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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-03-12 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading RECEIVED 16 Lowell Street T C v/ N CLERK R Reading, MA 01867 -2683 E t' r'' �l G �� ASS. Phone: 781 - 942 -6612 Fax: 781 - 942 -9071 2011 MAR 21 p Email: jdelios @ci.reading.ma.us �' 4 3 Community Planning and Development Commission CPDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: March 12, 2012 Location: Selectmen's Meeting Room Time: 7:30 PM Members Present: John Weston, Chair; David Tuttle, Nicholas Safina and Charlie Adams Also Present: George Katsoufis, Associate CPDC Member; Jean Delios, Town Planner; Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary Others Present: Gina Snyder, Walkable Reading Virginia Adams, Walkable Reading Everett Blodgett, Walkable Reading Virginia Blodgett, Walkable Reading Bradley Latham, Latham Law Offices William Bergeron, Hayes Engineering Ted Moore, Johnson Woods Realty Corporation Tom Loughlin, Resident Phil Terzis, Oaktree Development Camille Anthony, Resident (former Board of Selectmen Chair) Bob Morelli, Meadowbrook Golf Club There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Minor Modification — Perfecto's Caffe, 285 Main Street Ms. Delios provided a summary to the Board for the Minor Modification request. She stated the Applicant has determined to use an alternative method for foundation construction. Originally, the Applicant proposed to reuse the existing foundation and complete repairs through the use of underpinning at 6 -foot sections. It was determined that this method was to be too costly and the Applicant is now proposing to construct a new foundation in the same location as the existing foundation. However, the foundation wall nearest to the stream will be repaired in -place to protect the sensitive wetland resource areas. The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has approved the proposed change in construction methodology for the foundation as a Minor Modification to the existing Special Permit. Ms. Delios reminded the Board that CPDC approval of the Minor Modification was tabled from the last meeting to await the result of the ZBA hearing. Additionally, she mentioned the Applicant will be before the Conservation Commission with a request to amend the Order of Conditions this week. Mr. Weston invited questions from the Board. The Board members had no questions. Mr. Weston invited questions from the public. No questions or comments were received. Page 1 of 5 CPDC Minutes of 3/12/2012 Mr. Tuttle moved the Board to determine the proposed change is a minor modification to the approved site plan for 285 Main Street, Perfecto's Caffe. Mr. Safina seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. Mr. Tuttle move the Board approve the Minor Modification as amended. Mr. Safina seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. Minor Modification — Oaktree Development, 30 Haven Street Mr. Phil Terzis, representing Oaktree Development presented the changes to the Board. He mentioned that the original approved plan called for green vinyl as a window frame treatment. However, the development team realized that the color scratched easily and they decided to go with a different color to have a better appearance. As such, the development team moved forward with the off -white color for window frame treatments. He also noted that the original plan called for limestone around the doorways. The limestone was to be placed from the ground to a height of 7 -feet. The plan has since changed to have the limestone be carried around the entire doorframe. Mr. Adams asked if the awnings shown on the rendering are also included in the request. Mr. Terzis responded that they are working on a sign and awning plan and will be coming back to the CPDC for approval. He indicated the idea is to have a color palate for the future tenants to choose from that will be pre- approved by the CPDC. It was said that the awnings will provide a good opportunity for breaking up the color scheme of the building. Mr. Tuttle moved the Board to determine the proposed change is a minor modification to the approved site plan for 30 Haven Street, Oaktree Development. Mr. Adams seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. Mr. Tuttle moved the Board to approve the Minor Modification as amended. Mr. Adams seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. The Board requested a development update from Mr. Terzis. He replied that the intent is for a June 1St occupancy for the residential units and that they are still working on securing retail tenants. There has been a lot of interest, but no leases have been signed. Mr. Weston and Ms. Delios agreed to review some Planning Updates in advance of the next agenda item as the meeting is ahead of schedule. Calareso's — Ms. Delios reported that Calareso's must post a bond for the remaining site work as a condition from the Site Plan Decision. The Town Engineer