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Home My WebLink About2013-09-10 Board of Selectmen Packet-Part 1DRAFT - BOARD OF SELECTMEN 2013 AGENDAS 2013 91512013 Presentation Estimated Start time September 9, 2013 @RMHS Appoint School Committee member joint mtg SC 7:45 September 10, 2013 WORKSHOP Office Hour John Arena 6:30 MAPC member Report Sadwick 7:15 Selectmen Appointments to ad hoc Zoning Advisory Committee 7:30 Planning & Development Workshop 8:00 Affordable Housing joint mtg RHA Permits process update Delios/ Honetschalger EDC mission joint mtg EDC Development updates Delios Preview Subsequent Town Meeting (Warrant closed next meeting) LeLacheur 9:30 :. September .24, 2013 'f. r> Appointments ZBA, EDC, Climate Advisory Committee, Historical Commission, Cultural Council, Constable Veteran's Chair Driscoll 7:20 Public Safety Badge pinning Cormier 7:30 Town Accountant Report Angstrom 7:45 HEARING Close Subsequent TM Warrant (leave Hearing open while next two items covered) LeLacheur 8:00 Reading/Wakefield Assessing update joint mtg BOA 8:30 HEARING Amend Table of Organization LeLacheur 9:00 Review BOS/TM Goals LeLacheur 9:30 September 26, 2013 @RMHS PAC Youth Risk Survey joint mtg SC, RCASA 7:00 October 8, 2013 WORKSHOP Office Hour James Bonazoli I 6:30 Reports 7:15 RIAA Report McFadden CAB (RMLD) member Report RCTV members Report Smethurst & Walsh Traffic & Safety Workshop 8:00 Review of Downtown public parking Cormier Specific traffic issues Cormier Discuss driveway width issues Zambouras West Street project oveview Zambouras Main/Franklin intersection update Zambouras October 9, 2013 (Weds.) - Financial Forum (FY15 Budget) Pleasant St. Ctr 7:30 October 22,2013 proclamation "Friends of the Library" Week Klepeis Library Building Committee update Tax Classification preview joint mtg BOA 7:30 Dog Park opportunity Feudo 8:30 Birch Meadow Master Plan Feudo 8:45 Strout Avenue Master Plan (complete after Town Forest planning work is done) Feudo 9:15 Vote Subsequent TM Warrant Articles LeLacheur 9:30 November 5, 2013 ' Office Hour Marsie West 6:30 HEARING Tax Classification joint mtg BOA 7:30 Second Water Meter Zager 8:30 Review Final Drainage studies Zambouras 8:45 Review Storm Water Enterprise Fund LeLacheur 9:15 Discuss moving Enterprise Fund debt to tax rate (requires voter approval) LeLacheur 9:30 November 7, 2013 Senior Center 7:00 Adopt an Island Reception November 12, 2013 - Subsequent Town Meeting (rues) no meetings 7:30 November 14, 2013 - Subsequent Town Meeting (Thurs) no meetings 7:30 November 18, 2013 - Subsequent Town Meeting (Mon) no meetings 7:30 November 26, 2013 RCASA overview McNamara 7:30 Approve Liquor Licenses 8:00 Approve Other Licenses Approve early openings /24 hour openings December 10; 2013 - WORKSHOP Office Hour Marsic West 6:30 Financial Workshop 7:30 Preview Town Manager's FY15 budget LeLacheur December 17, 2013 3 . ".010 , , Appoint Town Counsel Town Manager Performance Evaluation Future Agendas Regionalization of other functions LeLacheur Policy on Trust Fund Commissioners Heffernan New Website Gemme Lyme Disease mitigation strategy Clay Consideration of Class 2 MV license - Global gas station. LeLacheur Recurring Items Town Accountant Report Jan - Apr- Jul -Oct Qtrly Review BOS/TM Goals Jan - May -Sept Tri -ann Review Customer Service survey results Jan & July Semi -ann RCTV members Report Apr & Oct Semi -ann CAB (RMLD) member Report Apr & Oct Semi -ann MAPC member Report Apr & Oct Semi -ann Reading Housing Authority Report Annual Reading Ice Arena Report Annual Appointments of BCCs June Annual Approve Classification & Compensation June Annual Tax Classification Hearing Oct/Nov Annual Approve licenses December Annual Appoint Town Counsel December Annual OFR Town of Reading -0 16 Lowell Street �639.,N oR� Reading, MA 01867 -2685 FAX: (781) 942 -9071 Email: townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us TOWN MANAGER Website: www. readingma.gov (781) 942 -9043 To: Board of Selectmen From: Bob LeLacheur Date: September 5, 2013 Re: Selectmen's Agenda for September 10, 2013 The Board is well aware of the Perfecto's situation, and they may appear in front of the Board to give their side of the story during the public comment section of your next meeting. I wanted to make sure you know that there are eleven properties in total that are engaged in various states of conversation with the Town regarding the Vacant Property Bylaw. As of this writing we have taken no other action to levy fines for non - compliance, although in the next few weeks that may change. Enclosed in your packet is a summary of those properties — most are residential.' The first item of business in your Agenda will be an update from Steve Sadwick, the Board's representative on the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. Steve comes in about every six months. Next will be appointments to the ad hoc Zoning Advisory Committee. Asa reminder the Board created a 7- member group which includes two members from CPDC, one from ZBA and one. Selectman. Right now applications are Iight for the three representatives from the public, so the Board may need to improvise in order to achieve a quorum. The ZAC was formed at a Public Hearing on August 20th so any changes to their composition would need to be done in another Hearing — in the meanwhile perhaps a second member from the Board could step in as a representative from the public in order to achieve a quorum? The first meeting of the ZAC is scheduled for September 30tH Next on the agenda is a Planning & Development workshop. The Community Services Director /Town Planner, Staff Planner and GIS Coordinator will participate as staff members. There are two major items on this agenda — a joint meeting with the Reading Housing Authority (RHA) to discuss affordable housing strategies in Reading, and a joint meeting with the Economic Development Committee to do the same for economic development in town. Other topics include a quick update on changes to our permits process and a demonstration of our new permits software, and a review of development activities around town. The affordable housing discussion is meant to be a broad step back to review the entire issue, and it will have a few different components. I will review the status of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) - it currently has a balance of $259,895.45 (recall that Oaktree was allowed $200,000 in order to complete their project). We left open the possibility that we could move some 40R funds back in to replenish this fund. The current balance of the 40R fund is $310,000, and there are no further plans to spend any funds as part of our capital plan. As you will see later in the evening when I preview the November Town Meeting Warrant, one option is to move a $150,000 Smart Growth payment received late last fiscal year into the 40R from free cash. Another option would be to add it into the AHTF. I will then ask the Board if they would like to investigate the state's model approach to the AHTF, which would require action by Town Meeting — possibly next April. Thu current practice in Reading, which includes the BOS /RHA in joint session and annual Town Meeting approval of an AHTF Allocation Plan was adopted before the state model existed. I'll turn the discussion over to the BOS & RHA for a discussion about strategies of sources of revenue for the fund. Most successful AHTFs have a dedicated source of revenue not related to the tax levy. In addition to the one -time 40R payments, from a memo to the Board from the previous Town Manager other suggestions include adopting the Community Preservation Act and dedicating a portion of those annual funds to the AHTF or instituting Development (commercial) mitigation payments. The latter possibility if desired might be clarified and folded into the efforts of the ZAC. Following should be a discussion of possible uses of the AHTF. That list includes grants or loans to developers of affordable housing, grants or loans for existing housing, rental subsidies (similar to Section 8 payments) or help with security deposits, or assistance to first -time home buyers with down - payments /closing costs. Note that in addition to the RHA other agencies in Town may be of assistance in the pursuit of affordable housing. We have reached out to members of EMARC, Habitat for Humanities and Peter Sanborn Place to attend this workshop and share their ideas. The next portion will be the Community Services Director /Town Planner, who will review the Housing Production plan, which is a good summary of options we have as a community looking forward; the regional Housing Coordinator position the Board agreed to pursue last summer; a few comments about the AHTF; and finally an introduction to the last item on the Affordable Housing portion — the Artis development on the former Eric's greenhouse site. Current Reading zoning bylaws require 10% affordable units for this project. This requirement was added to our Zoning bylaws when the Marriott development was proposed for the old Spence Farms on West Street (now Reading Commons). Artis has been in discussion with the Town since last winter, but only recently we learned that their approach would not include the 10% affordable component — instead their financial model relies on 100% private pay clients. As the facility will not deal with an affordable element they have proposed making a payment in lieu of units, as is allowed in the bylaw. Ultimately this decision will be rendered by the ZBA as part of a Special Permit — the ZBA Chair will be present for this part of the affordable housing discussion. Artis and the RHA, as well as CPDC, have had extensive recent discussions on this topic, and any guidance from the BOS /RHA to ZBA will be helpful in resolving the matter on what the payment in lieu of units should be. For the joint meeting with the Economic Development Committee, they have submitted several documents for the Board to review, listed below: • Economic Development Plan 7/25/2013 and Attachments: Prepared by Theresa Park via Peer to Peer Grant • Retail Visioning Flier /Application and Intern Services for Design: This is the information for the Retail Visioning Program as well as an example letter offering design services via summer intern. • Building Fagade and Signage Improvement Program (BFSI) Outline: This outlines the program including eligibility requirements, timelines, grant awards, etc. • DIET Funding Business Plan: This plan identifies alternative funding avenues for sustaining the DIET. • Social Medial Strategy: This identifies various options for social media outlets to promote the EDC /DIET. • Passport to Doing Business: This is a booklet which was created to guide businesses through the permitting process • Downtown Revitalization Observation 2007: This was a report from Adam Baacke via Peer to Peer Grant • EDC Strategy 2008: Also prepared by Adam Baacke via Peer to Peer Grant.] • Why Reading Brochure • Activity Worksheet: Maintains a list of commercial activity in Town. • EDC work plan I suggest a wide -open exchange of ideas between the Selectmen and the EDC about their mission going forward. Selectman John Arena submitted some thoughts to the EDC which I reviewed with them at a meeting last week, as he was going to miss the joint meeting. Please find his comments attached at the beginning of the EDC material. Lastly 1 will preview the November Town Meeting Warrant — we have 16 Articles and should be through them in one or possibly two nights. Vacant Properties Inforcement List (last updated 9/5/2013) Numbefc;_ ee k pr?? ame4 rope w�V(cilt do Letter Sent 7/9/2012 Vacant House (next to Sent 2/6/13 165 Main Street Dynamik) external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 Sent 7/9/2012 258 Main Street Former Bridal Shop external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 Sent 7/9/2012 Sent 2/12/13 259 Main Street Smith Oil - Vacant House external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 Sent 7/9/2012 306 Main Street Former Getty Station external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 Sent 7/9/2012 22 Pasture Road Vacant House With Pool secure to prevent entry Sent 8/19/2013 Sent 7/9/2012 46 County Road Vacant Lot external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 2 Family at Main and Cross Sent 7/9/2012 211 Main Street, Unit 1 Street - Unit 1 is Vacant. external maintenance Sent 8119/2013 House is a shell only, no Sent 7/9/2012 166 Pearl Street interior walls or ceilings. external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 Sent 12/12/12 Franklin Street (combined Sent 2/6/2013 355 with 361) Vacant House external maintenance Sent 8/1912013 Sent 12/12/12 Franklin Street (combined Sent 2/6/2013 361 with 355) Vacant House external maintenance Sent 8/1912013 Sent 7/31/2013 Sent 8/2112013 (with fines) Perfectos Caffe (former Tux Sent 8/2812013 2851 Main Street I Shop) lexternal maintenance (with fines) Town of Reading Vacant Properties Enforcement QFRF Town of Reading 1" DING, Mans. X 16 Lowell Street. 2013 AUG 21 P. I t 3 � Reading, MA 018 67 -2685 639�7NCOR40� FAX: (781) 942 -9071 TOWN MANAGER Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us (781) 942 -9043 Website: www. readingma.gov VOLUNTEER VACANCY TOWN OF READING AD HOC ZONING BYLAW ADVISORY COMMITTEE Seven vacancies with terms expiring July 15, 2014 exist on the ad hoc Zoning Bylaw Advisory Committee for the following members: • One (1) member from the Board of Selectmen, appointed by the Board of Selectmen; • Two (2) members appointed by the Community Planning and Development Commission; • One (1) member appointed by the Zoning Board of Appeals; • Three other members: o One member from the Bylaw Committee; o One member from another Board/Committee /Commission; o One resident for the community who does not fall into 'an`y of the above categories, and who preferably would have experience firsthand with zoning or implications of zoning (e.g., owns or operates a business in Reading). The mission of the ZAC is to clarify and simplify the Reading Zoning Bylaw. A consultant will be hired to provide technical assistance and expertise in zoning. The recommendations will be developed in concert with an extensive public process. Interested persons may apply at the Town Clerks office, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts by 5:00 p.m. on September 4, 2013 or until the positions -are filled. Policy establishing an ad hoc Zoning Bylaw Advisory Committee There is hereby established an ad hoc Committee to review the Reading Zoning Bylaw ( "Zoning Advisory Committee) to prepare a comprehensive update with the help of a consultant. The Committee will present the zoning update to the Board of Selectmen by July 15, 2014 prior to an article that will be presented at the Fall 2014 Subsequent Town Meeting. The current zoning bylaw is outdated, confusing for the public to use, and difficult to administer. The comprehensive update will be a full scale review of the zoning bylaw which will result in a new zoning bylaw. The Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) shall be comprised of seven (7) members and will be a multiple member body as defined by the Town of Reading Home Rule Charter. In selecting the ZAC the Board of Selectmen shall attempt to fill the positions as follows: • One (1) member from the Board of Selectmen, appointed by the Board of Selectmen; • Two (2) members appointed by the Community Planning and Development Commission; One (1) member appointed by the Zoning Board of Appeals; Three other members: o One member from the Bylaw Committee; o One member from another Board/Committee /Commission; o One resident for the community who does not fall into any of the above categories, and who preferably would have experience firsthand with zoning or implications of zoning (e.g., owns or operates a business in Reading). The mission of the ZAC is to clarify and simplify the Reading Zoning Bylaw. A consultant will be hired to provide technical assistance and expertise in zoning. The recommendations will be developed in concert with an extensive public process. In conducting its work, the ZAC will be bound by all of the rules and regulations of the Town of Reading and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including but not limited to the Open Public Meetings law. Staff will be assigned by the Town Manager to work with the ZAC. The ZAC will be considered to be part of the Department of Community Services for administrative purposes. Adopted August 20, 2013 3a-2 Zoning Advisory Committee Meeting Schedule (proposed) Reading Zoning Bylaw Comprehensive Update Project Contractor Completes Draft bylaw by 7/15/13 Month Monday Wednesday Contractor Presentations 2013 September 30 October 16 28 November 6 20 December 16 2014 January 6 1 st Monday 22 February 3 12 March 3 1 st Monday 19 April 3 Update at Annual Town Meeting 21 May 5 21 Community Forum June 2 18 July 7 21 Update Board of Selectmen August 4 18 CPDC Public Hearing September October November Article at Subsequent Town Meeting Zoning Advisory Committee Appointed by the Board of Selectmen as an Ad Hoc Committee with at a minimum representatives from the various land use boards, the Building Division, the Planning Division and others 3 a3 JEAN DEMOS Town of Reading Community Services Director / Town Planner 16 Lowell Street Phone: (781) 942 -6612 Reading, MA 01867 -2683 Fag: (781) 942 -9071 jdelios @ci.reading.ma.us MEMORANDUM To: Robert W. LeLacheur, Town Manager From: Jean Delios, Community Services Director/Town Planner Date: September 4, 2013 Re: Artis Senior Living, 1090 Main Street — Affordable Housing Requirement I am writing to update you on the status of the Artis Senior Living development being proposed at 1090 Main Street (formerly Eric's Greenhouse). The proposal is for a 64 bed assisted living facility including specialized care for elders afflicted with memory loss including Alzheimer's disease. The CPDC approved Artis' Site Plan Review application at its last meeting. The permitting requirements related to the wetlands at the site have been met and the Conservation Commission has also approved this project. Artis still needs to secure a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Zoning Bylaw requires an affordability component under the Nursing Home Section 4.3.1.4'(k) as part of the Special Permit. The zoning requires either providing a minimum of 10% of the units as affordable or making a payment in lieu of constructing the units. Artis has expressed interest in pursuing a payment in lieu of units and has met with the Reading Housing Authority about that. The Boston based Citizen's Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) recommends that payments made in lieu of construction should be. adequate to enable a unit of housing be constructed in the same municipality consistent with the municipality's goals and objectives. With little guidance offered to accompany the zoning requirements, I polled my planning colleagues and compiled a summary on the attached of how other . communities treat payments in lieu of units.. It should be noted that communities prefer to secure affordable units and not buyouts which make it difficult to develop into actual affordable housing units. Since this is a unique affordable housing type it is difficult to find a comparable method of calculating payment in lieu of units. Likewise, since the units include care as part of the cost it is necessary to remove that from any rent estimates so that just the. housing is being counted towards any kind of formula for payment. qb l-61- Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2683 MEMORANDUM To: Robert W. Lel-acheur, Jr., Town Manager From: Jean Delios, Community Services Director/Town Planner Date: July 23, 2013 Re:, Affordable Housing — Next Steps JEAN DELIOS Community Services Director, Town Planner Phone: (781) 942 -6612 Fax: (781) 942 -9071 jdelios@ci.reading.ma.us The Town of Reading has been applauded for proactive planning related to affordable housing. A 40B proposal for 885 Main Street would have crammed 20 units in a residential neighborhood comprised of single family homes. Mass Housing denied this 40B because of Reading's good faith efforts to increase its affordable housing stock, including, adopting two Smart Growth Zoning Districts which allowed housing by right, particularly in the downtown. The Town also has a recently updated and approved Housing Production Plan . (HPP) that outlines next steps to be taken in creating affordable housing. The HPP identified the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) as a resource for both preserving existing affordable housing units as well as for creating new housing units. On April 9, 2013 The Board of Selectmen discussed Reading's Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) with our consultant Robert P. Mitchell FAICP. We would like to pursue next steps for restructuring the. AHTF and for using AHTF funds to hire a regional housing services coordinator. A grant from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) has allowed us to study how Reading could benefit from a regional housing services coordinator. Reading has been asked to lead the regionalization effort with a handful of area communities who have also indicated a strong interest in pursuing this. . .Overview -Affordable Housina Trust fund (AHTF) Reading's AHTF was created by a Special Act prior.to more recent changes by the State that have simplified how trusts operate. For example, the requirement that the Board of Selectmen submit an allocation plan to Town Meeting each year for their approval indicating how funds from the Trust will be expended (and how they have been over the past year) could be streamlined. Purpose — Reading AHTF Housing trust funds are a resource for communities to use to produce affordable housing units as well as to support the proactive preservation of affordable units. The approved Reading Housing Production Plan (HPP) dated November 1, 2012, recommends restructuring the AHTF to allow greater flexibility in addressing housing needs. The Mitchell report echoes that sentiment. Recommendation No. 1: Adopt a new AHTF under MGL c. 44 & 55C Mr. Mitchell recommends that a new AHTF adopted under MGL c. 44 § 55C would best serve the Town of Reading. This change provides a broad array of powers that the town can chose from while specifically identifying procedures that should be adhered to. Recommendation No. 2: Hire a Regional Housing Services Coordinator Hiring a shared housing coordinator would more efficiently staff the need to pursue affordable housing goals outlined in Reading's Housing Production Plan (HPP) and to monitor existing affordable housing units so they are preserved. This is especially important to ensure that we do not lose affordable housing units when they come up for sale since there is a limited timeframe to find another qualified buyer'after which the unit is reverted to market rate. We have talked about establishing a ready buyer list -with the help of the shared staff person to prevent any loss of affordable units. By taking these steps Reading will be well positioned to continue to make progress on affordable housing goals. Attachments - Mitchell Report on AHTF 2/4/13 MAPC DLTA Report — Regional Housing Services Coordinator ub I -� Bylaw Committee Report: No report. ARTICLE 20 To see if the Town will vote to approve an Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan pursuant to Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2001 entitled "AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF READING TO ESTABLISH AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND ", or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen Background: The purpose of this Article is to approve an Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan approved by the Board of Selectmen. Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2001 authorized the Town of Reading to establish an Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). ♦ "The Town of Reading may establish a separate fund to be known as the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for'the purpose of creating or preserving affordable housing :.. for the purpose of creating, maintaining or operating affordable housing." ♦ The AHTF may "develop new or rehabilitate existing dwelling units for purchase or rental by low and moderate income housing purchasers or tenants;" ♦ "Expenditures shall follow an allocation plan submitted by the Board of Selectmen annually to Town Meeting at the Annual Town Meeting, and approved by Town Meeting." ♦ "all expenditures from the fund, ... shall be in accordance with the allocation plan and approved by a majority vote of the full combined memberships of the Board of Selectmen and the Reading Housing Authority." The purpose of the Affordable Housing Allocation Plan is to provide a framework for the Town to expend funds on affordable housing. The current balance is $ $259,693.37. Funds have been accumulated over the years as funds were secured for the purpose through the actions of the CPDC, and funds deposited in one instance when an existing affordable unit was no longer able to be kept affordable after efforts were made to do so. There are no Town tax -generated funds in the AHTF. The only expenditure to date from the AHTF is an amount of $200,000 for Oaktree development to provide an additional 3 affordable housing units. That sum has been fully been utilized. At the 2012 Annual Town Meeting, approval was given for funding to hire a consultant to update the Town's Housing Plan, _including the 5 year "Housing Production Plan ". This effort is important as a defense against unfriendly 40B developments in the community, and requires the Town to develop a phased plan to produce housing to reach the 10% threshold as required by the 40B statute. The Housing Production Plan has been approved by the Board of Selectmen. As part of these planning efforts, the Town commissioned and received a supplemental report on how the AHTF can best be used to support the "Planned Production" goals of the Housing Plan. This supplemental element of the study was received in the late .,winter 2013, and a presentation is scheduled before the Board of Selectmen and the Reading Housing Authority in April. The report recommends major restructuring of the Town's AHTF efforts, and because the Board of Selectmen will not have had a chance 'to fully review and evaluate this recommendation before Town Meeting begins, the Town Manager is recommending to the Board of Selectmen that the AHTF Allocation Plan as shown below be adopted as the framework for the use of Affordable Housing Trust Fund in FY 2014. An additional initiative that is being considered (Reading is the lead agency on the project) is to establish a regional consortium which would assist the member communities in monitoring and administering the Town's responsibilities for the various affordable housing developments that exist and will be developed in the future, to maintain the affordable units that the Town has 20 qb I worked so hard to create. This would be a potential use of the "Administrative" monies designated by the Affordable housing Allocation Plan. Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan FY 2014 Pursuant to Article 20 of the 2013 Annual Town Meeting, an Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan for the Fiscal Year 2014 in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2001 is as follows: Available Balance — Unrestricted Funds: $ 259,077 Available Balance — Restricted Funds $ 0 Unrestricted funds shall be used for the following purposes: 5% up to a maximum of $10,000 for administration of Affordable Housing Remainder for constructing affordable housing (including loan and grant programs); or for maintaining and improving affordability of existing housing stock; or for the purchase of existing housing stock to add it to or maintain it as a part of the existing affordable housing inventory Finance Committee Report: The Finance Committee recommends the subject matter of Article 20 by a vote of 9 -0 -0 at their meeting on March 13, 2013. Bylaw Committee Report: No report. ARTICLE 21 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 1.8 of the General Bylaw by adding to the chart the following lines: Following Section 8.10: Bylaw Bylaw Title Enforcing Penalty — Penalty — Penalty — Section Person First Second Additional Offense Offense Offences 8.11 Trash Board of $100 $100 $100 Collection Health and Regulations Public Health Administrator At the end of the chart: Bylaw Bylaw Title Enforcing Penalty — Penalty — Penalty — Section Person First Second Additional Offense Offense Offences Board of Board of $100 $100 $100 Health Health and Regulations Public Health Administrator Or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Health 21 LA bZ a 1963 q � August 16, 2013 yaqAl ~1 22 Frank D. Tanner Drive Reading, MA 01867 -2399 (781) 944 -6755 Town of Reading Community Planning & Development Commission 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 RE: Artis Senior Living To Whom It May Concern: On August 12, 2013, Mr. Jay Hicks, Senior Vice President for Artis Senior Living LLC, along with their consultant, Mr. Pat Mallon; appeared before the Board of the Reading Housing Authority to preseni their plans in developing an assisted living facility serving those with Alzheimer's disease and similar demential. This facility is being developed on the site presently housing Eric's Greenhouse. This proposed facility will be dedicated entirely to those afflicted with memory care issues and will be cared for in a group home type living environment not individual unit style apartments. The developers are faced with a Reading by -law provision that must address an affordability requirement in order to move forward. Due to the nature of this newer type of assisted living facility and its difficulty in ever truly identifying actual affordable units within its plans, the RHA Board thought that the best course of action would be to support them in their endeavors to proceed by approving their proposal of a monetary sum in lieu of provision of actual affordable units by payment to the Town or agency thereof, namely the local housing authority, as stated in the By -law provision in order to satisfy this requirement. We believe that they have made a good faith effort to resolve this matter by proposing to contribute a payment in lieu of designating affordable units. The amount of $175,000.00 proposed at this time falls within our affordable range in our area. Based on conversations with local banks it would also most likely meet our criteria of supporting affordable housing to those who fall within 80% of Boston medium income in order to support a mortgage of that size. **404k * #. 