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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-09 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2683 Phone: 781- 942 -6612 Fax: 781- 942 -9071 Email: jdelios @ci.reading.ma.us Community Planning and Development Commission CPDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: January 9, 2012 Location: Selectmen's Meeting Room Time: 7:30 PM Members Present: John Weston, Chair; David Tuttle; and Charlie Adams Members Absent: Nicholas Safina Also Present: Jean Delios, Town Planner; Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary Others Present: None There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Sign Enforcement Ms. Delios provided the Board with an update on sign enforcement. She indicated that the Staff Planner dedicates time every week to sign enforcement activities. She said a good way to correct violations is when businesses come for permit approval. The idea is to identify any issues that may arise during the permit process or through Site Plan Review; however there will always be instances where a sign is installed incorrectly. She mentioned that the planning staff will be working on the sign permit application. She believes it does require enough detail, and that the disconnect may occur when the applicant is ready to install the sign. Another issue is ensuring that the applicant clearly understands the definitions of the various types of lighting as defined in our Sign By -Law. The Sign -By -Law is also confusing and should be re- visited for changes. Adding examples of sign types and lighting options would also help alleviate some confusion. Ms. Delios stated that the planning staff will be working on updating the sign permit application and look into some potential changes to the Sign By -Law that will make it easier for applicants. Mr. Weston mentioned that he and Ms. Delios considered expanding the Certificate of Appropriateness for sign applications to other districts. He believed that this could end up being too cumbersome due to the number of businesses in the other districts. Mr. Tuttle responded that a certificate of compliance may be something to consider which would require applicants to demonstrate compliance, rather than wait for an approval or permit. The Board continued to discuss other alternatives for sign enforcement. Mr. Weston concluded the conversation stating that the sign permit application should be re- visited and to continue working on improving the whole sign permit application process. Page 1 of 3 CPDC Minutes of 1/9/2012 South Main Street Design Best Practices Mr. Tuttle asked Ms. Delios if there has been any interest in the current Calaresos location. Ms. Delios stated that there have been a few conversations about the site, but no substantial interest. Mr. Weston opened up the discussion on the draft for the South Main Street Design Best Practices. Mr. Adams requested that the Board re -visit the goals and to have a general discussion on the project since he was absent at the previous meeting where it was discussed. Mr. Weston and Mr. Tuttle provided a map to Mr. Adams and continued to discuss the project. They discussed the project area, limits and goals. They indicated that the goals were derived from the Reading Master Plan and should be consistent. Mr. Tuttle pointed out that a big issue is related to the setbacks. The current setback is 15- feet. The previous setback requirement was 50 -feet. They would like to encourage new development to utilize this new setback requirement as it can provide benefits in regards to parking, build -out potential and creates a more pedestrian - friendly feel. Mr. Weston stated that these Best Practices could be incorporated into zoning, but at this time, he would like it to become part of the planning process as soon as possible. A good place to start would be at the DRT meetings. He further indicated that a bolder step would be to have alternating side yard setbacks and access, but incorporating this into the zoning would require support from all the property owners within the South Main Street area. Encouraging these practices as part of the DRT, rather then have them in zoning would enable immediate implementation, then maybe they could re -visit the zoning in the future. Mr. Adams provided some comments regarding the draft South Main Street Design Best Practices. He suggested describing the project limits in more detail and using less jargon to make it more communicable to the public. Mr. Weston indicated that the next steps for this project would be to have one more round of review with the Board members. He also suggested that some graphics and pictures of best practices examples be included into the document and then to schedule a public hearing for approval. Approval of November 28th CPDC Minutes On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Adams, the CPDC approved the minutes from the November 28, 2011 meeting as presented. Motion carried 3 -0 -0. Approval of December 8, 2011 CPDC Minutes The Board reviewed the draft minutes and suggested minor edits. On a motion made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Adams, the CPDC approved the minutes from the December 8, 2011 meeting as amended. Motion carried 3 -0 -0. Approval of December 12, 2011 CPDC Minutes The Board reviewed the draft minutes and suggested minor edits. On a motion made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Adams, the CPDC approved the minutes from the December 12, 2011 meeting as amended. Motion carried 3 -0 -0. Page 2 of 3 CPDC Minutes of 1/9/2012 Other Discussion Ms. Delios provided an update on the 30 Haven Street development. She indicated there will be police detail to accommodate traffic during the installation of the modular units from Haven Street. It is anticipated that the loading of the units will be done in the next week. Ms. Delios also mentioned that 10 Pierce Street has gone into foreclosure. The Building Inspector is working with the parties involved to have a deck constructed to protect the newly constructed foundation. The applicant for the MF Charles building is preparing to submit for Site Plan Review. She indicated that they have been addressing some issues, one of which is the location of the drive -up ATM. She told the Board that one of the primary concerns of the Town is to create two -way access and the location of the ATM may have an impact on this design. Ms. Delios also informed that Board that Perfecto's is still planning on developing but she has not heard anything lately. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Weston, the CPDC voted to adjourn at 9:35 PM by a vote of 3 -0 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Jessie Wilson Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3