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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-25 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: June 25, 2012 Location: Selectmen's Meeting Room Time: 7:30 PM CPDC Members Present: David Tuttle, Nicholas Safina and Charlie Adams Absent: John Weston, Chair Also Present: Jean Delios, Town Planner and Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary Others Present: None There being a quorum Mr. Adams called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Sign Application — Fuddruckers, 50 Walkers Brook Drive Mr. Adams indicated that the applicant has withdrawn the application for review. South Main Street Pedestrian Crossing Ms. Delios provided a background on this item stating that the Town Manager had requested the CPDC provide a recommendation on a location to place an actuated pedestrian signal crossing on Main Street between Washington Street and Summer Avenue. Maps were provided to the Board as well as some additional information from the police department. There was not much additional data to be obtained. The school department had limited data on how children walk to school. Mr. Tuttle pointed out there is an existing painted cross -walk on Minot Street and it is located on the north side of the intersection. He questioned if it would be more suitable to have it located on the south side of the intersection. Mr. Safina noted that it appears the existing cross -walk is within the driveway of the business to the east. Ms. Delios told the Board that Walkable Reading would like to signalize the existing cross -walk at Minot Street. The Board continued to discuss other possible locations for a cross -walk locations at Knollwood Street, and the Avon/Percy location. Mr. Adams asked the Board if Cross Street should also be considered. After some discussion between the Board members, the CPDC requested that the locations at Minot, Knollwood, and Avon/Percy areas be evaluated by other town staff prior to making a formal decision. Page 1 of 3 CPDC Minutes of 6/25/2012 Planning Updates and other Business MAPC Mapping Project Ms. Delios suggested the Board review the maps and the list of sites complied by MAPC for priority development /preservation and determine if any additional sites need to be included. The Town Manager will have MAPC back before the Board of Selectmen in August to review the final maps as well as the regional evaluation of the North Suburban Planning Council. Ms. Wilson reminded the Board that these maps can be used for applications to MassWorks and other grants as they represent a thorough and regional evaluation on priority development and preservation areas. The intent is also to break the barriers and begin communication with other municipalities on projects which may have regional impacts. Mr. Adams asked Ms. Delios about the 40R expansion. She replied that the original proposal for the downtown 40R included all of the Business B zoning district, but that it was scaled back for the final application. Approval of May 7, 2012 CPDC Minutes The Board reviewed the draft minutes and suggested minor edits. Mr. Tuttle moved the Board to approve the minutes from the May 7, 2012 meeting as amended. Mr. Safina seconded and the motion carried 3- 0- 0_Approval of May 21, 2012 CPDC Minutes The Board reviewed the draft minutes and suggested minor edits. Mr. Tuttle moved the Board to approve the minutes from the May 21, 2012 meeting as amended. Mr. Safina seconded and the motion carried 3 -0 -0. Town Planner Updates Calaresos Ms. Delios told the Board that Calareso's said they will not be coming back to CPDC for a modification to the site plan. She reminded the Board that the modification is needed to approve the portion of fence which was not installed as depicted on the site plan but not the landscape plan. A site visit will be held to discuss this issue and issues with the windows and open storage. November Town Meeting Ms. Delios told the Board that the parking by -law changes will be on for Town Meeting in the fall. In addition, they may try to review zoning changes for the industrial area behind RMLD. The demo delay by -law is also under review and will likely be on for Town Meeting. Bunrattys The Development Review Team (DRT) Meeting for Bunrattys is scheduled for July 2, 2012. Page 2 of 3 CPDC Minutes of 6/25/2012 Housing Plan The consultant has been selected and the Housing Plan is underway. Ms. Delios indicated that it should be complete by the end of summer. Retail Visioning Grant The EDC applied for and received $10,000 for a retail visioning grant in which a consultant will work with retailers on various best practices. Signage Ann Dicicco has been working on the new gateway sign. The CPDC and other Boards /Committees will have a chance to comment on the design as it develops. Enforcement letters were sent out to those businesses with victuallars licenses that have signage violations. Those in violation will need to come into compliance before their license is issued in the fall. Ms. Delios said they will be working on a strategy for sign enforcement. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC voted to adjourn at 9:05 PM by a vote of 3 -0 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Jessie Wilson Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3