estimated $4,000.00 for the remaining work. Ms. Delios requested the CPDC approve the bond request. Mr. Tuttle moved the Board to approve the bond in the amount of $4,000.00 as recommended by the Town Engineer. Mr. Adams seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. Grumpy Doyle's — Ms. Delios informed the Board that the owner of Grumpy Doyle's is requesting approval to open the patio this weekend in advance of the permitted dates of use as indicated in the license. The Board members were in consensus that this request is not really in the jurisdiction of the CPDC, but they have no issues with the request. Mr. Weston noted that if there are issues with the neighbors that it would be dealt with through the Board of Selectmen. Page 2 of 5 CPDC Minutes of 3/12/2012 Approval of February 6, 2012 CPDC Minutes The Board reviewed the draft minutes and suggested minor edits. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC approved the minutes from the February 6, 2012 meeting as amended. Motion carried 4 -0 -0. Public Hearing — South Main Street Design Best Practices Mr. Adams read the legal notice. Ms. Delios and Mr. Katsoufis presented the project to the Board and the Public. The goals of the South Main Street Design Best Practices are to minimize parking in the front of buildings, encourage landscaping in front and around buildings, preserve existing residential uses, maintain current density of development, reduce overhead utilities, improve the pedestrian environment, and introduce pedestrian calming techniques. The guidelines within the document are not like the design guidelines for the Downtown Smart Growth District as those guidelines were approved by the state as a matter of zoning. These guidelines are a supplement the existing zoning and be used a tool for developers as they are looking at development and redevelopment of sites along South Main Street. Mr. Katsoufis identified the intention of the South Main Street Design Best Practices. - Safe Sidewalks - establish a buffer between the sidewalk and the roadway to create a safe pedestrian environment. - Parking in the rear — can be a major issue for business owners but allows for a more inviting storefront. - Reduce curb cuts- introduce shared parking options - Pervious surfaces- Encourage the use of LID technologies for the protection of groundwater - Streetscape qualities - Site lighting — encourage lighting cut -offs - Location of structures — locate the building on the front of the site - Visible entrances — creates a more pedestrian friendly atmosphere - Materials and character — variation between building materials and still maintain the overall theme. Ms. Delios stated that this will be a guide for Applicants early in the planning process and the Design Best Practices will be encouraged during the Development Review Team meetings. Mr. Weston noted that the name "Best Practices" was selected primarily due to zoning. The State will not allow for design guidelines in specific districts so this document will supplement zoning in that manner. The goals of the Design Best Practices were selected from the Master Plan and the development of the best practices is one of the last items to address within the Master Plan. He further noted that South Main Street is a very narrow residential and commercial corridor and the CPDC has spent many years working on the best practices trying to keep in mind the context of the area and the shared residential nature of the corridor. Mr. Weston invited comments and questions from the Board. No comments or questioned were received from the Board members. Mr. Weston invited comments from the public. Ms. Virginia Adams, representing Walkable Reading presented a letter prepared on behalf of Walkable Reading in regards to the Design Best Practices. Ms. Adams read the letter to the Board. Ms. Gina Snyder, also representing Page 3 of 5 CPDC Minutes of 3/12/2012 Walkable Reading suggested encouraging more pedestrian crossings, signs and signals along Route 28. She also suggested a comment to be included in the document that encourages the use of "tree- boxes" within the parking islands that will provide for additional stormwater treatment. Ms. Camille Anthony, former Chair of Board of Selectmen expressed concern over the lack of trees along South Main Street and would like to see more trees. Mr. Weston replied that the Design Best Practices recommend tree plantings at every 25 -50 feet which is dependent on driveway cuts and cross - streets. Ms. Anthony also stated that overhead wires and utility poles are unsightly and the Town should try and address that issue. She further pointed out that snow plowing in the winter can present an issue with blocking of sidewalks making it extremely difficult to use the. Mr. Weston agreed that there is an issue with keeping sidewalks clear. He also stated that pedestrian and bicycle accommodations should be looked at in a more broad scope and that a plan may be needed. Tom Loughlin, a member from the