are U-racks behind the building.

(Steve Revilak) Mr. Revilak says that long term spaces are intended to keep bicycles secure, and protected from the elements. The U-racks accomplish the first goal, but not the second.

(Kin Lau, ARB Chair) Mr. Lau says that long-term racks are intended for the employees of the bank.

(John Leone) Mr. Leone says there is space in the basement, but it's down a long flight of stairs.

(Steve Revilak) Mr. Revilak says the redevelopment board can allow an applicant to have additional signs or larger signs, but there has to be a reason related to the building's architecture, it's position on the lot, or the public interest. He thinks the signs to identify bank parking spaces are in the public interest, because they're leasing part of a shared parking lot. He's okay with allowing extra signage there. The three 19.4 square feet wall signs are far in excess of the 40 square foot/business limit in the bylaw, and Mr. Revilak asks why the board should allow that.

(John Leone) Mr. Leone says the want the signs to be visible on all sides of the building, so it can be identified from any direction.

(Shaina Korman-Houston, ARB) Ms. Korman-Houston asks how the applicants plan to fill in the back door.

(Kevin Kelly, Applicant) Mr. Kelly says the existing stair cuts into the masonry. They'll be removing and filling the door, and matching the dark gray exterior masonry.

(Michelle Shortsleeve, ARB) Ms. Shortsleeve says it's good to see a proposal to re-use this commercial space. There's an empty tree well in front of the property. She asks if the applicants considered planting a tree.

(Giovanni ?, Applicant) Giovanni says the tree well is outside of their property line.

(Michelle Shortsleeve) Ms. Shortsleeve asks if there's anywhere they can add greenery.

(John Leone) Mr. Leone says the building extends to the edges of the property line. All of the surrounding area is town-owned.

(Kin Lau) Mr. Lau would like the applicants to revisit the lack of long-term bicycle parking. The board has allowed exterior bike lockers in the past, and he'd like the applicants to ask the town if that could be allowed.

Mr. Lau would like to see drawings of the infilled door. He says the board needs to know what it will look like. He's also like to see details of how the front entrance will be modified, how it will transition to the sidewalk.

Mr. Lau likes the pilaster lights. He asks the applicants to talk to their landlord, to see if there's a way they can be carried across the whole front of the building.

The chair opens the hearing for public comment.

(Steve Moore, Piedmont St) Mr. Moore says this is an interior renovation but streetscapes are an area of great interest. He thinks the building needs to look integrated. He thinks it will be important to protect the trees alongside David Lamson way.

(Reka Murthy, 9 Coolidge Road) Ms. Murthy says her big question is why we're considering a bank in the heart of town. She thinks banks are a dull thud on the life of a storefront. She'd like to see a more imaginative use for this beloved intersection.

There are no more comments from the public.

(Steve Revilak) Mr. Revilak says the board has approved other projects where bike parking was located in the basement. Those applicants mounted a small gutter on the side of the stairs, so bicycles could be wheeled up and down.

(Shaina Korman-Houston) Ms. Korman-Houston summarizes the items the board would like the applicant to look at. These included:

• Long-term bicycle parking
• Bringing the signage in compliance
• Looking at options for on-site greenery
• Additional detailing of the front door, and the door in the northwest corner
• Investigating options for continuing the exterior lighting across the facade.

(John Leone) Mr. Leone says the front entrance is only a few degrees out of ADA compliance, and won't need to change much.

The board votes to continue the hearing to September 14, 4--0.

Docket 3879 - 26 Dudley St

This is a continuation of a special permit to expand an industrial space on Dudley St.

(Claire Ricker, Planning Director) Ms. Ricker says tonight's hearing was continued from June. The applicants have submitted new materials which identify the location of EV chargers and reconfigure the drive aisle. The applicants will make a contribution to the tree fund rather than planting street trees. They've also provided the solar studies the board requested at the previous hearing.

(Frederick Gilgun, Attorney) Mr. Gilgun says he's had conversations with the Conservation Commission, and things are progressing there. They have a hearing with the ConCom on Thursday. The parking layout was an issue at the last ARB hearing. They're now proposing 11 spaces rather than 12. Removing a space allowed a realignment of the drive aisle. The parking spaces are wider than normal, which should provide better maneuverability.