10a nrt w an+w�,,tw . �.... b., aurrottad. OW 1A Uqr LAN MWM orb ptNPt T C" 09 WPM" vwws r k. wary.. XIN Wt LOW �11CM DM W Ea. «ua avwo Y.pa vo. mm" m.ndra v.euac i8 i Kd1 1+[� i� �!f t11►�IUn�Ui� a 111 Eta i un aWN Mnporbrf.. Quo" nMWxl&Io bsdurk 1.x.7 Egoe1 Housuig Opportunity tA b3 The Board was excited to hear of this new endeavor and one that we feel is needed. Facilities that will support our aged population with memory care assisted living options are now evolving. Artis Senior Living is proposing a "new home" for those afflicted with such issues and at thislime often fall between the cracks for much needed care. Let us take this opportunity to close that gap. The resident care for those afflicted is much greater then those services presently seen in a more general living environment. It is wonderful that the Town of Reading may have an opportunity to provide a location for such advanced care. A motion was presented by Board member, Diane Cohen, for support of said project proposed by Artis Senior Living. As the Director, it has been my pleasure to write this letter on behalf of the Board of the Reading Housing Authority showing its support of the continued development of a specialized assisted living facility dedicated to those affected with memory care issues along with their proposal, as presented to the Board, to comply with the Reading By -Law provision for affordability by providing a payment in lieu of designating affordable units. If you should need anything further, please contact me directly at 781 -944 -6755 x 205. Respe fully submitted, Ly&E. Whyte Executive Director cc: Mary E. Connors, RHA Chair Jay Hick, Senior VP, Artis Senior Living * J10* M# . t1�Y I.A �pT e�W Ti�tVG oAo q[1�w 7�t�gt� COO «e WONW+t VVAU NN tWOM XtN W[ [AMGc CHO DIf1Fi t.4t'iHdVO C1�o Af E*W «w+ wkw kPpo" %. VM" MWdra v.euac 181NMAONAVI oplis int1pgeMIS EAft 4 um MVW knPods"W QUO* MW4440VO Wr, W Equol Housing Opportunity q6� August 19, 2013 Jean Delios Community Services Director/Town Planner Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2683 Re: 1090 -1100 Main Street, Artis Senior Living Center Site Plan Review - CPDC Action Items Ms. Delios: This letter responds to points #1 and #2 from your memo dated August 12, 2013. 1. Traffic and Parking Comparisons. The attached spreadsheet (Exhibit A) lists all 29 memory care assisted living facilities that some combination of the Ards team has developed since 1993. These include facilities developed for Manor Care, Somerford Corp, independent facilities owned by a mix of Artis partners, and Artis. The number of parking spaces Is provided with the bed counts for each facility. Since the number of beds and parking spaces varies slights, the-number of spaces per resident in the far right column is the relevant statistic. When compared against other memory care assisted living facilities the Artis team developed or Is currently developing where the number of beds and parking spaces is known, the number of parking spaces provided in Reading meets or exceeds the ratio of parking provided per resident in 25 of the 28 facilities, or 89% of the facilities. Staffing Arrivals and Departures. An analysis of staff shifts and arrival and departure times is included as Exhibit B. Staffing numbers, detailed by position titles, are provided every hour over an entire 24 -hour period. The analysis shows a peak demand for parking spaces at 3:OOPM when eight care giving staff arrive for second shift, eight first shift care giving staff leave when their second shift replacements arrive, and eight staff (Executive Director, etc.) remain past 3:0017M. This creates a theoretical demand for 24 staff spaces at that particular moment. A shortage of parking will not exist: - The duration of this moment of peak demand is only a few minutes - Visitation is relatively low on weekday afternoons, with rarely no more than five visitors at 3:OOPM - Staff frequently car pools and gets rides to work The facility now provides 41 parking spaces, four more than were provided on the site plan discussed on August 12. This is an 86% increase over the Reading requirement of 22 parking spaces and it exceeds Sunrise Assisted Living's parking standards � ys The Artis team is confident that 41 spaces are more than sufficient to meet the demand for on -site parking at the facility. 2. Affordability Ards submitted information (Exhibit C) and made a presentation to the Reading Housing Authority (RHA) on August 12, 2013. Ards proposed a payment In lieu of providing on -site units of $175,000 to satisfy its affordability requirements. The RHA accepted this proposal, as reflected In a letter dated August 16, 2013, attached as Exhibit D. The reasons Artis advanced for supporting the payment are included in Exhibit C that was provided to the RHA. The only new information concerns what additional Boston area towns are doing to address affordability issues as they relate to assisted living and memory care assisted living facilities. - Arlington. in April, 2011 assisted living and memory care facilities were exempted from affordability requirements. Watertown. in December, 2001 assisted living and memory care facilities were exempted from affordability requirements. Natick. In 2008, a payment In lieu provision was adopted that requires a payment of $5.00 per square foot of net living space (excluding hallways, staff areas, and common areas) for assisted living facilities. By this standard, Artis would pay less than half of what it has offered to pay Reading. Please contact me, Brad Latham, or Peter Ogren with questions. Sincerely, Jay Hicks Senior Vice - President q 6 1963 22 Frank D. Tanner Drive Reading, MA' 01867 -2399 (781) 944 -6755 August 22, 2013 Town of Reading Community Planning & Development Commission 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Re: Support for Artis Senior Living To Whom It May Concern: The Reading Housing Authority recently submitted a letter of support regarding Artis Senior Living proposal for the continued development of a facility for those clients afflicted with memory care issues. The housing authority is aware that we are not involved in the final decisions or protocols involved with finalizing buyout provisions for this project, however, we were asked, upon review of said proposal, to provide an opinion based on our knowledge of current needs and costs associated with providing affordable housing within the town. Any references made to a dollar amount was simply an analysis based on current market conditions regarding the sale or resale of an affordable 2 -BR, 2 bath single unit in this geographical area and may be a useful guide while moving forward. To clarify, our motion to support this project was presented as follows: Letter of Support for Artis Senior Living Move Diane Second Karen Vote 3 -0 14-010 VOTED: To authorize the Executive Director to write letter on behalf of the Board of the Reading Housing Authority showing its support of the continued development of a specialized assisted living facility dedicated to those affected with memory care issues along with their proposal, as presented to the Board, to comply with the Reading By -Law provision for affordability by providing a payment in lieu of designating affordable units. If you should need anything further, please feel free to contact-the Housing Authority. 7 fully, �' <�U,' 4, Lyn E. Whyte Executive Director cc: Mary E. Connors, Chair Jay Hicks, Senior VP, Artis Senior Living * J#L#P ML ** • 16* *-*Jl* +*"' ThW ban inpm'ftt rWoo how it wera od. I& IA MQT tillK THOM Clio OAW TEM40 c w .* 2m pw1w V&AU ar. r.a*+. )ON WI L040 CHO C" LAI T'k 6PQ CAA N Esu as un wiw imv aw to. swv . nw 4wa va*jw trls i�1:1It tai #�i q�dttl?+ itaf 1 Eses a um.vi.o Ynp.r2ft Qusim rnwK" t *duWr. 0 Equal Housing Opportunity ( J 6 1 Formula Melrose 2% of total sales or market value of all In special circumstances the developer is required to make a monetaa contribution to the AHTF in lieu of units units in development Special circumstances: topooraohv. infrastructure, drainage, traffic and parking (could be others) Pavment is determined by the Planning Board. with input from the developer. the Building Commissioner and the Citv Assessor, and shall be equal to 2% of the total sale or market value of all the units in the development. At the discretion of the Planning Board, on the basis of the special circumstances as described above. a developer may be required to contribute a combination of affordable units and money. Medwav median sales price for AHIIZ bvlaw allows for a pavment in lieu of construction to be paid out over time as each market rate house sells single family homes rather than as one lump sum. An "equivalent affordable housing unit value" is calculated based on past 3 vears the median sales price for single family homes during the 3 year period before filing with the planning board BRA see description __ _$200,000 in lieu of construction of each unit owed or 1/2 of the difference between an affordable unit and a rate unit - Brookline see description 15+ units 9.75% of sales price - $125,000 6 units: 3% of sales price - $125,000 Cambridge $4.44 er s.f. of gfa payment may be modified'by the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust over 2,500 s.f.of the Contact: Linda Prosnitz, Housing Planner, 617 - 349 -4619 or Iprosnitz @cambridgema.gov as per the Special Permit Somerville ? Contact: Dana LeWinter at 617- 625 -6600 Other (JB) 2,8 to &0 times Ex. $47,150 80% limit 1 person HH, Boston Metro. X 3.0 = $141,450 Max. Affordable income S Appeals. In considering whether to grant a Special Permit under 6.3.1.1. b., the Board of Appeals shall consider whether the parcel(s) resulting from action under this section 6.3.1.1. b. is consistent with the general character of the neighborhood, and whether the resulting parcel(s) can be adequately served by all public services, public utilities and drainage, and public safety services " Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 22 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Reading Zoning By- Laws by amending Sections 2.2.23., 4.3.1.4. and 4.2.2. thereof as follows, or take any, other action with respect thereto: 1. Amend Section 2.2.23. by adding the following words at the end of the current sentence: ", or an assisted living facility." so that this Section shall read: "2.2.23: Nursing Home: A convalescent or rest home, or an assisted living Facility.- I a 2. Amend Section 4.3.1.4. as follows: a. Amend subsection 4.3.1.4.a. by adding at the end of the first sentence the words ", or is separated therefrom only by an Interstate Highway", by adding at the end of the second sentence the words "or is separated therefrom only by an Interstate Highway. ", by adding in the third sentence the word "local" before the word "street... ", and by adding the word "state" before the word "highway" so that this subsection shall read: "a. The lot on which the nursing home is to be located either abuts or is partially within a Business A District, or is separated therefrom only by an Interstate Highway. A lot shall not be considered as abutting a Business A District unless that lot actually, physically touches the Business A District, or is separated therefrom only by an interstate Highway. A lot on the other side of or separated by a local street or state highway from a Business A District shall not be considered to "abut" that district for the purpose of this section." b. Delete subsection 4.3.1.4.b. and substitute therefor the following: "b. Any structure or parking area shall be located not closer than fifty (50) feet to any property line abutting a residence or a local public street." C. Amend subsection 4.3.1.4.d. by deleting the words "four hundred (400)" and substituting therefor the words "three hundred (300)" so that this subsection shall read: "d. The lot shall be not less than three (3) acres in size with not less than three hundred (300) feet of frontage on an - existing public way." d. Delete subsection 4.3.1.4.f. and substitute therefor the following: "f. Prior to making application to the Board of Appeals for a Special Permit for a nursing home under this Section, the applicant shall N bq obtain -site plan approval from the Community. Planning and Development Commission pursuant to Section 4.3.3. of these By- Laws." e. Amend subsection 4.3.1.4.h. by adding the words "or parking areas" at the end of the second sentence thereof, so that this subsection shall read: "h. Sideline planting shWI be required for any sideline of the lot which abuts land being used for residential purposes.. The sideline planting shall be at least five feet wide, shall be free of any paving and shall extend from the street line to twenty feet beyond the deepest point on the premises having buildings or parking areas. The full length of the planting area shall be provided with screening through plantings at least four feet high when plapted. Fencing may be used in conjunction with such screening." Add a new subsection 4.3.1.4.k. which.shall read as follows: "k. There shall be provided in perpetuity on site or off -site, in a manner acceptable to the Reading Housing Authority, a minimum allocation of ten percent of the total units, unless otherwise regulated, relative to the development, which total units shall be affordable to very- low-income, low-income, and moderate - income families and/or elderly households as determined by the most recent calculations of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Boston Metropolitan Region and /or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Housing and Community Development. If acceptable to the Reading Housing Authority, this requirement may be satisfied by the payment to the Town or an agency thereof a monetary sum in lieu of provision of actual affordable units in or relative to the development for provision or enhancement of affordable housing In the Town of Reading." 3. Amend Paragraph 4.2.2. "Table of Uses" as follows: Delete the word "No" and substitute therefor "SPA" under the column, Res S -15, ,S-20, S-40 and opposite Nursing Home. Community Planning and Development Commission ARTICLE 23 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 6.2 Signs of the Reading Zoning By -Laws by amending Sections 6.2.2.4.d. and Section 6.2.3.2.1. thereof as follows, or take any other action with respect thereto: Amend Section 6.2.2.4A. by adding after the phrase 'off- premises signs" the phrase "(except by special permit as provided in Section 6.2.32.1.)" so that this Section shall read: 9 21- EDC —FOCUS ON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (E o An integration of Reading business, municipal and citizen representatives interested in business development Addition of seats to accommodate these constituencies o Specific tasks: Promote Reading as a desirable business destination o Create and perpetuate a 'Why Reading' value proposition 0 op message and medium F Se oythboro and Lawrence media piece examples ,w57rence' lul e Welcome new business candidates to Reading o Provide a friendly, competent first—face for interested parties o Catalog available business real inventory o Provide 'how to' and 'who's who' guidance o Work with local business resources — agents, banks etc to Q\ i 2 r TASKS CONTINUED o Support existing businesses already here S • Point of integration for cross business issues • Advocate for business where appropriate • Exploit existing Town business contacts o Improve: Examine alternative town practices t • Regular peer evaluation and best practice determination • Continuous improvement focus } o Measure: Outbrief ro ress annually p g Y • Select meaningful metrics to track a Take a long term view on goals — examine trending i y r • Target measurable results - not just activities o Individual Retail Consultations Program Description Best Retail Practices brings professional advice to independent retailers in the areas of store and restaurant design, layout and visual merchandising, customer service and both traditional and social media marketing. Retail expert Christine Moynihan, who delivers the program, cofounded Best Retail Practices in 2002 for the City of Cambridge in response to the City's request to help retailers struggling in a difficult economy. She has since delivered her workshop to over 1000 business owners across the state and consulted with over 300 independent downtown businesses. The Town of Reading's Economic Development Committee and Community Services Department invite all of the Town's retailers, restaurateurs and storefront business owners to apply to receive a "one -on -one in -store brainstorming and consultation session with Moynihan — at no cost to the business owner! These businesses will receive a written report with specific ideas and recommendations for improving their businesses now and for the future. APPLICATION WITH DUE DATES IS ON PAGE 2. Christine Moynihan is a former VP Retail Marketing for Clarks (footwear), co- founder of Best Retail Practices and principal of RetailVisioning, a consulting company focused on helping independent retailers be their very best. Reading's Best Retail Practices Program is funded by the Downtown Improvement and Event Trust (DIET). "Christine brings lots of DIY ideas for the business owner, and I hope all Reading businesses will take advantage of this opportunity!" - Jean Delios Town Planner Town of Reading a i � If you wish to participate in the program contact Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner, to register or for more information. jwilson@ci.reading.ma.us or 781 - 942 -6648 Find us on the web at www.ci.reading.ma.us/ Pages/ Reading MA_ BComm /economic (Sample photos only. Not active applicatio � // ns,j�J 116_ Application for FREE one hour one -on -one small business consulting session Retail businesses, Store -front service businesses, Restaurants Please mail or drop off to: Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner BRP Free Consultation Reading Town Hall 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 -2685 Or email to jwilson @ci.reading.ma.us Applications are due by 5pm Monday, July 1, 2013 Name of Business Address Owner / Manager Number of years in business at this add Phone Employees: # FT # PT Please answer the following 4 questions. Use an additional sheet of paper / page if necessary. 1. Current description of / positioning for business 2. Brief history of business (moved from other location, existing business acquired by new owner, family business now managed by new generation, new concept, owner had previous similar business, etc.) 3. Current challenges (consider physical plant / property, marketing, change in customer base / demographics, traffic, inventory mix, business / operations issues) 4. Commitment to the future. If you agree with the consultant's recommendations, are you committed to investing some time, energy and/ or resources to implement improvements that would help your business be the best it can be -- now and for the future? b D9 Town of Reading Community Services 16 Lowell Street Department Phone: 781.942.6610 Reading, MA 01867 -2683 Fax: 781.942 -9071 August 22, 2013 Calareso's Farm & Garden Center Attn: Joe Calareso 100 Main Street Reading, MA 01867 Re: Internship Offering Free Design Services Dear Joe: Your business was fortunate to participate in the Retail Visioning and receive a consultation with retail expert Christine Moynihan. After having many of our local businesses go through this program, it has become apparent. that many of our small independent retailers may have a need for a skilled designer /artist's help with interior signage and window design to implement some of her suggested changes. The Town of Reading Community Services Department, in conjunction with the Economic Development Committee, is implementing a new program on a trial basis. We have arranged for the services of a student design intern to offer free design services to some businesses for this fall semester. These services may be useful for such things as fall or holiday window displays, product signage inside the store, product or store brochure or logo, or similar designs for your website. Since this is a trial program, the intern's capacity is limited, so please contact Jessie Wilson at 781 - 942 -6648 or iwilson @ci.readine.ma.us no later than August 30, 2013 to take advantage of this program. Once the participants are confirmed, you and the intern will meet to work out ideas and themes together. Jessie Wilson Staff Planner qb I C? 2013 Reading Building Facade & Signage Improvement Program I. INTRODUCTION The Reading Economic Development Committee (EDC) has established a Building Facade & Signage Improvement Program (BFSI) which offers technical and financial assistance to property owners and tenants seeking to improve their building facade, Signage, and exterior lighting. The EDC oversees the Downtown Improvement and Events Trust (DIET) which provides specific funding for downtown and gateway improvements. The BFSI objectives are as follows: Enhance the physical appearance of the building's facade, and the overall streetscape; Install and/or update signage and lighting; and Contribute to the overall appeal of downtown and gateways, creating "curb appeal" Drive continued economic commerce to individual stores in the downtown and gateway area. II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Building Facade & Signage Improvement Program provides grants and/or low interest loans to building and business owners. Grants will be up to 50% of the total project cost with a maximum of up to $10,000. The Reading Co- Operative Bank has partnered with the EDC to provide loan funds to aid businesses and building owners participating in the program. The Reading Co- Operative Bank will offer a loan term for up to 5 years, loan amounts from $5,000 to $25,000, and a loan rate and APR at 5 %, with no closing costs*'. The EDC has also secured volunteer technical design assistance from local architects and collaborated with Boston architectural colleges to provide co -op opportunities for architectural students (the EDC supports this work by providing transportation and food stipends). Further, a permitting process has been established that streamlines the process, to the extent possible, and utilizes the volunteer designer to facilitate approvals, thereby minimizing time spent by the business owner on obtaining permits and project approvals. Furthermore, the Town of Reading has enthusiastically agreed to waive permit fees for all approved projects. Targeted Improvements For the duration of the BFSI Program, the EDC may grant a specific.amount of the Downtown Improvement and Event Trust (DIET) for a targeted improvements. In 2013 the EDC allocated (amount TBD) for blade signs. All business owners during the calendar year 2013 are eligible for up to 50% reimbursement (up to $500) of blade signs after they have filled out a sign permit application and provided a drawing of their blade sign. The EDC will review the application at their next regularly scheduled meeting and determine a grant award. 1 Please see Reading Co- operative Banks' Commitment Letter qb) /C, III. ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for the program, commercial buildings must be located within or close to the downtown area. The 2013 application process will open on September 3, 2013 and close on October 2, 2013. The selection of fagade improvement projects will be based on the buildings' distress level and other factors. Applications will be reviewed and submitted to the BFSI committee for consideration, This Committee will consist of two members of the EDC, two members of the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC), and one member of the Board of Selectmen. If a chosen building is listed on the Historical Register, a member of the Historical Commission will be asked to consult. Building owners and businesses leasing space are both eligible for the program funding. Tenants of commercial property must be able to provide documentation of the building owners consent for the improvements at the time of application. Tenants will also be required-to provide a copy of their lease agreement, which indicates the lessee's responsibility for property renovation and repair prior to initiation of construction. IV. ELIGIBLE TYPES OF IMPROVEMENTS All improvements must be compatible with the character and architecture of the individual building, as well as the streetscape. All projects should adhere to the Design Guidelines of the Town of Reading Downtown Smartgrowth Overlay District as applicable.Z Eligible improvements may include, but are not limited to: Exterior cleaning and painting Removal of old signs, awnings, and other exterior clutter Application of new exterior plaster Repair of exterior brickwork or clapboard Installation of new entry doors and trim Installation of display windows and trim Installation of new canvas awnings over windows and entries Installation of new signage (including Blade signs) Installation or upgrade of exterior lighting (i.e. goose neck lighting) Note: No interior improvements are eligible for the program. V. PROCEDURE The following process has been created to establish a cooperative effort between the town, the applicant, and program.volunteers to most effectively facilitate the goal of the program, an improved Downtown Reading. Applicant files an application with the EDC by October 2, 2013 Applicant meets with the BFSI Committee to review the proposal Upon project initiation the BFSI Committee will arrange a meeting between the applicant and the program designer architect. The applicant will work with the architect, who will develop schematics and a description of the proposed fagade, signage /awning improvement work, and prepare preliminary cost estimates. 2 Available at: http: / /www.readingma.gov /sites /readingma/files/ file / file /adopted_design_standards.pdf gblll Upon completion of the preliminary design the designer architect will meet with the BFSI Committee for a complete review of the proposed fagade project and approval of the final design'. With the approval of the design, the designer architect and BFSI committee will work with town departments for the submission and approval of the required permits (such as sign permit/approval, minor site plan approval, and/or building permits). It is anticipated that due to the limited scope of the building fagade projects, business owner involvement in the approval process will not be needed. In some cases, however, more extensive permitting may be required; this additional permitting will be identified prior to completion of the final design Applicant enters into agreements(s) with the contractors to carry out design. These particular agreements are solely between the applicant and contractors(s) /vendors and are not the responsibility of the BFSI Committee or Town. The Applicant shall secure a building permit by April F" and the project must be completed no later than June 30d`. A longer project initiation schedule is possible with approval from the BFSI. Applicant notifies Staff Planner once project is completed and shall file for reimbursement. C hair of EDC approves. The agreed upon grant amount and project initiation payment refund will be paid to the Applicant via the Downtown Improvements and Events Trust upon approved completion of the project and approval of the reimbursement for including all project documentation (invoices, receipts, photos of completed projects) and submittal of full payment to all contractors and vendors. The BFSI Committee reserves the right to make adjustments regarding conditions and parameters outlined in the guidelines. VI. TERMINATIONS The BFSI s Committee has the right to terminate any agreement under the program if a participant is found to be in violation of any conditions set forth in these guidelines or if the project has been started prior to an executed agreement with the BFSI Committee. VII. APPLICATION AND INFORMATION If you wish to participate in the program and would like to set up a meeting with the BFSI Committee or if you would like additional information, please email the Economic Development Committee at EDCO)ci.readin .ma.us. ' Final designs for signage projects will include location, sign dimensions, sign support details, sign color schemes and materials and sign renderings. Final designs for lighting proposals will include type(s) of lighting, fixture color (s), fixture location (s), fixture illumination intensity and fixture catalogue sheets. Final designs for other project types will include sufficient information to receive relevant permit approvals. 