HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-10 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading
Meeting Minutes 1\EC E VE�
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council: P 4:45
Community Planning and Development Commission t1i�U i'�r�R 8
Date: 2014 -02 -10 Time: 7:30 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
John Weston
Nick Safina
David Tuttle
Members - Not Present:
Charlie Adams - Chair
Jeff Hansen
Others Present:
Rosanna Frances - Dunkin Donuts
Bradley Latham - Attorney
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 Mr. Tuttle called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
454 Main Street: Reauest for Certificate of Appropriateness for Dunkin Donuts
Sian Liahtina
Ms. Rosanna Frances represented the owner of the Dunkin Donuts located at 454 Main
Street. She told the CPDC that the existing wall sign is not illuminated. In the past, it was
illuminated, but it became too heavy for the fagade so the electrical component was
removed a few months back. Now the solution is to add gooseneck lighting to externally
illuminate the sign. She said that limbo's currently has gooseneck lighting and they were
trying to mimic that style.
Mr. Weston asked if the proposed fixtures are to be bonze or orange. The rendering depicts
the fixtures more orange. Ms. Frances replied they would be bronze. Ms. Delios
recommended the Applicant submit a shop drawing or color sample to ensure the fixture
would be bronze. Ms. Delios did express concern that the existing wall sign is not typical
New England style and that gooseneck lighting, which is of New England Style, may not be
the most appropriate choice. She asked if they had considered halo lighting. Ms. Frances
replied that lighting sign would make it too heavy for the fagade. Ms. Wilson and Mr. Safina
mentioned the Building Fagade and Signage Improvement Program which would offer an
incentive to improve more than just the sign lighting.
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Mr. Safina asked about the wall pack lighting on the fagade. The CPDC agreed that light
should be removed if it does not work and is not necessary.
Mr. Tuttle felt the proposal was adequate. Mr. Weston agreed however, he would like to see
more investment in the site and the building. Ms. Delios pointed out that the rendering does
not appear to match the cut sheet. It was agreed to include a condition in the decision that
stipulates the location of the lighting to ensure it properly illuminated the sign.
The CPDC reviewed the draft decision and included the condition regarding the location of
the light fixtures. It was also agreed to include a condition that the Applicant provide a color
sample to Planning Staff for approval prior to the issuance of any permits.
Mr. Safina moved the CPDC to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for Sign
Lighting at 454 Main Street as amended. Mr. Weston seconded and the motion
carried 3 -0 -0.
1090 -1100 Main Street: Reauest for Minor Modification to Approved Site Plan
Mr. Brad Latham represented the property owner, Artis Senior Living, to request a
modification to the approved site plan. He told the CPDC that the existing driveway on the
northern end of the site provided access to the house at the rear of the property as well as
access to the neighbors at 1102 Main Street. The proposed changes would provide the
neighbors at 1102 Main Street with some land and the driveway would be relocated north so
that the access would be entirely on their property. He noted that an Application has been
filed with MassDOT for the curb cut and they will be required to seek Conservation
Commission approval for the paving of the new driveway. In order to move the property
line, an Approval Not Required (ANR) Plan has been filed. Because the CPDC only has three
members present, Ms. Wilson informed Mr. Latham that the CPDC could not endorse the
ANR Plan. Mr. Latham replied that under MGL Chapter 81P that a majority of the Board is
sufficient. Ms. Delios told Mr. Latham that Town Counsel has advised that 4 members are
required when voting on an issue that is statutory. Mr. Latham presented case law examples
stating that the 3 members could vote. Mr. Tuttle added that in the past there have been 4
members present for endorsement of an ANR Plan. Mr. Weston pointed out that the
Applicant will still need Conservation Commission approval as well as MassDOT's before
work begins. The next CPDC meeting is on February 24th so Mr. Weston suggested it be
continued until then. Mr. Latham said he would grant the CPDC an extension of time to act.
Mr. Weston asked whether this impacted the calculations in regards to wetland permitting.
Mr. Latham replied that the impervious area will be moved away from the wetland. Mr.
Latham confirmed that the neighbors will be performing the paving work as well as the
installation of the new retaining wall.
Mr. Weston moved the CPDC to determine that the revision to the Site Plan as
depicted on the graphic received on January 22, 104 is a Minor Modification. Mr.
Safina seconded and the motion carried 3 -0 -0.
The CPDC reviewed the draft decision. It was agreed to eliminate Condition 1 in regards
permitting related to the retaining wall because that will be the responsibility of the
neighbor and not related to the Site Plan for Artis. In addition, Condition 2 was moved to
the Findings which mentioned the requirement for the MassDOT driveway access permit.
Mr. Safina moved the CPDC to approve the Minor Modification for 1090 -1100 Main
Street as amended. Mr. Weston seconded and the motion carried 3 -0 -0.
1090 -1100 Main Street: Reauest for ANR Endorsement
This item was continued to the 24th per the discussion above.
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Plannina UDdates & Other Business
Ms. Delios told the CPDC that the building permit for Bunratty Tavern has been issued.
D'Amici's is under construction and it is anticipated that Northern Bank will start
construction soon. The Police Chief is going to work with the contractors to ensure there are
no issues with parking. There will be 3 different construction crews on that site and parking
will be limited. However, alternatives such as off -site parking will be worked through with
the Police Chief.
Mr. Tuttle asked about Perfecto's. Ms. Delios replied she has not seen the building permit
application to date.
Mr. Tuttle asked about the former Getty site. Ms. Delios said they are working on their
submissions.
Ms. Wilson said the CPDC will review two subdivisions, one on Lowell Street and one off of
Sanborn Drive.
Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) - Ms. Delios reported that the Stakeholder Breakfast has
been rescheduled to March 51h due to the snowstorm last week and the next Public Forum is
March 3rd. The ZAC has reviewed the Site Plan Review Section and the Consultant has
provided a revised Section 3 which the ZAC will review this week. The ZAC has also been
working on the definitions and will continue that review over the next few meetings. Ms.
Delios also said that she has been working with Mr. George Katsoufis on creating a
permitting flow chart. The challenge is making the chart detailed enough, but still easy to
understand. She told the CPDC that she came across a Business Guide from Dedham which
outlines the permitting process for Dedham businesses. It received an award from the Mass
Municipal Association (MMA). The CPDC liked the idea of the permitting guide. The CPDC
reviewed the draft flow chart and made a few comments regarding the "Zoning Permit ". It
was agreed that a different term may be needed.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Tuttle tabled the approval of the minutes from January 27, 2014 to the next meeting.
Adiournment
On a motion by Mr. Safina, seconded by Mr. Weston, the CPDC voted to adjourn at
8:35PM PM by a vote of 3 -0 -0.
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