Revision Energy did solar studies for the two roof areas. They recommended not installing panels on the lower roof, due to extensive shading. The upper roof has limited area available, and would only support a 10kw array. They propose to make the upper roof solar-ready, due to lack of solar exposure.

They've provided a photometric study, showing minimal light spillage onto Dudley St, and have submitted additional elevation drawings to show the building in context with the rest of the street. Mr. Gilgun thinks the additions fit in with the neighboring buildings.

(Steve Revilak, ARB) Mr. Revilak notes that the applicants have proposed unbundled parking as one of their transportation demand management plans. He asks how that will work.

(Bryan Poisson, Architect) Mr. Poisson says the building tenants will be charged separately for parking spaces.

(Steve Revilak) Mr. Revilak notes some minor inconsistencies in the plans. Sheet CV-101 notes that no street trees will be planted, but still shows the location of three street trees. Sheet A-100 details the bike room, but doesn't show the location of charging stations. Since the applicants are using e-bike charging as a TDM measure, Mr. Revilak thinks the charging locations need to be shown on the plans. Sheet A-201 uses the key (15) twice; Mr. Revilak thinks one of those should be (16).

Mr. Revilak notes the landscaping plan indicates that "Trees, shrubs, groundcover, and other plant materials shall be selected from the Lexington Preferred Planting List". Mr. Revilak asks "why Lexington?".

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. Poisson says that was a suggestion from the tree warden. Lexington has a preferred planting list, but Arlington does not.

(Shaina Korman-Houston, ARB) Ms. Korman-Houston asks what the limiting factor for the 17' drive aisle is.

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. Poisson says the location of the existing building is the limiting factor.

(Shaina Korman-Houston) Ms. Korman-Houston says she's a little concerned about the width available for the accessible van space.

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. Poisson says they've widened the parking spaces to compensate for the narrow drive aisle.

(Shaina Korman-Houston) Ms. Korman-Houston says she's mostly worried about the van space. She asks about moving it further down the parking lot.

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. Poisson says the accessible space needs to be closest to the building entrance.

(Shaina Korman-Houston) Ms. Korman-Houston asks if the color of the concrete is changing.

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. Poisson says it's not changing. It will be asphalt.

(Kin Lau, ARB Chair) Mr. Lau also has concerns about the narrowness of the driveway. The corner of the stairs is a limiting factor. He asks the applicants to consider chamfering that corner of the building and tightening up the sidewalks. He'll agree to a narrower drive aisle, but wants to see an improvement. He asks about the location of the trench drain.

(Fred Russell, Civil Engineer) Mr. Russell says the trench drain is in the lowest spot where water can flow into the infiltration system via gravity.

(Kin Lau) Mr. Lau would like the applicants to work with the Town Engineer on the location of the trench drain.

(Fred Russell) Mr. Russell says the Conservation Commission requested the trench drain. This is the lowest spot where gravity flow can work, and it was approved by the town engineer.

(Kin Lau) Mr. Lau would like the applicants to provide a letter from the town engineer to that effect.

Mr. Lau suggests changing where the location of the border of the two exterior panel colors. He also suggests layout changes to the second floor.

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. Poisson says that layout was requested by his client.

(Michelle Shortsleeve, ARB) Ms. Shortsleeve asks if the applicants will use a light colored aggregate for the parking area.

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. Poisson says they plan to use asphalt.

The chair opens the hearing to public comment.

(Steve Moore, Piedmont St) Mr. Moore looked at the property via google maps. He says there's a significant tree in the setback where the driveway is proposed. He thinks that removing that tree will cause heat island effects.

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. Poisson says that tree was removed some time ago.

There are no more comments from the public.

(Steve Revilak) Mr. Revilak thanks the applicants for providing the solar assessments. Based on those assessments, Mr. Revilak agrees that the options for solar are limited, and he would be okay with making the upper roof solar ready.

