HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-13 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 March 13, 2013
Location: Berger Room Time: 7:30 PM
CPDC Members Present: Charlie Adams, Chair; John Weston, Nicholas Safina, David Tuttle, and Jeff
Hansen
Also Present: Jean Delios Town Planner /Community Services Director and Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner
and Recording Secretary
Others Present:
George Zambouras — Town Engineer
There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM.
Kurchian Lane — Lot Release Confirmation
Mr. Zambouras told the CPDC there was an error on the last lot confirmation release form. The correct
lot number to release is lot 9.
The CPDC reviewed the language in the release and suggested some edits.
Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to approve the lot release confirmation of lot 9 of the Kurchian Lane
subdivision as indicated on the amended lot release confirmation form. Mr. Hansen seconded and
the motion carried 5 -0 -0.
Zoning Man Update
Mr. Zambouras led the discussion on the zoning article before Town Meeting. He prepared a zoning
map which identified the areas which needed to be corrected. He clarified that there are about 4 types of
errors which will be corrected, most of which can be classified as drafting errors. Other errors include
discrepancies between the legal description and what was drawn on the zoning map, and some errors
include an erroneous legal description which was voted on by Town Meeting and therefore incorporated
into the map incorrectly. As such, the map that will be presented at Town Meeting is a compilation of
corrected errors and any subsequent zoning amendments that were previously approved and not properly
incorporated into the map. So there are no actual changes because the corrections are just aligning what
was previously approved by Town Meeting.
The CPDC felt it would be important to make it clear to Town Meeting that there are no changes to
zoning which was not previously approved by Town Meeting. All the corrections are just updating the
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CPDC Minutes of 3/13/2013
map to reflect previous actions of town meeting or correcting a drafting error that was done from
digitizing the map.
Mr. Adams asked if there are any corrections which are more impactful than others.
Mr. Zambouras said there is one area near the RMLD which was not properly shown on the digital map
but was adopted by Town Meeting. The PUD -I overlay was approved to extend over the RR tracks but it
was not shown that way. Another area of question is on Haverhill Street. The 1986 zoning map, which is
the current official zoning map, identified the zoning line to be 250 -feet off the roadway. However,
when the maps were digitized the line followed the back of the property line. Most of the errors are
similar to that whereas the zoning line was mistakenly shown on the digital map incorrectly such as
following a property line when it should follow an off -set or vice versa.
The CPDC discussed how to present this to Town Meeting. It was agreed that the town -wide map and a
list identifying the errors should be provided to the Town Meeting members. The list should clearly
identify the nature of the error. This should also be put on the website. It should also be noted that more
details can be provided by the Engineering Department. That way, during Town Meeting, the members
are clearly aware of where all the issues are and if there are specific questions, they can be addressed
during the presentation to alleviate any confusion.
Mr. Tuttle asked about the Gateway District and the corrections associated in that zone. Mr. Zambouras
replied that the digitized map did not have the line correct. Town Meeting approved a specific line
which was not digitized correctly. Mr. Safina suggested ensuring Town Meeting is aware that there are
no issues with the process of the adoption of the 40R.
The CPDC made additional suggestions for the presentation and recommended changes to some of the
graphics.
Planning Updates & Other Business
Eric's Greenhouse — Ms. Delios updated the Board that the applicant has submitted some language for a
zoning change in the Nursing Home provision of the by -laws. Planning staff reviewed the language and
had some questions. This may be something which can be taken up during the comprehensive update of
the zoning by -laws. Also, the existing language is out of date and it may be very challenging to make it
work. However, this could be on the agenda for Special Town Meeting, which the warrant closes on
March 19th. As such, CPDC would need to recommend this on Monday, the 18th. Mr. Adams asked
where else this type of use could be located based on the proposed changes. Ms. Wilson replied that it
appears it could be located in a few other areas along Main Street.
Medical Marijuana — Ms. Delios told the CPDC that the Attorney General denied the zoning amendment
for Wakefield. Their language was based off of our zoning amendment so we are anticipating the same
response. However, the Attorney General did uphold a moratorium from Burlington, so this is
something the Town could consider. However, a moratorium follows the same process as zoning so it
may be worth just re- visiting the zoning.
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CPDC Minutes of 3/13/2013
Perfecto's — The Applicant for Perfecto's will be before the ZBA on March 21St and will return to CPDC
on April 8th
Planet Fitness — The gym is now open and in operation. There were a few challenges during the final
walk -thru but everything was worked out.
JKs Market — Ms. Delios told the CPDC that JKs Market will be before the DRT on Monday the 18th
He is subdividing his space and Northside Liquors will be relocating there. Mr. Weston expressed
concern over the parking. Mr. Safma asked about the fire suppression as liquor stores have different
code requirements. Ms. Delios did indicate they will be falling under Minor Site Plan Review. The
CPDC should also start thinking whether fees should be added to Minor Site Plan Review.
Ms. Wilson reminded the CPDC of upcoming meetings including the North Suburban Planning Council
Priority Mapping Forum on March 21 St. She also mentioned the Downtown Revitalization Forum on
April 10th
Adiournment
On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Weston, the CPDC voted to adjourn at 9:45 PM by a
vote of 5 -0 -0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jessie Wilson
Recording Secretary
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