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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-04 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesCPDC MINUTES Town 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 Meeting Dated March 4, 2013 Location: Selectmen's Meeting 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: Helen Aki — MAPC Jared Carpenter — RMLD Dave Talbot — Linden Street, Reading There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM. Kurchian Lane — Lot Release Confirmation Mr. Tuttle reviewed the lot release confirmation form and questioned why it referred to a plan identifying lots 1 -13 and that the request is to release lot 15. Ms. Wilson said she could follow up with the Town Engineer. Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to approve the lot release confirmation of lot 15 of the Kurchian Lane subdivision. Mr. Weston seconded and the motion carried 5 -0 -0. Local Enemy Action Plan (LEAP) Ms. Wilson told the CPDC that MAPC had prepared a draft plan under the Local Energy Action program (LEAP). She reminded the Board that Reading had applied to the LEAP program for a grant, jointly with RMLD and the other RMLD Communities. The draft plan outlines recommended energy use reduction priorities for RMLD and Reading as well as the other Communities. The Plan will also be presented to the Board of Selectmen and MAPC would like to request the CPDC endorse the draft plan. Ms. Helen Aki, Program Coordinator with MAPC, told the CPDC that some of the proposed strategies contained within the plan are already underway with RMLD. They have a lot of residential programs and the plan attempts to find ways that the Towns can leverage those programs. The Climate Action Advisory Committee has provided a lot of feedback for the Town and Reading has been something of a model for the other Towns. Page 1 of 4 CPDC Minutes of 3/4/2013 Mr. Safina noticed that many of the other towns have a much higher industrial market, and Reading has essentially none. He is concerned with Reading being the leader when the priorities for Reading do not address the industrial market. Ms. Aki replied that most of the programs are related to residential customers because that is already in place, but we do want to better engage the business community. Mr. Jared Carpenter, Energy Engineer with RMLD, replied that it is difficult to expand the existing residential program as it currently stands. He also added that RMLD does have programs in place to benefit the industrial customers, but they do need help expanding the residential programs. Mr. Adams told MAPC that it is a well written report. He questioned how the plan would address customers with natural gas heat. Ms. Aki replied there are opportunities through National Grid that help those customers with gas, and so the plan focuses on how to benefit those with oil heat. Mr. Adams also asked why the plan did not address future developments. He mentioned the CPDC reviews big development projects and asked if the plan could speak to financing options such as tax credits. Mr. Safina reviewed the priorities for Reading and expressed concern for the "as -of- right" siting. Ms. Aki replied that this is a menu of options and that this is something the town would have to evaluate whether it would be an option to pursue. The "as -of- right" siting would be for renewable energy systems, likely solar and rooftop sites. Mr. Hansen felt that the CPDC should determine whether they want to tackle some of these priorities. There are a lot of other items which CPDC has to address, but felt this was an important issue. Ms. Wilson replied that this is to be a living document which can be amended and updated throughout the years to reflect the current goals and accomplishments of the Town. It does not need to happen overnight. Ms. Delios added that some of these suggestions are something that we could think about during the comprehensive update of the Zoning By -Law. Ms. Delios also mentioned the stretch code and whether this would be something the Town would want to consider. Ms. Aki replied that if it were adopted, then you would use code that performs about 30% more efficiently. There was some questions regarding the "as -of- right" siting and it was clarified that it would only be for renewable energy systems, so that an industrial developer cannot use the "as -of- right" siting because they intend to put up solar panels. Ms. Aki said that typically towns adopt an area which would allow for renewable systems to be developed by- right, and it would not allow for other uses. Mr. Weston felt the priority for LED Streetlights was a good idea and that it would not only save the Town money, but would be more efficient. Ms. Aki told the CPDC that the plan really tries to push RMLD to move forward with their programs from a marketing /promotional standpoint and make it easier for businesses to access their programs. The LEAP program is a two -year program so MAPC will be around for another year to help implement some of these priorities. Mr. Dave Talbot asked if the Town could require developers to provide for geothermal or other energy provisions. Mr. Safina replied that the Downtown Smart Growth Design Guidelines require sustainable practices, and we could expand on that. Page 2 of 4 CPDC Minutes of 3/4/2013 Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to endorse the draft RMLD LEAP Plan with minor amendments. Mr. Hansen seconded and the motion carried 5 -0 -0. Planning Updates Ms. Delios reminded the CPDC that Perfecto's will be coming back to the CPDC to ensure the interior plan changes do not affect the site plan. The second story is going to be used for production, something different from what the CPDC had approved and also different from what the ZBA approved. The parking and loading provision needs to be revisited to ensure it reflects the new use. They are preparing the plans, but we are not sure when they will be back before the CPDC. Mr. Safina asked about the fire protection for the second floor. He indicated the requirements for fire protection may be different now with the use changing. She raised the issue with vacant properties and the requirements for vacant properties in the General By -Law. Based on those requirements, the owner needs to remove the graffiti and remove the boards on the windows. Mr. Weston suggested getting the owner to demolish the building: He also reminded the CPDC that during the original hearings, they questioned the foundation, they questioned the parking plan, and they questioned the design of the building. Since then, the owner has changed the plan for the foundation, he has modified his parking plan and he has changed the architectural design of the building. All of the issues which the CPDC foresaw have come back to be adjusted. Ms. Delios said that the next step would be to issue the owner a violation letter under the vacant properties by -law. The Town has already begun enforcement for other properties. Mr. Safina asked about the I/I fee and whether that would increase with the second floor being used for production. Ms. Delios replied that Health has reviewed and approved the plan, but that Engineering will need to review the modification. Eric's Greenhouse — the Applicant wants to benefit from the non - conforming provision and seek a Special Permit from the ZBA for the development. However, one of the lots holds a single family house, which would not benefit from the non - conforming provisions. The Applicant did indicate that a greenhouse has been on the property for several years, but the question is whether it was permitted properly and if it can receive the non - conforming benefit. They will be before the ZBA on the 21st of March. Mr. Adams asked about the proposed 40B development on north Main Street. Ms. Delios replied that the applicant is reviewing his budget. The Town did ask that they come back for a 2nd DRT but have not seen anything to date. Sign By -Law — Ms. Delios said that the BOS decided to roll the proposed changes to the off - premises signs into the update of the Zoning By -Law and it will not be on the warrant for Annual Town Meeting. Gateway Sign — She is working with Ann Diccio on the final design of the Gateway Sign and should have something for the CPDC and EDC to review soon. MF Charles — The work is progressing and they are finding some structural issues with the building, although no major surprises. We hope to have a building permit application from them in a month. Portland Pie — They are applying for their building permit. Ms. Delios also mentioned that a specialty wine shop is looking into space at 30 Haven. Page 3 of 4 CPDC Minutes of 3/4/2013 87 Walkers Brook Drive — The Applicant has been working with Jean to find appropriate sites to compare the traffic data. Finance Committee — The Community Services budget will be going before the finance committee this week. Planet Fitness is moving along and they hope to get their occupancy permit soon. Mr. Adams asked about the Harrows truck. Ms. Delios told the CPDC that trucks containing signage used for normal day to day operation in conjunction with the business can be parked at the place of business. However, the Planet Fitness truck was different and was not allowed since it was not being used for day to day operation of the business. Approval of Minutes The CPDC reviewed the minutes from the February 25, 2013 meeting and suggested minor edits. Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to approve the minutes from the February 25, 2013 CPDC meeting as amended. Mr. Safina seconded and the motion carried 5 -0 -0. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Safina, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, the CPDC voted to adjourn at 9:05 PM by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Jessie Wilson Recording Secretary Page 4 of 4