public, spoke about the issues with the South Main Street cross - section and that it may be worthwhile investigating the option of a 3 -lane cross - section. Mr. Weston replied that the Board has discussed that alternative, but was not going to tackle that issue with the Design Best Practices. It was agreed that the roadway needs to be improved to make a true difference in the South Main Street corridor. Representatives from Walkable Reading made an additional suggestion to include a goal or modify the goals for the Design Best Practices to include bicycle accommodations. No other comments were made. Mr. Safina moved the Board to close the Public Hearing for the South Main Street Design Best Practices. Mr. Tuttle seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. Minor Modification — Meadowbrook Golf Club, 292 Grove Street Ms. Delios opened the discussion stating that some changes to the approved plans were identified during a site walk. She stated that during the site walk, there were several bollards not installed. The Applicant has consulting with the Town Engineer who recommended full installation of the bollards as shown on the approved plan. As such, the Applicant has installed the bollards. The other changes that were identified were to the location of the dumpster and a newly constructed planter around the ejector pump. Ms. Delios mentioned she received comments from the Health Director to have the dumpster enclosure constructed in a way so that debris will not enter the adjacent drainage area. Mr. Weston asked what the original plan was for the ejector pump. Mr. Morelli, representing Meadowbrook Golf Club, indicated it was always to be located there and remain uncovered. However, he realized it presents a safety issue and that is why the planter was constructed around it. Mr. Tuttle moved the Board to determine the proposed changes are minor modifications to the approved site plan for Meadowbrook Golf Club. Mr. Adams seconded and the motion carried 4- 0-0. Mr. Tuttle moved the Board to approve the Minor Modification as amended. Mr. Safina seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. Page 4 of 5 CPDC Minutes of 3/12/2012 Final PUD and Special Permit Approval - Johnson Woods, Phase II Mr. Weston suggested reviewing the memo prepared by the Staff Planner dated February 27, 2012. Ms. Delios summarized the meeting between Town Department staff and JRM, the Town's trash contractor. At that meeting, JRM representatives indicated that the proposed method of trash collection was not feasible because there would be too many individual containers at each of the 36 -unit buildings. Ms. Delios further indicated that the Applicant and JRM came to a solution to offer one dumpster for the first 36 -unit building that is constructed, and as construction continued on the other garden -style buildings, the plans would be revised to include a compactor. This would eliminate the need for a trash room in each building and reduce the total number of containers on -site. Mr. Moore, the Applicant, stated they would use Gazebo Circle as a template and verified that he would use a dumpster for the first building and return to the Town for approval to use a compactor at a centralized location on -site. Mr. Weston asked about the recorded agreement that is required between UDR and the Applicant. Mr. Latham indicated that the agreement has been signed by the Applicant and is at the UDR offices in Colorado for signature. Mr. Weston then asked about the drainage and if the Town Engineer's comments have been addressed. Mr. Bergeron, the project engineer indicated that the plans have been revised and are acceptable to the Town Engineer. Mr. Weston asked about the affordable housing. Mr. Latham indicated that the Applicant has agreed to hire a consultant to oversee the process. Ms. Delios verified this was acceptable. She also mentioned that the Health Director had a concern about the storage of recyclables and a condition was included in the decision to address this concern. Mr. Tuttle moved the Board to grant the waiver under Section 7.1.5 of the Subdivision Rules and Regulations. Mr. Safina seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. Mr. Tuttle moved the Board to approve the Final PUD Plans and Special Permit decision for the proposed Planned Unit Development of Johnson Woods, located off of West Street in Reading, MA as amended. Mr. Adams seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. Town Planner Updates Ms. Delios reminded the Board of the upcoming ZBA Case for 32 Lowell Street. The Board agreed to write an opinion. Mr. Tuttle moved the Board to authorize a recommendation to ZBA in granting the appeal of the Building Inspectors Decision. Mr. Safina seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Adams, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, the CPDC voted to adjourn at 10:30 PM by a vote of 4 -0 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Jessie Wilson Recording Secretary Page 5 of 5