The Planning Board recently approved a modification to the special permit for Abbey Road, the 18-unit age-restricted development at the site of the former Peace Abbey. The development includes converting the former library building into a single family home, converting the residence into 2 units and constructing five 3-unit buildings in a circle around the original residence.
The major change with the modification is the relocation of the driveway. Instead of circling in front of the buildings, it will circle behind them. The primary benefit of this move is that it allows the creation of a beautifully landscaped courtyard between the buildings in lieu of a driveway with multiple garages facing the center space. It also allows most of the garages to be built below the living space with entrances that are essentially hidden from view, resulting in additional living space on the 1st level without increasing the footprints of the buildings. It also results in significantly less fill being brought on to the site.
With its location within an easy walk to the Town Center primary business district on North Main Street, Abbey Road represents an important boost to efforts to improve the Town Center. Construction is expected to begin in late summer or fall.
