By Carol Britton Meyer

The developer of the proposed Paragon Dunes mixed-use project at the former Paragon Boardwalk presented revised plans to the planning board last week in response to comments received during the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review process. Most of the modifications address stormwater management and landscaping.

GETTING A LIFT. The planning board reviewed revised plans for the Paragon Dunes project last week. The changes include adding a 10-foot-wide wooden boardwalk along Nantasket Avenue and elevating most of the commercial spaces and lobby to a height that is about two feet, four inches above the current level of the sidewalk. The raised boardwalk will allow flood water to pass under the building, but will not increase the overall height of the structure, as the interior ceiling heights of the first-floor commercial spaces will be reduced.

The Procopio Companies’ proposed changes include creating a 10-foot-wide wooden boardwalk along Nantasket Avenue with stairs and handicapped-accessible ramps, and elevating all but one of the commercial spaces and the residential lobby to a height that is about two feet, four inches above the current level of the sidewalk. The raised boardwalk will allow flood water to pass under the building, but will not increase the overall height of the structure, as the interior ceiling heights of the first-floor commercial spaces will be reduced. One of the commercial spaces won’t be elevated because of its location; it would be disconnected from the public area if elevated.

The building also is being pushed back 10 feet from Nantasket Avenue, as well as the same distance from the northern boundary near the state Department of Conservation and Recreation’s comfort station.

These modifications, however, won’t materially change the density, unit count, parking, or the architecture of the earlier approved plan, Adam Brodsky, attorney for the developer, said earlier.

Members of the Design Review Board also participated in last week’s hearing, along with a number of residents who asked questions and expressed concerns. The hearing will continue on September 25.

Click here for the latest project Paragon Dunes details, including updated architectural drawings

The development will include 132 residential units, commercial uses, an elevated courtyard with an inground pool, public open spaces, a parking garage and surface parking for a total of 180 cars. The structure will have four stories, including three stories of residential units above first-floor commercial space. The garage level, located partially below the street grade of Nantasket Avenue, will consist of parking and storage areas for residents, as well as an enclosed trash room and utility spaces. Procopio finalized the purchase of the property for $6 million from Nantasket Dune Holdings LLC on May 20 of this year, and the businesses remained closed this summer.

The approval of the Paragon Dunes plans granted by the planning board on March 20 was subject to conditions, including gaining approval from all the appropriate state agencies. The plans were reviewed by the board April 3 and approved April 10.

The idea behind the modifications is to better comply with the MEPA regulations while maintaining the street-front commercial space included in the initial planning board approval.

The Design Review Board is generally supportive of these modifications, with remaining lighting and other details to be worked out, Co-Chair Julia Parker said.

At the DRB’s suggestion, shade sails were added to the southern commercial seating area and the northern boardwalk expanded to create a gathering space along Nantasket Avenue.

Steven Greenberg, who sits on the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce and the board of directors of the Friends of the Paragon Carousel, said he is “delighted” with the modified plans, especially the placement of the community room.

Concerns aired by residents included what will happen to cars parked on the property should flooding occur, ensuring that the public feels welcome to enjoy the boardwalk – including the ocean views, and stormwater system maintenance.

The developer is working on a plan to move vehicles from the site due to flooding, if necessary, and then shuttle residents back to the building.

Maintenance of the stormwater system will be part of the order of conditions issued by the conservation commission.

At the request of Planning Board Chair Jeanne Paquin and the Design Review Board, a landscape architect with expertise in coastal landscaping will review the landscaping plan to ensure the plantings will work at that location, considering its proximity to the ocean.

Resident Bill Smyth suggested instead consulting with the Hull Garden Club, “which [regularly] deals with this kind of environment.”

The developer “is trying to be as responsive as possible to what MEPA has asked them to do,” Paquin said. “This plan looks better to me – it’s more beachy and seaside, which is heartening.”

The hearing was continued to September 25.

In mid-September, an online meeting with MEPA and others will be held that will be advertised in The Hull Times, according to Director of Community Development and Planning Chris DiIorio. There will also be a site walk, which the planning board can attend.

Once MEPA certification is granted, final approval by the planning board and the conservation commission is required.

“Everyone has their marching orders,” Paquin said.

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