2022-05-05 Annual Town Meeting Minutes

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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School May 5, 2022 Performing Arts Center The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:34 PM, there being a quorum present. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all. The following announcements were made by the Moderator: Things got a little confusing on Monday. In order to make it a little more orderly this evening, here's how we will proceed: On the motion under Article 15, we begin where we left off on Monday - discussing a proposed amendment by Mr. Berman. Next, we have a correcting amendment by the proponents of the article - something they feel should have been in their main motion. Following that, I will take the proposed amendments in the order we received them at Town Hall. I'll call on the individual proponents to state their cases. Then we debate, and ultimately, vote on them. I believe there are nine. Once we have handled them we return to debate on the main motion - either as originally proposed, or as amended, depending on the votes on the amendments. Once we have completed business under Article 15 we move back to Article 3 to take up four proposed Instructional Motions. ARTICLE 15 Motion made by Community Planning and Development Commission that the Town vote 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