(Shaina Korman-Houston, ARB) Ms. Korman-Houston would like to see the applicants pursue means to widen the drive aisle.

The board moves to approve the permit, with conditions subject to administrative approval. These included:

• Making the plan corrections that Mr. Revilak noted earlier
• Noting the location of e-bike charging outlets
• Making efforts to widen the drive aisle
• Changing the location of the color transition on the west side of the building.

Special permit approved, 5--0.

Docket 3909 - 12 Lockeland Ave

This is a site plan review docket. The applicants propose to replace a two-family home with a pair of duplexes in the Neighborhood Multifamily District.

(Claire Ricker, Planning Director) Ms. Ricker tells the board that the applicant, Ed McDonald, proposes to demolish the existing two-family home at 12 Lockeland Ave and replace it with two two-family homes. She notes that this is a by-right project, and the board needs three votes to approve.

(Bryan Poisson, Architect) Mr. Poisson says this is a multi-family project in the Neighborhood Multifamily district. The existing lot is large, over 10,000 square feet. They plan to remove the existing structures and replace them with two duplexes. They'll maintain the existing curb cut. Each unit will have long-term bike parking and one automobile space. They're also proving short-term bike parking at the front of the property. Each unit will have 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The homes will have mansard roofs and the exterior of the first two floors will be clapboard. They're planning to plant four shade trees on the property, along with one street tree. Exterior lighting will be motion-controlled.

(Steve Revilak, ARB) Mr. Revilak says that Arlington's zoning bylaw is very prescriptive when it comes to two family dwellings. There are a small number of designs that are both functional and meet zoning requirements, and that's what builders build. Mr. Revilak thinks this site plan is interesting and a little different, which he appreciates.

This is a corner lot. Mr. Revilak verifies which lot lines are serving as the side and rear. He notes a discrepancy in how the condensers are depicted. Sheet C-100 shows eight and sheet C-101 shows ten. He'd like the applicants to correct that.

(Shaina Korman-Houston, ARB) Ms. Korman-Houston notes that the existing house is on the historic property inventory and there may be a demolition delay because of that.

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. Poisson says he's aware of that requirement.

(Shaina Korman-Houston) Ms. Korman-Houston asks about the material of the patio between the buildings.

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. Poisson says it will be concrete panels.

(Shaina Korman-Houston) Ms. Korman-Houston asks if trash will be stored in the basement.

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. Poisson says that each unit will have its own trash stored. Two have separate trash rooms, and the other two have trash in the basement.

(Shaina Korman-Houston) Ms. Korman-Houston suggests walling off the trash area in the latter two. She asks about the intention of the horizontal windows on the east and west facades, and what those windows will look into.

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. Poisson says there are stairs on the other side of the windows.

(Shaina Korman-Houston) Ms. Korman-Houston suggests looking at more traditional windows. She asks about sheet A-202, and whether there will be corner boards.

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. says there will be breaks where the building turns.

(Shaina Korman-Houston) Ms. Korman-Houston asks about light spillage onto neighboring properties.

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. Poisson says there's a photometric study on sheet C-101. There will not be any light spill.

(Kin Lau, ARB Chair) Mr. Lau wants to hear more about the permeable deck. The parking area is underneath the deck and he's concerned about airflow. He asks how it will be vented, and suggests checking with a mechanical engineer regarding CO2 vending.

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. Poisson says they'll take a look at that.

(Kin Lau) Mr. Lau believes this area has a high water table.

(Bryan Poisson) Mr. Poisson says this was recently brought to his attention. They're in the process of looking at it, but don't have a final resolution.

(Kin Lau) Mr. Lau says the applicants will need to come back to the board if they change the architecture of the buildings.

Mr. Lau thinks these are handsome buildings.

The chair opens the hearing to public comment.

(John ?, 23 Bailey Road) John's primary concern is groundwater. He's been fighting groundwater since he's moved in. He's got a French drain and two sump pumps. The house across the street had three feet of water in their basement after a large storm. Sometimes his pumps put out 36 gallons/minute, and the storms happen every few years. He says the infiltration system won't function if it's full of groundwater. He says there's an underground creek that was buried in the 1920s subdivision. He believes there is ledge underneath the property. He thinks these homes will need sump pumps and battery backups. He's also concerned about the possibility of his garage being damaged during construction.