73 Grand Street Reading, MA 01867 07 August 2013 Town of Reading Economic Development Committee 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 RE: DIET Funding Business Plan Thank you for the opportunity to submit this DIET funding business plan to the Economic Development Committee (EDC.) The main goal of DIET funding plan is aligned with Reading's Master Plan, to preserve a vibrant downtown district and its gateways. The success of the DIET funding and subsequent DIET projects will further strengthen this goal. With additional funding channels the EDC will continue to provide programs similar to the BRP and BFSI; as well as future programs to bolster and educate business owners and potential business owners in Reading. Supporting this program would undoubtedly promote Reading as a destination and improve the experience of shopping and doing business in Reading for all. Best regards, Scott Onigman, Summer Intern Nb119 DIET Funding - Corporate and Individual Contributor launch Since 2012, the Downtown Improvement and Events Trust (DIET) has funded programs specifically used for improvements to Reading's downtown and gateway corridors. Through strategic development of business programs and streetscape improvements, the EDC endeavors to sustain and expand the vitality of downtown Reading. Historically, the primary source of funding for DIET initiatives has been derived by the Reading Fall Street Faire (RFSF.) Until this past year, the RFSF has steadily increased its contribution to the DIET. With this year's decrease in revenue, our 2013 budget was constrained and the DIET was only able to support three select projects which included continued funding for the Building Fagade Improvement program (BFSI,) additional Retail Visioning consulting (BRP,) and Streetscape Improvement (downtown flower baskets for the summer.) The EDC is committed to raising funds for continued support of the DIET. In a press release on the 2012 BFSI, Sheila Clarke, Chair of the EDC, stated, "Even though we had limited funds ($10,000) in our initial year — a little bit has made a big difference. A couple of recipients are using our seed money as a springboard for additions to further improve their buildings which will continue to fuel the overall appeal of our Downtown." This business plan outlines initial strategic steps to launch a funding campaign targeted for corporate and individual contributors. For the fiscal year ending June 2014, the EDC has set a goal of $50,000 in individual /corporate contributions. DIET Corporate and Individual Launch Strategy The launch strategy has four major components: - Research - Recruitment - Marketing - Recognition As indicated in the Task and Timelines (Page 6) there will be a need to create individual work plans to support these efforts. Anticipated start of this project will be September, 2013 with expected launch on December, 2013. q 1I-5, - Research In the summer of 2013, Scott Onigman, was commissioned by the EDC to research and design a business plan to launch a campaign for DIET funding. This research yielded local corporate sponsor information, examples of other not - for - profit websites, and ideas for the design of the website. Going beyond the scope of this original commission, Mr. Onigman has also outlined future DIET possibilities that are natural 'next steps' in the EDC's support of Reading's Master plan (See Appendix D.) Recruitment Corporate Sponsorships Corporate sponsorship will be a key part of the DIET fundraising initiative. This is due to two distinct facets; one being that many corporations in Reading have charitable programs in place and the EDC can capitalize on these programs; and historically, the RFSF has had prior success in using these charitable programs. Solicitation of sponsorship from local corporations and businesses would involve filling out applications — primarily online to local businesses and corporations for nonprofit funding. The applications would include our website link identifying the projects /successes of the already existing DIET programs. A researched list of possible corporations for funding are listed below: Northern Bank - Norther Bank Community Outreach Stop & Shop - Stop & Shop Grants Funding Page(has date requirements for funding) Reading CoOperative Bank - Reading CoOp Grants Honda Gallery'(Gallery Auto Group) - Link about Funding Page partnership with SOMA Bank of America - Grants Funding Page Home Depot - Home Depot Foundation Jordan's Furniture - Jordan's Charity Page CVS - Community Outreach Market Basket —They do grants, but there was no demoulas contact page Walgreens - Community Outreach Guidelines Swiss Bakers - Swiss Bakers Email Contact (Didn't Eastern Bank - Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation have community outreach page) - Eastern Bank Community Involvement Sovereign Bank - Sovereign Community Dev - TD Bank - TD Bank Grants - TD Bank Community Sovereign Foundation Outreach Salem Five Bank - Salem 5 Charitable Foundations - Keurig - GMCR Community Outreach Salem 5 Community Dev In addition to filling out applications for corporate sponsorships, it is recommended that members of the EDC reach out to corporations that are more local (i.e. Reading Cooperative Bank, Northern Bank,.etc) to provide a more personal touch to the application process with the hope of increased funding opportunities and dollars. Non Profit Funding In addition to corporate sponsorship, there are a number of non - profits in the Eastern Massachusetts area dedicated to economic revitalization that the EDC may be able to solicit for DIET Funding. These possible organizations to partner with and receive funding from are listed below: gbll� Interise - Guidestar - Interise - Interise Website iStartup - Guidestar - iStartup - iStartup Website Metropolitan Area Planning Council - MAPC Website Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations - MACDC Website Mass Growth Capital - Mass Growth Capital Website Commonwealth Corp - Commonwealth Corp Waheitn Mass Development - Mass Development Website Mass office of bus. Dev. Mass office of bus. dev. website North Shore Chamber of Commerce - North Shore Chamber Website Individual Contributors Rogers Family Foundation - Rogers Family Foundation Website Individual contributors may be reached through a variety of options — some of which are outlined in the Marketing section below. Creating branded DIET brochures for town events (Friends and Family Day, RFSF, Holiday Lighting Ceremony) will increase awareness. This same marketing can be used for the DIET Facebook page, Twitter account, and Google+ page. Marketing Website creation Website creation is the first, crucial step for this campaign. Through this website both private citizens and corporations can donate online. All advertising and recruiting efforts will be drive potential sponsors to this site. An initial mock -up of the website design can be found in Appendix B; using the branding (designed by Karl Weld) that has already been created for the BFSI, and BRP. Appendix A contains links to comparable not - for - profit websites. There is a lot to be learned from the design of these websites in both there integration of other resources and design layout efficiencies. Of particular note — refer to the Social Network integration of the Downtown Dayton Website and the column layout of important pieces of the campaign. The incorporation of some of these elements would serve the DIET funding website well. Print campaign Modern marketing channels for soliciting donation and sponsorship are certainly available for this campaign; this would require the creation of design ads or posters and getting approvals from the Town on the overall messaging. While it may be a good idea to advertise on RCN, it would be most effective to run digital, online marketing campaign using Google search ads or Facebook advertising. (See Appendix C.) In addition to physical ads or N ads, a critical part of this fundraising campaign is advertising in the local newspapers including the Reading Advocate, Daily Times Chronicle, and Reading Patch (online.) Social Media Social media outlets, for example Facebook, Twitter, or other networks could be utilized to promote the DIET funding website.and help drive traffic to it. Creating Facebook and Twitter profiles and lqb1 1-7 subsequently posting /marketing from them is a easy, no -cost option. As mentioned above, it might be worth the investment in Google search ads or Facebook advertising to drive even more traffic as the more followers you have the greater reach your campaign creates. Securing Support and Approvals It is important that the EDC have the full support of the Town Government and other B /C /C. This is critical for this funding campaign to be working on all cylinders. Recognition Honoring the sponsors of the DIET should be a point of consideration for this initiative. For private citizen as well as corporate donations, there should be tiered levels of donation incorporated with subsequent demonstration of appreciation, here are some initial ideas: Tier Donations Tier Private Citizen Corporation Tier 1 $ 50 $ 500 Tier 2 $ 75 $ 1,000 Tier 3 $ 100 $ 5,000 Tier 4 $ 200 $ 10,000 Tier Appreciation Tier Private Citizen Corporation Tier 1 Noted in publication Noted in publication (and at FSF *) Tier 2 Tier1 and note of appreciation Tier1 and note of appreciation Tier 3 Tier2 and special notation on website Tier2 and on poster at FSF* Tier 4 Tier3 and special notation at FSF* Tier3 and certificate of appreciation for their office *FSF* is the Fall Street Faire Any of these donors could be,noted on the DIET website as well as in publications. IMr Tasks and Timelines Tasks and timeframes will be assigned as appropriate and a work plans for major efforts of this campaign will be created. This effort will require commitment from all members of the EDC as well as other B /C /Cs to launch this campaign with an expected completion date of the December, 2013. Description Timeframe Status EDC approves DIET Funding September 2013 Business Plan Create DIET website September — October 2013 Define recognition program of September — October 2013 individuals /corporate sponsors Engage other B /C /C October 2013 Pilot solicitation of local November 2013 —Test corporate sponsors marketing docs with known "friends of EDC" Marketing Campaign (See Work September — December 2013 Plan for complete details) Campaign launch (see Work December 2013 Plan for complete details) Reach 2013 Goal and create June 2013 2014 Launch Plan DIET Funding Long -term Sustainability It is anticipated that all members of the EDC and town staff will be engaged in this launch. The EDC members have demonstrated the ability to create, implement and sustain projects throughout the course of their seven year existence and this project will have the full endorsement of the Town staff and Board of Selectmen. A capable town staff can also help with gaining permissions, marketing through bi- weekly updates, and using their updated database of existing business /corporations to create sufficient "buzz." gb)Iq It is imperative that the EDC sustain this DIET funding; the programs that have been created, to date, have yielded large returns on the time /money investments. The EDC's original purpose, as outlined in the Master Plan, was to be strong stewards of economic vitality in our downtown and the DIET funding is an essential element of this commitment. q I�2,0 Appendix A: Non - Profit Campaign Websites Comparable websites of non - profit campaigns that were researched included: Dayton, OH: Downtown Dayton Website. Banner Program of Sponsorship, Downtown Overview. Calendar of events. Downtown Dayton Plan, First Night Dayton (Facebook Page), Last Dam Summer (Facebook Page), River Run Project (Last Dam Summer Proiect Website) Beverly, MA:, Main Streets - http : / /www.beverlymainstreets.org/ Lancaster, PA: Poetry Paths - http: / /www.poetrypaths.org/. q� IZ( Appendix B: Initial Draft of DIET Funding Website this may need a logo created... (would be great for branding) Picture to be taken Picture up Haven street from Depot (blurry) Would need to be approved by Doesn't need to be done if the town the businesses dontwant it Cia q6121- TYmeline of Title /Logo of Project (similar to Bev. Main Sts) DIETPage G - eW cSponso red by the EDC n� c Project Bac cgroun Donation n�� Donate (ma want to have y Sponsors - History of what has two different do- CaIeWar E been done historically Facebook va a with this funding nation pages (for w, natter - Possible Projects citizens and cor-._..M - Benefits to town porate donations) Description for Rewards outlines • "" " website needs (Showing tiers Of *--• Social approval rewards) Q�•� -•�. integration this requires ; =- developmentof` another page also 7tvitter timeline of DIETTwitter korporate, Sponsor Logos (with links to websites) handle Would need to be approved by Doesn't need to be done if the town the businesses dontwant it Cia q6121- Appendix C: Marketing Campaign — Cost Comparison between Facebook & Google Platform /Cost per day Google AdWords (est. Clicks per day) Facebook Page Promotion (est. likes per day) 5 13 5 -18 10 25 9 -36 15 38 14 -54 20 50 18 -72 Note: Clicks are not guaranteed for either model, but are likely Google Cost Model: Your daily budget: $10 Your maximum cost - per -click bid: $0.50 Your average cost - per - click: $0.40 Approximate number of clicks per day: 25 -This model is based off of a ranking algorithm Facebook Cost Model: Not guaranteed referral to DIET website -There is a way to refer to a website, but since the EDC Facebook page does not have enough likes yet, sponsoring a website referral is not an option. Nb123 Appendix D: Future DIET Possibilities Green Business Initiative: Encourages green business practices by Reading shoppers and business owners. This would ideally be a program to enlist a few local businesses that would bring in a consultant, similar to the Blade Sign Projects and Facade Improvement Programs. Local Business adoption of Square®: This burgeoning technology would hopefully get recognition from the company itself as well to make Reading easier to shop in. On top of this, an initiative to adopt this style of cutting edge technology would signify to potential shoppers that Reading is a destination for interesting shopping. Town WiFi: Provide WiFi to shoppers along the Haven street district. Although this may not seem like a business critical interest, it would certainly be useful for attracting potential shoppers as well as keeping customers in the area. Art in the Town Center: Diversifying the annual improvements to the town center's appeal could make capital investments in art as fixtures feasible. The addition of statues, sculptures, clocks, or interesting wayfinding signs could further beautify the Downtown District. Vb) zq Social Media Strategy— EDC t V AS!P� + Tube - in Reading Economic Development Committee Scott Onigman, Summer Intern 8/7/13 EDC —Social Media Strategy Social media has become ubiquitous in communication between individuals, companies and consumers, and government organizations. By utilizing social media, the EDC has the ability to interact with a wider audience than it does through traditional marketing avenues. By using these different channels, the EDC could increase its outreach to a younger generation of local residents in addition to hip -savvy traditional Reading residents; for example, a Reading resident that is currently on the town's emailing list, may not open the email, but with the variety of outlets that social media reaches, it increases the chances of this same resident getting/seeing the message elsewhere. Additionally, EDC members will benefit from embracing social media and become media savvy as this sector continues to emerge as a dominant outlet for communication. Descriptions and Guides to Social Media: Facebook: A digital social network that is based on individual user profiles interacting with each other through user profiles, business pages, events, and sharing photos; all aggregated on a "timeline" of what others are doing on the site. This social media outlet is most highly recommended for the EDC because of the sheer number of Facebook users as well as the many ways that the platform provides outreach. Twitter: A digital social network based on individual users or business sharing "tweets" of 140 characters or less, which are aggregated on the newsfeed of whoever an individual user is following. This network allows for communal conversation through "hashtagging" (i.e. putting a # -sign before a word or statement.) Twitter allows for direct messaging between users and public one on one (or more than one) conversations. This platform would be the easiest medium for receiving input or solicitation from /to the general public. Linkedln: A digital business network based on individual users linking in with each other to further business connections. This. may be useful if the EDC would like to promote business networking in Reading for employment purposes, or for the EDC to engage in economic development discussions with other communities on best practices /education. Pinterest: A digital social network that allows for users to "pin" pictures that they like, indicating affinity; these "pins" are public and query-able. This platform would be used to promote Town strengthens (marketing Reading) or post content that businesses of Reading are involved in. Google+: The Google+ platform is similar to Facebook and Twitter in the concept of the newsfeed, but is based on social interaction within a community. Using this platform, the EDC q L /-Z,& would tap into those who use Google+ as well as interact with users in a different, more communal manner. Foursquare: A digital social network that relies on users "checking" in at locations, allowing for friends to follow their activity. One of the great benefits of Foursquare is that it allows for more social, friend -based reviews of shops and restaurants; the EDC could create a presence on Foursquare, as a reviewer and promoter of Reading businesses. YouTube: A website that allows for uploading, sharing, and viewing of videos across the World Wide Web. This platform would enable the EDC to share any video media that it wants to in order to promote business in Reading. Levels of Social Media Interaction: Low, Medium, and High Outlet /Level Facebook Google+ Pinterest Foursquare YouTube Linkedln Low ✓ TV/ Medium ✓ ✓ High ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ q� 12 7 Levels of Activity: Low: Basic updating Outlets used: Facebook, Twitter Frequency of use for this level is posting approximately once a week. The social media outlets utilized are informational, rather than used to start a dialogue with the community. This strategy is best illustrated in the 'draft' EDC Facebook page which is informational, but would not post frequently. Facebook Example — Facebook Home Page Facebook Pages O .T bli,a9: k�.. 7310 —.4 . au. ►.oe..<vSlrex. A fatebNk PW VMt a.anvam YaM. ww. Sa M""~ M P. 0. '" 1.46 --Y Y4Pf. AOWt R<pYt a Fpyt*+ ="I* Twitter Example — Governor Patrick's Twitter M 3.04 11 nI a.M :- fI Eaow 'Wrm r., r, 19UCM60.4 v -4 't TWeet3 N! No mat" URM Oeval Patrick vmhr. ,w-cy 1 Any Gmemor Pack signal iaglalabon toaay tles+p uV August 10m an0 11th as a 'Sales Tax Hobday.` Duval PWick v-, Thank you at for V* be"y wanes! Medium: Active status Outlets used: Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Pinterest Frequency of use requires posting approximately every other day. The social media outlets would be used to relay key information to the Reading social community. These accounts could be used to promote articles about business success in Reading, provide information about doing business in town, and promote businesses around Reading. The Pinterest platform in this case would be used to promote products that are sold in stores in Reading, creating an online buzz making Reading a destination to find certain consumer goods; Pinterest being the platform to note these specific goods. For instance, when Pamplemousse moves into its Haven street residence, their products could be promoted and 'pinned' along with other businesses on Pinterest. A Facebook strategy at this level would be sharing not only articles about business in Reading, but also promoting specific events in town and sharing photographs of different Reading shopping districts. 06129 Twitter at this level could be used to promote articles about business in Reading, but indeed would result in imploring residents to visit downtown as well as to update the productivity of the EDC or Reading -North Reading Chamber of Commerce. Google+ in this active role could be used as a placeholder to redirect to the EDC Facebook page and Twitter accounts, as well as provide another avenue to share content on Reading. Facebook Example — Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport, MA flrebuse Center for the Ana 11u11, a link. wn News of Newbu J�iy 3i -'s, w.w�„ s Adv<,u—q se—< b Like Bring the kids for a musical trip down the bayou) Swamp Romp is a fun musical exploration of Louisiana with Newburypart Chamber of Commerce Like R9an xaYOr. Johnerte Gowning and Scott Billington taking place at the firehouse on Sunday afternoon August 18. Th<atn. in el,e open Take a listen to some of the music you may hear! rr I'll duke Ca<n<walt<s You can get your tickets at the Firehouse box office or d Like online here: hap://www.firehouse.org/L3-shows- familyl.html TOY" Ia Monday In Louisiana by Firehouse Center for the Ans Jehnec. Pewn{ne July 30 wawr.ym:tuC<.com TaCay n Mondp.n c as a Our gallery is ready to reveal our August Artist of the song and bow written oy John<tte Monthl Dxiwi,, and ClurttateC tN Prbma4 Robert Loren Lerch's photography exhibit *Peggy's House' uke Cammem gyre will be on display in the Firehouse An Gallery from July 3l- August 28. Learn more about the artist and his work here Twitter Example — City of Boston Government 5.339 340 39.995 1� fI Follow Tweets All No replies 1 QtyofBoston :c'.Yerc- zh 1 If you're just catching up with our summer series on construction in Boston, don't miss the ,SlockbusterBOS trailer: ow.ly /nGIQ9 ' O View maoia Qty of Boston Six steps in pictures to repave a Boston road: the latest from BlockbusterBOS ow.1y/nEBDx ® View photo �b�3� High: Active engagement with the community in a variety of social channels Outlets used: Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Pinterest, Foursquare, YouTube Frequency of use for this level is posting as daily at minimum. This method would use all social channels possible to engage with the community and share messages from the EDC, take feedback from citizens, maintain an online forum, in addition to following the same actions prescribed in the medium level of activity recommendations. Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ plus would be used for previous purposes, but in this case would also be used to solicit feedback from social community members. Foursquare would be used to promote positive reviews of town businesses as well as the social aspect for creating Reading as a destination. YouTube would be used for the EDC to promote its own marketing content drawing residents and potential visitors to business in town via promotional videos. Facebook Example — Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA Museum or Fine Arts, Boston :tt,a57 u.• :0.06: Wt�nt �e•M \tv. 1).ell aniw.e —_.__ _� e (S f1e- le1MfAnM.eeweNNnwie4 `OGS W++OM 4wwe. tlwea•�YeeeW`n � O '�� slnx7 fm • TeN :tiee �+. t fS fr. AteiM1 be0e.(a e1Nkn �„f, Nipi, f.?k feN. l,cneee Nies'v Vey M YwTuM ®nM a7l 'Vl Wme w tAaW... In(beefeln t0 /Ve Met, ef(ttel ate•e «• w ap .� MNO•f Oec M� Ir.'s Yee VY fn W fedNS ham W Ityyf Q1R fnnbneen -Me IIM eRef n 111t 111D(T PkWW <telff M /Y. W..W Ten eeW i4 h 1970. efsq— Gle((e ft— — nitn9leers Y4 ttw W "iMpfe eftyf tbet (lets m EWV WwAft Sw impmo— tere uen 9beft Ne Nepf 0K feINb4 bvf: Mfe:l lba.y1117esItU.YM try M d. "..IM no" Qrf Meng: n0e 116- Ni149gtt ,•W'wM• - +c to Mfr { {� CwwceN ea We.•. N ewe Me., ln,w 11 OVnft W Ws •2 •tltMeltefnS Mel •,a.w hua by CN•ee• � V.w.... N ewe M +. Yue," See M tM41M GOae to , te, lewwet W WA1 tier lri/e7f9e Oenn.. WsOP- e... nefr(teMq Ien..N ee MM n 4e%n . - G"M UO." �.. 1TAeebbnrt YTMe Qw,�Mlry l.ey►u1ie. ;.•k W r t ;�+.. MWtfn DefllVM Yr fM. W Ye n.eleV %et ••et Ilbe WeOied . 9 b13► Twitter Example — City of New York Government Twitter 7,n$ 110 102,109 :- W Follow 'nctrs �O „ ^ib"X� Oi OAV.11 Tw99i8 Nl i No wMes Ctty of New York- .nycgnv Did you know? *Free meals are available for children 1a and under all st orner long: nyc4ov /nKfood EV@m !. %oly u RKWW k Favorite O PoCke; —tax# CRy of New York 3.: .ffnyeheaibhy's 1Pro]ec*"NYC continues to help Wers m need after #Sandy. Yisk on.nyc.pov /17t191H1h to bam more about free Mgt f.;—d Chy of New York af g- a., The Mayor discusses how NYC's municipal economic and flsoal policies have NNW Ore city thriv% and its chalwVes: Outlets for Social Media: • Getting feedback • Provide forum for feedback (Twitter or Facebook) • Promoting articles about Reading • Providing information about the Town • Promoting businesses around Reading • Promote link for online feedback Social Interaction Benchmarks: Frequently... • Post every day • Interact with business more than weekly • Post nonchalantly more than once a week • Interact with citizens frequently • Constantly solicit feedback • Post articles once a week u� � 3 2 g/ � - > \ o 9 / 0 2 /_ /0 ƒ§ �� 4 5 / / ^ �7 =G 4— [ G0 z� =� g n < e o 3 2 9 _. . 2 §� 2 _ _ % i * - / 2 n 3 § \ v £ ƒ \ ) §0 $ (} /co k)ƒ \� % R $ k\ o § 2 \ ` ^ 7 \ - � \ \ _ =r m f / ) § % & \/ / U2 - ° < 3 k0 % � yk k � . $ } . ■ a. 13 M 2 § j o a /• \ C /. $ n 0 2. / ° \ rD / § rD 3 CL / � m / � � 1 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � « \ � k � o � a � C m CL co §. § n m $ 0 � 3 0 & Q r) = 2 �.j 0 � 11 I � � � � � � � A PASSPORT To Doing Business In Reading A Good Advice Guide Presented by the Economic Development Committee Visit our website for complete information www.ci. reading. ma. us /Pages /ReadingMABComm /economic Email: EDC @ci.reading.ma.us L W Contents Welcome ( 3 All Aboard ! 4 Planning & Zoning 1 8 Building Department 1 14 Health Department 1 18 Celebration! I 22 Conservation Commission 1 23 Journey's End ! 24 Resources ( 33 A "Passport" To Doing Business In Reading Economic Development Committee Website: www.ci.reading. ma.us /Pages /Read- ingMABComm/ economic Email: EDC @ci.reading. ma.us 'I 1 W Reading welcomes the opportunity to work with you to bring your business to Town. We understand that the pro- cess can be somewhat complex, and varies by the type of business you want to start, and where you want to locate. Most of the complexities are created by State statute, and various codes that are intended to ensure the safety of your business for you and your customers. This is especially com- plex if this is your first venture into starting up a business. We have created this "Passport for Doing Business" as a guide to help you. And even better, the town has a profes- sional and helpful staff to assist you in making your new business experience a positive one. So give us a call, come on in to Town Hall, and let's get start- ed on an adventure of a life time — starting your new busi- ness in Reading MA. Let us be your tour guide.... meet the Economic Development Committee Welcome! The Town of Reading and the Board of Selectmen are proud to have embraced a pro- active approach to economic development. Our Master Plan lists "Improve Downtown" as our number one economic develop- mental goal. We are taking this direction very seriously, and have followed through on this recommendation by: • Creating an Economic Development Committee. This committee was ap- pointed to assist in the improvement of the quality of life for residents by in- creasing the available retail, restaurant, and other amenities in town, help at- tract new businesses and ensure the sta- bility and success of existing businesses in Reading. Our priority is to maintain an ongoing dialogue with business owners and own- ers of major properties on a pro- active basis to understand how the Town can pro - actively work to achieve their plans. How could you say no to these faces? We want y.Qu in our community! • Adding staff resources to support the Economic Development Committee • Hiring staff to act as a "Permits and Licensing Coordinator" and to make your appli- cation and approval experience in Reading an easier process. All of these actions are directed at making Reading the prime location for your business. 3 I �I All Aboard! Planning Department: 781.944.6610 Permits & Licensing Coordinator: 781.942.6654 Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Tuesday 7:30 am to 7:00 pm Friday - Closed I'm thinking about opening a business in Reading, what should I do? Armed with your basic traveling essentials..... • What will be /or is your business address? • What type of business are you opening? • Have you owned a business before? • Are you making any changes to the interior or exterior of the space? • What is your time line for getting this opened? Run .... don't walk to our Permits Coordinator who is "Op- erations Central" for all permits and processing. You will be guided through the different permits requirements, be giv- en an overview, as well as answers to any questions you may have. Our aim is to provide concierge service. Until then, here is a snapshot of the different departments and processes you may go through along your way to open- ing your business. Concierge Service Our Permits Coordinator can be viewed as our Concierge for your business develop- ment in Reading. But instead of procuring concert tickets or giving you a list of res- taurants that you might want to try during your stay, our Permits Coordinator will guide you through the process of securing your development project approvals. He will meet with you when you are first considering your project to: • Listen to your proposed business plan • Bring together an initial meeting of the Town staff that will deal with your par- ticular project • Coordinate a Development Review Team meeting so that all staff are aware of and can comment on your proposal while it is in the development stages (it's less expensive to hear the comments earlier in the process before you have spent a lot of money on design) • Schedule meetings with specific Town officials as needed for technical reviews or permits • Track your progress as you move through one or more approvals, and share that with you as needed • Serve as a guide when you have questions • Coordinate approvals as your project reached a conclusion and you are ready to occupy your building Just as you would like to enjoy your stay in a fine hotel, we want you to be comfort- able with your development process as you work to join the Reading Community. "May we help you ?" 