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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-06 ad Hoc - Zoning Advisory Committee MinutesOthers Present: Jean Delios- Town Planner Jessie Wilson - Staff Planner Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner Topics of Discussion: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM. Ms. Delios said that the Zoning Diagnostic has been prepared by the Consultant and it summarizes what we found to be problematic with our zoning bylaw (ZBL). One of the major themes discovered Is the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Bylaws seem to be independent of the bylaw making it feel like there are two bylaws. Ms. Delios described the Idea behind the PUD and other overlay districts. She noted It provides greater flexibility with development while preventing less desirable development. Mr. Katsoufls added that the PUD Bylaw was added in 1987. Mr. Katsoufis also noted that the ZBL should be clear to the developer so they understand what their options are under zoning and what their constraints are. He also recommended that the Zoning Diagnostic be re- organized so that the Issues are placed into categories or themes. Ms. Delios said that would be helpful and cited the example of the owner of the 5 Senses School. She said that the property owner was very confused by the process. In addition, she purchased the property without knowing that it was located in the Aquifer Protection District which has some extra limitations when it comes to lot coverage and stormwater. Ms. West agreed that the document needs to be clarified and easier to understand. However, she said it needs to be done in a way that does not micro- manage every component and requirement. Page 11 `+ Town of Reading F,• Meeting Minutes I ?fCEIVED 3WN CLERK .ADING. MASS. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Zoning Advisory Z013 DEC -9 P 4: 34 Committee Date: 2013 -11 -06 Time: 7:30 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Session: Attendees: Members - Present: David Tuttle David Tranlello Mamie West George Katsoufls Eric Bergstom Jeff Hansen Members - Not Present: Others Present: Jean Delios- Town Planner Jessie Wilson - Staff Planner Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner Topics of Discussion: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM. Ms. Delios said that the Zoning Diagnostic has been prepared by the Consultant and it summarizes what we found to be problematic with our zoning bylaw (ZBL). One of the major themes discovered Is the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Bylaws seem to be independent of the bylaw making it feel like there are two bylaws. Ms. Delios described the Idea behind the PUD and other overlay districts. She noted It provides greater flexibility with development while preventing less desirable development. Mr. Katsoufls added that the PUD Bylaw was added in 1987. Mr. Katsoufis also noted that the ZBL should be clear to the developer so they understand what their options are under zoning and what their constraints are. He also recommended that the Zoning Diagnostic be re- organized so that the Issues are placed into categories or themes. Ms. Delios said that would be helpful and cited the example of the owner of the 5 Senses School. She said that the property owner was very confused by the process. In addition, she purchased the property without knowing that it was located in the Aquifer Protection District which has some extra limitations when it comes to lot coverage and stormwater. Ms. West agreed that the document needs to be clarified and easier to understand. However, she said it needs to be done in a way that does not micro- manage every component and requirement. Page 11 Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes In regards to the diagnostic, Ms. Delios said there are some key points outlined Including the idea about more graphics, clarifying the PUDS, re- writing the sign bylaw, including more Illustrations, and updating the definitions. She noted another big piece of the rewrite will be the Non - Conforming Section. She also said that the Nursing Homes and Site Plan Review are also two sections which need close attention. Ms. Delios said that Site Plan Review thresholds may need to be changed and that it depends on what works for Reading. She noted that Andover's review process focuses on what is visible from the main streets and has a higher threshold. This may not work for Reading. Many businesses in Reading are adjacent to residential areas, so a focus on the impact of proposed development may be the more ideal solution. The ZAC continued to discuss various situations of Site Plan Review and certain developers who had undergone the process. Ms. West suggested Including some of those developers /property owners on the list of Interviewees. It was agreed to reach out to the Montessouri School, Goddard School, Planet Fitness and Harrows, all business owners who have developed in other locations outside of Reading. It was also agreed to give the ZAC another week to review the diagnostic and provide comment. Public Forum Mr. Tranieilo asked what has been done so far to publicize the forum. Ms. Delios said that the flyer was sent out in the bi- weekly notes, a press release was provided to the media outlets and the Superintendent also sent a message to parents regarding the event. Ms. Delios said we can also do an emall blast to businesses we have on file. Ms. West suggested the Chamber mention It at their next meeting. - In regards to the Forum Agenda, Ms. West suggested nalling down the format for the discussion and public input. It was agreed that the presentation by VHB should be limited Including the background on zoning and project update. Also, for the presentation of the Zoning Diagnostic it was recommended to have VHB limit the top 10 Issues. Mr. Katsoufis described the graphic he is going to prepare for the forum. It was also agreed to have the Consultant use flip charts to write down comments /question during the discussion part of the forum. Schedule Ms. Delios said that the schedule has been updated to reflect the most recent meeting dates. It was agreed to keep the December 4, 2013 meeting as scheduled. Approval of ZAC Minutes Mr. Tuttle moved to approve the October 28, 2013 ZAC Minutes. Motion was seconded by Mr. Traniello and carried 5 -0 -1. Adiournment On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Hansen, the ZAC moved to adjourn at 9:OOPM. Motion carried 6 -0 -0. Page 12 Town of Reeding - Meeting Minutes Valle 1 3