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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-28 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading RECEIVED 16 Lowell Street TOWN CLERK A Reading, MA 01 867 -2683 R E M D I N u. M to S S. Phone: 781 - 942 -6612 Fax: 781 - 942 -9071 1011 JAN 18 P12:59 Email: jdelios @ci.reading.ma.us Community Planning and Development Commission 'CPDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: November 28, 2011 Location: Selectmen's Meeting Room Time: 7:30 PM Members Present: John Weston, Chair; Nicholas Safina; David Tuttle; and George Katsoufis, Associate Member Members Absent: Charles Adams Also Present: Jean Delios, Town Planner; Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary Brad Latham, Latham Law Offices Jim Velleco, Grazado Velleco Architects Ted Moore, Johnson Woods Realty Corp. Jay Smith, Sense of Wonder Bill Johnson, Pierce Street Orazio Guevara, Pierce Street Joan Miller, 1381 Main Street Lennie Miller, 1381 Main Street Bob LeLacheur, 42 County Road There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM. 2 Haven Street, Sign Application: Certificate of Appropriateness, Sense of Wonder Mr. Weston identified that the proposed sign application is a slight variation from the approved Master Signage Plan for 2 Haven Street. Mr. Smith, representing Sense of Wonder, verified it is a slight variation in that the sign will be carved as opposed to painted and there is a raised swirl element located on the top left corner of the sign. Mr. Weston asked if the sign would be externally illuminated. Mr. Smith indicated that it will be externally illuminated from the existing gooseneck lamps overhead. He is not proposing any additional lighting. Mr. Safina expressed concern over the proposed swirl element which is to be mostly off the signboard. Mr. Tuttle shared the same concern and suggested that the swirl be located more on the signboard. Ms. Delios explained to the Board that an application for blade signs is forthcoming and that the swirl element may be better suited on the blade sign. Mr. Weston believed the proposed sign, as designed with the gold leaf lettering, falls within what is appropriate for the approved Master Signage Plan for 2 Haven Street. Page 1 of 5 CPDC Minutes of 11/28/2011 On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for Sense of Wonder at 2 Haven Street. Motion carried 3 -0 -0. 26 County Road, Approval Not Required (ANR) Plan Mr. Weston recommended tabling this item to the next meeting because written comments have not yet been received from the Town Engineer. He requested that the Board members forward all questions to the Town Engineer to discuss at the next meeting. Ms. Delios informed the Board that the applicant has provided an extension of time to act on the ANR Plan until December 12, 2011. Town Planner Updates Oaktree Development Ms. Delios provided an update on the Oaktree Development at 30 Haven Street. She indicated that the steel is going up and that the building permit has been issued. She plans to meet with the development team next week for an update on the modular unit delivery. She will also be working with the set -crew on issues related to queuing and loading on Haven Street and will coordinate with police and fire as to what will be allowed during the staging effort. Ms. Delios also explained that it has been determined that the modular units will be delivered from High Street and not down Haven Street and that staging can be performed from the rear of the property first, so as to limit the disruption to Haven Street during the month of December. Reading Woods Ms. Delios indicated that the clubhouse construction is almost complete and that the construction on the townhouses is underway. The foundation on the first 50 -unit Smart Growth 40R building is being completed. eCars The final occupancy permit is forthcoming and they will be before the Board at the next CPDC meeting for requesting the installation of a flagpole. This proposal also includes lighting for the flagpole. The Board discussed concerns with the lighting at the site and Ms. Delios noted that she raised this with them and suggested the Board bring it up with the applicant at the next CPDC meeting. MF Charles Building Ms. Delios noted that the DRT for the MF Charles Building went well and the applicant expects to submit an application for Site Plan Review soon. The applicant will appear before the RHC on 12/6/11 (as a courtesy). 10 Pierce Street, Minor Modification to a Site Plan Approval: Pierce Street Condominiums Mr. Weston asked the applicant if the plans presented to Board reflect any changes since what they had seen at the last CPDC meeting. The applicant, Mr. Johnson, indicated that the plans have not changed since then. Mr. Weston explained that the open item for discussion was from the Reading Historical Commission (RHC). The applicant has gone before the RHC since the last CPDC meeting. The RHC issued an approval letter for the minor modification and made some recommendations on material details. Ms. Adams represented the RHC and stated that the window trim appears to be to thick at 1- Page 2 of 5 CPDC Minutes of 11/28/2011 inch. Mr. Johnson explained to the Board that although the trim is 1 -inch thick, it will not seem out of scale based on the size of the hardiplank clapboards. The Board also noted the petition of support from the abutting neighbors for the construction progress to -date and for the minor changes proposed. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC determined that the proposed changes to 10 Pierce Street qualify as a minor modification to the approved site plan review decision. Motion carried 3 -0 -0. The Board reviewed the draft decision for the Minor Modification. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC approved the Minor Modification to an approved Site Plan decision for 10 Pierce Street as written. Motion carried 3 -0 -0. Johnson Woods Phase II, Public Hearing for Special Permit and Site Plan Review (Continued) Before re- opening the Public Hearing continuation for Johnson Woods Phase II, Mr. Weston noted that there were only three Board members present and therefore the CPDC could not take action on the application for the Special Permit. Mr. Latham requested that the public hearing without opening the public hearing with any discussion tonight. Mr. Weston did not entertain a discussion on the application, but instead provided administrative guidance on what terms were still outstanding with the application. Mr. Weston suggested that the applicant should revise the plans based on the Town Engineer memo. He also mentioned that the Assistant Town Manager provided a memo regarding the Financial Analysis which the applicant should review moving forward. Ms. Delios requested that the applicant provide an updated landscaping plan that will better identify which trees will be removed and which trees will be protected. Of particular concern is the buffer zone between the development and the adjacent apartment complex in Woburn. The Board discussed scheduling options to hold a Special Meeting for Johnson Woods, Phase II Public Hearing. After a brief discussion, it was determined that the Board would hold a Special Meeting on December 8, 2011. Mr. Tuttle moved to reschedule the continuance of the public hearing for Johnson Woods, Phase II until December 8, 2011. Mr. Safina seconded and the motion carried 3 -0 -0. Mr. Latham requested additional guidance on subdivision regulations, specifically of roadway standards. 