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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-03 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading t?'FCEtVFn 16 Lowell Street I TOWN CLERK Reading, MA 01867 -2683 READING, M A Phone: 781 - 942 -6612 Fax: 781- 942 - 9071 }� �T Email: jdelios @ci.reading.ma.us 3 20 P 131 Community Planning and Development Commission CPDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: October 3, 2011 Location: Selectmen's Meeting Room Time: 7:30 PM Members Present: John Weston, Chair; Charles Adams, Secretary; Nicholas Safina; and David Tuttle. Also Present: Jean Delios, Town Planner; Mark Mastroianni, Pulte Homes; Reed Blute, Pulte Homes; Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary There being a quorum the Secretary called the meeting to order at ,. PM. Minor Modification — Pulte Homes, Jacob Way Town House Design Changes Mr. Mastroianni presented plans to show what the proposed changes Pulte Homes would like to make to the townhouses. The changes are as follows: 1) Elevation A - Lots 1 — 4: • On Lot 2 remove gable peak and change the vinyl shakes to vinyl sidings. • On Lot 4 to change the stone facing to vinyl shakes. 2) Elevation B - Lots 5 — 8: • On Lot 5 the gable peak will be removed. • On Lot 7 change the stone facing to vinyl shakes 3) Elevation C -,Lots 9 —12: • On Lot 11 change stone facing to vinyl shakes and revise gable peak to double dormer windows • On Lot 12 remove_ bay window and small gable peak; remove shutters and modify stone accent treatment. 4) Elevation D — Lots 13 — 16 • On Lot 13 remove gable peak • On Lot 15 change stone facing to vinyl shakes 5) On the Lancaster townhouses: • The stone accent will be optional on side elevations • Replace window with garage man door with door light on side elevations • Replace window with "doghouse" for fire alarm system on side elevations 6) On the Manchester townhouses: • Add more windows including bay window to rear elevation • Add garage overhang to rear elevation • Add garage man door with door light to side elevation Page 1 of 4 CPDC Minutes of 10/03/2011 Mr. Tuttle questioned the elevation slope; and if units 7 & 15. are farther back than the other units. He thought the proposed changes look jagged. Mr. Mastrioanni stated that the unit types are mirrored as you go down. He also stated that the original building approval from the CPDC was not four squared. They needed to shift the building when the man door was added. Mr. Weston wanted to know if the site plan was changed. Mr. Reed said that it was not. The Board reviewed the site plan. Mr. Safina questioned if the Condo. Association owns the driveway. He was concerned that when you step out you are stepping in your neighbor's space. Also, he wanted to make sure the doors swung in. Mr. Reed confirmed that the doors swing in and that the Condo. Association owns the driveway. It was discussed by the CPDC Board and the representatives from Pulte Homes why the elevation changes to the townhouses. There was a discussion to make sure the changes were not to "cheapen" the townhouses; and the CPDC Board did not want this to be a trend. Mr. Adams believes the previous designs enhanced the townhouses. Mr. Safina stated he was disappointed by changing the stone siding to vinyl shakes. Mr. Reed said the changes were made to vary each building and not because of money. Mr. Mastroianni stated that the gable peaks were removed for weather reasons. The architects were concerned about ice in this area. On a motion made by Mr. Safina, seconded by Mr.Tuttle, the CPDC determined that the change 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, as submitted on October 3, 2011, by a vote of 4 -0 -0. Ms. Delios asked Mr. Mastroianni to talk about the modification needed on the subdivision on South Street/Jacob Way. Mr. Mastroianni stated that because of the townhouses front door overhang, Jacob Way needs to be shifted 5 feet to be in full compliance with the Building and Engineer Department. Mr. Reed said that actual construction stays the same; just the right of way shifts 5 feet. Mr. Mastroianni also updated the Board on status of construction: • He noted that all the old buildings are down; except one 6 story building. S &R is waiting for Mass Highway approval of demolition of building. S &R is drilling in the building to prepare for the demolition. They are hoping for an October 22nd date. • The clubhouse is being framed. Mr. Mastroianni is hoping by November or December he will need an Occupancy Permit. • The townhouse (by the clubhouse) foundation is in; and is being framed. • The perimeter fence is started. The goal is to have the entryway done by the Fall; then a permit is needed by Mass. Highway. Mr. Tuttle questioned the modification to Jacob Way; does it meet the rear setback? Ms. Delios stated it is buried in the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Reed said Pulte Homes maintained the setback. Page 2 of 4 CPDC Minutes of 10/03/2011 Planning & Zoning Work Session, South Main Street Design Guidelines The following was discussed on the South Main Street Design Guidelines: • Mr. Mitchell's, Staff Planner, memo to the CPDC Board was discussed. Mr. Weston stated the memo was really good but the General Comments should be skipped, they speak for themselves. He feels the Board should concentrate on the Design. • Diagrams of setbacks were shown. The CPDC Board noted some predated buildings are at 15' and others are at 50. • Mr. Safina brought up the concern for pedestrians and how the curb is close to the street. Who would want to walk down there if there is no protection from cars? • Ms. Delios stated that Reading Plaza storefront and landscaping is a good model for other businesses to follow. She likes how it looks with the trees. • Mr. Weston would like to work towards having something in writing so Planning can give to businesses in preliminary meetings and be proactive. • There were concerns that nothing in the guidelines should say "shall" can only say "encouraged" • Mr. Tuttle discussed shared parking might have to be a change to Zoning. • Mr. Adams suggested maybe some type of enticements for the developer to bring the building forward. • Ms. Delios told the Board the charity boxes do not add to the landscape; and the boxes are not allowed under zoning. • Mr. Tuttle stated he would like to get rid of the telephone poles and wires. That if the businesses signs were in compliance; that would help too. Mr. Weston suggested the Board mark up and send to Ms. Delios any suggestions on the South Main Street Design Guidelines by the next CPDC meeting and a discussion will follow. Town Planner Update Ms. Delios told the CPDC Board she met with the 32 Lowell Street applicant and their lawyer on 09/201h. They would like to open a ballet studio. Ms. Delios let the Board know she discussed parking and drop off with the applicant. The Board would like an analysis from the Town Engineer. Mr. Safina wanted to know why there was no review. Ms. Delios stated the applicant believes they qualify under the Dover Amendment. Ms. Delios said she would have the Town Council review to make sure they do qualify. Johnson Woods came in on 10 /05th for a meeting for Phase Il. They are on the 11/071h CPDC Agenda. There are 4 more CPDC meetings left until the end of the year. 97 -101 Forest Street subdivision should be filing soon. Ms. Delios reminded the Board the 10/1 7th meeting is a public hearing. The change in road layout for Jacob Way, the Aquifer Protection District and Signs zoning amendments are on the agenda. Cupcake City came in and met with the Health Director; because of the new zoning CPDC was not needed. The signage permit for Cupcake City was issued by the building inspector. Ms Delios reminded the Board about the MAPC meeting the following night. Minutes: On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Adams, the CPDC approved the minutes from the September 26, 2011 meeting as amended. Vote 4 -0 -0 Page 3 of 4 CPDC Minutes of 10/03/2011 Other Business The letter of support for the DCR Community Forest Stewardship Grant was discussed. Mr. Tuttle submitted a letter that he drafted. Ms. Delios let the Board know the grant would allow the town to hire a consultant and look at uses for the Town Forest. The consultant will work off what was already done last year. The Board voted 4 -0 -0 to have the letter signed by the Chairman, Mr. Weston. Adjournment: On a motion made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC voted to adjourn at 9:45 PM by a vote of 4 -0 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Kim Saunders Recording Secretary Page 4 of 4