2019-10-07 Community Planning and Development Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

Town of Reading 3 r Meeting Minutes „ n= it E sa 1 � LI E R K p� Board - Committee - Commission - Council: .'x13 L` 1 J Phi 2: 02 Community Planning and Development Commission Date: 10-07-2019 Time: 7:30 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Purpose: Meeting Version: Attendees: Members - Present: John Weston, Rachel Hitch, Nick Safina, Pamela Adrian, Associate Tony D'Arezzo Members - Not Present: Others Present: Community Development Director Julie Mercier, Staff Planner Andrew MacNichol, Economic Development Director Erin Schaeffer, Bill Lumbard, Steve Knight, Mary Ellen O'Neill, Brian McGrail Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Topics of Discussion: Mr. Weston said a resident has requested time for public comment, and then the agenda will proceed out of order. Ms. Mary Ellen O'Neill from 125 Summer Avenue requested the Commission modify the subdivision regulations and not allow clear cutting of trees. She gave her opinion the town is losing too much tree coverage. Ms. O'Neill also asked the Commission for modification of the 40R Zoning Bylaw to provide for some setback and some green space. She gave her opinion the Town will regret allowing the type of construction at 467 Main Street up and down Main Street, and added there should be a modest strip of green along the sidewalk to help the appearance not look so harsh. Discussion of Potential Zonina Bylaw Amendments for 2020 Community Development Director Julie Mercier introduced Erin Schaeffer, the Town's recently hired Economic Development Director. Ms. Schaeffer provided her professional employment history and said she has a lot of technical experience from working for two other municipalities and from being a member of the Salem Historical Commission. Ms. Schaeffer said her intention is to proceed with implementation of the recommendations in the Economic Development Action Plan and that she is looking forward to working with the Commission on large-scale and small-scale initiatives. Mr. Weston requested Ms. Schaeffer attend the CPDC meetings at least every 4 to 6 months to ensure the Commission has direct communication and interaction with economic development initiatives. Ms. Schaeffer said she is interested in zoning and is looking forward to the discussion on zoning and policy changes that will bring support to existing businesses and result in future investment in the Town. She said the Town is actively Page 1 1