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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-23 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading 16 Lowell Street TOWN RECEIVED CLERK R K Reading, MA 01867 -2683 R E r "1 L I N G, MASS. Phone: 781 - 942 -6612 Fax: 781 - 942 -9071 /� Email: jdelios @ci.reading.ma.us 2012 FEB -q A 8: 50 Community Planning and Development Commission CPDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: January 23, 2012 Location: Selectmen's Meeting Room Time: 7:30 PM Members Present: John Weston, Chair; David Tuttle; Nicolas Safina and Charlie Adams Also Present: Jean Delios, Town Planner; Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary Others Present: George Katsoufis, Associate CPDC Member Bradley Latham, Representing applicant for 96 -100 Van Norden Road ANR Plan Mark Mastroianni, Representing Pulte Homes There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM. 96 -100 Van Norden Road ANR Plan Endorsement Mr. Latham provided a summary of the proposed plan indicating that the lot had two houses at the time the Town adopted the Subdivision Control Law. He stated he has received the memo from the Town Engineer which recommended the Board deny endorsement because it was determined that 96 -100 Van Norden Road is already situated on two separate lots. Mr. Latham provided the Board with additional information as to why he believes the plan qualifies for endorsement as an ANR plan. He also provided a statement which granted the Board additional time to act on the ANR plan. Mr. Weston stated he would like to hear from the Town Engineer and Town Counsel regarding this matter. Mr. Safina moved the Board to continue the endorsement of the ANR plan for 96 -100 Van Norden Road until February 27, 2012. Mr. Tuttle seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. Master Signage Plan Approval — Reading Woods Mr. Mastroianni represented Pulte Homes and presented the Board with the signage plan for the Reading Woods development at Jacob Way in Reading. He stated that when they applied for a building permit to install the stone entry wall, they were informed by the Town that they would need approval from the CPDC for the installation of the sign which is to be mounted on the wall. The Site Plan Review decision specifically states that all signage must be approved by the CPDC. Mr. Mastroianni described the proposed signage for the site stating that they have worked closely with the Planning Department to ensure the signs fit within the perimeters of the Sign By -Law. As a result of that discussion it was determined that sign on the stone entry wall would be considered a free - standing sign requiring CPDC approval. The other proposed on -site signs include a temporary sign to direct motorist to the sales center and a series of smaller signs which would be designed to meet the requirements of Page 1 of 3 CPDC Minutes of 1/23/2012 directional /information signs that do not require a permit. In addition to these signs, Mr. Mastroianni is proposing to have a wall sign located on the Club House identifying the sales center for Reading Woods. Mr. Weston clarified that the height of the sign on the stone wall will be approximately 5 -feet as shown on the elevation plan. He also questioned if there is any proposed lighting. Mr. Mastroianni responded indicating that there will be two up- lights pointed at the sign. There was a discussion regarding the slope at the location of the proposed stone entry wall. Mr. Safina was concerned that the slope could have an impact on the visibility of the sign and could also impact the proposed lighting. He would not like to see the lighting installed in a manner that directs light onto an adjacent property. Mr. Mastroianni verified that the lighting will be pointed at the sign. Mr. Tuttle questioned whether this sign could qualify as a monument sign under the Sign By -Law. Ms. Delios indicated that the proposed signs had to fit within what is allowed under Business C, which actually refers back to Business A and that the sign fit within the definition of a free - standing sign for this zone. The Board reviewed the setback requirements and it was noted that the side setback is in relation to South Street and the front setback is in relation to Jacob Way. Mr. Mastroianni described in more detail the proposed directional /information signs. Mr. Tuttle indicated that if the signs are to be classified as directional /informational, the "Reading Woods" portion of the sign may not be consistent with zoning. The Board discussed the draft Sign Approval. Two conditions were added to the approval 1) The lighting may not spill -over to adjacent properties. 2) The lighting must be positioned as such to only direct light at the sign. Mr. Safina moved the Board approve the Sign Approval as amended. Mr. Tuttle seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. . South Main Street Design Best Practices Mr. Weston opened the discussion on the South Main Street Design Best Practices. The Board, as well as Associate Member George Katsoufis discussed the most recent draft of document. Minor changes and edits were made. Mr. Katsoufis mentioned the "Metro Future" Plan developed by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and how the Town should use that as guidance for development in Reading, specifically encouraging growth in areas where development already exists in order to preserve the open space within the Town. It was noted that not much planning has occurred recently and that the RMLD industrial park still requires attention. Ms. Delios indicated the next steps for the South Main Street Design Best Practices is to update the draft with the revisions made tonight and then to schedule a public hearing, likely on February 27, 2012. Page 2 of 3 CPDC Minutes of 1/23/2012 Town Planner Updates Ms. Delios summarized the progress of the Oaktree Development, indicating that the installation of the modular units should be complete in the next couple of days. Once that is finalized, the crane will be removed from Haven Street and the temporary sidewalk will be restored. It is anticipated they will be near project completion at the end of March 2012. eCars will be returning to the CPDC to present the photometric plan which was a condition of the most recent Minor Modification Approval. A preliminary review of the plan shows minimal changes. Ms. Delios mentioned they will be back before the Board on February 6, 2012. Calareso's will also be returning to the CPDC for additional changes to the approved site plan. Ms. Delios indicated that the changes they have made are minor and she does not anticipate any issues. The primary changes being additional landscaping around added refrigeration equipment and changes to the width of the walkway. She mentioned they will also be back before the Board on February 6, 2012. Ms. Delios provided an update on the status of the Site Plan Review application for the MF Charles Building. She mentioned she is working with the applicant on issues relating to the location of a drive - up ATM. The location of this ATM will have a direct impact on the ability to have a 2 -way driveway from the parking lot of the MF Charles building onto Haven Street. Ms. Delios indicated she performed a site visit at Meadowbrook Golf course. There were some changes that were made to the approved site plan and will be coming back to the Board for approval under a Minor Modification. The dumpster was moved to a different location on the other side of the building. This could be an issue due to drainage forebay located in that area. Additionally, a concrete enclosure was constructed around the ejector pump and fewer bollards were installed than approved. She stated they will be back before the Board on February 27, 2012. Approval of January 9, 2012 CPDC Minutes The Board reviewed the draft minutes and suggested minor edits. On a motion by Mr. Adams, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, the CPDC approved the minutes from the January 9, 2012 meeting as amended. Motion carried 4 -0 -0. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Adams, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC voted to adjourn at 10:05 PM by a vote of 4 -0 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Jessie Wilson Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3