Planning Board OKs Large House Review for 33 Wachusett Road

The Large House Review for 33 Wachusett Road, dubbed a  "posterchild" for the process by one Planning Board member, has been approved, pending the meeting of certain conditions.

"We've responded to the comments of the board and the spirit of Large House Review," architect Patrick Ahearn said at Monday's Planning Board meeting. The board voted in favor of the review  3-1.

The 1.59-acre parcel currently contains a 7,200-square foot English-style house, long owned by Douglas Krupp. Last fall, Krupp sold the mansion, built in 1938, to Nick and Sangita Thakore for $4.75 million. The new owners had planned a 12-to-14-month renovation effort that would expand the home to more than 15,000 square feet, adding indoor athletic facilities and an indoor pool, among other changes. The plan ignited debate last month as to whether it would detract from the neighborhood's character.

In a very brief presentation, Ahearn dispelled the most pressing of previous issues.

The home's proposed indoor pool has been completely eliminated from the plans, Ahearn said. Instead, the property's current outdoor pool will be moved, and it will be moved closer to the home and away from neighboring properties.

Ahearn also said that there would be intensified screening efforts using several 30-foot evergreens to block the property, bought for $4.75 million, from neighbors.

Following the presentation board member Rose Mary Donahue said, "I appreciate your thought and addressing of concerns."

Her fellow member, Douglas Glick, was not as pleased. Last month, Glick referred to the project as the "poster child for Large House Review," and on Monday he maintained his concern that its size and scope does not fit into the neighborhood.

Glick also presented concerns in the removal of mature trees, the property's drainage capabilities, and the proposal to build a cabana behind the house.

Ahearn seemed prepared for Glick's arguments and, when prompted to respond, stepped to the microphone and said, "Let's chat."

Ahearn and Glick debated whether the cabana constituted a second dwelling, which would not fall in accordance with zoning regulations. While a conclusion was not reached tonight, board Vice Chair Stephanie Wasser, chairing the meeting in place of an absent Don McCauley, pointed out that such distinction fell to the town's building inspector and that it was not the Planning Board's judgment to make. Ahearn also said that his group had been very forthright about their plans to remove several trees and argued that they'd already made several sacrifices to their original plans. Alongside Ahearn, Brian Helson of MetroWest Engineering demonstrated that the property's impervious surfaces would recharge 100 percent of precipitation, meeting necessary conditions.

Frank Robentham of adjacent 27 Wachusett Road was bothered that changes in plans had seen that the house be pushed fifteen feet closer to his property despite there being a vacant lot lining the other side. He also wanted to know where the house's air conditioning compressor would be stored, saying that it could get quite noisy.

The board suggested that the house be pushed back some to adjust for the approach on the Robenthams' property. Ahearn then pointed out that the compressor would be in a beneficial position for all neighbors to which Robentham remarked, "Oh, good!"

By the time the board's concerns were addressed, all members but Glick were prepared to vote in favor of the project.

Two other Large House Review hearings were held during the meeting for properties at 72 Pleasant St. and 26 Pierce St.

Jeremy Ditelberg of 72 Pleasant St. provided ample visual evidence of his neighborhood's existing conditions and agreed with the board that he may need to provide additional vegetative screening between his house and the property at 68 Pleasant St. in earning unanimous approval. One condition states that the board must see the new landscaping plan that will buffer the properties prior to July 24.

Jordan Hitch gave a lengthy first presentation to the board regarding his intent to build a new home for his family at 26 Pierce St.. The proposal includes significant work being done on a large ledge in the back yard of the property that separates his home from his neighbors'. The chipping required for such actions, though, proved the focal point of the discussion, with the noise level of particular concern.

"I'm a good neighbor," Hitch assured. "I would love to listen to them and work with them."

Hitch's hearing will be continued at the board meeting on July 26.

Also on Monday, a Change in Use Addendum was approved for 978 Worcester St., allowing for developer Dean Behrend to use part of the property as a restaurant. David Marmer of 37 Poplar Road Large was told to provide more information before a full response could be given to his Large House Review waiver request. Marmer hopes to build a second-story deck atop an already existing first story structure.