5 E7°_ Check once, check twice, then check again... Through our Permits Coordinator, schedule a time to meet with our Development Review Team. The Town has created a Development Review Team (DRT) chaired by the Commu- nity Services Director/Town Planner to review and coordi- .nate development activities. Development Review Team consists of the following: (all the head honchos in one place just for you!) • Town Planner • Town Manager • Building Inspector • Town Engineer • Public Health Administrator • Conservation Administrator • Staff Planner N41 WIN • Permits & Licensing Coordinator • Police Chief • Fire Chief • DPW Director • Municipal Light Department Representative W Notes: 0 Destination: Planning & Zoning "Who is the CPDC ?" Community Planning and Development Committee Website: www.ci.readinci. ma.us /pages /Read- ingMABComm/ community .0 W .-.JJ Planning & Zoning, a division of community services, regu- lates land use, development, and zoning for all commercial and residential property. It administers various types of per- mits and helps interpret zoning regulations for people plan- ning to locate or expand a business. When do you need to contact them, you ask? Now, right now! A zoning permit may be required when you make interior or exterior modifications to a building, change the use of a building, or simply put up a sign (who knew ?). If you are just starting a business, moving into a new commercial space, or plan on modifying your existing business, you should check with Planning & Zoning before you move forward. The team wants to help you avoid potential challenges and plan for needed Town review and approvals. Planning & Zoning will guide you through any of the following requirements: • Permitting • Community Planning & Development Commission • The Site Plan Review Process • Sign Design Review (Where Applicable) Certificates of Occupancy The CPDC (Community Planning and Development Commission) is a Town appointed board made up of 5 residents of Reading who are invested in the development of the Town and who are charged with conducting studies and preparing plans con- cerning the resources, developmental potential and needs of the Town. You will meet them if your business requires site plan approval - they are the governing body that oversees and approves Site Plans. The Community Planning and Development Commission reports annually to the Town giving information regarding the physical condition of the Town, any plans or proposals known to it affecting the resources, and physical development needs of the Town. The CPDC usually meets the second and fourth Monday of the month except for holidays and varies during Town Meeting months of April and November. The CPDC schedule, minutes and other information is available on the town website. "What if I am considering some small changes to the exterior or interior of the building ?" Bring concept plans or a copy of your building plans to the Planning & Zoning staff to determine the permitting process (if any) you will need to follow. Site Plan Review applies to most commercial, industrial, institutional, or multi - family (4 or more dwell- ing units) construction projects. Waivers or exemptions may apply to some projects and are outlined in section 4.3.3 of the Reading Zoning By -laws: http: / /www.ci.readinci.ma.us /pages /ReadinciMA Clerk/Bylaws /Zoning Bylaws/ I' 10 CPDC Travel Companions: Historical Commission The Demolition Delay By -law allows the Historical Commission to advise the CPDC and the Building Inspector on the historical significant structures. If your property is subject to the Demolition Delay By -Law, the Com- mission will provide recommendations during the Site Plan Review process. Zoning Board of Appeals The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) consists of 5 members appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The ZBA is the Special Permit Granting Au- thority and decides petitions for Variances. The ZBA also reviews and decides applica- tions for extensions or alterations of noncon- forming uses. _S�__ E_ "What is Site Plan Review ?" (Sounds very important) The purpose of Site Plan Review is for the CPDC to work with property owners in creating development that will fit into the fabric of our community, protect the community from potentially harmful impacts, and determine the most appro- priate use of the land consistent with the Zoning Bylaw and the Reading Master Plan. All this is accomplished during a Site Plan Review public hearing with the CPDC. The Site Plan Review procedure gives Reading some control over development impacts by working with the property owner, tenant, or builder to shape the development in the best man- ner possible, and place certain conditions on the development. What Development Requires Site Plan Review? Site Plan Review applies to most construction that isn't a one or two - family house and is granted by the CPDC. Specifically: 1. Institutional, commercial, industrial, or multi - family struc- ture with four or more dwelling units and includes initial con- struction or substantial reconstruction, exterior alteration or exterior expansion over 300 square feet. 2. Construction or expansion of a parking lot for i al, commercial, industrial, or multi - family structun Note: Site Plan approval from.the CPDC must be ore a building permit can be issued by the Buda Exemptions and Waivers Exemptions to a full site plan review apply to: • Maintenance and repairs of existing buildings, • Less than 300 gross square feet of exterior wo • Less than 1,000 gross square feet of interior w • Work that only involves internal electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Waivers from a full site plan review may be made with or without conditions, for: • Interior -only renovation of an existing space AND the renovation would not negatively impact the property (see below). • Change of use within the same use category AND will not have negative impacts. • The property has been through Site Plan Review in the past five years. Note: A waiver still requires the submission of a plan and a scheduled meeting with the CPDC. 11 12 "How long does it take to get approval of a Site Plan "? Once a complete application is received, an application for Site Plan Review is usually heard within five weeks. A legal notice has to be published and abutting property owners must be notified by mail two weeks before the hearing. Some projects can be decided in one meeting if enough information is given about the project, and the concerns listed above are all addressed. Larger developments (for example construction of a new store or restaurant from the ground up) may take more than one meeting. How long is Site Plan Approval good for? A Site Plan Decision will lapse after 2 years if construction has not commenced, but may be extended by the CPDC upon request. Can an approved Site Plan and Decision be changed later? Yes. The CPDC will consider applications for minor modifications or major modifications to approved Site Plans, and will issue a written decision, with or without conditions. Can I meet informally first? Applicants are invited and encouraged to submit a sketch plan to the CPDC for com- ment before applying for a Site Plan Review. We encourage you to meet early with Town Staff at a Development Review Team (DRT) meeting to informally advise on the best approaches for site design and per- mitting. CPDC applications for site plan review are submitted after the DRT. (Remember, we mentioned this in the beginning of the book!) �L For More Information visit the website at: www.readingma.gov • Choose "Departments" • Choose "Planning" • Choose "Zoning By -Law" • Site Plan Review is Section 4.3.3. Applications for Site Plan Review and for Waivers of Site Plan Review are available in the Community Services Department (they oversee all permitting processes) at Town Hall and can be downloaded from the Town's website: www.ci. reading. ma. us /pages /readingma_planning /index Bottom line: Your project has been vetted and you can get started! 13 Next Destination: Building Department Building Inspectors Office Hours Monday 7:00 — 8:30 am or 12:30 — 1:30 pm Tuesday: 7:00 am to 8:30 am or 5:00 — 6:30 pm Wednesday: 7:00 — 8:30 am only Thursday: 7:00 — 8:30 am or 12:30 —1:30 pm NOTE: Town Hall is CLOSED on Fridays Electrical & Plumbing Inspectors Hours: Monday through Thursday: 7:00 -8:30 am Tuesday: 5:00 — 6:30 pm C5' N If you build it, the Town will come and want to know about it! The Building Department has a broad range of responsibili- ties including permitting, inspection, and enforcement. New buildings, additions, alterations, repairs, changes in plumb- ing, mechanical and electrical systems will require a permit followed by an inspection of the construction. So don't break out your hammer, screwdriver, or any- thing else until you have spoken to one of these folks... • Permits & Licensing Coordinator (the maestro of it all) • Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer (title sounds scary, but he is quite nice) See, doesn't he look nice! v • Plumbing & Gas Inspector • Electrical Inspector "Do I need to fill out an application for a building permit ?" Yes. It is strongly suggested that you or your contractor contact this office early in the project planning stages. Early communication will help keep your project on sched- ule and let you start on the day you planned. You can find additional information on building permits or) our website at www.Readingma.gov (go to Departments, then to Buildings). "How long does it take to get a building permit ?" The average time to review a building permit application and accompanying plans is approximately 1 - 2 weeks depending on the complexity of the project, the com- pleteness of the application, and the amount of preliminary planning that you have undertaken with the building inspector. "Do I need a separate permit for wiring, plumbing, building, etc. ?" Yes. Each trade is permitted separately. (In simple terms... the electrician pulls his own permit the plumber pulls his own permit and so on). "How much does a building permit cost ?" Building permit fees are calculated based on the estimated value of the construc- tion. Residential projects are $11 per $1,000 of project cost and Commercial projects are $12 per $1,000 of project cost (except for re- roofing and siding which is $11 per $1,000). There are flat fees or minimum fees for smaller projects, consult the website for more information. Note: Electrical, Plumbing /Gas, Fire and other fees are an additional expense and are not included as part of the building permit fee. 15 "Do I need to provide plans? If so, what is required to be shown on the plans, and can I draw them myself ?" Yes. Yes. Yes. The Building Department needs to review your plans in order to com- pletely understand the work being performed and to make sure it complies with all relevant codes. The plans should show elevation and floor plans identifying all areas and materials. Depending on the work you are planning, you may draw these plans yourself or have a professional do them for you. If the work is extensive or includes structural elements you will need to have an architect or engineer prepare the plans. 16 "How soon can I get an inspection for my project ?" Several inspections are required for all permits to make sure that the work is being constructed in a safe manner consistent with codes. This protects you, the owner or tenant. The inspection schedule is driven by the construction demand and is on a first -come, first - served basis. A minimum of 24 hour lead time is requested to be able to be at the property for inspection. "Do I need to close out permits issued for my projects ?" Yes. Obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy is required at the end of the construction.. This certificate shows that the project was done correctly and completely. All of this construction talk is making me hungry... ah, yes, the Health Department... 17 18 Next Destination: Health Department Who Knew? Lets talk about food, glorious food! Church functions, Charitable events, We bet you did not know that different types of food served School events and require different square footage /space requirements. Milk all require you (We know, interesting fact isn't it ?) to check in with the Health Inspector! Therefore, before buying or leasing a commercial property fora food establishment, you should discuss your plans and Health Department review the State & Local Health Code requirements for dif- 781.942.6653 ferent food types with the Health Administrator. Website: Our Health Administrator would be more than happy to www.ci.readina, schedule a meeting to assist you with the forms. ma.us Q— Lets m000_ve forward and get our permits! Restaurants and establishments containing food need to have their plans reviewed by the Health Administrator. Once the plans have been reviewed, you will be sched- uled for a meeting with the Board of Health. Business owners should contact the Health Department to find out which permit applications need to be submitted. There is the Food Establishment Permit to Operate and a License for Milk and Cream Products (yes, really) just to name a few. "Do I need to fill out an application for a health permit ?" Yes. It is strongly suggested that you or your contractor contact this office early in the project planning stages. Early communication will help keep your project on schedule and let you start on the day you planned. You can find additional information on health permits on our website at www. Readingma.gov (go to Departments, then to Health). "Where can I find all of these licenses and who is going to help me understand them ?" The applications for a Plan Review for New Food Establishment's and Remolded (ex- isting) Food Establishments Food Permit to operate, Milk and Cream license, Dump - ster permit and other necessary permits can be found on the Town's website www. ci.readingma.gov then click on Departments and select Health. Fun Fact: There are different forms for new vs. remodeled food establishments. 19 20 "What is the process for all of these licenses to be submitted ?" • Plan Review Applications for Food Establishments are due 30 days prior to the start of any construction • New permits must be approved by the Board of Health, which meets the second Thursday of the month • If you are transferring ownership of a restaurant with no change in menu, information should be provided to the Board of Health one week prior to their meeting • If you have menu or equipment changes, information should be provided to the Board of Health two weeks prior to their meeting Special note on parking: Restaurant parking requirements: General guidelines are one parking space per four seats, plus one per employee, and one loading space. No on -site parking is needed if the establishment is within 300' of Town owned public parking lot. Please see section 6.1 of the zoning bylaws at the following link for more information: http:www.ci.reading.ma.us /pages /readingma clerk/bylaws/zon i nci bylaws Merchant/Employee Parking: A parking permit is required and can be found at http: wwvv.ci.reading.ma.us /Pages /businesses under the Useful Links heading. This permit needs to be submitted to the Police Department. We also have leased parking avail- able in many downtown areas. Just when you thought there was nothing else, you may also need a Common Victualer's License (don't worry, we're not sure what that is either). Just kidding, it is a license, required by state law, for all establishments that sell food or drink directly to the public (for restaurants, inns, taverns, etc.) My goodness, is anybody else ready for a drink? Let's talk Liquor licenses... 21 Destination: Celebration! Conservation Department 781.942.6616 Website: www.ci.reading. ma.us /Pages /Read- ingMA Conserva- tion /Index -•L� Cheers to you! Reading is home to a number of restaurants, from informal and fast food to some of the finest dining in Boston's North Shore. Many of our restaurants have full service liquor licens- es, and several have beer and wine licenses. The Town Manager's office provides information and forms for obtaining a liquor license. Your application for a liquor license will be reviewed by the Board of Selectmen in a hear- ing scheduled within 30 days of receiving the application. It can then take approximately two months for state review by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Reading's liquor policies are found on the web site at Read - ingma.gov /Pages /BOS /policies. The licenses are administered by the Board of Selectmen, who is the Licensing Authority for the Town. The Board of Selectmen 'Y'n, prM +rye a MGM en busk"" way WM I ems w1 -n Vow nwrr►- �L O— takes very seriously their role in ensur- ing the responsible sale, service, and use of alcohol in the community. Please con- tact the Town Manager for information about availability of licenses, and guid- ance on applying for liquor licenses. Ok, bottoms up ... we are moving on to the Conservation Commission Destination: The Conservation Commission A river runs through it, really. Approximately 40% of Reading is in a wetland. The three major rivers are the Aberjona, the Ipswich and the Saugus rivers but there are also swamps, streams and brooks such as Walkers Brook and Bare Meadow Brook. The Conservation Commission is the body responsible for ad- ministering the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, the Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act, and the Wetlands Pro- tection Section of the Reading General By -law. A permit from the Conservation Commission is generally re- quired for any activity that will alter wetlands, floodplains, riverfront areas and land within 100 feet of wetlands, com- monly referred to as the "buffer zone ". There are several different types of permits issued by the Conservation Commission depending on the location and the proposed work. Please contact the Conservation Admin- istrator to determine if your project needs to be reviewed. A map of the Town's wetlands can be found by going to the Departments, Conservation and clicking on Towns Wetland Map or at the following link http: / /www.ci.reading.ma.us/ Pages /ReadingMA GIS /gismaps /wetlands Tree Hugger y 23 241 Destination: Journey's End Ask yourself the following questions before you get on stage: • Did you meet with the Development Review Team? • Check in with the Permits Coordinator for a check list to use with new businesses regarding permitting, site plan review, etc.? • Apply for appropriate permits based on Site Plan Review approval? • Contact the Economic Development Committee if you need assistance or guidance? If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then you have reached your final destination: Welcome to Reading's Business Community! Oh yeah, SIGNS! (Damn, I thought we were done) v Signage is one of the most important and most visible decisions you will make about your business... and we want to help you make a successful one. Therefore, we have created Design Guidelines to aid you through the process. Important note: A permit is waived prior to installing of signs. What are Design Guidelines? Design Guidelines address the aesthetic issues in planning improvements or new de- velopment. They are intended to provide ideas, stimulate thinking, and promote good design. Our end goal is to ensure that commercial signs are designed for the purpose of identifying a business in an attractive and functional manner. When thinking about how you want to communicate your message, think about the following: • Design Compatibility • Color • Materials • Message • Lighting 25 26 Design Compatibility Creative design is encouraged. Signs should make a positive contribution to the gen- eral appearance of the street and commercial area in which they are located. A well - designed sign can be a major asset to a building. Proportionate size and scale. Building signage should be appropriately scaled to the building or surface onto which it is placed. The size and shape of a sign should be proportionate to the scale of the structure and should fit the overall location. Signs should be designed for both pedestrians and motorists to read as they pass by. Integrate signs with the building. All signs should be architecturally integrated with their surroundings in terms of size, shape, color, texture, and lighting so that they are complementary to the overall design of the building. Sign Placement. The architecture of the building often identifies specific locations for signs, and these locations should be used. Signs should not obscure architectural features Wall signs shall be mounted flat against the building. Projecting signs shall add another dimension to the fa4ade by projecting from the fa4ade. S Color Select colors carefully. Color is one of the most important aspects of visual commu- nication — it can be used to catch the eye or to communicate ideas or feelings. Too many colors used thoughtlessly can confuse and negate the message of a sign. Use contrasting colors. Contrast is an important influence on the legibility of signs. A substantial contrast should be provided between the color and material of the back- ground and the letters to make the sign easier to read in both day and night. Light letters on a dark background or dark letters on a light background are most legible. Use complementary colors. Sign colors should complement the colors used on the structures and the project as a whole. Materials Sign materials. Signs should be professionally constructed using high quality ma- terials such as metal, stone, hard wood or high density pre- formed foam or similar material. New materials may be very appropriate if properly designed in a manner consistent with these guidelines, and painted or otherwise finished to compliment the architecture. Compatibility of materials. Signs materials should be compatible with the design of the face of the fa4ade where they are placed. The selected materials should contrib- ute to the legibility of the sign. Signs which use LCD, LED and digital technology are not permitted. 27 28 Being a Good Sign Message Neighbor As you think about The most important rule here is "the simpler, the better ". selecting your Signs are meant to be read quickly and offer identification. signage - consider The sign message must be designed to fit properly into the the other busi- sign location. nesses around you. Though you Modifications to logos or corporate identifiers may be re- definitely have quired to fit attractively in the space provided. your own unique personality, stay- Color ing in the same "family" of signs (awnings, colors, Internally illuminated signs are not allowed in the Business -B etc.) makes for an district. Please see the following link for a map of the districts: eye appealing busi- httpJ/ Nww. ci .reading.ma.us/Pages/ReadingMA GIS✓gismaps/zoning ness neighborhood. Internally illuminated signs are allowed in the Bus -A, In- dustrial & PUD -I & PUDB only if the background is opaque (meaning that no light is allowed to shine through anywhere except for through the letters). All illuminated signs must be turned off when the business is closed for the day. Sign Lighting External lighting should be arranged such that the light source is directed away from passersby. The light source must be di- rected against the sign such that it does not shine into adja- cent property or cause glare for motorists and pedestrians. Projecting light fixtures used for externally illuminated signs should be simple and unobtrusive in appearance. They should not obscure the graphics of the sign. Signs that use blinking or flashing lights are not permitted. Readings Regulations on Sign Lighting: Business -B Residential Zoning Districts ALLOWED: • Externally illuminated signs (Pic. 1) • Halo lighting (Pic. 2) PROHIBITED: • Internally illuminated signs Business -A, Business -C, PUD & Industrial ALLOWED: • Halo lighting • Internally illuminated signs • Channel letters (Pic. 4) PROHIBITED: • Internally illuminated signs where the sign backgrounds do not block the illumination. The light should only shine through the letters. (Pic. 3) 1. Allowed: because the sign lighting is external 2. Allowed: Halo lighting & internal illumination 3. Not Allowed: Because the light can only shine through the letters and not the background 4. Allowed: Channel letters 30 Different Styles of Signs to Choose From: Awning Signs • Ground Clearance of 8 Feet Wall • Allowed one wall sign (two in Business B if located on different building fa4ade than first) • Back lit graphics or internal illumination are not permitted • Signs may be made of wood, aluminum or other similar material such that light emits through lettering 6 Projecting of Blade Signs • Best type of sign for pedestrians • Should be sized for pedestrian legibility • Encouraged in Business B district Multi- Tenant & Monument Signs • Usually located at the site entrance(s) • Identifies a common area containing a group • Signs may not include logos, or corporate colors Window Signs • May be up to 30% of window • Up to 8 inch high lettering • Sign area not to exceed 6 square feet Parking Signs • Text only, no corporate logos • Up to 2 per lot • Up to 1.5 square feet in size Temporary Signs, Banners, & Flags • Allowed 4 times a year • Permit required from town • Temporary sign allowed annually for a total of 56 days • Temporary signs for construction projects may be used for the duration of the project • OPEN Flags are allowed at any time without a permit not to exceed 4' x 6' in size • Sale or decorative flags are considered temporary signs • Business names /logos on flags are considered signs • National flags may be displayed at any time not to exceed 4' x 6' in size 31 32 Prohibited Signs Directional, Identification & Informational Signs • Usually located at the site entrance(s) • Identifies a common area containing a group • Signs may not include logos, or corporate colors • Maximum sign area is four square feet and height cannot exceed six square feet All signs need a sign permit. Business A, C, or an Industrial Zoning District should complete the Sign Permit Application and submit it to the Building Department. Businesses located in the Business B Zoning District have a two step sign permit pro- cess. First, the sign design much be approved by the CPDC in writing in what is called a Certificate of Appropriateness. The Certificate of Appropriateness insures compliance with the Sign Bylaws and goal of the Master Plan to "Preserve the architectural heritage and traditional character of the Town ". It provides an opportunity for the CPDC to review each sign proposal for consistency with the vision for the Downtown. Once the Certificate of Appropriateness is granted, the sign application is then sub- mitted to the Building Inspector for permit approval. �1 Resources Area "Doing Business In Burlington " — Published by the City of Burlington, VT "Downtown Davis Sign Design Guidelines" — Published by the City of Davis, CA "Street Graphics and the Law" — Published by the American Planning Association "Design Guidelines for Downtown North Andover" — Published by North Andover Community Development Department 33 Reading Downtown Revitalization Observations Presented to the Reading Economic Development Committee Adam Baacke June 2007 Supported by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development D qt 1 'Z Introduction & Purpose Reading is.blessed with an active and attractive downtown. Downtown Reading maintains a comparatively high level of retail occupancy and enjoys the anchoring presence of a highly successful community grocery store. Several Institutional and office users, including the town government, a major post office, and multiple financial Institutions, as well as a busy commuter rail station provide daytime activity throughout the downtown. A handful of new restaurants and specialty stores have increased evening activity downtown as well. Not willing to merely accept these assets, Reading continues to take proactive steps to enhance and improve its downtown. A mayor capital improvement project in partnership with the Massachusetts Highway Department will soon transform Main Street. New mixed -use zoning has been adopted to encourage additional development and increase activity. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is assisting Reading with a market assessment report focused on Downtown. The Town Administration has been authorized to begin studying parking management options including consideration of the feasibilityof constructing a new parking structure to serve Downtown. The Zoos Master Plan for the Town of Reading listed "Improve Downtown" as the number one economic development goal. Consistent with the Master Plan, the newly appointed Economic Development Committee has identified the following as their top economic development objective: Improve the quality of life for Reading residents by increasing the available retail, restaurants, and other amenities in town, particularly in the Downtown Given the primacy of downtown revitalization for the Town of Reading and the Economic Development Committee, this document Is intended to complement the broader Economic Development Strategy with more detailed discussion of opportunities and recommendations for Downtown Reading., Reading Downtown Observations —June 2.7, 2.007 �bIS3 Reading Master Plan The 2005 Reading Master Plan listed the following observations, goals, and objectives for the revitalization of Downtown Reading. Downtown Revitalization. Reading's Downtown enjoys a low vacancy rate, significant public and private Investment and a fairly diverse mix of commercial uses. However, the lack of parking is the major impediment to retail or mixed -use development. Also, mixed -use is currently prohibited by zoning by -law in the commercial areas. Improving the Downtown can be achieved primarily through good urban design. This. includes improved streetscape, enhanced and enforced parking, more pleasing building facades, easier and safer pedestrian street crossing, and attraction of first rate restaurants and vibrant niche retailers. Goal i . Improve Downtown Objectives: A. To enhance the economic development of Downtown, the CPDC will develop the appropriate mixed -use zoning changes and present them to Town Meeting for approval. B. Complete the planed streetscape modifications developed over the last 8 years and which is currently on the MassHighway Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) for fiscal year 2oo6 funding. This will provide additional parking, easier crossing of Main Street to Improve access to the east side shops, provide improved traffic circulation for the Haven Street — Gould Street areas and generally beautify the Main Street area from the Common to Washington Street. C. Investigate multi -level structured parking facilities In the parking area behind CVS, perhaps in conjunction with medical, commercial and /or residential facilities. Other areas for potential open or structured parking should also be Investigated for a multi - leveled structure, with some consideration for pedestrian, bicycle or alternative transportation. D. Encourage specific beautification projects such as faSade improvement, window flower boxes, artwork on graffiti -prone walls and alleys, and shrubs and plantings for screening where needed. These to be accomplished by shop owners, landlords; church groups, service clubs, youth groups, and other volunteer organizations with assistance from the Town where appropriate. E. Apply for grants from all appropriate State and Federal programs to extend the streetscape program to the Haven Street/High Street/Depot areas. Reading Downtown Observations —June 27, zoo? ( D3 qb IsN Observations On Friday, April zo, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and members of the Economic Development Committee accompanied me on a tour of,Downtown Reading. It was a-warm and sunny afternoon after a colder and wetter than normal April and this was school vacation week, ideal circumstances for people of all ages to enjoy a pedestrian - friendly downtown setting. This provided an excellent opportunity to observe strengths, challenges, and opportunities for improvement toward the goal of achieving an active and vital downtown. The following observations stem from the tour.. Major Attractors Downtown commercial districts, like malls and other retail areas, are only successful if there is sufficient market activity to ensure financial success for the retailers. There are essentially two types of retail businesses, destination retailers and convenience or impulse retailers. Destination retailers Include the anchor departments stores in most mails, supermarkets that.anchor most strip centers, and restaurants and stores that offer products or services of a quality or type that is unique in the area. While trade areas for destination retailers vary, their customers will generally make a planned trip to the patronize that particular business. Impulse retailers, include convenience stores, gas stations, fast food restaurants, pharmacies, and many of the smaller stores in most malls and shopping centers. These businesses provide products and services that are or are perceived to be available at similar levels of quality from many locations within a trade area. These businesses generally cannot depend on customers making a special trip to patronize a particular establishment. Instead, they must rely on convenience to the customer who is drawn to their location for some other reason. Many, Including gas stations and urban chain coffee houses, rely on being located proximate to high traffic locations (highways or urban downtown street corners, respectively). Others rely on being located near destination retailers, as is common in most malls and shopping plazas. Still others rely on being located near major attractors that are not necessarily retailers; including tourist - oriented businesses near visitor attractions, insurance agents near motor vehicle registration offices, and sports bars near arenas. Most retailers that populate and form the street -level fabric of successful downtowns are not destination retailers. They are usually reliant on customers drawn by major attractors and destination retail anchors. As the downtowns become more and more successful, the pedestrian friendly environment itself becomes a major attractor as is seen in Portsmouth, NH and Newburyport, MA, for example. Currently Downtown Reading is not an attractor unto itself as the above -named communities are. However, Reading is blessed with several attractors including destination retailers which form an excellent foundation for revitalization. ➢ The Atlantic Supermarket appears to draw the most customers to Downtown Reading as a destination retailer and it has the potential to perform the same function that supermarkets play as anchors in strip shopping centers, boosting the sales of adjacent businesses. To successfully leverage the market as an anchor however, other businesses Reading Downtown Observations —June 27, 2007 g5is� need to be located where they are visible and conveniently accessed from the entrance to the market. Unfortunately, since most customers appear to access the market from the parking lot behind, and few other - businesses are visible from this lot, a significant amount of the potential trade benefit for other businesses may not be effectively captured. Signage in the parking lot with logos and names of other Downtown businesses, and the distribution of promotional fliers in grocery bags (with permission from the market) may be some simple short-term steps to increase the Downtown's ability to leverage grocery shoppers. The MBTA rail station draws approximately eight hundred commuters daily to Downtown Reading by car and presumably on foot from nearby neighborhoods as well. Unfortunately, the train station is at the edge of Downtown, separated from the business areas and parking is spread out linearly along High Street. These factors mean that this potential population is not drawn toward businesses along Haven and Main Streets to the degree that might be desired. Textured crosswalks, bulb -outs, and other physical improvements to enhance pedestrian connection between the train station and the end of Haven Street may be•beneficial. ➢ The Post Office appears to draw a significant number of people to Downtown. This building is well - positioned to convey its visitors to other sites due to its location In the center of the downtown business district. Unfortunately, surface parking lots and office uses occupy many. of the parcels immediately surrounding the post office, limiting the potential for post office users to be drawn to other businesses in Downtown. ➢ There are a series of smaller businesses along the west side of Main Street from Haven Street to the Town Hall that have developed some capacity to act as destinations at varying times of day due to unique offerings. These include the Venetian Moon Restaurant, The Wine Shop, - Christopher's Restaurant, Goodhearts and Sense of Wonder. The Spine Collectively, these major attractors form a linear path beginning at Town Hall extending south along Main Street to include the square formed by the Intersection with Haven Street, then west down Haven Street and terminating at the'Commuter Rail Station. This forms a core spine which can constitute a foundation for the revitalization of downtown. Efforts to enhance the pedestrian experience and promote commercial activity in Downtown Reading will be most successful if they build on this existing foundation.. A compelling pedestrian experience in a downtown setting is driven by two important factors: activity and visual interest. Humans are inherently social animals. We are drawn to other people and to places that have been activated by the presence of others. We are also drawn to places where there are things to look at. As a result, most people are drawn to a downtown street lined with active uses and interesting things to look at, particularly along the sidewalks from three feet to eight feet above the ground. Not surprisingly, the best way to achieve this is to line the sidewalks with active retail uses, characterized bell- designed storefront window displays and outdoor and window seating Zr fo restaurants and cafes (nothing is more interesting to look at than other people). By contrast, surface parking lots, building walls without windows, etc. will detract from the pedestrian experience. S Reading Downtown Observations —June 27, Zoo? q J S(� As a result, it is very important that Reading work to energize the spine with more activity and visual interest. Some specific action steps that should be considered include: ➢ Redevelop the parking lots that front on Haven Street (a short-term interim step would be to improve the visual variety and interest to the landscaping along the sidewalks at these lots). Prioritize these developments to increase the continuity of the spine. D Increasing the proportion of ground floor uses along.the spine that are active in nature ➢ • Allow parking along both sides of all streets in this area so that pedestrians on the sidewalk are protected from the moving traffic on the street by the parked cars. For this reason, delivery and drop -off zones should be limited (or eliminated) from the spine. ➢ Narrow pedestrian crossings along the spine, particularly at the Intersection of Gould and Haven Streets, and provide textured or colored crosswalks. ➢ Improve the comfort.and safety for pedestrians crossing High Street from the train station to Haven Street Widen sidewalks where possible and allow for sidewalk seating for restaurants and cafes. Encourage new developments to include residential uses on upper floors to increase the nighttime activity in the area ➢ Manage parking so that employees, residents, and other non - customers must walk along the sidewalks to travel from the parking to their destinations During the review process encourage new developments to increase the proportion of fenestration (windows) on sidewalk- facing ground floors ➢ Work with banks and institutional users to redevelop underutilized ground floor space in their buildings as cafes and other functions that are more engaging to downtown pedestrians. Wainwright Bank's new branch being built in Dorchester may be a good model. it would be desirable to apply these types of improvements to all areas of the Downtown. In some cases, this is possible. In others prioritization is important since revitalization typically proceeds incrementally. The revitalization process can be accelerated with proper management though. Studies by Boston -based Goody Clancy and others have observed that it takes • loon households to support one block of urban main street business development. In more urban setting, these l000 households come from dense• housing in surrounding areas, typically within walking distance of the main street block. Several residential areas of Reading are very close and well - connected to Downtown by sidewalks. There area also existing residential properties in the downtown, including a multi - family apartment complex, and the new -mixed-use zoning will wisely allow for new residential uses on upper floors of developments in the downtown. Collectively, these sources may generate l000 households, but are unlikely to generate more than l000. Given that the Main Street/Haven $treet spine represents at least three and possibly as many as five blocks, at least 3000 households. may be needed to support It Reading households have higher incomes and greater purchasing power than those in the urban areas Goody Reading Downtown Observations —June 27, zoo7 �'6 ,�? Clancy studied and additional customers will drive to Downtown Reading from other areas. Nevertheless, the available market currently will not support the , commercialization of the entire Business Q Zoning District in Downtown Reading right away. Instead, it can support either the infilling of a few core blocks completely or the spread of some additional commercial activity sparsely throughout the entire district. If the focus is placed on the spine outlined above first and that area is revitalized well, it will create the impression of a highly successful business district and provide a compelling experience for people who shop along these blocks. As these blocks succeed, their success will draw more people to the Downtown, expanding the market, and ultimately supporting the expansion of the vital commercial district well beyond what the local population could support as has been the case in Portsmouth, NH. If instead the existing market is dispersed throughout the district, the critical mass of activity that spurs future growth may never materialize. Site - Specific Observations This new pharmacy is comparatively well- designed for a downtown setting. The building is built to the side walk, with an entrance and multiple display windows directly facing the sidewalk at elevations that work well for pedestrians. it could be improved if one could see into the store through more of the windows. Reading Downtown Observations —June 2.7, 2007 t4 b I S ff vl In contrast, this building is designed for a more suburban setting. The parking area separates pedestrians on the sidewalk from the entrances to the ground floor businesses limiting visibility, interest, safety, and access. The architecture of the building also highlights the second floor and the structural system rather than the storefronts which should be the focus in a downtown setting. Reading Downtown Observations —June 27, 2007 e Nb�sy This alley is primary vehicular entrance to the central parking area. To encourage usage and awareness of the parking area, it should be well- marked, attractive, and visible from the main streets. A well- designed entrance structure that incorporates the universal "P" parking sign could address these issues for limited cost. Plans have been filed to redevelop the fire - damaged building on the right. Reading Downtown Observations —June 27, 2007 6160 The Wine Shop and Venetian Moon of'several excellent examples of the types of businesses that can thrive in a contemporary downtown setting. Downtowns may not.always be competitive with strip shopping centers and malls for automotive convenience or well- marked familiar chain stores. However, unique and locally -owned business which emphasize quality products and high levels of customer service will draw customers to a downtown. Restaurants, bars, and service businesses which provide experience to the customer can both benefit from and strengthen the ambiance of a pedestrian- oriented downtown setting. Reading Downtown Observations —June 27, 2007 /u 10 'jbl�f This alley is the public pedestrian access between the public parking lot and Main Street. Such a connection should be welcoming and convey a sense of safety, comfort, and interest and be thought of as one would view a public sidewalk along Main Street. Trash facilities should obviously be relocated. Alternate paving materials and painting the adjacent building walls a consistent light color would be an improvement. Arches at both ends could help pedestrians recognize this as the connection to Main Street. More and more attractive lighting would substantially improve the sense of safety and overall appearance after dark. Reading Downtown Observations —June 27, 2007 lot q'6 1 �Z' As discussed elsewhere in this report, Downtown Reading enjoys ample public parking and it is generally located in appropriate places, including parallel and angle parking on the main shopping streets and rear lots, like this one. The . design challenge with rear parking lots is to present an attractive visual setting for the customer, while simultaneously providing for the loading and refuse facilities that are needed to allow businesses to function. In this case, landscaping within the parking lot and along the edges of the lot, could provide an alternate focus to distract from blank rear walls and service facilities. Reading Downtown Observations —June 27, 2007 12 This building is an excellent historic example of a well- designed downtown building. Reading is fortunate that it anchors a very prominent corner. The scale and massing of this structure is ideal for downtown Reading. The storefronts are well - proportioned to support the pedestrian experience. Unfortunately, the bank dominates the majority of the storefronts, which limits the visual interest and variety for the pedestrian that might come from retail displays or cafe seating in a restaurant window. The crosswalks pose some challenges at this location and elsewhere in downtown Reading. Their length and lack of visual prominence suggests to both pedestrians and motorists that automobiles have the right -of -way, which is neither legally accurate nor desirable in a downtown setting. Narrowing the crossings with bulb -outs at street corners and use of alternate paving materials including pavers or colored cast -in -place concrete would be beneficial. These changes may be incorporated into the planned Main Street improvement project that MassHighway will be implementing. U13-V Reading Downtown Observations —June 27,2-007 13 gklbq These institutional uses benefit downtown Reading by providing employment and daytime activity which provides customers for downtown businesses. However, their location and designs create a significant gap in the "Spine" that otherwise forms the core pedestrian experience. The buildings do not enliven the street. Ground floor windows are too small and do not provide interesting displays to passers -by. Deep setbacks, compounded by the elevation change create a "hole" in the streetscape in the lower Photo. It will be difficult to retrofit these sites in the short- term, but development regulations and review processes should be used to ensure that these situations are not duplicated with new developments. Reading Downtown observations — June 27, 2007 14 qkI /s One of the largest challenges to achieving a pedestrian - friendly and vibrant streetscape in downtown Reading are the surface parking lots that front directly on Haven Street. In the short-term property owners should be encouraged to significantly improve the variety and visual interest to the landscaping between the sidewalks and the lots. Over the longer -term, these sites provide potentially valuable locations for significant redevelopment which would increase the property value for the owner, tax revenues for the Town, and, most importantly, strengthen the vitality of the downtown. a. Reading Downtown Observations —June 27, 2007 1 15 U b I �'�o This site is impressive for two reasons. First, the significant investment the owner is making in expanding and improving their property suggests that a strong market exists for commercial development in downtown Reading. Second, what appears to be an addition to an existing building, is transforming this property from an auto - oriented site design (a large building with deep setbacks) to a pedestrian - friendly downtown infill site design by bringing retail storefronts to the back of the sidewalk. Reading Downtown observations —June 27, 2007 0 16 0 bI(� 'f•I. r.l '4i.� .r • ]] is -... . '.. �.�•I�{ih.:. A "R' YFF'yEl 1_vS'F This is another great example of a well- designed new building in downtown Reading. The scale and site design are well- suited to a town center. The use mix and locations of those uses within the building, as well as how they are expressed architecturally work very well. Parking is provided behind and under the building, effectively addressing a practical need without disrupting the streetscape. This pr, which appears to be fully occupied, is further evidence that a market exists Zr o good urban design in downtown Reading and suggests that the EDC's vision of a highly - desirable walkable downtown is achievable. Reading Downtown Observations —June 27, 2007 00 17 L, 61� ' Parking Management The Master Plan and many other documents highlight a perceived shortage of parking as a detriment to downtown revitalization. As a result, there have been calls for studies of parking management downtown and exploration of the feasibility of constructing a new parking structure. Given the analysis of the market needed to support downtown above, and the stated desire for an_ improved downtown to become a quality of life amenity for all Reading residents, it is clear that parking will continue to be an important factor, as many downtown customers will need to drive to the downtown. However, it is also important to differentiate between issues that are - perceived and those that are real and proscribe appropriate solutions accordingly. Proposed Parking Structure The concept of a proposed parking structure appears to stem from both a perceived lack of parking today and a fear that available parking will not be sufficient to support additional development activity particularly if residential uses ate introduced. However, the construction of structured parking is very expensive, with per space, costs ranging from $15,000 for a bare bones structure to well over $2o,000 depending on the complexity of the design, site constraints, and the size of the facility (smaller facilities generally cost more on a per space basis). The only state or federal grant funds that are generally available to support the construction of parking structures are usually tied to serving transit rather than economic development. Reading's proposed site is an existing surface parking lot located In the center of the block bound by Main Street, Haven Street, Sanborn Street, and Woburn Street. This parcel is approximately one half acre in size, which is probably too small to provide sufficient land for an external "speed ramp" and retain a sufficiently -sized parking floor plate. The site is also less than 12o feet'wide, the optimum width for a parking structure with an integral ramp. This width allows for two standard bays-of perpendicular parking with a two -way drive lane between them. One bay is ramped and the other is level to allow drivers to circulate. These site constraints mean that construction of a new multi -level garage would probably be fairly expensive relative to the number of spaces created, despite the fact that a mid -block site would require only minimal architectural cladding. The topography may allow for a single elevated parking deck, accessed from Woburn Street over a surface lot accessed from Haven Street, but that proposal may be constrained by its impacts on adjacent properties and the need to take or obtain easements to cross private property to access the structure. If a new parking structure is going to be both challenging to design and expensive to construct, the importance of evaluating the underlying assumptions behind the proposal. If funds are available for a feasibility study, I would strongly recommend that this study include an assessment of the demand for the facility and explore parking management alternatives in addition to looking at the design and finance issues associated with the proposed facility. Parking Demand and .Supply Since Downtown Reading is predominantly characterized by commercial uses and the residential uses in the district generally have off - street parking, demand for parking can reasonably be expected to peak during weekday afternoon business hours. During these periods, office and institutional buildings are Reading Downtown Observations —June 27, 2007 (R • 18 qbI(0 occupied, retail stores and restaurants are open, and commuter rail users who left their vehicles in the morning have not yet returned from. Boston. The April Downtown tour discussed above occurred during this presumably peak parking demand period. However, photos taken during this tour show at least a dozen available spaces in the lot proposed for the garage, nearly as many available in the lot behind the Atlantic Market, and many on- street public spaces available along every street. In addition, several private parking lots serving non - residential uses were completely empty. The only location where demand appeared to meet or exceed available supply was at the train station. The fact that the existing parking appears to adequately meet.the existing demand does not specifically address the fear that additional development may upset this balance. A separate but related reason for considering structured parking is that if additional supply were introduced, it would be easier to convince Private owners of property presently underutilized as surface parking to redevelop these sites. Further and more detailed analysis as part of an alternatives analysis component to the parking structure feasibility study discussed above should address these questions more thoroughly. However, given the fact that much of the added development may be in the form of residential uses, whose peak parking demand complements the peak office and commuter demand that exists today, It is likely that the existing on and off - street public parking supply will be sufficient to support a substantial number of additional residential dwelling units even with no off - street parking requirements forthose units. A large proportion of the privately -owned surface parking spaces were also available during the site tour. As a result it is likely that Incentive -based parking management strategies which incorporate shared use may allow for the redevelopment of many of these lots with no significant Impact on the parking availability in Downtown Reading generally and for retail and restaurant customers specifically. Various studies by the Institute of Transportation Engineers and others have demonstrated that in mixed -use areas that are not served by mass transit, the total actual parking demand, satisfied by both on- street and off- street parking, i generally between 1.5 and 2.5 spaces for every loon square feet of occupied development. At this standard, if Reading were to permit the development of new 3 -story buildings; which maximized the lot coverage allowed by zoning on all of the undeveloped lots and surface parking lots along the spine outlined above, this would generate a new parking demand of 15o spaces In addition to the approximately 5o spaces in existing lots that would be displaced by new construction. The mid -day aerial photograph of Downtown Reading that is on Google Earth, shows at least 189 empty on- and off - street parking spaces-within one half block of this same spine area. Nearly all of the real parking demand associated with the full build -out of the spine could potentially be accommodated without constructing a single new parking space. The addition of creative incentive -based parking management strategies could essentially guarantee that all of the parking demand could be accommodated. Parking Management The transportation engineering firm Nelson /Nygaard Consulting Associates has 1 been a leader in researching and promulgating parking management strategies t Reading Downtown Observations —June 27, 2oo7 19 Ll b1�0 that are based on viewing parking as an economic commodity rather than merely as public infrastructure. Considering parking a commodity resource allows for the introduction of incentive -based parking management systems which have proven to be particularly effective in addressing real and perceived parking shortages in many downtowns while also reducing traffic.congestion and raising revenue for downtown maintenance and improvements. The key to this process is to create a set of regulations and financial incentives and penalties which result in market - drivel, maintenance of a io-lr% vacancy rate In all public parking areas, particularly on- street, so customers recognize that there is always a space available. The revenue raised.from the financial Package can then be reinvested in improvements in the district that help with beautification and maintenance. Some strategies that have been used successfully in communities like Pasadena, CA, Bellevue, WA; Cambridge, MA, Redwood City, CA, Boulder, CO, and Arlington, VA, as well as in major cities are listed below. Because they are generally based on creating market - driven economic management of parking, they all are most effective in-areas where there are no or minimal parking requirements in zoning, as is the case in Downtown Reading. Commercial Parking Benefit Districts where parking - related revenue streams are spent solely on improvements within the commercial district served by the regulated parking. Revenue can come from meters that are priced to maintain the appropriate vacancy rate and clearly signed to let parkers know how the revenue will be spent. Such signage may allow community pride and recognition of the benefits to offset frustration with paying for Parking. Require landlords to unbundle parking from commercial leases by charging extra rent for each parking space rather than including a fixed number of spaces in the base rent. This allows tenants to make a market - based decision about how much parking to rent and use and landlords to make a market -based decision about how much parking to build. San Francisco does this for residential rental property as well. ➢ Require parking cash -out programs, where employers must calculate the value of free parking that is provided to employees and make a'payment to those employees who do not use the free parking because they walk, bicycle, take public transportation, or carpool to work. ➢ instead of posting parking time limits for public parking, institute metered pricing with rates set at the market - determined level that ensures 10-15% vacancy. This system is often coupled with a validation process that allows free short-term parking for customers of businesses. ➢ Encourage sharing of privately -owned off- street parking among multiple complementary uses. ➢ Create a Residential Parking Benefit District in the neighborhoods adjacent to facilities that generate high Parking demand. In Reading, the commuter rail station may be an example. Under such a system, people using the facility are charged for the right to park in the Impacted neighborh'ood's streets at a rate that is set to allow for the appropriate level of vacancy. Revenue from the charges (through meters or permits as appropriate) is then reinvested in the benefit district to improve streets and sidewalks, plant trees, or do other public Improvements that the residents desire. Reading Downtown Observations —June i7, 2007 20 ➢ End winter on- street parking bans that apply to downtown. Alternate approaches including snow emergency parking restrictions and odd /even -parking could effectively allow for snow removal without eliminating on- street parking as a valuable source of parking supply, especially for mixed - use development. These strategies may or may not be appropriate in Reading, but they and others like them should be explored as alternatives as part of any overall parking management strategy when reviewing the possibility of constructing a parking structure. Any proposed parking benefit district models would also need to be reviewed by Town Counsel to determine how they are allowed under Massachusetts General Law or if they would require a home rule petition. Reading Downtown Observations —June 27, 2007 vl 21 Qb 171 Business Improvement District The policy statement by the Board of Selectmen that created the Economic Development Committee s ecifically proposes the exploration of a Business Improvement District (BI D�for Downtown Reading. There are many benefits to the BID model and in-many downtowns nationwide it has proven an effective means of promoting and improving commercial districts. BIDs are used to supplement general government services with additional Programs that specifically benefit-the BID area. Potential benefits include streetscape beautification programs, collective marketing, special event programming, refuse collection, maintenance programs, and economic development efforts. BID programming is financed through various means, the most common being a essentially a surcharge on property or business taxes, similar to the common area or condominium fees that are assessed in private shopping centers and malls to finance similar management, enhancement, and maintenance programs, Massachusetts allows for the creation of BIDS under M.G. L.