(Patrice Smith, 10 Lockeland) Ms. Smith shares the concern about water. She asks who's responsible for overseeing the disposal hazardous materials.

(Kin Lau) Mr. Lau says the building department does that.

(Patrice Smith) Ms. Smith is also concerned about the fence. Cars drive quickly around the corner and she'd like to see a lower fence. She's concerned about the impact of sunlight, and the fact that the new building will be closer to her property. She thinks the design is well thought-out, though.

(Mike Smith) Mr. Smith says there's an Arlington tree committee. He thinks the new trees should come from their list, rather than from Lexington's.

(Stephanie Ford, 12 Lockeland) Ms. Ford is the current owner of the property, and she feels very proud about this work coming to fruition. She's had a lot of conversations with the project team and looked at the plans. She's excited about the aesthetics. She bought the home when her daughter was diagnosed with a mobility issue, and needed to be close to a bus. She had to fight hard to get the property. In 2018, a group of 800 homes were added to the historic inventory. Last year, town meeting voted 200--6 in favor of a bylaw that would allow homes to be removed from the historic inventory if their inclusion was questionable. The building has a lot of deferred maintenance, so it makes sense to replace it rather than trying to retrofit. The location has good access to public transit, and smaller multifamily units are more affordable. She thinks this will provide more housing and keep the character of the town

(Steve Moore, Piedmont Street) Mr. Moore is a member of the tree committee. He says they do have a tree list, and he believes their list is appropriate.

There are no more comments from the public.

(Kin Lau) Mr. Lau says the stormwater and drainage plans will have to be approved by the town engineer.

(Michelle Shortsleeve) Ms. Shortsleeve suggests making sure there's adequate soundproofing between the units.

(Shaina Korman-Houston) Ms. Korman-Houston says the drainage issue is concerning. She wonders if it's worth continuing the hearing.

(Steve Revilak) Mr. Revilak would like to see the applicants work out the drainage issues with the town engineer, as he's the one who approves stormwater plans. However, if there are changes to the site plan or appearance of the buildings, the applicants will need to come back to the board.

The board moves to approve the project, with several items subject to administrative approval. These included:

• Correcting the condenser discrepancy
• Using horizontal windows on the east and west elevations
• Ensuring there is adequate ventilation in the garage
• Ensuring the fencing meets the requirements of bylaw section 5.3.12.B.
• Working with the town engineer to find an appropriate stormwater solution.

Permit approved, 4--0.

Open Forum

There were no speakers for tonight's open forum.

New Business

(Steve Revilak) Mr. Revilak had heard a lot of news about the Boston City Hall employee that was killed while riding her bike on Tremont St. Mr. Revilak went to her vigil on Thursday and heard Mayor Wu give a heartfelt set of remarks. Mr. Revilak asks if staff can share anything about Arlington's Vision Zero plans.

(Claire Ricker) Ms. Ricker says she's worked with Louisa Gag on BlueBike projects. When interviewing transportation planners, she asked all of them about vision zero. It's important to her, and to the town manager. She'll be appearing before the Select Board on Monday night to present the new traffic calming guide. She says Vision Zero and road safety will be priorities for the new transportation planner.

(Shaina Korman-Houston) Ms. Korman-Houston notes that the board always asks applicants to provide a LEED checklist. It was a good stand-in for stretch code compliance, but she believes that's no longer the case. She asks if the checklist is still pertinent.

(Kin Lau) Mr. Lau thinks the board should discuss this during their retreat.

(Shaina Korman-Houston) Ms. Korman-Houston says the house and senate have included YIGBY legislation in their economic development bills. The legislation would allow religious institutions to build multi-family housing on their properties, by right. It appears likely to pass this session.

(Claire Ricker) Ms. Ricker says she's about to award a contract to a consultant who will help us develop design guidelines. That project should kick off in a few weeks.

Meeting adjourned.