2003-06-30 Community Planning and Development Commission Minutes

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Site Plan Review Exemption Request: Reading Depot Applicants Jason Madden and James V. D'Amico, Jr. from Century 21, North Shore were present. They discussed their Site Plan Review Exemption request and the state of the Depot. There was some damage done by the previous restaurant owners. The Applicants considered a site plan application, but the coffee operation in the kitchen is not proposed at this time, so they are requesting an Exemption due to the limited scope of the change of use. RH asked if an Exemption can have Conditions. CR explained that it can't. JB considered whether Site Plan Review is required, rather than an Exemption. CR mentioned that the kitchen can potentially be used by the Applicant, which is why the Commission might consider it more appropriate to consider this a Waiver request given that the floor area in total exceeds the Exemption threshold. The Applicant is willing to work with the Historical Commission and the CPDC. CR advised that CPDC has the authority to grant a Waiver with Conditions if it determined that an Exemption doesn't apply. NS asked if there will be a final blueprint. The Applicant is leaving the building as is except for removing a booth or two and updating the phone and electrical lines. The interior is in very good condition. They will open a real estate office in part of the building; a Century 21. They need to close soon and need a determination by CPDC to do so. They will apply for the sign permit in the future. Public Comment -Pat, one of the owners of the building: would like to be cued in on the topic; are the buyers able to do anything inside the building?; the kitchen was damaged years ago. -Clayton Jones, Historical Commission: is the Exemption automatically granted for interior construction under 1,000 sq. ft? -Virginia Adams: SOS is in charge of the deed restrictions, feels that full Site Plan Review is needed. The building has a deed restriction that requires public access to a bathroom for commuters during peak periods. MF asked if the Applicant needed a building permit for the project. He questioned whether the project would be exempt if it weren't for the kitchen and wondered how the CPDC should deal with mixed-uses that apply for piecemeal Exemptions to avoid full Site Plan Review. CR suggested that the Commission grant an Exemption as requested, with --instructions to-theTown-Planner and-Building-Inspector- that-a-building-permit - - - - - CAMy Documents\CPDC\Agenda-Minutes\Minutes 6.30.03.doc