The DRB stated in its "findings of fact" that the proposal conformed with permitted uses of land on the site in question and that there were no apparent "adverse impacts."
In a telephone interview on Monday, Project Manager Robert Jones said they were "very pleased" with the DRB's decision. The permit will go into effect when signed by the applicant.
The project also needs to be approved by the state's Act 250 commission before construction can begin. Jones said that they would be submitting their Act 250 application sometime within the next couple of months and that they are hoping to begin construction sometime next year.
Throughout the two hearings that were held on the proposal one of the central concerns raised by neighbors was the potential noise that would be created by people using the rooftop lounge or events such as weddings that may be held at the hotel.
However, according to the findings of fact, the DRB did not find it necessary to implement any additional restrictions.
"The Board finds no cause to regulate sound more stringently than already regulated by the state," the findings of fact state. "Events are regularly hosted at other, similar establishments throughout
The findings of fact also stated that they encouraged Basdogan - who is owner of Depot 62 in Manchester - "adopt and apply good management practices" in an effort to control sound and minimize the impact it may have on neighboring properties.
In the interview on Monday, Jones indicated that they were pleased with the Board's decision regarding the noise issue.
"We felt the noise issue that was brought up by various people was completely unwarranted anyway," said Jones. "We felt the board reviewed it thoroughly and came up with an adequate and appropriate decision."
A couple of the neighbors who live in close proximity to the proposed site indicated that they were not overly concerned about the additional noise that may be created as a result of the hotel.
"My wife and I are expecting that there will be some additional noise, but I don't expect that it will be extraordinary most of the time and if there are some occasions where it's a little louder than we and some of the neighbors think we'll discuss it with Mr. Basdogan," said Richard Scribner whose home overlooks the proposed site.
"Right now where I am I can hear noise from the park and it's not consistent," said Marie Sossi. "But for the people that live very adjacent to that area ... I think they have the right to voice their opinion."
Another issue raised at the hearings that was addressed in the decision concerned light that would be given off by the headlights of cars driving up to the hotel. As a result, the DRB will require a sign to be installed near the beginning of the entrance asking patrons of the hotel to "dim their headlights to low beam," according to the decision.
Jones said they were willing to accommodate the board's request as they felt it was both "understandable" and "reasonable."
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