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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-17 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2683 r UK CE ry ED Phone: 781 - 942 -6612 r C Fax: 781 - 942 -9071 Email: jdelios @ci.reading.ma.us Community Planning and Development op�WgiQ 12, 31 CPDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: October 17, 2011 Location: Selectmen's Meeting Room Time: 7:30 PM Members Present: John Weston, Chair; Charles Adams, and David Tuttle. Members Absent: Nick Safina, Secretary Also Present: Jean Delios, Town Planner; and Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary Mark Mastroianni, Pulte Homes Reed Blute, Pulte Homes Mike Rosati, Engineer for Pulte Homes Fred Van Magness, 243 Franklin Street Christine Brungardt, 324 South Street There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM. Public Hearing - Proposed Zoning Amendment Section 6.2 "Signs" The Chair opened the public hearing for a proposed zoning amendment to section 6.2 "Signs" of the Zoning By -Laws. Mr. Adams read the legal notice. Ms. Delios gave a brief description why the amendment was needed. She stated EDC discussed concerns for the current exempt signs. The current by -law limits the sign to 16 square feet. She feels the modified by -law is business friendly. It would allow signs not exceeding 32 square feet. Redevelopment would be included in the construction sign definition. The exemption would be for one year; or the applicant would have to come back if the sign is still needed. The maximum allowed sign is one. The Board discussed why there are no restrictions on the sign height on the amended by -law. It was noted that the temporary sign has to be below roof and has to be structural sound. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Adams, the CPDC voted to close the public hearing by a vote of 3 -0 -0 On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Adams, the CPDC voted to recommend adoption of the proposed zoning amendment, by a vote of 3 -0 -0. Page 1 of 4 CPDC Minutes of 10/17/2011 Public Hearing — Proposed Zoning Amendment Section 4.8 "Aquifer Protection District" The Chair opened the public hearing for a proposed zoning amendment to section 4.8 "Aquifer Protection District" of the Zoning By -Laws. Mr. Adams read the legal notice. Ms. Delios talked about her discussion with the Town Engineer regarding updates needed for the zoning by -law. The current zoning by -law is different from the State regulations and is confusing to the public. A memo was sent to Conservation in April keeping them informed of the discussion. Ms. Delios went over the new definition. She stated there is no variance allowed; and you would need to provide recharge if development or changes exceed the impervious surface threshold. Public Comment: Mr. Van Magness discussed with the Board his concerns of this by -law. He brought up the following points: • The law puts one neighbor against another • You don't know who is in the district • The district doesn't match with other towns Aquifer Protection District • If the town wants to "go green "; make the whole town be in the district • The town should have personnel who follow through to check if recharge system are put in • The change is in right direction; but there should be flexibility. You should be able to go to the ZBA. The Board discussed with Mr. Van Magness their point of views and why it is necessary to update this by -law. They explained how there is no building permit to regulate driveways or walkways; and they do not want one. Once the asphalt is done; it is too late. Ms. Delios reminded the Board that this amendment is required under a consent order by the DEP. The Board did agree that separate work on definition of impervious surface should be done at a later date; working with engineering, homeowner and applicant. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Adams, the CPDC voted to close the public hearing, by a vote of 3 -0 -0 On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Adams, the CPDC voted to recommend the proposed zoning amendment, by a vote of 3 -0 -0. Public Hearing — South Street and Jacob Way Change in Road Layout The Chair opened the public hearing for South Street and Jacob Way change in road layout. Mr. Adams read the legal notice. Mr. Rosati represented Pulte Homes. He stated that this is a modification to a plan already approved by the CPDC. The original plans did not show the changes made to the Townhouses. The zoning requires that Jacob Way move the right of way south 5 feet. He noted that the road or sidewalk has not changed. Page 2 of 4 CPDC Minutes of 10/17/2011 Mr. Rosati reminded the Board the Town Engineer has reviewed the plans and has no issues and he recommends the road change. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Adams, the CPDC voted to close the public hearing, by a vote of 3 -0 -0 On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Adams, the CPDC voted to approve the submitted layout plan for Jacob Way, by a vote of 3 -0 -0. The Board asked Mr. Mastroianni for an update on Pulte Homes. He stated that the controlled demolition will now take place on October 29, 2011 @ 9:00 a.m.. The demolition contractor had a conflict with previous date. All State permits are in hand. The Reading Police and Fire Department are aware of the permits needed. There has been a lot of coordination to this demolition; signs will be posted and residents will be notified ahead of time. Mr. Blute stated that he does not encourage attendees. No one will be allowed in. Ms. Delios stated she believes the demolition contractor is recording it; they will try to provide a link. The traffic at South Street and on 128/I95 will be stopped. There is going to be a test blast on 10/27th @ 8:30 a.m. with the fire department. Planning & Zoning Work Session - South Main Street Design Guidelines It was suggested by the Chair to delay this work session. Put the guidelines on the agenda after the Town Meeting. Remind the Board at November 7th CPDC meeting they will be discussing the guidelines on November 28th Town Planner Updates Ms. Delios talked about the following: • A new planner should be starting October 31St • She is having a standard monthly meeting with the applicant of the big projects and department heads. This is going really good; keeping the communication open. • At the last meeting with Pulte Homes, the blasting was discussed. The contractor sent out letters 1000' radius to let homeowners, business owners and other towns know about the blasting. The Town of Reading uses software "Everbridge" to send out notifications. Also, there is a bi- weekly newspaper, sent out by Ms. Knight, which will remind residents of this event. • Oaktree had a monthly meeting in advance of getting building permit. Two issues were brought up: the fire hydrant needs to be relocated because it negated parking spaces; and the security in the Concourse area. They are closer to obtaining a building permit. The "boxes" are still coming in November; by Thanksgiving. • Johnson Woods, Phase II is filed. The DRT meeting notes will be in the 11 /07th CPDC meeting packet. • The next CPDC meeting is on November 7th. The agenda is full. • The MF Charles Building applicant came in; because of it being a historical building a 106 Review needs to be done. The applicant believes they have already done the review; but Ms. Delios believes a full one needs to be done. She is waiting for a comprehensive plan. • The Christian Science Church applicant came in. It will be a ballet school. It was noted that the CPDC will need good solid data on the traffic during drop off, pickup and parking. Page 3 of 4 CPDC Minutes of 10/17/2011 The Planning Department is in the midst of discussions with the doggy day care regarding drop off and pickup 97 -101 Forest Street subdivision has not provided anything; there is no time frame for them. The outside lights at eCars have been lit up. A resident in the condominium has complained about the brightness. eCars stated they are keeping the lights on during construction for security reasons. Ms. Delios will follow up. The opening should be soon. Minutes: On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Adams, the CPDC approved the minutes from the October 3, 2011 meeting as amended. Vote 3 -0 -0 Other Business Mr. Weston asked Ms. Delios if she knows anything about Randall Arandt. He is a landscape planner who is giving a talk this weekend similar to the South Main Street Guidelines. Mr. Weston asked if Ms. Delios hears anything about his talk, to let them know. Ms. Delios talked about the MAPC meeting. She told the Board how it was a good turnout. At the MAPC meeting it was talked about how hard it is to navigate a bike from Lake Quannapowitt to Reading. Possibly link a path along side the industrial area behind RMLD. It will be tricky for a bike path at railroad crossing area. At the meeting they also talked about enhancements, at bus shelters and waiting areas. There will be a report coming out soon. Adjournment: On a motion made by Mr. Weston, seconded by Mr. Adams, the CPDC voted to adjourn at 9:45 PM by a vote of 3 -0 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Kim Saunders Recording Secretary Page 4 of 4