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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-17 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading L. 3i Meeting Minutes Board - committee - Commission - Council: Community Planning and Development Commission Date: 2013 -09 -17 Time: 7:30 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Charlie Adams - Chair John Weston Nick Safina Jeff Hansen Members - Not Present: Dave Tuttle Others Present: George Katsoufls Location: Board of Selectmen Room Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner & Recording Secretary Topics of Discussion: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Ms. Delios provided an update to the CPDC on the progress of the Zoning Recodification, specifically the work completed on the definitions. Planning Staff had met with the Building Inspector to tackle some of the definitions which needed his Input. Mr. Adams noted that the list provided seems to be fairly complete. Ms. Wilson told the CPDC that the hope is to have the recodificatlon as an article for Annual Town Meeting in 2014. Mr. Weston added that it needs to be clear that the changes being discussed are within the parameters of a recodificatlon. It was agreed that the CPDC should continue to work on the changes, including definitions, but keep in mind that some changes will be outside the parameters of a recodificatlon. Ms. Delios said that one definition she believes needed some review was "Home Occupation ". There are certain issues with people working out of their home and a lot of it depends on the type of business. Mr. Saflna agreed and said the goal is how to manage potential Impacts. It was agreed to have the consultant review this definition. Mr. Adams suggested they review Mr. Safina's comments on the list of definitions. Mr. Saflna added definitions for Animal Kennel and Animal Hospital as well as a few definitions for automotive uses. It was agreed that these should be added to the list of definitions. The CPDC also reviewed the suggested definitions for "Non- Conforming Uses ", "Non - Conforming Lot" and "Non - Conforming Structure". It was agreed to include Mr. Safina's recommendation for Non - Conforming Use. Page 1 1 vo�ww. CPDC Minutes of 9/17/2013 The CPDC then discussed the option of including a definition for "Open Space ". It was agreed to have it defined separately in a Cluster Bylaw and to review the existing language for "Open Space" In the Planned Unit Development (PUD). The CPDC then reviewed the definition of "Family" and why there were different definitions. Ms. Delios reminded the CPDC that the definitions In the Smart Growth Districts were approved by the State. In regards to Halo Lighting, the CPDC agreed to modify this definition with Mr. Safina's recommendation. The CPDC then reviewed definitions for "Affordable Unit" and agreed to modify the definition for "Affordable Housing" to reference "Eligible Household" so that the additional language is not necessary. Mr. Weston said that there are some definitions for which we still have questions. It was recommended that a "hit -list" be developed on those definitions which will need extra review. Ms. Wilson agreed to put that list together. Plannina Updates Artis Senior Living Ms. Delios told the CPDC that at the September le Board of Selectmen Meeting (BOS) the Artis affordable housing unit buyout was discussed. The BOS then voted to recommend to the RHA with Input from the CPDC that the amount of $175,000 was appropriate for the buyout. Ms. Delios added that she and staff did a lot of research on how the buyout formula should be determined. After reviewing different town models, It was determined that approximately $100,000 per unit was the cost of a buyout per unit in other towns. However, the Reading Housing Authority in previous discussion with Artis came to a determination that $175,000 was appropriate. Artis has stated that if the number was somewhere in the $400,000 range (as referenced in a proposal by the Town Manager to the Board of Selectmen) that they would need to pull out of the deal. Mr. Adams stated that the BOS asked how the RHA came to the $175,000 as an amount. The Executive Director of the RHA provided a response and the BOS were comfortable with that. As such, they voted to recommend that amount. However, as required by the bylaw, the RHA still needs Input from the CPDC. It was agreed the RHA would come to thenext CPDC meeting feedback and make a decision thereafter. Ms. Delios said It is difficult to understand Artis's position without knowing their income and expenses. She added that It is also not clear where the money will go. Mr. Safina assumed the RHA would use the money to subsidize a similar project. It was agreed that staff would provide the CPDC with the Information that was presented to the BOS in regards to the buyout. Ms. Dellos also agreed to obtain the formula the RHA used to establish the $175,000 as the buyout. Perfecto's Caffe Ms. Delios reported that the building has been demolished. A meeting with the owner and two of the Selectmen outlined a strategy to encourage better communication. The owner does want to see the project built and hopes to have a building permit application submitted In the next month. In regards to the fines, the owner has filed a motion with the Woburn District Court. This is a Page 2 of 3 CPDC Minutes of 8/17/2013 meeting with a Court Magistrate in which the Building Inspector will attend. Mr. Adams pointed out the BOS ordered the fines. Mr. Safina added that all the delays were due to the owner's miscues and the many changes made to the plans. DRTs Ms. Delios told the CPDC that two DRTs were held today. One is for 306 Main Street, the former Getty Station which will be redeveloped by the owner of Pizza World. She made some comments regarding the design and building materials being In line with New England Character. However, the primary issues are with Conservation. The other DRT was for a proposed subdivision at 364 Lowell Street. Ms. Wilson said that as currently proposed, the Applicant will need to seek a number of waivers for the project. ADDrQyal of Minutes The CPDC reviewed the minutes from the August 7, 2013 meeting and suggested minor edits. Mr. Safina moved the CPDC to approve the minutes from August 7, 2013 CPDC meeting as amended. Mr. Hansen seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. The CPDC reviewed the minutes from the August 12, 2013 meeting and suggested minor edits. Mr. Safina moved the CPDC to approve the minutes from August 12, 2013 CPDC meeting as amended. Mr. Hansen seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. The CPDC reviewed the minutes from the August 21, 2013 meeting and suggested minor edits. Mr. Safina moved the CPDC to approve the minutes from August 21, 2013 CPDC meeting as amended. Mr. Hansen seconded and the motion carried 3 -0 -1. The CPDC reviewed the minutes from the August 26, 2013 meeting and suggested minor edits. Mr. Safina moved the CPDC to approve the minutes from August 26, 2013 CPDC meeting as amended. Mr. Hansen seconded and the motion carried 3 -0 -1. Adiournment On a motion by Mr. Safina, seconded by Mr. Hansen, the CPDC voted to adjourn at 9:55 PM by a vote of 4 -0 -0. Page 3 of 3