Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12-04 ad Hoc - Zoning Advisory Committee MinutesTown of Reading . 6f Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Zoning Advisory Committee Date: 2013 -12 -04 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: David Tuttle David Traniello Marsie West Eric Bergstom Erin Calvo -Bacci Jeff Hansen Members - Not Present: George Katsoufis Others Present: Jean Dellos- Town Planner Jessie Wilson - Staff Planner Time: 7:30 PM Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Session: Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner Topics of Discussion: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Review of Public Comment from the ZAC Public Forum The ZAC discussed the comments received at the November 20, 2013 Public Forum. It was noted there were a few comments in regards to the Aquifer Protection District. Ms. West recommended that Investigation of the Aquifer Protection District regulations be included in the Zoning Diagnostic. Mr. Hansen asked if an expert would be engaged to evaluate the regulations for aquifer protection. Ms. Delios replied that back in 2011, the Town Engineer worked with the Planning Department to update the Aquifer Protection District Regulations to be consistent with the state regulations. Mr. Tuttle added that the Aquifer Protection District was originally adopted in 1985. He noted that when the Town began service with the MWRA system, It was required to maintain the existing wells for emergency needs. Ms. Delios told the ZAC that some of the concerns identified at the meeting related to the actual district lines. It may be possible to have VHB look into the study to see if those lines need to be updated. However, she pointed out that a re- evaluation of the entire district is not under the current scope for VHB. She did note that VHB would be able to go back through the files and evaluate if any changes can be made. The ZAC agreed. Ms. West also felt there was some confusion over the definition of impervious surface and that gravel ways were considered impervious. Ms. Delios said that driveways do not require permits. So the Issue arises when a plan is approved with a gravel drive or path and then in the future is paved without the Town review because a permit is not required. Page I 1 Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes Ms. Delios also said there was a lot of discussion on accessory apartments and the Wetlands Protection District. She noted that the Wetlands Protection District will be eliminated. However, there will need to be discussion on how to treat accessory apartments. Mr. Traniello said that there will be a case before the Zoning Board of Appeals this week for an application to demolish an existing house and to construct a new house with an accessory apartment. These are real issues that need to be addressed. Ms. West also pointed out there was discussion at the forum about Site Plan Review. Ms. Delios said that it is important to decide how much jurisdiction and control the Town would like on design review, for both Site Plans and signage. Ms. Calvo -Bacci agreed, and noted that many people just have difficulty understanding the bylaw and the different regulations that go with the various districts. She recommended making the information more available to people in Town. The ZAC continued to discuss jurisdiction in terms of signage and site plan review. It was said that these decision need to be consistent with what works for Reading. Ms. Delios said that the Master Plan identifies the goals for Reading with broad vision for housing production, economic development, open space planning, transportation, etc. The Town also has specific plans for each of those areas within the Master Plan such as the Housing Production Plan and Open Space and Recreation Plan; however, the Town Is lacking an economic development plan. She said that the Town is looking into developing an economic action plan which will identify the visions for economic growth. Ms. West asked about the comment made at the forum regarding the Demo Delay Bylaw. Ms. Delios said that Town Staff including the Town Manager have reached out to the concerned property owner, the Historical Commission and the Contractor. They met on -site and agreed the demo permit should be Issued and to bypass the demo delay process altogether. It was further discovered that the Contractor filed for a demolition permit which was reviewed by the Building Inspector. This project was also reviewed by the Historical Commission. There were a number of Items on the demo permit application which were Incomplete and that the Contractor needed to address. However, the Historical Commission determined it would not be subject to Demo Delay. In addition, the Contractor never addressed Incomplete demo permit application. Ms. Delios noted that the Demo Delay Bylaw is part of the general bylaw and not part of the scope of the zoning project. VHB Deliverables Ms. West said that all definitions should be moved to Section 2 and taken out of their respective sections. The ZAC agreed. Mr. Tuttle added that the definitions should not Include a regulation. Many of the current definitions cite a regulation and are not a true definition. Ms. Wilson said she reviewed the revised Sections 1 and provided a cheat sheet of the proposed changes. In addition, Ms. Wilson said she and Ms. Delios reviewed both the revised Section 1 and Section 2 and drafted initial comments. She asked that the ZAC take some time to review the revised sections and provide comments which can then be added into the memo. Ms. Delios said that next public forum is on February 3, 2014. It was agreed that Town Meeting members should be encouraged to attend. Ms. Delios said that Town Clerk does have an email list of all the Town Meeting members. Ms. Delios said maybe the Precinct Chairs should reach out to their members. However, it was agreed that it would not be feasible to do so. Ms. West asked whether the Zoning Diagnostic has been revised based on the comments sent to the Consultant. Ms. Wilson said not at this time, but will follow up with the Consultant. Mr. Hansen asked for an update on the stakeholder Interviews. Ms. Delios Page 12 Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes replied that the Consultant is likely still following up with some individuals. He also asked whether the Chamber was interviewed. Ms. Delios said that Staff did meet with the Chamber and Informed them of this project, but they did not seem overly interested. Ms. West suggesting obtaining a status update on the Interviews from the Consultant. Mr. Tuttle moved to approve the November 6, 2013 ZAC Minutes. Motion was seconded by Mr. Hansen and carried 6 -0 -0. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Traniello, the ZAC moved to adjourn at 9:OOPM. Motion carried 6 -0 -0. Page 1 3