Ram Development Company Responses to Town Staff Questions, 11.29.06

 

1.  Will units be quiet and have firewall construction?

 

Ram Response:  Yes.

 

2.  Address comments about incorporating solar technology and being a model for energy conservation.

 

Ram Response:  As part of the design development process and in connection with LEED certification, we plan on exploring numerous “green building” features, including solar considerations.  While we cannot commit to any one component until we have evaluated the alternatives in context with our budget, we are certain that the building will have several energy efficiency components. 

 

3.  Address comment about whether developer’s commitment to local businesses is being met.

 

Ram Response:  We remain committed to seeking quality local businesses as part of the Lot 5 project.  In addition to involving local vendors and sub-contractors in the development process, we intend to give special consideration to local tenants whom we believe can contribute to the overall success of the project.

 

4.  Provide anticipated schedule for making application for a special use permit.

 

Ram Response:  March of 2007.

 

5.  How and when would Ram envision using Dean Malecha and the peer review process from this point forward?

 

Ram Response:  After the initial SUP submittal, we intend to involve the Dean in at least one session at the beginning of design development and one session toward the end of design development.

 

6.  Discuss idea of adding office to the residential/retail mix?

 

Ram Response:  This has been thoroughly discussed and is not currently part of the program.  As we move through the SUP process, we will reconsider office as a part of the project.

 

7.  Provide updated computer visualizations (similar to that done for concept plan in March) which shows the project scale in relation to the surroundings.

 

Ram Response:  The massing of the current design will essentially fit within the envelope of the previous computer model.  The scale of the project is very similar to the previous design; the most significant exception is the reduction in height by one story of the central building.  A new computer model will be developed and reviewed as part of the SUP process.