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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-08-07 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading RECEIVED He y 16 Lowell Street TOWN CLERK Reading, MA 01867. 2683 "ENDING. MASS. Phone: nl-%2ti 12 ra.: nlA 2 -von 1013 OCT 21 P $ Y! �9 INCORRep Emil '. jdshos @ci.mading maus Community Planning and Development Commission CPDC MINUTES Meeting Dated August 7, 2013 Location: Conference Room Time: 7:30 PM CPDC Members Present: Charlie Adams, Chair; John Weston, David Tuttle, Nick Salina, and Jeff Hansen Also Present: Jean Delios Town Planner /Community Services Director, Laura Gemme Town Clerk and Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Zonine Bvlaw Workshop Session Definitions: Ms. Delius told the CPDC that Ms. Wilson had pulled together a compilation of all the definitions in the Zoning Bylaw (ZBL). In addition, the Town Clerk provided an outline of the ZBL. In regards to definitions, staff also looked at how other communities organized their ZBL and each seems to be a little bit different. However, it appears that several included a definition section up front and then specific section definitions throughout the document. Ms. Laura Gemme said the standard is exactly that, to have a definition section and then any specific definitions relating to only one section included directly into that section. The CPDC discussed the definitions noting that some had multiple definitions that varied greatly while other varied only slightly. Ms. Delius pointed out that the Smart Growth Districts are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and may be limited to what they can change in those sections. Ms. Gemme added that as part of a re- codification, no major content changes are allowed, but that you may reformat, renumber, etc. The CPDC may also modify a definition to be consistent with state laws or remove it entirely if state laws cover it. Also the definition itself may change or be reworded so long as the intent of the meaning is not changed. Ms. Delios agreed that she and the staff planner can work on the spreadsheet and come back to the CPDC. The CPDC continued to discuss the structure of the definitions. Mr. Weston said he was comfortable leaving specific definitions which are only used in one section in that particular section. However, those definitions, such as Affordable Housing should be brought to the front. Re- Codification: Page 1 of 3 CPDC Minutes of 3/72013 The CPDC reviewed the outline for the ZBL. Mr. Weston provided a suggestion on the layout and wrote it on the board. The general outline should be as follows: Purpose, Definitions, Establishment of Districts, and then Administration. The next sections should then be Use Regulations which includes Accessory Uses and Uses By Special Permit. The next section should be Intensity Regulations which include Dimensional Controls, and specific regulations relating to lot shape, frontage, etc. The CPDC questioned how many levels should be in the table of contents. It was agreed to have two. It was also agreed to rename Board of Appeals to Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Weston also suggested a new section for CPDC under Administration. The CPDC also debated how to identify the existing Section 4.2 General Requirements. The CPDC agreed to eliminate Section 4.2 and rename it as Table of Uses. Dimensional Regulations were also discussed and it was agreed to add notes in the existing table for the supplementary requirements and then eliminate that as a separate section. As the parking requirements are evaluated, how to organize the ZBL to address future issues such as pedestrian access, bike racks, etc should be considered. Ms. Delius discussed some of the other items the CPDC needs to address. The Dover Amendment is one of those issues. She noted that Danvers addresses Dover Amendment uses by putting them directly in the table. In addition, it is called out in their parking table. Ms. Delius asked if this is something that should be taken on during Phase II. Mr. Adams recommended keeping this item in Phase I since there have been issues related to these types of uses in the past. The other issue is Non - Conforming and the Carriage House Bylaw. Mr. Adams recommended moving the Carriage House Bylaw to a later date. Ms. Delius agreed and noted they should get some guidance from Town Counsel in regards to Non - Conforming. In regards to the Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC), the policy will be established by the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Adams advocated for three CPDC seats on the Committee but the Board of Selectmen felt that two was sufficient. The Board of Selectmen wanted additional time to review the policy as some of their members were not in attendance. They hope to take this up on August 20w. Mr. Saftna asked if three CPDC members on the ZAC would be a quorum issue. Mr. Adams replied that this topic has been discussed and because their meetings will already be public meetings, should not be an issue. Ms. Gemme said it is okay as long as you post both meetings. Mr. Weston added that when reporting back to their respective Board, it will be important to limit personal opinion so there is full clarity. Ms. Delius also told the CPDC about the Regional Housing Services Coordinator Position she discussed with the Board of Selectmen last week. In addition, she also prepared a presentation to the Board of Selectmen which recommended rescinding the existing Affordable Housing Trust Fund and adopting the new state law. It seemed that the Selectmen may go with this recommendation so it may be before Town Meeting this year as well. Ms. Delios gave an update on Oaketree noting they are close to full tenancy on the residential units. They are also working on finalizing their lease negotiations with the last commercial tenants. Portland Pie has had some issues with employees drinking in the parking lot, but that has been addressed. Page 2 of 3 CPDC Minutes of 8/72013 As for the "Get the Lead" out program, Ms. Delius indicated they will have to work on a plan to promote that program. Anorova[ of Minutes The CPDC reviewed the minutes from the June 10, 2013 meeting and suggested minor edits. Mr. Tuttle move the CPDC to approve the minutes for June 10, 2013 as amended. Mr. Sullins seconded and the motion carried 5 -0 -0. Ms. Delius also provided an update on Perfecto's Caffe. She said that the Town Manager sent a violation letter at the direction of the Board of Selectmen which requires compliance with the Vacant Properties Bylaw or the building has to be demolished by August 15's. If there is no action, then a daily fine will be issued and no permits approved until all outstanding fines paid. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC voted to adjourn at 11.00 PM by a vote of 5-0 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Jessie Wilson Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3