* Chapter 400. Unfortunately, this legislation has not been very effective due to the following clause in Section 4 Any property owner within the BID may, within thirty calendar days after such declaration of organization by the local municipal governing body, elect not to participate and not be subject to the BID fee. This opt -out provision means that property owners may choose not to pay into the BID. Ostensibly the impact of this provision would be minimized by denying the BID benefits to those who choose not to participate, which may work for refuse collection programs or snow removal, but is hard to do when the BID wishes to fund physical improvements or area beautification. Once other property owners or businesses realize that one of their neighbors is not helping to pay for the' hanging flower baskets that benefit everyone in the area, they too may choose not to participate, creating a cycle that undermines the funding structure.for the BID. Asa consequence, only three communities in Massachusetts have established BIDS with varying degrees of success: Despite this flaw In the BID legislation, the concept is a very valuable one that could benefit Downtown Reading greatly. As a first step in evaluating a BID, the Economic Development Committee should meet with and survey potential participants to gauge both the level of interest in the program and the likelihood that some parties would opt out. If there is support but several key parties would probably not participate, Reading would have two options. A home rule petition could be filed allowing Reading to establish a BID without the opt -out provision. This may have an uphill battle because it is essentially imposing a local option tax, which could get caught up in the politics associated with other local option tax proposals currently being debated in the Legislature. Alternatively, different revenue sources could be identified to*fund similar programs as those which would-be paid for under a statutory BID and the BID could be adopted as an organizational and management vehicle without the special assessment. Options include the parking benefit district models discussed above and a 501(c)3 model supported by tax deductible donations. Reading Downtown Observations —June 27, 2.007 u Reading Economic Development Committee Strategy Introduction & Purpose The Town of Reading, Massachusetts is a desirable suburban community, located at the junction of two of New England's busiest interstate highways. Reading and several of its neighboring towns have welcomed an increasingly affluent and well- educated residential population over the past several years. Recently, the town has been able to capitalize on the strength of this market and the convenience associated with its excellent highway access to attract several major retail developments to a redeveloped landfill site in the Walker's Brook Crossing area adjacent to Interstate 9S /Route 12-8. Reading is also blessed with an active and attractive downtown. Downtown Reading maintains a comparatively high level of retail occupancy and enjoys the anchoring presence of a highly successful community grocery store. Several institutional and office users, including the town government, a major post office, and multiple financial institutions, as well as a busy commuter rail station provide daytime activity throughout the downtown. A handful of new restaurants and specialty stores have increased evening activity downtown as well. A major capital improvement project in partnership with the Massachusetts Highway Department will soon transform Main Street. Despite these assets, Reading faces some challenges to economic development. The vast majority of land in Reading is zoned to prohibit business and industrial uses and most of the available commercially zoned land in Reading has been developed. These conditions result in a tax base that is dependent on residential property for nearly 95% of total valuation. Although unemployment rates are comparatively low, the limited local employment base is dominated by service and retail jobs, and only 30% of the jobs in Reading are held by Reading residents. Over 8o% of Reading residents commute to other communities for employment. Unlike many residential suburbs, Reading has embraced a proactive approach to economic development. A new Economic Development Committee has been appointed and the Town Administration is genuinely engaged. Significant opportunities exist to enhance the downtown through additional development, including new mixed -use projects, stakeholder organization, and improved parking management. In addition to the Downtown, several vacant or underutilized properties, most notably the Addison - Wesley site on South Street, provide opportunities for additional economic development. This document is intended to help guide the work of the Economic Development Committee, as well as other key players, to help the Town of Reading protect their assets, and effectively capitalize on the available opportunities. It includes a discussion of economic development priorities for Reading as well as a prioritization of specific work plan activities with measures to evaluate success. Da�Ainn Pne' Ctrntonv AA n-3 inn, nn ACT � qw q Economic Development Committee The 2oo5 Reading Master Plan recommended the creation of an Economic Development Committee (EDC) and in March 2-oo6, the Board of Selectmen adopted a policy establishing such a committee to advise town officials on economic development. The five - member EDC is appointed by the Board of Selectmen and includes representatives from various key stakeholder groups including the Chamber of Commerce, utility companies, downtown Reading, and the School Department. The EDC's advisory responsibilities are particularly focused on the following areas: ➢ Develop an Economic Development Strategy consistent with the Master Plan and goals and objectives established periodically by the Board of Selectmen; ➢ Within the Economic Development Strategy, work with staff to obtain additional State and Federal economic development grants; ➢ Explore the need for and the legality of forming a "property- based" or "business- based" Business Improvement District(s) funded by assessments on all businesses within the individual districts; ➢ To the extent feasible, encourage commercial development and office leases of downtown space consistent with the traditional atmosphere of a New England Village Center; ➢ Advise the Board of Selectmen, Community Planning and Development Commission, and any other Town agency or official as appropriate, on matters related to economic development in the community; ➢ In order to achieve the above, review options to funding economic development activities in cooperation with other civic organizations. The EDC receives staff support from the Town Manager and the Town Planner in the Department of Community Services. However, staff resources are extremely limited and the recently -hired Town Planner is responsible for a broad range of activities, including providing staff support to multiple boards, committees, and commissions. The EDC also does not have a local budget appropriation. Any consultant assistance or project funding must be supported either with grant sources or future Town*Meeting appropriations. [loth of these funding sources will require demonstration of measurable success . Finally, the EDC enabling policy requires renewal in zolz. As a result, the committee must be both self - reliant and capable of effectively and succinctly demonstrating their effectiveness in a comparatively short period of time. The current membership of the EDC appears to include an excellent balance of skills and experiences needed to successfully introduce a new group into a well - established community. Key assets for this purpose include deep and broad connections with the political, business, and residential constituencies in Town, breadth of education and work experiences, strong communication and technical skills, along with a willingness and ability to devote significant time and energy to the mission of the committee. oan,Ainn Cllr Ctr t.n _ AAA nD ACT -' Economic Development Priorities Economic Development is a complex and broad concept with many potential definitions that encompasses several related but not always consistent priorities. The Reading Master Plan and the Economic Development Committee's mission reflect several of these priorities. A key tension often emerges within economic development programs between objectives and actions designed to maximize economic return to the community (through net tax revenues and employment) and those designed to enhance the quality of life in the community. Often developments that yield significant tax revenue, particularly in the short-term have the potential to have detrimental impacts on quality of life factors if they are not managed carefully. These impacts can include "cannibalizing" customers and sales from existing businesses elsewhere in the community, increased traffic congestion and utility service impacts, unattractive architecture and site designs, environmental impacts, and potentially unsustainable economic outcomes over the long -term. Based on a review of the Town of Reading's Master Plan and discussions with Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and members of the Economic Development Committee, Reading clearly recognizes this potential tension and has firmly placed maximizing the quality of the community in a sustainable manner ahead of merely achieving the maximum short-term economic return. As a result, the following were established as the overall priority goals for the activities of the Economic Development Committee. The priorities are listed in order of importance to the committee and the community. 1. Improve the quality of life for Reading residents by increasing the available retail, restaurants, and other amenities in town, particularly in the Downtown z. Ensure the stability and success of existing businesses in Reading that contribute to the quality of life in the Town 3. Expand the commercial property tax base The following were identified as secondary goals for the activities of the EDC: 4. Create additional opportunities for Reading residents to work in town 5. Create additional employment opportunities in Reading Da-Ai— Cllr Ctr�tan - AAw �� -- nD At -r U �I? & Current and Proposed Activities and Initiatives The following is a listing of some of the initiatives and activities that the Economic Development Committee is currently considering and /or may be appropriate. This list was generated during meetings with members of the EDC and the Town Manager in February and April 2007. Business Recruitment • Web site upgrade • Listing of available Real Estate • Buxton study • Marketing packet(s) • Technical assistance to businesses • DHCD- funded market study • Survey businesses and developers Downtown • Business Improvement District • Arts Organization —Arts Center • Main Street streetscape improvement project • Improve Main Street Alley Way • Lynch downtown redevelopment • Web site upgrade • Grant - writing • Buxton study • DHCD- funded market study • Technical assistance to businesses • Downtown Parking (including proposed garage study) • Downtown promotional events & activities • Downtown Steering Committee • Commuter rail depot area /connections • Recently- adopted mixed -use and residential uses /zoning • [canners, flower baskets, other streetscape enhancements • Extend Main Street improvements to other areas • Survey businesses and developers Other Commercial Development Opportr unities • South Main Street redevelopment opportunities • Jacob Way - Addison Wesley property • Walkers [crook Area • Web site upgrade • Grant- writing • Marketing packet(s) • Buxton study • Improve quality of retail • Beautification of commercial developments • Participate at CPDC hearings Business Support and Stabilization • Chamber of Commerce Meetings • Web site upgrade • Promote /organize South Main Street Business Association Don Ann Pne' AAA — inn >r%D AGT w qb'�� • Grant - writing • Communication with existing businesses • Communication with property owners & brokers • Technical assistance to businesses Taxes • Tax Classification Discussions Economic Development Committee Development • Articles in local newspapers • Breakfast event to present Main Street improvement project & EDC • Web site upgrade • Develop an "elevator pitch" about EDC • Communication with existing businesses • Communication with property owners & brokers Ramrlinn Fnr ftrntarn _ AAw � nnn, nn ACT q� 17F r Work Plan & Measures of Success As the list above demonstrates, the Economic Development Committee has energetically embraced a broad and diverse set of potential activities. As a new entity in the community, it is easy to be drawn in many different directions but important to focus energy on a more limited scope with the following specific objectives: ➢ Introduce the EDC and it's mission; ➢ Establish the committee as a valuable resource; ➢ Demonstrate measurable success. The following section is an outline of a work -plan that will help the EDC achieve these objectives. Most of these tasks relate to both Downtown and Economic Development initiatives throughout the community. Each item listed below includes a description of the activity, a listing of specific actions for the committee, possible measures of accomplishment in terms of activity (did it get done ?), outputs (how much was done ?), and outcomes (did it work ?) and a schedule. Website Enhancement The internet has become the primary gateway for the dissemination of information regarding economic development. In many cases, a community's or business's web presence now provides the "first impression" to potential investors, customers, developers, and others.- This is particularly true among the better - educated and more - affluent demographics that increasingly constitute Reading's population. On the other hand, a poor website, one that is difficult to navigate or find, or one that does not provide a clear contact for additional information may also be the "last impression." As a result, it is essential that the website be attractive, welcoming, clear, and informative. It is also critical that the website clearing indicate a single point of contact for further inquiries. It is also important that the website present current information. The existing web presence for Economic Development in Reading is limited. It includes a reasonably helpful outline of the permits required for business development. It is part of a page of Town Planning information which also provides some general demographics and descriptive information and a substantial amount of additional permitting and regulatory information as well as application forms that would be helpful for visitors interested in development projects. It appears to most effectively cater to citizens interested in learning about development processes and projects or participating in hearings. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find and, because it is part of a fairly busy page it is a bit confusing to locate specific information. It also does not appear to have been designed with the two key economic development audiences in mind: ➢ Developers, entrepreneurs, and their representatives and agents ➢ Customers and visitors to Reading The Town of Reading and the Economic Development Committee are currently working with Virtual Town Hall to develop a new website. This company has DanAimn Cllr Ct,�t -a v_ Mw �� ten^, r%DAFT designed many attractive and effective websites for similar communities in Massachusetts and elsewhere. The EDC should participate actively in this process to help ensure that economic development objectives are achieved by the new site. The following are some of the content and experience criteria that should be addressed as part of the redesign with respect to economic development. A good model of an economic development website for a smaller community in the area is Nashua, NH's site. A. The page a visitor finds first when searching for the Town of Reading on Google or other search engines should be visually attractive, should provide a brief but compelling description of the Town's assets, and should provide a clear and direct link to an economic development specific page. The economic development page should also be accessible from a list of options that emerges when a visitor follows links of "information for businesses," "information for visitors," or "information for residents." B. The economic development homepage should have a brief "boosterish" description of why Reading is a great place that appeals to people interested in proposing a development, starting a business, looking for a commercial site, or just interested in shopping or visiting. This page can also include a one sentence mission statement for the committee, whose primary benefit is to let visitors know that Reading is interested in promoting and assisting with economic development. This homepage should also name a specific contact person for inquires and provide email, telephone, and other contact information for them (this contact should be repeated on all economic development pages). Finally, this page should link to the following (preferably on separate pages so the homepage is not too busy): ➢ Community profile — This page will continue the theme of promoting the community's assets, but will also provide demographic and market information, and a listing (with links if available) of businesses in Reading. These links will be helpful for potential customers but also help those representing potential developers and entrepreneurs see that others have chosen to invest in Reading. ➢ Resources for Businesses — This is the page for permitting guides, applications, and regulations, listings of available sites (or a person to contact about sites), and assistance that is available for businesses (including both technical assistance and funding). ➢ News, Announcements, and Events —This page can include links to positive press on Reading, announcements of programs, events, promotions, and accomplishments by the EDC, the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown group(s), individual businesses, etc. Information on this page should make the visitor to the site more interested in learning more and following up with either a visit or at least a call or email to the contact person. C. All information on the website should be current. It is better to avoid information that will expire like upcoming date - specific events if it is not feasible to regularly update the site. Outdated information conveys the impression that no one is really paying attention to economic development. D ybl� DaaAinn r-nr Ctr�tanv_ AAw �i inn, nDAGT D. While the main "portal" pages should be Reading specific, there is no harm in linking to external sources of information (from state agencies, the Chamber of Commerce, etc.) provided that the links stay active and accurate and the information is relevant to Reading. Specific Committee Activities: 1. Work with Virtual Town Hall and Town Officials to guide the creation of a site similar to what is described above. z. Arrange for site content to be easily updated from any computer with internet access and designate and empower a committee member to maintain and enhance the site. 3. Document visitor activity on the existing site and track activity on the new site. 4. When communicating with economic development stakeholders, obtain feedback about the site, document use of the site, and seek content for the news, announcements, and events page. Accomplishment Measures 1. Implement new site (activity) z. Increase visitation to site relative to existing site (output) 3. Increase visitation to site over time after implementation (output) 4. Draw new businesses and developments to Reading, particularly Downtown (outcome if website was visited during decision - making process) 5. Draw new customers to businesses in Reading, particularly Downtown (outcome if website was visited during decision - making process) [Discuss how to document and what goals to set] Timeline [Discuss what is reasonable and realistic based on existing contract, Town goals, and available time /resources] Outreach Survey to Economic Development Stakeholders As a comparatively new committee, there are two key reasons for doing outreach to key stakeholders. First, it is a way to introduce the committee to the community. Many will probably not be aware that the committee has been established and is a potential resource and partner for them. Second, it is a chance to develop databases of information about economic development in the community and learn what is important to various stakeholders to help guide future efforts and activities of the committee. Key stakeholder groups for this exercise include: ➢ Business owners and managers ➢ Commercial property owners ➢ Developers ➢ Commercial real estate brokers Customers and residents of Reading are also important stakeholders for economic development. However, it is more difficult for the committee to effectively survey this constituency due to its size and diversity. Additionally, a substantial amount of existing data is available from various sources that can qb )el Rn�ilinn r-nr AAA%, �� inn, r1DAFT contribute to descriptive conclusions about the habits, activities, and interests of these groups. The market study being conducted for Downtown Reading with the Department of Housing and Community Development, if similar to the one prepared for Hingham in June 2oo6 by OKM Associates, will help to do this. As a result, the committee should focus on the other stakeholder groups. [lased on February and April conversations with members of the EDC, it appears that there are several projects which interest the committee that will require survey -based data collection from some or all of the constituent groups noted above. It would be valuable to combine these efforts into a single survey project that reaches all of the groups listed and also serves to introduce the committee to these groups and lay the groundwork for organization that will be required to support the potential establishment of a Business Improvement District (BID) and for other future economic development events and initiatives. For businesses, the survey should therefore include: ➢ Information about the nature and status of the business ➢ Plans for expansion, contraction, relocation, etc. ➢ Benefits of and concerns about doing .business in the Town ➢ Identification of benefits which would generate support for a Business Improvement District(group health care, collective marketing, financing parking, refuse collection /recycling, downtown maintenance & beautification, special events promotion, etc.) ➢ Level of interest in assisting with larger economic development efforts ➢ Data collection associated with the DHCD- funded market analysis For property owners and brokers, the survey might include: ➢ Generating a list of available commercial property for sale and for lease ➢ Information about the nature and status of properties ➢ Benefits of and concerns about doing business in the Town ➢ Identification of benefits which would generate support for a Business Improvement District(group health care, collective marketing, financing parking, refuse collection /recycling, downtown maintenance & beautification, special events promotion, etc.) ➢ Level of interest in assisting with larger economic development efforts For developers, the survey might include: ➢ Generating a list of available commercial property for sale and for lease ➢ Information about the nature and status of properties ➢ Benefits of and concerns about doing business in the Town ➢ Level of interest in assisting with larger economic development efforts ➢ Willingness to contribute to public parking garage construction in lieu of constructing privately -owned parking downtown. Lists of commercial property owners can be generated from Assessors' records. Lists of developers active in the community can be obtained from the Town Planner's office. Lists of businesses can be purchased from various information sources; Olympia, Inc. is one example. There are probably a comparatively small number of commercial brokers active in the community, who can be readily identified. The market research consultants being hired for Downtown through DHCD will likely be able to provide additional advice on the design of a survey(s) for the intended purposes. I' 1 Z DA=Ainn r-nf' nPAGT Specific Committee Activities: 1. Develop lists of parties to survey from the sources above. z. Prepare survey instruments. 3. Conduct telephone or door -to -door surveys as appropriate. 