2022-05-02 Annual Town Meeting Minutes

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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center May 2, 2022 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:31 PM, there being a quorum present. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all. ARTICLE 15 Motion made by Committee Planning and Development Commission that the Town vote to amend to amend Section 10.5 of the Zoning Bylaw, Downtown Smart Growth District, with the additions being shown in bold and italics and deletions being struck through, as follows: 10.5 Downtown Smart Growth District (DSGD) 10.5.1 Purposes The purposes of the Downtown Smart Growth District are: 1 To provide an opportunity for residential development and to especially encourage mixed- use development, including both new construction and renovation of existing buildings, within a distinctive, attractive and livable environment that supports the commercial revitalization of Downtown Reading. 2 To promote continuing development and redevelopment in Downtown Reading that is pedestrian friendly and consistent with Reading history and architecture. 3 To ensure high quality site planning, architecture and landscape design that enhances the distinct visual character and identity of Downtown Reading and provides an environment with safety, convenience and amenity. 4 To provide for a diversified housing stock at a variety of costs within walking distance of services and public transportation, including affordable housing and other housing types that meet the needs of the Town's population. 5 To generate positive tax revenue for the Town, and to benefit from the financial incentives provided by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40R, while providing the opportunity for new business growth and additional local jobs. 6 To encourage preservation and rehabilitation of historic structures and buildings. 7 To promote efficient use of land and existing parking supply and limit expansion within the district by encouraging shared parking. 8 To encourage adoption of energy efficient building practices and sustainable construction methods. 9 To ensure compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection storm water management policies and practices. 10 To ensure that the physical character of projects within the DSGD will be compatible with nearby buildings, particularly existing residential uses. 10.5.2 Definitions As used in this Article, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below: Accessory Building: A detached building the use of which is customarily incidental and subordinate to that of the principal building or buildings and which is located on the same lot. An Accessory Building shall not be used to house people, domestic animals or livestock, nor shall it be used as an independent commercial enterprise. An Accessory Building located within 10 feet of a principal building shall be subject to the dimensional requirements applicable to the principal building. Affordable Homeownership Unit: A dwelling unit required to be sold to an Eligible Household per the requirements of this Section 10.4. Affordable Housing Restriction: A deed restriction of an Affordable Unit meeting statutory requirements in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 184 Section 31 and the requirements of Section 10.5. 10 of this Article. Affordable Rental Unit: A dwelling unit required to be rented to an Eligible Household per the requirements of Section 10.5.10. I IP.,e