By Dolores Sauca-Lorusso

Although some concerns have been raised about the redevelopment of the former Atlantic Aquarium property into residential units, the developer said the plans are being modified to reflect the suggestions of the planning board and the design review board.

Jonathan Leavitt, a principal of 120 Nantasket Avenue LLC, said abutters want to see the current “eyesore” erased and the charm of the neighborhood restored. His Residences at the Aquarium proposal calls for 21 units in a new four-story building.

Chris DiIorio, director of community development and planning, said abutters have expressed concern “regarding the dangerous condition of the existing building and its attraction to criminal behavior.”

Leavitt, a Brookline architect and developer, said he was happy to incorporate suggestions of the design review board into the plans.

“The plans are better as a result of the design review board’s input and I appreciate their comments,” said Leavitt.

He said the design review board made suggestions about treatment of the façade of the building, as well as the back side and garage. Their ideas include landscaping and lighting.

“When incorporating the comments of the design committee, the garage is much more approachable and less foreboding,” he said. “The garage wall goes up about 40 inches. It is possible to see in and out. There are quite a few openings. The garage is bordered by plantings in the ground and vines going up the wall. Based on comments received, we are also making a photogrammetric plan to address lighting on the site diagram.”

Some additional issues raised include keeping State Park Road open during construction, project density, traffic, flooding, environmental impacts, and whether the building would be rentals or condominiums.

The primary concern of Marie Schleiff, an abutter on State Park Road, is developing the right type of building on the property and constructing it based on current regulations.

“I don’t want to be seen as an obstructionist, but I want to be sure whatever is built there is something that fits the local area and enhances the property,” said Schleiff.

The longtime resident expressed her concern that many areas of the project such as traffic, density, and environmental concerns need to be looked at more deeply, especially regarding any types of grandfathering considerations.

“I have lived in Hull for over 25 years. I know the problems with seawater and what happens when there is a storm,” said Schleiff. “And the area is already plagued by traffic and parking congestion.”

Although she wants a positive outcome for the site, Schleiff questioned whether it is truly feasible to have a four story 21-unit building on a half-acre of land bordering state Department of Conservation and Recreation property.

“We are doing everything to comply to all ordinances in the Nantasket Beach Overlay District,” Leavitt said. “State Park Road will definitely remain open. The building is not in a floodplain, but it is ‘wet floodproofed,’ which far exceeds standards by state codes.

“The preference for the building is condos, but the possibility of some rentals can’t be ruled out,” he added.

DiIorio said that concerns about stormwater are being reviewed by the town’s engineering consultant; however, reports had not yet been received. Leavitt added that the engineering consultant is clarifying such civil issues as groundwater collection and roof runoff because the plans did not show gutter placement. 

The planning board was scheduled to resume its hearing on the project after the Times’ deadline this week; watch next week’s edition for an update.

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