4. Compile databases of results as well as contacts for future projects. Accomplishment Measures 1. Conduct outreach surveys to the identified economic development constituencies (activity) z. Number of parties surveyed (output) 3. Identification of issues and priorities (outcome) 4. Organization of supporters for BID (outcome) 5. Assemble contacts for future EDC initiatives (outcome) 6. Generate list of available properties for development and occupancy (outcome) [Discuss how to document and what goals to set] Timeline [Discuss what is reasonable and realistic based on available time /resources] Other Marketing./Events TO BE DEVELOPED Breakfast event Articles in papers Elevator pitch Build on December downtown event success Specific Committee Activities: 1. Accomplishment Measures 1. (activity) z. (output) 3. (outcome) [Discuss how to document and what goals to set] Timeline [Discuss what is reasonable and realistic based on available time /resources] Participation in Hearings One of the charges established for the EDC in the original Board of Selectmen's vote, was to advise the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC). In keeping with this objective, committee members should request y b I F3 nnnilinn f=lit' Ctrntcnv_ AAA%, n� ARAM= 4 n regular reports from the Town Planner as to proposed commercial and industrial projects in Reading as well as residential projects proposed for commercially - zoned sites. Depending on the volume of activity, the committee should designate a member to review each filing and identify projects which the EDC may wish to express an advisory opinion. The EDC will want to evaluate the proposals against the economic development objectives and priorities outlined in the Master Plan, in their enabling policy from the Board of Selectmen, and those identified by the committee members. After evaluation, the EDC may want to draft an opinion letter to the CPDC or other reviewing body expressing support for and /or concerns about the project relative to these objectives. Possible review positions that could be valuable include: ➢ Advocating for projects which will enhance the quality of life for Reading residents, stimulate downtown revitalization, increase the commercial tax base, and /or create employment opportunities for Reading residents. ➢ Encourage conditions on proposals which will help them achieve these goals if approved. ➢ Counter NIMBY sentiments at public hearings where a proposed project may have economic development benefit for the larger community but is perceived by immediate neighbors as a threat. ➢ Advocate against projects which propose to utilize commercial or industrial property in a manner which does not further the economic development goals of the Town of Reading. Similar procedures should also be developed to review and comment on proposed zoning amendments, licensing regulations, Board of Health regulations, and other by -laws which may impact economic development. Specific Committee Activities: 1. Work with the Town Planner to establish a procedure whereby the EDC is informed of pending development proposals related to economic development. z. Designate a member to review all such proposals and report back to the committee on those deemed significant. 3. Review significant project proposals and prepare opinion statements and testify at public hearings,before the CPDC and other Boards and commissions as appropriate. Accomplishment Measures i. Advise the CPDC and other Boards and Commissions on proposed development projects (activity) z. Number of projects reviewed (output) 3. Number of quality projects approved with the support of the EDC (outcome) q.. Number of projects improved as a result of comment from the EDC (outcome) 5. Number of projects denied due to adverse impacts on economic development based in part on EDC comment (outcome) [Discuss how to document and what goals to set] Timeline qJ9 ! Dnollinn Fllr AAw ni -inn, nn AGT 14 1 -3 months - Establish a procedure for identifying and reviewing projects Ongoing — Review and advise on projects as appropriate Research & Self- Education To be successful and to be respected as an advisory committee, EDC members should strive for ongoing continuing education on relevant economic development topics. This is especially true for a newly formed committee. Members should seek reference materials, training programs, and conferences on appropriate topics. Additionally, members should identify communities in the region which have successfully implemented initiatives similar to those under consideration by the Town of Reading, conduct site visits, and interview key officials in those communities. Regular communication with State officials from DHCD, and other agencies within the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development will also help committee members educate themselves about key policies and programs, and increase awareness of and the likelihood of success in applying for various grant and technical assistance programs. These contacts may also help create communication channels which can introduce potentially beneficial economic development opportunities and projects to the Town of Reading. Topics for research and self- education may include: ➢ Business Improvement Districts ➢ Downtown Revitalization and Redevelopment Strategies ➢ Downtown parking strategies ➢ Commercial site design considerations ➢ Transit - oriented and mixed -use urban development ➢ Successful marketing and promotional events Specific Committee Activities: 1. Open and maintain email and telephone communication with appropriate state officials. z. Monitor websites, listservs, and other conduits of information about creative economic development initiatives and training opportunities. 3. Research and identify other communities that may be successful models Accomplishment Measures 1. Research and self- education (activity) z. Training participation by EDC members (output) 3. Contacts with officials from the state and other communities (output) 4. Greater credibility and success with all initiatives (outcome) 5. Greater access to funding and technical assistance (outcome) [Discuss how to document and what goals to set] Timeline Ongoing. D.�Ainn Gn( Ctrmta —,- AAA,, �i inn, nnnPT in Here's what our existing businesses have to say about Reading......... "I I Ie ("ofIInItitaaty of Readmq is vcl y n/elcormng and supportive, of tocOl i?trsEl� ,:;: >es Re?nc�iflny out hos mess to P'Ond /11c) colitimles to he a successfil/ bo' -,moss declsaon Erin Calvo -Bacci The Chocolate Trraffle Readjoy Is _a wowletfid place to (io hust- nF ss ho use the Rofacling conaimmity rs su1)1)0rtrve al Id toyal " Leslie Leahy. Owner Owner. The Hitching Post "Moving to Re<Omg has had a very hosttivo impact on our husmess Even though vve weae only 2 5 miles at,,oy hefoae v,e lure seen sales mctease significantly here The town has a clim7oqui Marc well - matched to a husmoss o Ith o gciod product to c?ffc;a P(-,(-)- 1)/(-' scam arcl cn +�a�E�nrur�n tally cooscrcxrs mammy them moo,, lakely to shop locally Also t/ae pioa nmly to Routo 128 makes it t otv com emeot for mY out -of- lwvn customots Valerie Mata_ Owner The Natural food Exchange A// totwds letacl to Rf�,ndntgr Read/ort is a eery family fnendly tollin and is easily ar"cossihir? f nm afl major routes Ra�mhml is so ceottail4, locotc(i Goa7dliocaa #s �;trstornr:a_; cmiwx Loom a »arts: drff:.tool sw- r<rrnxluxt (�Irrla.S Debbie Rio Owner Goodhearts Children s Shop < <r 3 Welcomel The Town of Reading and the Board of selectmen are proud to have embraced a proactive ap- proach to economic development. Our Master plan lists "Improve Downtown" as our number one economic developmental goat. We are taking this direction very seriously, and have followed through on this recommendation by: Creating a new Economic Development Commit- tee ( EDC). This committee was appointed to attract new businesses and ensure the stability and success of existing businesses in Reading, and aid in the of the quality of life for residents by increasing the available retail, restaurant, and amenities in town. Adding staff resources to support the Economic Development Committee. Hiring staff to act as a'Permits and Li- censing Coordina- tor" to make your application and ap- proval experience in Reading an easier process. All of these actions are directed at making Read- ing the prime location for your business. We welcome the opportunity to talk to you about your business ideas and needs. Outlined in this brochure are easy steps to get started. Thank you for considering Reading and we look forward to talking with you soonl Peter Hechenbleikner �Q Town Manager Why Reading? Success starts here..... Location, Location, Location. Desirable suburban community located at the junction of two of New England's busiest inter- state highways. Proximity to residential population in the primary trade area (3 miles) with incomes 32% higher than state -wide median. High vehicle count providing access to a large number of potential customers (approximately 20,000 cars per day). Commuter rail station in the heart of Down- town with Express service to Boston. $6,000,000.00 Grant to revitalize and en- hance Downtown streetscape Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) is owned by the Town of Reading, providing a public service to its residents and businesses, offering low rates, high reliability and superior customer service. One of the lowest commercial tax rates of the surrounding communities. EDC completed a market assessment address- ing demographic and business opportunities within town. Full details available online at www.ci.reading.ma.us -- Business tab. Thriving Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce www.readingnreadingchamber.org The Economic Development Committee has found that the businesses which have engaged with town staff early in their planning stages have had very positive and successful experi- ences. One of the committees top priorities is to help new and existing businesses demystify the plan- ning and permitting process. We strive to make your experience a smooth one, and encourage you to: * Meet with our Town Planner to discuss which town approvals you will need to start your business. * Meet with our Permits Coordinator to en- sure your permitting process is clear and concise. * Meet with our Building and Health Inspect tors will be available to explain all applica- tions for construction, demolition, plumbing, gas, electrical, refrigeration, and signage. If you have further questions, please contact the Economic Development Committee directly at EDC @ci.reading.us or visit our website at http-//www.ci.reading.ma.us/Pages/businesses 7360 Street Name Status report on current known or expected economic development activity ain Street Former Insurance Company Space up for lease with Century 21 Real Estate. Approximately 1,000 square feet of commercial space located in Business A zoning district. 3061 Main Street former Getty Station Former gas station, undeveloped lot. For sale sign on property noticed as of January 4, 2012. Contact is Steve DeSisto (978) 852 -5559 with Coldwell Banker. 17,000 square feet for $495K. Environmental monitoring on- going. New owner may build restaurant. 41-49 High Street Last Corner Rest. Bldg. Building for sale. Mixed use commercial & office building. 587 Main Street Vacant Retail Space Vacant retail space. 545 Main Street Former Metro Bath Vacant retail space. Owner may be interested In having restaurant located there. 236 Ash Street Manufacturing /Office bldg. Space for lease, 2,050 sq. ft. in the industrial zoning district but great for office use w /access to Walkers Brook Dr. Contact Scott Sartell at (781)- 944 -9152 18 -20 Woburn Street 18 -20 Woburn St Vacant site has been re- graded, loamed, and landscaped. 50 Walkers Brook Drive The Crossing at Walkers Brook Property listed for sale. Currently under CBRE National Retail Investment Group. 76,000 square feet of leasable area. 600 Main Street MF Charles Building Space In rear still available. Not under lease. 1 General Way (128 Marketplace) Vacant office space Zoned industrial but suitable for office space in the Walkers Brook area. Received approval for modifications to site plan to be more suitable for retail tenants. IN PROGRESS: 258 Main Street Former Valerie's Bridal Zoned Bus -A which allows for commercial and also residential. Building is currently vacant. New owners proposing mixed use office /retail. DRT held, await Site Plan Review Submission. 30 Haven Street Pamplemousse Applicant received Minor Site Plan Review approval for 26 haven Street. Pamplemousse is a specialty wine and food shop. Construction has started. 622 Main Street Bunratty Tavern DRT held on 7/2/12. Public Hearing with CPDC on 9/10/12 and CPDC voted to approved proposal. 851 Haven Street Former Hot Spot Caf6 New beauty boutique to go Into the space. They have filed for temp sign permit so anticipate opening soon. 6XX Haven Street D'Amici's Bakery Owner has indicated the DiAmici's Bakery as tenant. Expect to see Building Permit soon. 61j Main Street Orange Leaf Letter of Intent signed by Orange Leaf for MF Charles space with property owner. Orange Leaf working with Health Department on plan approval. DRT on 8/7/2012. 600 -622 Main Street MF Charles Building Received Site Plan approval April 4, 2012. Applicant filed for Minor Modification and received CPDC approval on 1/24/13. Building Permit issued. Construction on- going. Tenants to seek building permits In new few weeks. 285 Main Street Perfecto's Caf6 Minor Modification to building facade design approved by CPDC 8/6/12. Applicant received Minor Modification approval from CPDC on January 14, 2013 for changes to parking lot layout. ANR Plan submitted to CPDC and approved on January 24, 2013. Applicant received Minor Modification approval with CPDC on April 8, 2013 for changes in second floor use. Contractor working on demo permit. INACTIVE: COMPLETED: Last updated September 5, 2013 77 Haven Street Leah's New salon on Haven Street. 212 -214 Main Street JKs Market New JK's Market and New Liquor Store now open. 951 Main Street Multi- Tenant Building EI ese Jewelers, etc. New interior and exterior.improvements. Construction Complete. 54 Haven Street Portland Pie Now open. 275 Salem Street Planet Fitness former RMV Building) Received Minor Site Plan Approval from CPDC on 11/26/2012. CPDC also issued Certificate of Appropriateness for proposed signage. Construction complete and opened. 80 -100 Main Street Calareso's Farm Stand Construction complete. Minor Mod approved by CPDC on 9/26/11. Sign Permit approved and issued. New fence panel has been installed as of 11/27/2012 and CPDC approved Bond request on 11/26/2012. 5911 Haven Street Avana Sushi Construction complete. Now open. 233 Haven Street Kaleyedascope Salon New salon on Haven Street. To be opened upon state health approvals. Awning sign approved by CPDC on 11/26/2012. 30 Haven Street Zin a Applicant has had preliminary meeting with Planning Department on 4/24/2012. Project is under Site Plan Review thresholds. DRT scheduled for 5/1/2012. Will require Plan Review from BOH and Building Permits. Oaktree was approved for Minor Modification for changes to first floor plan on 5/7/2012. Open for business. 244 R Ash Street Northeast Cutlery Site plan review approved by CPDC on May 9th. Preconstruction meeting on 11/2/11. Will be seeking minor modification approval for changes to fagade design. Minor Modification and sign permit approved by CPDC on 8/27/12. 821 Hopkins Street Camp to Castle Consignment Former Cala Former Calaresos now occupied by Antique dealer /consignment shop. Now open. 670 Main Street Glo Skin Salon Salon has moved to former Kumon Space. Blade sign approved by CPDC 8/6/12 32 Lowell Street Ballet School Proposal for dance studio to be developed under Dover Amendment. CPDC Approved Site Plan 2/27/2012. ZBA approved variance based on plan that identified 4 parking spaces. Building permit issued 5/2/2012 3031 Salem Street Cumberland Farms Service Station Interior and exterior renovations complete. 80 -100 Main Street Just Desserts Plans to occupy new space at the new Calareso's location. 126 Main Street Harrows Received Minor Modification to approved site plan for changes In building fagade on 4/2/2012 250 1 Main Street Beauty Loft (Viking Travel) A beauty salon moving into the Viking Travel location on Main St. Approved by CPDC 8- 22 -11. 235 Haven Street Former Aine's Boutique Magic Cleaners from Main St address moved to this space. Defunct sign has been removed. Bold print = New updates since last meeting. Last updated September 5, 2013 EDC Work Plan fi a-- 44 O Work Plan 04Sep13 9/5/2013 1 of 1 Reading Economic Development C• .. Work Plan • EDC:-Sheila Clarke, George Rio, Karl Weld, Meghan Young - Tafoya, (Members) Camille Anthony, Maria Higgins, Jack Russell (Associates) Town: Bob LeLacheur, Jean Delios, Jessie Wilson BOS Liaison: John Arena 1 KeV Initiatives Updates . Action Items Building Facade and Signage • 2013 BFSI.Open enrollment Underway - Through 10/2/13 Improvement Program • 2013 BFSI Intern Recruitment in progress; BFSI Committee established -� Sheila, Jessie • 2 DIET Funding • DIET Funding Business Plan - created w/ summer intern (Scott Onigman) • 2013 goal of $50,000 - Kickoff scheduled for December 2013 All 3 Best Retail Practice (Retail Visioning) • 2013 consulting w/ Christine Moynihan (5 businesses) • Retail Visioning Intern (Ned Connors) working w/ 5 business on graphic design Maria, Meghan 7/1/2013 4 Social Media • Social Media Plan created w/ summer intern (Scott Onigman) • Created Social Media SOP - to be reviewed by EDC/Town Counsel Sheila, Jessie 5 RCN EDC Program RCTV - "Reading Matters" - Engage ambassadors - Kart and Camile to creak workplan Karl, Camille, Jessie A Other Ongoing Items Updates and Action Items DIET Financials / Reading Fall Street • Review monthly • Camille Ongoing B Illustrated Business Map • Karl to draft illustrated business map of Reading 5/1/2013 • Consider leveraging for brochures and "bollard" or in -town signs Karl C Communication with Businesses / Outbound Marketing • Any new article or outbound marketing opportunities to note? • Consider launching survey to gather feedback from businesses Maria Ongoing D I Downtown Idea Exchange • Monthly review of Downtown best practices Ongoing E Liaisons to other Committees • Attend B /C /C meeetin s as applicable Ongoing F Development Review Team • Review current DRTs Jessie Ongoing G Other Economic Development • MAPC updates from Jessie, etc. Jessie H Streetsca e • Monitor for upkeep, additions, yearly projects flower baskets Ongoing I Vacant Space Research • Monthly review of Activity Work Plan Ongoing J Sign Violations • Zoning Work Group starting September 2013 - EDC review/input throughout Jean /Jesie In Process K Wayfinding Implement Wayfinding recommendations 2011 Peer Review as necessary All Ongoing L I New Ideas to Improve EDC Impact, • BOS working group meeting - September 2013 TBD Ongoing fi a-- 44 O Work Plan 04Sep13 9/5/2013 1 of 1 DRAFT 2013 Subsequent Town Meeting Tuesday November 12, 2013 WARRANT OUTLINE REVISED 09/05/2013 Art. Mover/ Moderator # Article Description Sponsor Comment Notes 1 Reports Board of Selectmen ♦ RMLD — Coleen O'Brien ♦ Schools — Dr. John Doherty ♦ Library — David Hutchinson * Motion to Table — John Arena 2 Instructions Board of Selectmen ♦ Motion to Table -James Bonazoli 3 Amend the Capital Board of Selectmen ♦ Motion — Dan Ensminger Improvement Program FY ♦ Presentation —Bob LeLacheur 2014 -FY 2023 ♦ FINCOM report - 4 Approve 12(2)(d) benefit for Retirement Board ♦ Motion - retirees ♦ Presentation — Frank Driscoll FINCOM renort - 5 Approve regional tax Board of Selectmen ♦ Motion — Ben Tafoya assessment program with ♦ Presentation - Board of Wakefield AssessorsNictor Santaniello ♦ FINCOM renort - 6 Deposit funds into Smart Board of Selectmen ♦ Motion - Marsie west Growth Stabilization fund ♦ Presentation - Sharon Angstrom/Bob LeLacheur ♦ FINCOM report - 77Approve Payment of Prior Board of Selectmen ♦ Motion Indefinitely Postpone — ear's Bills John Arena 8 I Dispose of Surplus Tangible I Board of Selectmen Properties 9 I Accept easements for West I Board of Selectmen Street improvements 10 Authorize debt for West Board of Selectmen Street project - local share and other related costs ♦ Motion — James Bonazoli ♦ Presentation — Bob LeLacheur ♦ FINCOM renort - ♦ Motion — Dan Ensminger ♦ Presentation — George Zambouras ♦ FINCOM renort - ♦ Motion — Ben Tafoya ♦ Presentation — George ZambourasBob LeLacheur ♦ FINCOM report - Postpone vote 9/5/2013 DRAFT 2013 Subsequent Town Meeting Tuesday November 12, 2013 WARRANT OUTLINE REVISED 09/05/2013 11 Approval of amendments to Board of Selectmen ♦ Motion — Marsie West the Table of Organization per ♦ Presentation — Bob LeLacheur section 6 -1(b) of the Reading Home Rule Charter Amend the FY 2014 Budget FINCOM ♦Motion -Barry Berman ♦ Presentation — Bob LeLacheur ;13 ♦ FINCONo, - Repeal section 6.2.2 m and CPDC ♦ Motion - Instructional motion 6.2.6.3.1 of Zoning Bylaw - ♦ Presentation - Jean Delios . from ATM off premises signs (Prohibiting Digital Billboards 14 Amend boundary of PUD -R- CPDC ♦ Motion - zoning district to include ♦ Presentation - Jean Delios abutting 26,019 s.f. parcel of land at Johnson Woods 15 Religious, Educational and CPDC ♦ Motion - Child Care - Reasonable ♦ Presentation — Jean Delios Requirements per the Dover Amendment GIAOA &3 16 Medical Marijuana CPDC ♦ Motion - Dis ensaries Moratorium ♦Presentation —Jean Delios 9/5/2013 2 q G� Board of Selectmen Meeting August 20, 2013 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman John Arena, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen Daniel Ensminger and Marsie West, Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Town Counsel Gary Brackett, Police Chief James Cormier, Police Armorer Justin Martel, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Thomas J. Ryan, William Brown, Everett and Ginny Blodgett, Patrick Cigante, Andrew Marino, Max Gabriello, Ann Ward, Donnan and Curtis Barnes, Stephen Crook. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Ben Tafoya noted that the September 8`h Fall Street Faire might set a record for the number of vendors. Daniel Ensminger noted that the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee will be holding interviews on September 17, 2013. James Bonazoli thanked DPW for their work on the roads this summer. The Economic Development Committee is taking applications for the fagade program. Public Comment — Thomas Ryan indicated he was upset because he left informational fliers on the Town Clerks counter and the Town Clerk would let him leave the flyers there. The Town Manager noted they were political in nature and if he wanted to leave them at Town Hall they could be left on the bulletin board inside the Town Hall front door foyer. Marsie West suggested that Mr. Ryan hand them out at the Senior Center tomorrow night during the Financial Forum because those are the people who will care about the information. Town Mana erg 's Report — The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative matters (* indicates additional material in tonight's packet) ♦ *School Committee vacancy — A joint meeting of the Selectmen and the School Committee has been rescheduled at the request of the Schools to 7:45pm on Monday September 9t` at the Superintendent's Conference room @RMHS. We received three applications for the open position on the School Committee, and one of the applicants was unable to attend the August 26th meeting. The appointment will fill out a term until the next local election, scheduled for April 2014. ♦ Reading Special Legislation — The bill has been filed to correct the defect in the annual Town Meeting as it pertains to the Library project debt: hgps:// malegislat& e. gov/ DocumentBill /188/House/H3629.pdf. Thanks to the Board of Selectmen for meeting at short notice on a Thursday night, to the Governor for filing the bill, and to our legislative delegation including Senator Katherine Clark, Representative Jim Dwyer and especially to Representative Brad Jones who took the lead on this project. Scc, Board of Selectmen Minutes — August 20 2013 — page 2 ♦ *November Town Meeting — The Selectmen will preview the Warrant at their next meeting. Thus far there are 22 Articles which should be concluded in two nights. Included on tonight's packet is a recent history of Instructional Motions from past Town Meetings. We'll update this and circulate it as needed in the future. ♦ *Revenue opportunity — Verizon has shown some interest in placing a cell tower over at the Reading Ice Skating rink at Symonds Way. Town Counsel has reviewed the RIAA 10 -year lease and suggests if that some changes need to be made to the lease, and notes that the lessee is not adversely affected in any way. Due to the expected value of the lease we will need to conduct an RFP. Carl McFadden, your RIAA liaison, is coming in on October 8th for an unrelated update of RIAA operations. If the Board wishes to consider this opportunity we can begin doing some preparation work internally. ♦ Amplified Sound Permit — issued by Recreation to the Barrow's PTO for a back -to- school picnic on September 9th from 5 :30- 7:30pm. ♦ *Upcoming BOS agendas — Please look through the schedule for the next few months. Among other topics are the following: o September 10th - Business Workshop that will include the Reading Housing Authority and the Economic Development Committee; o September 24th - joint meeting with the Reading & Wakefield Boards of Assessors; o October 8th - Traffic & Safety Workshop; o October 22nd — Recreation Master Plans overview; o November 5th — Enterprise Fund overview. Community Services ♦ Comprehensive Update of the Zoning By -Law o The Town Manager, Assistant Community Services Director/Town Planner, Staff Planner and DPW Business Manager met with four applicants for the Zoning project. A final selection for the consulting firm is expected by early September; o Tonight the Board will hold a Hearing to establish an ad hoc Zoning Advisory Committee; o On September 10th the Board will interview applicants from the public for the ZAC; o The ZAC will likely hold their kick -off meeting on September 30th. There will be a great deal of outreach to the community over the following year as the final product will reflect the long -term values of Reading. *M.F. Charles — Construction is progressing very well. Due to the extensive amount of renovations needed in the early phases of demolition, including unanticipated conditions related to the age and condition of the building, there has been added time to the project. First floor retailers will be seeking building permits in mid - September. There is a motion in your packet - I would ' request the Board consider extending the liquor license application for Bunratty's Tavern from September 14th due to the extensive construction work needed. Community Services Director/Town Planner Jean Delios prepared a presentation that is available on the Town's website. A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger to extend the deadline for RKR Cora d/b /a Bunratty Tavern at 622 Main Street to be fully operational to December 31, 2013 was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Sat Board of Selectmen Minutes — August 20, 2013 —'Page 3 ♦ *Perfecto's — See enclosed material. Fines began last week at $100 /day and will escalate to $300 /day on September 3, 2013 under the Vacant Property Bylaw. No permits will be issued until the fines have been paid. ♦ *Post office - See attached article from EDC about "losing a downtown post office ". I have reached out to the PO with our federal contact but have nothing back yet. Library ♦ Library Building Committee — RFP for temporary space has been issued. The Library expects to move in March 2014. Contract negotiations are underway with the designer /architect. STV is doing an excellent job as the Owner's Project Manager thus far. Schools ♦ Woburn Street School — Below is a list of important dates: o August 21 — Financial Forum at the Pleasant Street Center to review the expected changes to the annual School operating budget over a multi -year period; an overview of project costs will also be reviewed. • September 11 — Financial Forum at the Pleasant Street Center to review the entire project; • September 16`h (and 19th as needed) — Special Town Meeting at RMHS Endslow PAC Public Safety ♦ *Franklin & Main Street- Jeff Gomes of MA DOT has finished his analysis and design and is putting together funding for short-term improvements. No real change since the BOS 7/30 meeting. ♦ *FEMA Public Assistance — The Town received over $134,000 and RMLD received over $21,000 for reimbursement of some costs associated with the blizzard last February 8th & 9th. Town funds will flow to free cash at the close of the current fiscal year. Public Works ♦ West Street — the project has been approved! At November Town Meeting we will seek debt authorization for the local share of costs. Depending on what the State requires, these costs will be close to the $600k we have budgeted. Road Improvements ♦ All paving for our. spring/summer round is complete (20 streets approx. $1.6M)!! The contractor should finish the loam and seeding of roadway edges where required and a couple of remaining driveway aprons this week. Traffic markings will be installed on Oakland Road by mid -week. ♦ We will be opening bids for our second round of paving and crack sealing the second week of September. We had to delay until we knew how much money we would get from Chapter 90 — the latest figure is about $600k, which is well below the Governor's initial $900k figure, but in line with recent history. It is possible more Chapter 90 funding will be freed up during the fiscal year - we will wait to bid micro -seal work until winter /spring. Discussion/Action Items Hearing — Review and Adopt Traffic Rules and Regulations — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Police Chief James Cormier and Officer Justin Martel were present. The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen Minutes – August 20, 2013 – page 4 intent of the project was not to make changes, but to make it more user friendly. Inconsistencies were found and the changes will bring in line with votes already taken. Orienting the regulations by street is much easier Marsie West noted that there are no stop signs on Rustic at Beaver or Scotland at Summer. Chief Cormier noted that it was in the current regulations but the signs were never put up. Officer Martel noted that there are heavy vehicle exclusion signs that were never approved by the state so they have to be taken down. Marsie West noted that it makes sense to remove signs but it doesn't make sense to put up a stop sign that was never put up. Officer Martel noted that Section 11.1 indicates that all old votes are carried forward into the new regulations. The Town Clerk will be the keeper of the record and will do the renumbering. Changes are listed in the Briefing Package that is attached to these minutes. Officer Martel noted that there are four additional amendments on page 47 of tonight's handout and are as follows: • On page 15 under Article 5.4.1A, insert "for a period longer than one hundred