Storage‑facility amendment over mechanical equipment, condensers and screening continued to October 12

The Planning Board continued the site‑plan amendment requested by Mason Storage LLC for 38 Spencer Street (PB2026‑33‑SPA) after extended discussion about the location of mechanical pads and screening.

Applicant Sean Mason showed photos and a revised landscaping plan that placed decorative planters to screen propane tanks and condensers; he said the planters were heavy and filled with stone to avoid overturning. Board members questioned the longevity of planter‑based screening in ground‑freeze and salt conditions and suggested alternatives such as larger raised planters, more robust planting media, or slatted metal screening that would better match the building aesthetic. Several members noted the equipment in front of the building was visible from the rail trail and asked whether the rooftop or sides of the building could have accommodated HVAC equipment if structural adjustments had been made.

Members divided on whether to grant waivers allowing mechanical equipment within the required perimeter landscape buffer. Some said they would need supporting engineering or contractor evidence showing rooftop placement was infeasible; others objected to retroactive changes to an approved plan without stronger justification. The applicant agreed to investigate whether the front condensers could be moved (including asking their contractor and project manager) and to waive the 90‑day statutory review deadline to allow the board time to review further materials. The board continued the hearing to the October 12 meeting to allow the applicant to return with documentation and refined screening proposals.