Arlington Redevelopment Board - May 2nd, 2022

Meeting held via remote participation. Materials were available from https://arlington.novusagenda.com/agendapublic/DisplayAgendaPDF.ashx?MeetingID=1582.

Docket 3694 - 88 Fremont St

The applicant, Francia Brito, wishes to establish a family child care facility at her home, for up to six children.

(Kelly Lynema, Assistant Planning Director) Ms. Lynema explains that Ms. Brito wishes to provide child care from her home, and that this would be an accessory use of an existing structure. The hours would be from 8am to 5pm.

(Steve Revilak, ARB) Mr. Revilak says he lives near this address, close enough to have received an abutter notification. Mr. Revilak believes he can objectively participate in the hearing, but wanted to disclose his proximity to the site.

(Eugene Benson, ARB) Mr. Benson asks if the petitioner has permission from the landlord (which is the Arlington Housing Authority).

(Francia Brito, Applicant) Ms. Brito indicates that she has permission.

(Melisa Tintocalis, ARB) Ms. Tintocalis asks if Ms. Brito's apartment has enough space for the kids.

(Francia Brito) Ms. Brito says that a social worker measured the space and said it was large enough for up to six children.

(Melisa Tintocalis) Ms. Tintocalis is glad Ms. Brito is bringing this application forward.

(Steve Revilak) Mr. Revilak has no questions for the applicant.

(Rachel Zsembery, ARB Chair) Ms. Zsembery notes that the application has already been reviewed by the Department of Early Education and Childcare.

The chair opens the hearing to public comment.

(Susan Ann Kehler) Ms. Kehler asks if there were comments from any other neighbors, and how the process works.

(Rachel Zsembery) Ms. Zsembery explains how the abutter notification an public hearing process works.

(Kelly Lynema) Ms. Lynema doesn't believe any comments were submitted regarding this special permit.

(Jenny Raitt, Planning Director) Ms. Raitt confirms that no comments were received.

(Jo Anne Preston) Ms. Preston is pleased to see the applicant starting a business. She says the Housing Authority was not aware of this, but it is allowed by Ms. Brito's lease. She asks if Ms. Brito will be required to get insurance, or if the housing authority will have to cover that.

(Jenny Raitt) Ms. Raitt says the application materials have information about the business license, but nothing about insurance.

(Rachel Zsembery) Ms. Zsembery asks if Ms. Brito is working with the department of early education and child care on this.

(Francia Brito) Ms. Brito says she's just starting the process of getting insurance.

(Rachel Zsembery) Ms. Zsembery notes that the ARB doesn't have authority over the state licensing process; she says the applicant will have to work with the state.

There are no more comments.

(Eugene Benson) Mr. Benson thinks the proposal sounds fine, though he is a little concerned that the housing authority was unaware. He says the issue of insurance isn't something the board asks other applicants about. It's good to see that Ms. Brito already has her regular license. He'd like something in the conditions to say that the child care license must be maintained.

(Steve Revilak) Mr. Revilak says the location is in Menotomy Manor, which is family housing run by the Arlington Housing Authority. There are lots of kids in the neighborhood, and he feels it's a very appropriate use.

(Kin Lau) Mr. Lau arrived late, and will abstain from voting.

There's a motion to approve the permit; passes 4--0--1 (with Mr. Lau abstaining).

Docket 3693 - 89 Alpine St

The applicant for 89 Alpine St. is not present.

There's a motion to continue this hearing to Monday May 16; passes, 5--0.

Open Forum

No members of the public wish to speak at tonight's open forum.

(Rachel Zsembery) Ms. Zsembery congratulates Ms. Raitt and Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine for receiving CHAPA's Open Door Champion Award.

The board will meet on Wednesday May 4 at 7:00pm, to review their report to special town meeting.

The board adjourns to town meeting.