twenty minutes after the word "Fridays." • On page 31 under Article 10.1 B, replace the language "Articles 5.4.4E and 5.4.6" with "Article 5.4.6." • On page 33 under Article 11.4, replace the language "numbering and organization" with "numbering, organization, and typographical characteristics." • On page 114 under Appendix 5, strike the language "Old Sanborn Lane -15 MPH" because it was not approved by the state. Marsie West suggested that Section 10.1A regarding $20 fines for certain parking violations say that "all parking fines will be $20 except as noted below in Sections 10.1B -E," instead of listing each one. Officer Martel agreed and noted this will be included as the 5t' amendment tonight. Daniel Ensminger noted that the no parking at comer sign on Temple Street at Woburn is in the wrong location and James Bonazoli noted that it is not a good use of the Police or Engineering to be out measuring. Chief Cormier noted that the intent is to get the document approved and if the Board wants to add or eliminate then hold hearings and notify the neighborhoods. Everett Blodgett noted that seven years ago Sally Hoyt went through a huge process of heavy vehicle exclusion on West Street and he asked if there are any others in town. Officer Martel noted there is a list in Appendix 4. Dorman Barnes, 11 Bancroft Street, asked if Bancroft Street is still heavy vehicle exclusion because there is no sign. Chief Cormier indicated it is. S a`I Board of Selectmen Minutes — August 20, 2013 — page 5 Ann Ward, a resident of Bancroft Avenue noted that the packet indicates it is being deleted. Officer Martel noted that is an inconsistency and he will add that from Lowell to Woburn on Bancroft Avenue from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. but he wants to investigate this first to make sure the state approved it. The Town Manager indicated Bancroft Avenue heavy vehicle exclusion will be added as the 61' amendment made tonight. A motion by Tafoya seconded by West to close the hearing adopting the Traffic Rules and Regulations dated August 20, 2013 was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by West to approve the revised Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations dated August 20, 2013 to include revisions as listed in the two page Briefing Package and the additional six amendments as indicated in these minutes, was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Close Special Town Meeting Warrant — The Town Manager noted that Article 5 is related to retirees' benefits. Article 6 is for a debt exclusion for the Woburn Street School which is the topic of the Financial Forum tomorrow evening and it will be decided then whether to move forward with the project. Town Counsel Gary Brackett noted that the Board can close the Warrant tonight and can'make a motion tomorrow night to cancel the Special Town Meeting, if need be, as long as the Warrant has not been posted. A motion by Tafoya seconded by West to close the Warrant consisting of six Articles for the Special Town Meeting to take place on September 16, 2013 at the Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road at 7:30 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Hearing — Adopt Policy Establishing Ad Hoc Zoning Advisory Committee — The Secretary read the hearing notice. There being people present for other agenda items and no one present for this hearing, a motion by Ensminger seconded by West to continue the hearing to a time set by the Chairman was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Chairman James Bonazoli noted the hearing will be continued until 9:15 p.m. A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to reconvene the hearing on the Ad Hoc Zoning Advisory Committee at 9:15 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. James Bonazoli noted that the previous discussion by CPDC was they wanted more members but the Selectmen did not want a quorum of CPDC on the committee. Ben Tafoya noted that the goal is to put the Zoning Bylaws into a better format and to simplify. If the Board wants to make major changes then they need a different policy. Marsie West noted it is not a straight recodification without addressing certain issues. There will be no change in land use but this will address issues that cause bottlenecks. Ben Tafoya noted we are not changing the zoning map. The Town Manager noted that the goal is to simplify and organize. There will be 20 — 30 public meetings so there is an opportunity to get feedback. ,e 6L- -1� Board of Selectmen Minutes — August 20, 2013 — page 6 Ben Tafoya noted that the overlay districts have never been used so will they be changed during this process? The Town Manager indicated they will not. John Arena indicated he would like to see exceptions. A motion by Ensminger seconded by Tafova to close the hearing on adopting the policy establishing an Ad Hoc Zoning Advisory Committee was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by West to approve the policy establishing an Ad Hoc Zoning Advisory Committee was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Set Liquor License Fees for CY14 — The consensus of the Board was not to change the liquor fees. A motion by Ensminger seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen set the liquor license fees for CY14 as follows: Liquor Fees All Alcohol Restaurant Wine/Malt Restaurant Package Store Clubs CY2014 $3700 $2700 $2500 $1300 The motion was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Paint and Sip Beer and Wine License — James Bonazoli noted that there was discussion some time ago about a Paint and Sip business that offers beer and wine and that would require a liquor license. The problem is that the Board of Selectmen policy requires food be served. Town Counsel Gary Brackett noted that he spoke with the City of Newton and they had reservations so the commission required food service be provided and contracted through a caterer. They also put time restrictions, restrictions on amount of drinks, price and liquor only available for people attending the session. Judy Barolak's proposal is to have no food. This would set a precedent and he recommends considering whether the Selectmen want to offer this type of license and do a survey. The Selectmen would also have to decide what type of regulations they would want and after doing the study adopt as a policy and issue on a license by license basis. Police Chief James Cormier noted that it would be a cumbersome task to take on license by license. He noted that the Board previously set food requirements and he would strongly recommend the Board do research. Marsie West noted she went to a paint and sip and there is no time to eat and drink. She suggests checking with Newton and see if they are actually eating. John Arena noted that alcohol is secondary to the intent of the establishment and it would be worth doing the study. The Town Manager noted that paint and sip is popular in other states but not so much in Massachusetts. Board of Selectmen Minutes — August 20 2013 — page 7 John Arena asked if it is possible to restrict just to paint and sip and Town Counsel indicated it could be challenged. Judy Barolak noted that the paint and sip in Newton does not serve food. They have prepackaged snacks. There is no mention or offering of food and if you ask about food they suggest restaurants in the area. There are also some paint and sips in Boston. Others are bring your own booze and some are located within all alcohol restaurants and some are beer and wine with prepackaged snacks. Ms. Barolak noted that Newton has been doing this for three years and they created this license for this one premise. James Bonazoli noted that he loves creativity but has issues with setting a precedent. He feels a study would be worthwhile. He suggested surveying both in Massachusetts and outside of Massachusetts. Ms. Barolak asked if she served food if it had to be hot. Ben Tafoya noted that the Board has softened the policies over the years but it was always an amenity for restaurants. The intent is to have a full service restaurant and he has a problem trying to get around it. Ben Tafoya indicated he would like to see Newton's regulations. John Arena indicated he would like to know what other towns have done for non - restaurant situations. Marsie West asked about bring your own booze and Town Counsel indicated it is not allowed. Aberjona River and Saugus River Drainage Study — Town Engineer George Zambouras noted that in 2010 a study was done of the Aber ona and Saugus Rivers. It evaluated the existing conditions; recommended improvements and developed an implementation schedule. The Minot Street area has been added due to flooding. A report was made to the Board of Selectmen in July 2012. He has met with the consultant and they have a good accurate model. There will be a presentation to the Board in November and he needs to know if the Board wants to invite the Conservation Commission to the presentation. The consensus of the Board was to invite the Conservation Commission. Daniel Ensminger asked about the Aber ona area and Mr. Zambouras noted it covers mostly the Bond Street area due to flooding and surcharging. Saugus River issue is that the Track Road and Line Road bridge is unsafe for fire apparatus. Discuss DPW and Cemetery Garage Sites — The Town Manager noted that several years ago the eemetery garage and cold storage came under the CIP Plan for $500,000. Currently there is $1.50 million for cemetery and $1.50 million for the DPW Garage. The funding is through Facilities. The School Department cancelled $100,000 for the cemetery project because there was no contract in place even though there had been three months of contract negotiations. The Department of Revenue has determined that the Town Accountant has the liberty to move forward funds if Town Meeting has approved them and the project is moving forward. Board of Selectmen Minutes — August 20, 2013 — page 8 James Bonazoli noted that the Board of Selectmen did site visits of the cemeteries years ago. RFP's were sent out and we selected a firm. Town Engineer George Zambouras noted that the existing cemetery garage is over 100 years old and has structural issues. The cemeteries, property at Pearl and Audubon and the compost site were looked at as possible sites for the cemetery garage. Two sites, Laurel Hill and Forest Glen, were chosen for further analysis and the Town issued an RFP. The consultant will do a space needs study and then the Board of Selectmen and Cemetery Board will make a decision then do a RFP for design. DPW Garage — George Zambouras noted that the current use is 5.9 acres. The original John Street site was 15 acres and used sites at the landfill and the Nike site. The current site deficiencies to address include security, safety, parking expansion, and improve vehicle maintenance area and public access. The previous study said the minimum area needed was six acres. George Zambouras noted there are currently two RFP's — one for the cemetery garage and one for the DPW garage that will analyze for planned improvements and up to three sites for all DPW functions including administration, Engineering and cemetery. The Town Manager noted that staff has looked at the industrial zone at the Reading Municipal Light Department and he suggests talking with the RMLD. Daniel Ensminger suggested expanding where the DPW garage is now but later realized that there is other properties in between that doesn't make expansion possible. The Town Engineer reviewed maps of possible Town and State owned property sites as well as privately owned sites. Marsie West asked how much of environmental issue is there for both the Town and State. George Zambouras noted the environmental issue is a defined limit of a 100 year flood. Cemetery Director Bob Keating noted that it is more efficient to have cemetery maintenance at a cemetery. All of the cemeteries are located in the center of Town and east. He noted that 99% of all cemeteries operate that way. Cemetery Board Trustee Bill Brown noted that he cemetery was an orphan until 1986 and he feels the garage should remain at the cemetery. The consensus of the Board was to move ahead with Task 3. Approval of Minutes A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to approve the minutes of July 30, 2013 as amended was approved by a vote of 3 -0 -2 with Tafova and Arena abstaining. A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to approve the minutes of August 1, 2013 was approved by a vote of 3 -0 -2 with Tafova and Arena abstaining. Board of Selectmen Minutes — August 20, 2013 — page 9 A motion by Tafoya seconded by West to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary Sa'� Police Dept. & PTTTF Traffic & Parking Regulation Project —Board of Selectmen Briefing Package- 1. Relevant Statutes & Bylaws A. Code of MA Regulations 1. 527 CMR 10.03.10: 10: State regulation promulgated by the Department of Fire Services' Board of Fire Prevention Regulations, which grants the local Fire Chief the authority to require 18' fire lanes when necessary and creates a burden on the property owner to maintain them in properly signed and marked condition.' Note, the localized details of how the Town manages the requirements of this regulation are included in Article 8.3 of the Town's General Bylaws. B. MA General LawsZ 1. MGL 40 -22: Vehicles bearing disabled veteran plates, handicapped plates and handicapped placards are statutorily exempt from overtime parking penalties. 2. MGL 85 -2: Grants municipalities the authority to post signage and enumerates specific caveats and requirements. For example, municipalities must obtain approval from MassDOT for Heavy Vehicle Exclusion. Another example, municipalities must conform to the MUTCD or MassDOT can remove signage without notice or, in the extreme, withhold Chapter 90 money until fixed. . 3. MGL 89 -9: Case law requires police to cite one -way violations under 85 -2 and reference Article 8.1 4. MGL 90 -1: Provides consistent definition and statutory reference for the term "trailer" 5. MGL 90 -17: Establishes the "reasonable and proper" clause for speeding based on road conditions 6. MGL 90 -18: Requires municipalities to obtain approval from MassDOT for speeds higher or lower than 30MPH for thickly settled areas (all of Reading) and establishes speed on RTE28 at 40MPH via the "any other way" clause C. Town's General Bylaws 1. Article 8: Establishes various public order regulations, which include a broad range of topics such as: snow removal, silly string, road obstructions, parades, driveway permits, some concerning duplication on the topic of fire lanes, distributing leaflets, news racks, animal control, firearms, marijuana, constructions hours, etc. II. Definitions & Terms Changes A. Additions 1. Downtown Business District 2. Fire Lane, Holiday 3.11ecreation Equipment B. Deletions 1. Business District 2. Senior Van 1 Regulation available online at: htta: / /www.lawlib.state.ma.us/ source /mass /cmr /cmrtextl527CMR10.adf Z All MGUs discussed herein are available online at (search required): htto: / /www.malegislature.aoy /taws /GeneralLaws /Search Page 1 of 2 �D tr C. Modifications 1. Trailer III. Regulatory & Policy Changes A. Additions 1. Includes listings for 74 private and semi - private ways which are regulated 2. Recordkeeping duties are assigned to the Town Clerk, consistent with existing bylaw procedures 3. Non - substantive numbering and formatting changes are allowed 4. Clarifies penalty and fine amounts to readers in the document rather than on their parking tickets 5. Requires regulations to be posted online and printed (in amended form) annually by the Town Clerk 6. Provides reference to Article 8 of the General Bylaws regarding fire lanes B. Deletions 1. Former reserved parking space for the senior van at the Atlantic is removed (Appendix A -la). C. Modifications 1. Combines separate school zone Do Not Enter regulations into one for consistent timing IV. Changes to the Applicability of Regulations A. Additions Adds the following in Article 12 to reflect signage, which was vetted through.PTTTF as appropriate and for which the PTTF believes was previously passed, but where there is no paperwork to support. Current, these are signed accordingly and included in the re- adoption document: 1. STOP SIGN at Bear Hill /Summer 2. STOP SIGN at Bolton /Ash 3. NO PARKING for the first 50" from Main on northerly side of Forest Glen 4. RESIDENT PERMIT REQUIRED for the easterly side of Fulton 5. NO PARKING on the easterly side of High from Woburn to Mt. Vernon 6. DO NOT ENTER Hillside from Waverly 7. RESIDENT PERMIT REQUIRED on westerly side of Linden from Haven to #25 8. NO PARKING on westerly side of Linden from #25 to Woburn 9. Reference to 720 CMR 9.03(2) included for NO PARKING on Lowell except marked spaces 10. Reference to 720 CMR 9.03(2) included for NO PARKING on RTE28 whatsoever 11. STOP SIGN at Mill /Main 12. LEFT TURN ONLY from left hand lane on New Crossing onto Walkers Brook 13. STOP SIGN at Pond Meadow /New Crossing 14. STOP SIGN at Rustic /Beaver 15. Reference to 720 CMR 9.03(2) included for NO PARKING on Salem except marked spaces 16. STOP SIGN at Scotland /Summer 17. STOP SIGN at Van Norden /Forest 18. NO TURN ON RED from Willow onto Lowell 19. STOP SIGN at Winslow /West 20. NO LEFT TURN from General Way onto Walkers Brook Drive 21. Again, includes listings for 74 Private Ways categorized as "public access" and "no public access" 22. STOP SIGN at Zachary/Dividence Page 2 of 2 �d L B. Deletions 1. HEAVY VEHICLE EXCLUSION on Bancroft 2. HEAVY VEHICLE EXCLUSION on Grove 3. NO PARKING on southerly side of Hillside from Oakland to Wavery 4. Duplicative occurrence of the NO LEFT TURN from Hopkins onto Main; one instance to remain 5. HEAVY VEHICLE EXCLUSION on Prescott 6. HEAVY VEHICLE EXCLUSION on Summers 7. HEAVY VEHICLE EXCLUSION on Village C. Modifications: IIV. Formatting Changes A. Overview 1. The major formatting change is that the alphabetical street listing in the new document replaces the "section- and - appendix" reference system of the old document. The alphabetical street listing improves reader understanding, recordkeeping procedures, enforcement standards and signage requirements. In short, the new document is much easier to read and understand. 3 Currently there is signage in place, but there was never even a regulation passed. No record indicating how it was ever posted. ` Prior Board had given the Town Manager discretion in creating parking regulations during the construction of the new RMHS building under former Article 5.16. 5 Due to the proximity to Joshua Eaton and Parker, the Town may wish to reapply for the exclusion in the future. 6 Due to the poor turning radii at Green and Pleasant, the Town may wish to reapply for the exclusion in the future. Page 3 of 2 os a, (2 Time: 7:30 p.m. Place: Sr. Center Great Room Fincom Members Present David Greenfield Paula Perry Paul McNeice Mark Dockser Jeanne Borawski Hal Torman, Jeffrey Perkins Karen Herrick Mark Dockser School Committee Arrived at 7:40 p.m. Hal Croft, School Committee Chuck Robinson, School Committee Chris Caruso, School Committee Board of Selectmen Meeting August 21, 2013 Financial Forum Open Session Staff Members Present Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager Board of Selectmen Dan Ensminger Ben Tafoya Marcie West John Arena Others Police Chief-Jim Cormier, Dianne Kennedy, Vicki Griffin, Mary Daly, John Daly, Angela Binda, Heidi Bonnbeau, Thomas J. Ryan, Kevin Carnes, Thomas Loughlin, Elizabeth Ward, Maria Caruso, Mary Connery, Erin Gaffen, Joshua Kempner, Lee Bianchetto, Rebecca Liberman. Call to Order John Doherty, Superintendent Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent Chairperson Berman called the Finance Committee to order at 7:34 p.m. Chairperson Arena called the Selectmen to order at 7:34 p.m. Mr. Berman welcomed guests and reviewed the agenda for the evening. Il. Recommended Procedure A. Continued Business Woburn Street Project Mr. Greenfield stated that he was an abutter to the property and would not participate in any votes on the subject. sbl Board of Selectmen Minutes — August 21 2013 — page 3 Mr. Berman turned the meeting over to the Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Doherty stated that he is recommending not to move forward with the Woburn Street Project. Ms. Herrick arrived at 7:40 p.m. Dr. Doherty stated that full day kindergarten for all is something that the district wants to pursue and it is in the best interest of students and student learning. He continued reviewing the timeline to date. He mentioned that the elementary space needs and full day kindergarten discussion began in January of 2011. An Elementary Space Study was approved at the fall 2011 Town Meeting which was completed and presented to the School Committee in June of 2012. In the interim the Reading School Committee voted to support the implementation of free full day kindergarten for all. Based on information provided by the Locker report it was determined the best option would be to purchase a building and renovate the building to house the RISE Preschool and kindergarten classes. In April of 2013 the Town reached an agreement with the St. Agnes Church and signed a Letter of Intent to purchase the lower building. The School Department hired an Architect to begin a Feasibility Study. Over the course of the spring and summer the Superintendent met with the Architect, community members and Town Officials on the Woburn Street Project. As a result of the meetings it has been determined that because of traffic, parking and other logistic matters as well as cost it has been determined that this may not be the best option to address the elementary space concerns. Ms. DeLai reviewed the cost of fully funded full day kindergarten for all. Dr. Doherty reviewed the cost estimate and because of changes that needed to be made to the inside with the addition of a third floor the cost came in higher than anticipated. The cost estimate does not include the proposed parker parking lot and the natural gas line installation. Superintendent Doherty reviewed the other options to address the space issue. He pointed out that this is not an enrollment issue. Our enrollment is staying fairly level but because of the Special Education programs we have in the district our classroom space is at a premium. The Superintendent would like to establish a working group to investigate other options. Dr. Doherty stated that he has had a conversation with St. Agnes regarding this decision. Mr. Berman said that the School Department must be very disappointed. He also asked how the working group would be set up. Dr. Doherty said it will consist of community members, town officials and educators. Mr. Arena asked when the decision was made. Dr. Doherty said last week after the meeting with town officials and the Architect when the final costs were discussed. Mr. Arena asked further about the cost. Ms. DeLai indicated that we are responsible to pay rent from July to October as part, of the -Letter of Intent. She also said that St. Agnes is renting space at the Parker Middle School for their Religious Education classes due to the renovation of their Parish Center therefore some costs are offset. SbZ Board of Selectmen Minutes — August 21, 2013 — page 4 Mr. Berman asked what has been spent to date. Ms. DeLai indicated that approximately $79,000 had been spent. Town Manager LeLacheur reminded the group that $150,000 had been allocated. Mr. Tafova moved, seconded by Ms. West, to cancel the September 16th Special Town Meeting. The motion carried 4 -0. Ms. Borawski asked if the district was looking at construction as an option. The Superintendent said that we will explore all options. She then asked for clarification of the Superintendent's option. Dr. Doherty, explained the process. Mr. Caruso added that we have been using the Superintendent's Option to balance elementary class size for 4 years. Mr. Arena asked if full day kindergarten is implemented would parents have a different option if they did not want to enroll their child in the full day program. Dr. Doherty said that we would no longer have a half day program and parents would have to enroll children in private programs or have their child enter school in first grade. Ms. Ann Coneeney, 13 Temple Street, thanked the Superintendent for all the work on this project and appreciates that the concerns of the citizens were heard and is doing what is in the best interest-of the children. Rebecca Liberman, 50 Pratt Street, asked if the elementary schools were full. The Superintendent responded the schools have no additional classroom space. Mr. Arena moved, seconded by Mr. Tafova, to adiourn. The motion carried 4 -0. The Board of Selectman adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Secretary Attachment: handout from Thomas J. Ryan ��3 Estimated cost of free full -day kindergarten for the average - assessed Reading home of $400,000. Assuming. $10,000,000 exclusion (to be bonded for ten years or more) for the purchase and renovation of the St. Agnes School building on Woburn Street; a proposed override of the tax levy of $8859,000. Estimated cost per home is $177 per year for the bonding. Estimated cost per home for the override is $144 per year. (The $144 increases at a minimum of 2 % % every year, permanently.) Cost of bond (Qa $177 per year: 10 years $1770 12 years $2124 15 years $2655 Cost of override @ $144 per year. 10 years $1604 (increases by 2 %% annually) 12 years $1975 15'years $2051 Total combined cost of bonding and the override per year: 10 years $3374 Plus library @ $104/year= 14 12 years $4099 15 years $4706 The library funding has been voted already. Looking ahead, the town MUST replace aged water pipes at a cost of $25,000,000 plus $8,000,000 for Killam repairs. Sidelight: average assessed value of a $400,000 home in 10 years under prop 2 % will be $7649, in 12 years, $8060, and $8654 in 15 years. Estimates of costs are based on 6gares provided by the School Department in its recent presentation at Parker Middle School. Thomas I Ryan, 87 Dana Rd., Reading, MA 01867 781944 -2544 tobuslll@verizon.net Sk � 4c, 805 Schena, Paula From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2013 10:50 PM To: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: Verizon Change in the FiOS Channel Lineup Attachments: Customer Notice - NBA League Pass.pdf For BOS packet Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. CFA Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 townmanaaer@ci.readina. ma. us (P) 781 - 942 -9043 (F) 781 - 942 -9037 www.readinama.gov Please fill out our brief customer service survey at: http:// readingma- survey.virtualtownhall. net /survey /sid /`8cebfd833a88cd3d/ Town Hall Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 7:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday: CLOSED From: Frere, Mary Louise fmailto :mary.I.frere(dverizon.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2013 3:22 PM Subject: Verizon Change in the AOS Channel Lineup Dear Municipal Official, This is to notify you that on or after October 11, 2013, channel 1489, will be removed from the NBA League Pass package. Programming on channel 1489 will continue to be available on channel 1450. Customers will be notified by means of the attached bill message that will run in the September bill cycle. Access to the FiOS® TV channel lineup is available 24/7 by visiting us online at verizon.com /fiostvchannels. We realize that our customers have other alternatives for entertainment and our goal is to offer the best choice and value in the industry. Verizon appreciates the opportunity to conduct business in your community. Should you or your staff have any questions, please contact me. Mary L. Frere r 1 �� I Senior Consultant — ROS Video Verizon Communications 125 High Street Oliver Tower Boston, MA. 02110 617 - 743 -4119 ��2 �Z4l� FiOS® TV Channel Changes NBA League Pass Channel Change On or after October 11, 2013, channel 1489 will be removed from the NBA League Pass package. Programming on channel 1489 will continue to be available on channel 1450. g�-� Os Schena, Paula From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Wednesday, September 04, 2013 6:50 PM To: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: Current Package Stores For BOS packet Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. CFA Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 townmanager @ci. reading. ma. us (P) 781- 942 -9043 (F) 781 - 942 -9037 www.readingma.gov Please fill out our brief customer service survey at http:// readingma- survey.virtualtownhall. net /survey /sid /8cebfd833a88cd3d/ Town Hall Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 7:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday: CLOSED From: Jill Fairweather FinailtoJillchev @ gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 04, 2013 6:12 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Current Package Stores Hi, I talked to Paula and got the addresses for the 6 current package stores currently licensed, but two of them I could not find /confirm from looking online. Could you please confirm the right info: Haven St. — couldn't find any package store. What is the name and address of the Haven St. Package store? 212 Main St. - ARickey, couldn't find it, what is correct name and address? I could only see something called X's market at that address but it doesn't seem to sell liquor? The other ones I did confirm: Wine Shop 676 Main Busa 345 Main Square Liquors 11 -13 High St. Wine Bunker 1 General Way 1 rlI Thanks, Jill Please reply to confirm receipt. Jill Fairweather RE /MAX Realty Advisors 320 Washington St., Norwell, MA www.JustThinkJill.com http:// facebook .com /JustThinkJiIIForReaIEstate 781 - 771 -9444 qb-