Proposed Gateway Building's First Review Favorable

Chairwoman Angela Ippolito said the proposed Gateway building is striking.

Another board member at Monday's preliminary review of the Humphrey Street structure called it beautiful.

The panel's few questions included those related to views and a public walkway to promote foot traffic.

A March 1,the original building, a three-story structure that housed businesses and apartments.

On Monday a lawyer and architect representing the property owners, the Orloff family, gave Planning Board members an initial look at the single-story, 4,022-square-foot building.

Its materials include lots of glass to capitalize on the ocean view. Otherwise the materials include metal and wood, with some stone at the base, said architect Walter Jacob.

The family is seeking approval for a commercial use.

The design would allow for adding second-floor residential units in the future but the owners are not seeking an approval for residential use, said lawyer Kenneth Shutzer.

The commercial property could accommodate six businesses of 600 to 800 square feet each, though units could be combined if that is what a tenant wanted.

Orloff family members at last night's meeting were Jayne Orloff Carey, her brother Marty Orloff and her father, Ray Orloff.

The family will bring the board a final plan for site plan approval next month.

Their lawyer said the proposal needs no zoning relief because the building conforms to the existing footprint.

Actually, he said, the building takes up less space than the original 5,048-square-foot footprint.

Ippolito said people in town like having open space next to Linscott Park.

Shutzer quipped that the town could buy the property.

In any event, board members said they would like to see the view of trees at next door preserved; and noted that the design appears to provide a view of the trees.

Board member Sylvia Belkin said she would really like to see a public walkway with lights on the park-side of the building so as to encourage walkers to venture onto Humphrey Street.

Board members also said the appearance at the back of the building is important, as well, seeing as may be developed in the coming years.