Source:
http://www.seabrooknh.info/wp-content/uploads/05-19-15-Planning-Board-Minutes.pdf
ONGOING CASE
Case # 2015-07: Proposal by DDR and Tesla Motors Inc. to install 8 electric vehicle charging
stations on 10 parking spaces at Seabrook Commons, 700 Lafayette Road,
Tax Map 8, Lot 55-200.
Attending: Jesse Karp, Regional Manager, TESLA Motors
Janvrin called attention to the Technical Review Committee Minutes of May 11, 2015, and the
letters from TESLA responding to the TRC and DDR, in re their support and re the parking update,
as well as the turning radius drawing as requested. Karp said the TRC comments were
appreciated, noting that per his letter the primary concerns were re the parking spots and safety.
According to the DDR parking memorandum, there were 90 retail spaces in excess of the zoning
requirements in the proposed TESLA vicinity, of which 56 were for Panera and 20 were for
expanding the number of cars for the Outback. TESLA needed 10 spots of which 4 would be
dedicated to TESLA cars, 4 to accommodate other electric autos, and 2 spaces for the transformer
and electric connections.
Karp said the TRC expressed concern about potential impacts on the charging stations; they will
design a system of bollard enclosure that would be satisfactory to the Building Inspector. TESLA
will provide an operational manual and training for fire and police personnel. A lock box allowing
fire department emergency access will be posted. He called attention to the turning radius drawing
showing the sweep for trucks as adequate. Zalewski wanted to see the bollards drawing in
advance. Friberg said to coordinate the drive aisles and bollards with Zalewski.
Chase asked if more parking spots would be a good idea. Karp said they were leasing the spots,
and also working with Unitil. Janvrin commented on the drive aisle protection noting that the
footprint fits the current specifications. Khan wanted to be sure the fire and police concerns were
addressed as a condition of approval. Friberg commented that this was a new technology, so
training plus a fire safety plan was appropriate, noting that the single mishap was with outside
faulty wiring. Karp commented that there were 4 or 5 transformer connections nearby. Zalewski
asked about using the other side of the driveway. Karp said that would require an ok from the
Outback. It would be cost effective to pull the power to the island. Chase asked if they did borings.
Karp said they did. Janvrin noted there were no water or sewer connections. Chase noted there
would be access all around. Karp said there could be different designs, but only single gates that
do not open into a drive aisle. They work in a confined area. Zalewski emphasized the need for
crash hardware on the fencing to protect the transformer. Karp said they would provide a fire
safety plan that addressed extrication in an emergency. Morgan thought the discussion was
getting close to over-engineering.
Chase asked why they would not use a guardrail. Karp said that DDR was concerned about
keeping with the overall aesthetics of the shopping center. Khan asked if they used metal posts.
Zalewski understood they would use steel cylinders with foundations, filled with concrete. Friberg
commented that guardrails could be yielding.
MOTION: Kelley to approve Case #2015-07: DDR and TESLA Motors,
Inc. to install 8 vehicle charging stations on 10 parking
spaces at Seabrook Commons 700Tax Map 8, Lot 55-
200 conditioned on the Applicant:
(i) providing $5000 as security;
(ii) providing a written fire safety plan, and training for
fire and police department personnel prior to opening;
(iii) installing a lock box with the key provided to the
fire department with instructions for emergency
shutoff;
(iv) installing a safety barricade satisfactory to the
Code Enforcement Officer and the peer review civil
engineer;
(v) depict power connections, gates, fencing with
essential information and training for first responders;
(vii) providing a letter from Unitil as to its approval and
satisfaction with the transformer design;
(viii) providing revised plans entirely satisfactory to
the town planner and the peer review civil engineer;
(ix) paying all of the open invoices to date prior to the
Chair signing the plans and scheduling the preconstruction
meeting.
SECOND: Janvrin Approved: Janvrin, Chase, Khan, Kelley,
Abstained: Lowry
