From the Sherman Sentinel:
The Sherman Library board, represented by their engineer, Paul Szymanski, and Hudson Valley Preservation designer, Mason Lord, presented updated plans to the Wetlands, Planning and Zoning and Historic District Commissions at their meetings held on January 19, and February 4 and 8. These latest plans for the 6,200 foot addition and expanded parking lot call for adding an entry vestibule, replacing the extensive handicap access ramps with a much shortened 25′ ramp and fewer outside stairs. Instead of stairs and a long switchback-style access ramp, patrons will enter the library at ground level through the vestibule. Inside, the stairs and a small elevator will lead to the interior main floor level.
In addition, Mr. Szymanski supplied more information on a new parking lot surface designed to absorb water from the expanded parking area. The design included as well a vastly expanded rain garden, “one of the largest in Connecticut,” said Mr. Szymanski) to assist with water retention on the site. Because the new parking lot surface, defined as porous asphalt, is new to the area Mr Szymanski, Land Use Enforcement Officer Ron Cooper, and town engineer Joe Zarecki have offered to make a field trip visit to see one that has been operating at the University of New Hampshire for a number of years. Mr. Zarecki offered to make the trip at no charge to the town.
Commissioners raised a variety of questions and concerns regarding the new surface material as to its life span, how it handles freezing and thawing, does it require special treatment, can it be plowed et cetera. Mr. Cooper noted that when they travel to New Hampshire these questions will be discussed in full. He added that he has asked Mr. Zarecki to attend next month’s meeting (mark your calendar for March 4 at 7 p.m.) when all the questions can be answered by the experts.
Meanwhile these above plans were also presented to the Historic District Commission at its meeting on February 8. At that meeting commissioners voted approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project with two stipulations: first, they want an additional review of the exterior lighting plans and they want to see an actual mock up of the proposed stone-faced retention wall along Saw Mill Road.
The Wetlands Commission accepted the application and it remains active on its agenda.
Our firm performed the following services for this project: Property Survey, Topographic Survey, Zoning Location Survey, Hydrology & Stormwater Management, Stormwater System Design, Sedimentation & Erosion Control Plans, Septic System Design, Utility Layout, Roadway Design, Driveway Design, Sight Distance Analysis, Parking Lot Layout & Design, Traffic Circulation & Studies, Cuts & Fills Analysis, Low Impact Development, Wetland Soil & Watercourse Delineation, Soil Investigation & Testing, Local, State, & Federal Land Use Permitting. Contact us today at (860) 354-9346 to have us assist you with your next project.
Click Here to learn more about the services we offer. Arthur H. Howland & Associates, P.C. is a full service civil engineering, land surveying, land use planning and environmental services firm. Contact us today at (860) 354-9346 to find out how we can assist you with your next project.