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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-04 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading Meeting Minutes R €CEIYEg TOWN CLERK cEADING. MASS. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: P 2 L Community Planning and Development Commission X01] NOV 2b Date: 2013 -11 -04 Time: 7:30 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Charlie Adams - Chair John West David Tuttle Jeff Hansen Members - Not Present: Nick Safina Others Present: Ramzi Elshrafi - Anthony's Roast Beef Joe Torretta - D'Amici's Bakery Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jessie Wilson, Recording Secretary Topics of Discussion: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. 46 Haven Street: Presentation of Plans for Snap Fitness Ms. Delios told the CPDC that Snap Fitness will be fitting out the last tenant space in the new Oaktree Building. Addressed as 46 Haven Street, Snap Fitness is a small fitness facility geared to serve neighborhood residents. Ms. Delios said a review by Staff has determined that Impacts are limited and they would like to request a determination from the CPDC as to whether the project may receive administrative approval through Town Planner. Mr. Dave Crowley, owner of Snap Fitness added that the idea behind the facility is that it is not intimidating and serves individuals who want a quick workout. There is a Fitness on Demand (FOD) Studio which is a room In which a person may take a virtual class such as spinning or aerobics. Mr. Hansen asked about staffing. Mr. Crowley replied that the gym will be staffed about 70% of the time and will be accessible via keycard entry, similar to how hotel gyms operate. Mr. Adams asked about the lanyards. Mr. Crowley said they are to supplement the emergency buttons that are placed throughout the facility. A member could wear the lanyard and if a safety Issue arose, they could activate the lanyard which will signal the police and fire authorities. Mr. Adams asked about sound attenuation. Mr. Crowley said that the space is located under the garden terrace so there are no residential units directly above. However, there is some existing sound proofing within the building. In addition, the Ns In the space will have volume control and the POD will also be controlled for volume. No music is piped into the facility. Page I 1 CPDC Minutes of 11/412013 It was clarified there are three bathroom facilities and cubicles for members to store their items. Mr. Adams noted that the DIRT notes reflect the desire to keep windows clear. Mr. Crowley said that Is fine and he does not have any intention on blocking the view into the gym. Mr. Hansen asked about signage. Ms. Delios said there is an approved Master Signage Plan for the building so as long as the signage conforms to that plan, Mr. Crowley does not need approval for signage from the CPDC. Mr. Weston said that from a Site Plan perspective, the plan fits well. He asked Mr. Crowley how to address a situation in which someone may be a distraction or annoyance and not necessarily a safety issue. Mr. Crowley replied that during the membership sign up process, members are given instruction on how to deal with those types of situations — whether they are emergencies or just dealing with annoyance. In addition, members are expected to adhere to the rules and regulations of the facility and of the town. He also added that the property management company has hired a security company which will provide for extra round - the -clock security around the facility. Ms. Dellos said the building has changed management companies and she has been very pleased with the new company. Mr. Crowley also stated that there are security cameras throughout the facility and they Intend to keep the footage for 30 days as requested by the Police Chief. Mr. Tuttle agreed that the plan has limited impact and does not need full site plan review. He agreed that many of the safety issues have been vetted properly through the Police Department. Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to authorize Administrative Approval of the Site Plan for 46 Haven Street, Snap Fitness. Mr. Hansen seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. r Update on 1 Gener Ms. Delios reminded the CPDC that the Applicant was previously before the CPDC for the changes to the parking lot layout at 1 General Way a few weeks ago. During that meeting it was suggested the Applicant investigate cutting off a portion of the parking lot to direct traffic back out to the main travel way. However, the Applicant has determined they need this travel lane and would like to keep it. This configuration currently exists and they are seeking some minor changes. The plan before the CPDC tonight depicts a "speed table" at the intersection of one of the parking rows and the main travel way. A "speed table" is similar to a speed bump In that a vehicle will enter the table and travel through the Intersection on 6 -feet of raised pavement. The Applicant is also proposing stop signs on the travel way. The idea is this will aid traffic calming and while maintaining the travel way. Ms. Delios added that Planning Staff and the Town Engineer met with the Applicant to review the proposed design. It was agreed that this appeared to be a reasonable solution. Mr. Tuttle said that he Is concerned with the travel lane and would prefer it not to be there at all. Mr. Weston expressed concern with a few of the parking spaces as they present a conflict with the speed table. One handicap space would back into the speed table as would another standard space. He also felt that the geometry could be improved. He agrees it seems like a reasonable solution. Mr. Tuttle felt the idea should be rejected. Ms. Delios replied that they are attempting to work with the developer on a solution that works for everyone. This travel path already exists on -site and the speed table would help mitigate the safety concerns associated with the travel path. Mr. Adams confirmed that the Applicant is seeking approval from the CPDC because it is a solution that will appease the anchor tenant. Ms. Delios reported that the Town Engineer said it is not Page 2 of 5 CPDC Minutes of 11/42013 perfect, but we should see If It works. Mr. Weston again said the geometry should be looked at as well as the possible relocation of the parking spaces. Mr. Adams agreed it is better than what is there now, noting that if this concept is rejected than what is there now will remain. It was agreed that the CPDC Is comfortable with this concept, but that we should ask them to look at the geometry. Mr. Weston added that there should be a condition in this decision which ensures this is reviewed upon the tenancy of the larger retail spaces. Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to approve the modified parking layout and site plan for Danis Properties at 1 General Way, subject to the conditions brought forth. Mr. Hansen seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. 1 -15 Lakeview Avenue Apartment Ms. Wilson told the CPDC that the property was recently sold and the new owner would like to install new parking lot lighting. According to the property owner, there are no lights In the parking lot now and it is very dark. The lights would be for the safety of the residents. Ms. Wilson said that a photometric plan was prepared and included in your packets. We would like to request a determination from the CPDC as to whether this would require full Site Plan Review. Mr. Weston asked if there was a provision requiring light to be contained to the property. Ms. Delios said yes, that Is how the bylaw has been interpreted in the past. Mr. Weston noted that the photometric identifies spillage of light onto the adjacent properties and that they should be held to the same standard to contain the light. Mr. Adams suggested they lower the poles. That may help reduce the amount of light that Is emitted. The CPDC agreed that this may be reviewed and approved by Town Staff provided the Applicant provide a revised photometric with no more than 0.1 spillover. Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to approve the Site Plan for the proposed lighting at 1 -15 Lakeview Avenue with conditions as noted. Mr. Hansen seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. Town Meeting Presentations Article 12 - Billboard Signs Ms. Delios told the CPDC that there was a cut and paste error when compiling the warrant articles for the Town Meeting Warrant. Only a portion of Article 12 made it in the warrant, however, because It was properly noticed and advertised under Massachusetts General taw (MGQ Chapter 40A Section 5, the CPDC report can include the portion left out into and the motion include the entire article. Ms. Dellos went through the presentation for Article 12. Mr. Hansen suggested including a note that the existing billboards will remain regardless if this article passes. He also suggested including a note that this warrant article came about from significant public comment and input. Ms. Delios added that it was also an instructional motion at Town Meeting. She agreed to include those points into the presentation. Mr. Adams pointed out that there may be some Town Meeting members who think this is a loss of revenue, but that the presentation should focus on how this was an instructional motion from Town Meeting. Mr. Weston recommended clarifying the title of the presentation because the warrant Page 3 of 5 CPDC Minutes of 1114/2013 article also proposes to include new definitions for electronic and animated signs as well as update the current definition for off - premises signs. Article 13 - PUD -R Ms. Delios went over the presentation for the amendments to the PUD -R Overlay District. The CPDC discussed some issues with the graphics and a few typos. Mr. Adams said it appears to be complicated and suggested cutting down the slides. He added that it may be better to start the presentation with what the developer needs to accomplish. Mr. Tuttle also said that it would be worthwhile pointing out that the goal was not to increase the PUD -R district, because that would have had some unintended consequences. Rather, the PUD -R -C allows the developer to make his changes, while limiting the use of the adjacent parcel. Article 15 - Medical Marijuana Moratorium Ms. Delios went over the presentation for the Medical Marijuana Moratorium. The CPDC discussed the presentation. It was agreed to point out the fact that Burlington received approval from the Attorney General (AGs) office on their proposed moratorium at the same time Reading was denied the zoning amendment to outlaw these uses in their entirety. As such Reading determined the next best step was a moratorium that would provide the adequate amount of time to really Investigate these uses and determine the best way to address them in zoning. Article 14 - Dover Amendment Ms. Delios went over the presentation for the establishment of reasonable regulations for Dover Amendment Uses. Mr. Weston suggested reminding Town Meeting that Reading Public Schools would be exempt from these requirements. He also questioned how the ballet school would fit into this because they are not classified as a nursery, kindergarten, elementary, or middle school and it Is not a high school. Ms. Delios said that one would use the parking requirements for nursery, kindergarten, elementary, middle schools because the age of students would closely match to those in those classes. Plannina Updates & Other Business ZAC - Ms. Delios said the meeting on Wednesday night will focus on the Zoning Diagnostic. In addition, the ZAC will be discussing the Public Forum, which the date has been moved to November 20th. She also mentioned that the Consultant is working on the stakeholder interviews. MF Charles Building - Businesses are coming in soon. Orange Leaf has their permit and continues to build out the space. We anticipate D'Amlcl's coming soon as well. Pamplemousse - Received their Certificate of Occupancy last week so they will be opening soon. Gateway Sign - The sign was refurbished and additional landscaping Installed. Mr. Adams asked about Certainly Wood. Ms. Delios has not heard anything regarding that business. Doyons - Ms. Delios said they are moving Into the Gregory's space. Tango Plumbing - The sign in the window is still up and the business owners are not happy with the violation warnings. Page 4 of 5 CPDC Minutes of 11/4/2013 MDI Grant - Ms. Delios is finalizing a grant to the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Grant with the Department of Housing and Community Development. The grant seeks to hire a Consultant who will help the Town create a Cultural District. Perfecto's - The foundation will be completed soon. The Building Inspector is out on site often to verify it is being constructed in the correct location. Mr. Adams asked about Sam's Bistro Sign. Ms. Deltas confirmed that it was changed without pulling a permit. Anniaval of Minutes Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to approve the Minutes from the October 21, 2013 CPDC meeting as amended. Mr. Hansen seconded and the motion carried 4 -0 -0. Adiournment On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Hansen, the CPDC voted to adjourn at 9:00 PM by a vote of 4 -0 -0. Page 5 of 5