Commission signals no objection to Benedict Place parking license for 19 West Elm, asks that license be recorded

Developers of the Benedict Place project told the Planning and Zoning Commission April 8 that they have negotiated a license allowing up to seven parking spaces in the Benedict garage to be available to 19 West Elm under a 99‑year agreement, to address possible future parking needs for the adjacent 19 West Elm property.

Project representatives said the license would only be exercised if 19 West Elm secures tenants who require additional parking: the license gives 19 West Elm the option to use those spaces but does not change the approved floor plans or the current parking count for Benedict Place. Town staff and commissioners discussed the importance of making the arrangement publicly accessible and asked that whatever formal agreement is reached be recorded on the land records so future reviewers can find it easily.

Commissioners also reviewed peripheral technical items raised previously, such as electric‑vehicle charging locations, the proximity of EV stalls to the building entrances and fire‑department circulation; staff said these items will be resolved during final construction detailing and inspections.

No member of the commission objected to the proposal in this discussion item; commissioners asked the parties to provide documentation of the license and to work with staff on final dimensions and EV/FD coordination before construction milestones.