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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-08-22 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading 16 Lowell Street RECEIVED TOWN CLERK READING, mtt qS. Reading, MA 01867 -2683 Phone: 781- 942 - 6612 , f OCT Fax: 781 - 942 -9071 9 1 Email: jdelios @ci.reading.ma.us Community Planning and Development Commission CPDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: August 22, 2011 Location: Selectmen's Meeting Room Time: 7:30 PM 25 P 2: 38 Members Present: John Weston, Chair; Secretary; Nicholas Safina; David Tuttle; and Paul Bolger. Members Absent: Charles Adams Also Present: Jean Delios, Town Planner; Abigail McCabe, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary; Kim Saunders, Planning Clerk; Cheryl Fay (applicant), Attorney Brad Latham, Tony Pimental (Austin Preparatory Board Chairmen), Meghan Young - Tafoya (EDC Chair). There being a quorum the Secretary called the meeting to order at 7:32 PM. Minor Modification Request, Austin Preparatory School, 101 Willow Street Mr. Latham explained that Austin Prep is requesting a minor modification to the site plan review approval received in 2007 to resurface the existing tennis courts, replace the tennis court fencing and remove a tree in the parking lot to allow for an additional three parking spaces. Mr. Pimental, the school board chairman, explained that they will also be filing a notice of intent with the Conservation Commission. The CPDC reviewed the memo from the Town Engineer recommending additional landscaping be made a condition of the approval. Mr. Weston was concerned about the incremental parking changes and suggested that the school look into a more comprehensive parking plan for the future. On a motion made by Mr. Safina, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, the CPDC determined that the changes presented were eligible for a minor modification by a vote of 4 -0 -0. On a motion made by Mr. Safina, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, the CPDC approved the minor modification draft decision for Austin Prep School at 101 Willow Street without the condition number one requiring a tree planting by a vote of 4 -0 -0. Site Plan Review Waiver Request, 250 Main Street, Beauty Loft The business owner, Ms. Fay, explained that she is requesting a change of use from the previous office use with the travel agency to be used as a beauty salon and no exterior changes are proposed with this application. Ms. Fay noted that there would be two employees and that she had six parking spaces. The CPDC discussed parking at multi- tenant buildings and informed the applicant that the town is working towards shared parking as a community goal and did not want the parking spaces to be designated with signage. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC determined that the application for the change of use is eligible for a Waiver from Site Plan Review by a vote of 4 -0 -0. Page 1 of 3 CPDC Minutes of 8/22/2011 On a motion made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC approved the Waiver request for 250 -252 Main Street for Beauty Loft Salon by a vote of 4 -0 -0; with the Condition that no signage is to be erected that designates parking spaces for the building's tenants. Minutes: On a motion made by Mr. Safina, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, the CPDC approved the minutes from the meeting of July 25th, 2011 as written by a vote of 4 -0 -0. On a motion made by Mr. Safina, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, the CPDC approved the minutes from the meeting of August 8th, 2011 as amended by a vote of 4 -0 -0. Updates & Other Business: Ms. Delios informed the CPDC that Johnson Woods would soon be submitting plans to start construction on the final phase of the development which includes 130 units. This will be Ms. McCabe's last CPDC meeting as she has accepted another job. Ms. Saunders will be assisting during the transition until the staff planner position can be filled. Oaktree's building permits for 30 Haven Street are currently under review by the peer consultant. The zoning changes have been approved by the Attorney General's office and Section 4.3.3 and the new Minor Site Plan Review will be effective as of September lsc Public Hearing, CPDC Administrative Rules and Regulations, Minor Site Plan Review Mr. Bolger read the legal notice opening the public hearing. Mr. Weston explained that these administrative rules are before the CPDC because of the recent zoning change adopted by Annual Town Meeting to Section 4.3.3 creating a minor site plan review. The administrative rules outline when the CPDC and when the Town Planner approve projects as a minor site plan review. Public Comment: Ms. Young - Tafoya recommended that the minor site plan review "reminders" be changed to "requirements" or reworded. The CPDC discussed this section and decided to keep the list of reminders but made some amendments. The amendments included the following; the numbered list was changed to bullet points, sign lighting was changed to be subject to site plan review requirements or zoning conditions, the dumpster enclosure should be in accordance with board of health regulations and the line about accessory uses and accessory structures section was reworded. On a motion by Mr. Safina, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, the CPDC closed the public hearing by a vote of 4- 0-0. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Bolger, the CPDC approved the administrative rules for Zoning By -Law Section 4.3.3 and the minor site plan review as amended by a vote of 4 -0 -0. Planning and Zoning Work Session: Ms. Delios asked the CPDC to consider a zoning change to allow for construction and redevelopment signs without a sign permit. The EDC has brought forward this zoning amendment proposal after realizing that the existing zoning by -laws have limited options for redevelopment sites that are undergoing permitting or long term construction. The CPDC discussed options and were concerned Page 2 of 3 CPDC Minutes of 8/22/2011 about allowing more signage without permits. A maximum size of 32 square feet with a maximum length of one year was suggested. Staff will look into this and further discussion will continue at the September 12th meeting. The Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant closes on September 27th and the CPDC will need to vote at the next meeting on September 12th for any zoning articles they wish to be included on the warrant. The Town Planner also reviewed the draft changes for the Aquifer Protection Overlay District. A Vacant Properties By -Law was also suggested for consideration by the CPDC. The CPDC discussed standards for commercial properties and if residential would also be included in this by -law. It was recommended that a Vacant Properties By -Law be a General By -Law and not a Zoning By -Law. Staff will review with Town Counsel and discussion will continue at the work session scheduled for the next meeting. Adjournment: On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Bolger, the CPDC voted to adjourn at 9:50 PM by a vote of 4 -0 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Abby McCabe . Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3