1381 Main Street, Minor Modification to a Site Plan Approval: 5 Senses School The applicant, Ms. Miller brought forth a revised plan and letter from Home Goods in regards to off -site parking. Mr. Weston provided a background on the application citing that the modification is for an addition which is to go over the existing above - ground garage that would allow for seven (7) more children and one (1) teacher. Mr. Weston requested verification from Ms. Miller that this addition does not increase the building footprint. She verified that the footprint would remain the same. Mr. Weston indicated that she is required to provide seven (7) parking spaces which include one (1) handicap space. He questioned Ms. Miller if she ever put the exit and entrance signs up as discussed in previous Page 3 of 5 CPDC Minutes of 11/28/2011 meetings, but not required. She indicated that it has not been done yet and wanted to speak with the neighbors prior to doing so. Mr. Weston reviewed the traffic study and noted that the first recommendation in the study regarding the traffic queue if necessary should be included in the conditions of the approval. The Board discussed the approval of the changes to the Zoning for the Aquifer Protection District and mentioned the applicant should work with the Town Engineer on infiltration alternatives. The Board agreed that the revisions made in the plans presented this evening represent a much better solution to the parking issue. The layout for the handicap space works much better being closer to the proposed handicap ramp and emergency access lane. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC determined that the proposed changes to 1381 Main Street qualify as a minor modification to the approved site plan review decision and to a certain extent are protected under the Dover Amendment. Motion carried 3 -0 -0. The Board discussed the decision findings with Ms. Delios. She indicated that the findings will be similar to the original Site Plan Approval and similar conditions included. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC approved the request for Minor Modification to an approved Site Plan decision for 1381 Main Street with the following condition. The applicant shall establish a drop -off and pick -up schedule as recommended in the parking study by DJK Associates. Motion carried 3 -0 -0. South Main Street Design Guidelines Mr. Weston discussed with the Board that the guidelines should not result in zoning changes and that the goals within the guidelines are based on the Town of Reading's Master Plan. He noted that the preservation of the existing density is of certain importance and that it has been a big topic of discussion. Mr. Tuttle also noted that the idea is to neither increase nor decrease the density /intensity of existing uses. The Board discussed the idea of traffic calming along Main Street and it was suggested that reducing the 4 -lane cross - section to a 2 -lane cross section with a turn lane would provide additional opportunity for pedestrian, bicycle and landscape improvements. Mr. Katsoufis asked Mr. Weston if the volumes along that corridor of Main Street would permit that type of cross - section. Mr. Weston indicated that the volumes would work; however it is the turning movements that need to be evaluated. Mr. Katsoufis expressed concern regarding MassDOT's involvement in such an alternative and suggested performing additional public outreach to all the stakeholders. Mr. Weston explained that he would like to move forward with the guidelines and attempt to get it integrated into the early stages of the site plan review process. He suggested possibly integrating it into the Development Review Team meetings, which would be a good way to shape design as they progress. Ms. Delios reminded the Board that based on conversations with Town Counsel the guidelines were to be part of site plan review, they should be referenced in the Zoning By -Law (like the 40R Design Page 4 of 5 CPDC Minutes of 11/28/2011 Guidelines), then it would need to be referenced in ZBL Section 4.3 which would require if be approved at Town Meeting. Mr. Weston stated that he would prefer the guidelines to be more like the Passport which was developed by the EDC and not to be referenced in the Zoning By -Law. The Board continued to discuss the options for implementation of the guidelines and the mechanism for such implementation. Mr. Weston suggested making the guidelines part of the administrative rules which would direct applicants to the guidelines. He also recommended securing support and commitment from the Board of Selectmen and the EDC prior to dedicating time on more substantive planning efforts for South Main Street. He further indicated that South Main Street is essentially the last item in the Master Plan that has not been addressed. Moving forward, Mr. Weston suggested evaluating other alternatives to name the guidelines other than "guidelines ". He would also like to start moving forward with having these guidelines introduced into the administrative regulations which will require a public hearing. Other Business Approval of the minutes of 10/17/2011 DT moved to approve the minutes as amended. Mr. Safina seconded and the motion carried 3 -0 -0. Approval of the minutes of 11/7/2011 DT moved to approve the minutes as amended. Mr. Safina seconded and the motion carried 3 -0 -0. Ms. Delios provided some additional updates on other recent business. She discussed that she is working with People's Bank to correct the situation with the illuminated sign that was installed. The Board had a discussion on how to move forward with preventing installation of signs which differ from what was approved. She also informed the Board that the Pilates studio at 22 Woburn installed a tenant sign as approved in the Master Signage Plan; however the sign went in a different tenant spot and it did not seem to be an issue. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC voted to adjourn at 10:30 PM by a vote of 3 -0 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Jessie Wilson Recording Secretary Page 5 of 5