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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12-09 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading �I Meeting Minutes A t r N Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2 Community Planning and Development Commission LU1�1 ��'� Date: 2013 -12 -09 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 Weston Nick Safina David Tuttle Jeff Hansen Members - Not Present: Others Present: Jean Delios - Assistant Town Manager, Community Services Jessie Wilson - Community Development Administrator Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jessie Wilson Topics of Discussion: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. 600 -622 Main Street, MF Charles Building: Request for Approval of Master Signage Plan Mr. Shaun Briere, Attorney representing the property owner, described the proposed Master Signage Plan. The plan would afford some flexibility for the tenants in terms of font and logo. The tenants would be required to comply with Section 6.2 of the Bylaw in addition to receiving approval from the landlord. Mr. Briere has been working with Staff on the proposed Master Signage Plan, however, there were still some outstanding questions. In regards to the blade sign, Mr. Briere said that the bank tenant at the corner would forego the blade sign and will utilize the option for two wall signs, one on Haven Street and one at the rear entrance on the parking lot side. They are not proposing any signage on Main Street as the additional sign would not be allowed under current zoning. Mr. Briere did feel that the zoning does not meet the need of the bank tenant due to location being on the corner and having three facades. He understands that the Town is undergoing a process to update the Zoning Bylaw and he would like to make a recommendation that this issue be considered. However, in the meantime, the property owner may consider applying for a variance, but for now, they are only proposing a wall sign on Haven Street and at the rear of the building on the canopy facing the parking lot. The CPDC continued to discuss the option for blade signs for other tenants. The locations of the blade signs were not identified on the drawings. It was suggested the blade signs on the 3 -story portion of the building on Haven Street and Main Street be located at the vertical piers at heights consistent with the bylaw. For blade signs on the 1 -story portion of the building on Main Street, the signs should be located at the vertical piers no higher than the sign field. The idea is that the blade signs will be pedestrian oriented and visible without obstruction from the awnings. Ms. Virginia Adams of the Historical Commission asked if the brackets for the blade signs would impact the Page 1 1 CPDC Minutes of 12/9/2013 fluted pilasters on the 1 -story building. Mr. Safina did not believe it would since the area in which the bracket would be bolted is relatively small. Mr. Jack Russell of the Economic Development Committee asked why there are no awnings on the Main Street side. Mr. Briere said that the minimum height clearance of 8 -feet would not have been achieved based on the grades along that side. Mr. Russell pointed out there would be a lack of shade should the tenants decide to go with outdoor seating. Mr. Hansen asked how each sign would be reviewed after the approval of the Master Signage Plan to ensure consistency with the approval. Ms. Delios said that Staff takes time to review the application prior to the issuance of the sign permit. Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to approve the Master Signage Plan for 600 -622 Main Street as amended. Mr. Weston seconded and the motion carried 5 -0 -0. In regards to the trash plan, Mr. Briere explained he is not requesting approval at this time, but would like to get some feedback from the board. He said there are still some issues that need to considered as the future uses become identified. However, the plan which has been prepared identifies several dumpsters in the rear area. The bank will use the indoor trash room leaving the courtyard dumpsters for the retail tenants. Most of the retail tenants have been identified, but some have not. The plan calls for removal once a week and then each tenant, based on their individual needs, would contract for additional removals. Mr. Briere added that the Tavern will have two dumpsters based on the anticipated food waste. The bank will generate some paper waste which will require a separate contract for removal. He noted that recycling will also be provided, but they have not yet worked out those details. Ms. Delios asked if there is a management company which will be dealing with this issue and serve as the ongoing point of contact for the Town. Mr. Briere replied there is not a specific company, but there will be a contact. He added that the plan will continue to be revised based on the uses that continue to come in. Ms. Wilson added that this will need to be continually reviewed as tenants move into the space and as occupancy permits are issued. Sailor Tom's Wav Subdivision: Reauest for Bond Reduction Ms. Wilson told the CPDC that the Developer has requested a reduction in the remaining bond. However, due to the outstanding issues, the Town Engineer has recommended that the bond be retained in accordance with the Town of Reading Subdivision Rules and Regulations. The Town Engineer will work with the Developer on the remaining items that need to be addressed. Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to approve the bond reduction request for Sailor Tom's Way subdivision. Mr. Weston seconded and the motion failed 0 -5. Planning Updates & Other Business Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC): The ZAC met on December 4, 2013 to assess the outcome of the public forum. There was a lot of discussion on the Aquifer Protection District and many people would like to see it eliminated. However, Ms. Delios pointed out that the overlay is established to be in compliance with the DEP regulation and as part of the consent order. The ZAC felt that the regulations should be looked at. It is uncertain the level of review at this time. Mr. Weston said it would be interesting to know what residents want. He understands that in the past people have complained about the overlay lines and the actual boundary. He suggested looking at what is most objectionable to see if there is a way to remedy it. Ms. Delios added that the study was completed on the Aquifer Protection District back in 1996 and then approved in 2002. A big complaint she has heard over the years is how costly the recharge system is. Mr. Tuttle said that although the ZAC recommended taking another look at the overlay, he would not be surprised if it was recommended to enlarge the district. Mr. Safina said that the Aquifer Protection District does curb development. If Page 2 of 3 CPDC Minutes of 12/9/2013 you remove the Aquifer Protection District, it would enable more, and potentially undesirable development. The next public forum is on February 3, 2014. We will be discussing Sections 1 and 2 and then 3 and 4. She noted the website is up and running and stakeholder interviews are still being conducted. D'Amici's Bakery: The DRT was held with the owner of D'Amici's Bakery and they hope to get started soon. Artis Senior Living: They hope to begin demo over the winter. Ms. Delios told the CPDC that the proposed 40B on north Main Street may no longer be in the pipeline. The developer was having difficulty making it financially feasible so it appears the project may not move forward. She is also working on obtaining a Regional Housing Services Coordinator Position which will be a shared position with three other communities. Johnson Woods: The Board of Selectmen approved the revised Regulatory Agreement so now it can be finalized by DHCD. Pulte Homes: All the units are on the inventory for subsidized housing. Economic Development: The Town is working on some ideas on an action plan for Economic Development. It would go along well with the update of the Zoning Bylaw. Approval of Minutes Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to approve the minutes from the November 4, 2013 CPDC meeting as presented. Mr. Hansen seconded and the motion carried 5 -0 -0. Adiournment On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Weston, the CPDC voted to adjourn at 9:OOPM PM by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Page 3 of 3