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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-12 ad Hoc - Zoning Advisory Committee Minutes+ Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Zoning Advisory Committee Date: 2014 -02 -12 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Marsie West David Tuttle David Traniello Eric Bergstrom Jeff Hansen George Katsoufis Members - Not Present: Erin Calvo -Bacci Others Present: Time: 7:30 PM I\ECLIVE_D OWN CLERK ,+DING. M ASS. 1914 11AR - b A 1: S 3 Location: Berger Room Session: Jean Delios- Assistant Town Manager - Community Services Jessie Wilson - Community Development Administrator Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jessie Wilson, Community Development Administrator Topics of Discussion: There being a quorum the Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM. Review of Revised Section 3 and Table of Uses The ZAC began their discussion with a brief overview of the zoning districts. Ms. West asked if there was a reason why the Business C Zoning district should remain since that area has been built -out by Pulte Homes under the 40R District. Mr. Tuttle expressed concern with eliminating it because it could eliminate future uses of the site. Mr. Traniello said that if the district were eliminated and in the future should a developer want to create offices, the Town could change the zoning to accommodate it - should that be the desire of the Town. The ZAC continue to discuss the uses allowed in Business C. Mr. Willmer suggested the ZAC review the rest of the Table of Uses before making a decision as to eliminating the Business C district and whether to combine the Business A and B districts. Mr. Tuttle pointed out there are differences in Business A and B related to setbacks and dimensions. Business B is our downtown area with little set back from the front, while Business A is the Main St corridor. Mr. Willmer told the ZAC that he revised the language for "Lots in Two Districts" based on the suggestion from Ms. Delios and Mr. Glen Redmond the Building Inspector. However, he pointed out that Edy Netter, the Attorney on the consultant team, was concerned with that language. She will provide a recommendation for language in regards to this provision. Ms. Delios added that the 30 -feet limitation was used to provide for the setback. Page 1 1 Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes Mr. Katsoufis pointed out that the overlay district and underlying zoning in the Downtown are completely different. He said that certain uses are allowed under one and not the other and it does not make sense to have them be inconsistent. The example of the MF Charles Building Project was used, in that the developer conformed to Business B Zoning because it made sense for the project, but they will use the overlay zoning when they seek approval for the upper floors. In regards to the revised Section 3, the ZAC agreed that the intent of the overlay districts should be included. However, it was suggested they are abbreviated so that it does not become overwhelming in Section 3. The ZAC reviewed the remainder of the revised Section 3 and agreed it was in good shape. Mr. Willmer agreed to revise it again and include it as part of the deliverables due on the 24tH The ZAC continued the discussion on the revised Table of Uses. Mr. Tuttle presented an alternative which split the table up by residential uses and business /commercial uses. Ms. West was in favor of this method and suggested that the uses for the overlay districts also be included. Mr. Katsoufis also suggested that the rows alternate color so that it is easier on the eye. Mr. Willmer told the ZAC that additional uses were included in the table, but that he did not fill in the columns indicating how that use is allowed (by -right or special permit, or not allowed). He felt it was more appropriate for the ZAC to initiate that discussion. The ZAC agreed. He also pointed out that he attempted to break out the retail uses because currently it is too general. Mr. Katsoufis suggested simplifying the table and not listing all the examples because it makes the table too long. Mr. Willmer said he would try and footnote the examples. Mr. Katsoufis asked what the term Mixed Use referred to. Mr. Willmer replied that it is the mixing of uses so that it would allow apartments on the second floor and stores on the first floor in a district which may not have allowed for apartments. Mr. Willmer also pointed out that if he eliminated several uses by crossing it out including Tourist or Trailer Camp. Mr. Willmer also added car wash, but realized that there was already a car wash use in the table. It was agreed to allow that use in Business A since there is already an existing car was in operation. Mr. Hansen asked about tattoo parlors, video game parlors and whether those should be in the Table of Uses. Mr. Willmer replied that body art and tattooing from a land use perspective have no unique impact. He felt that body art would cover both. Mr. Tuttle said that massage parlor or acupuncture as well as physical therapy may also fit into that same category. Mr. Willmer felt that massage therapy and acupuncture are more of a medical use. He agreed to re -work those uses and it will be included in the revised deliverables. Mr. Willmer told the ZAC that he also consolidated the accessory uses and also modified the accessory retail uses. Those accessory retail uses are meant to serve the needs of an office park or particular site. Mr. Katsoufis pointed out that the table was titled "Principle Uses ". He suggested maybe another table for the accessory uses was needed. Ms. Wilson asked about enclosed storage and that there is no definition for this term. She recommended that the Consultant think about this use and what it would entail. Mr. Willmer said that the ZAC should continue review of the revised Table and fill in the blanks. Ms. Wilson said that it may be useful for the CPDC to review the table at their next meeting and make some initial recommendations as for whether the uses should be by- right, special permit or not allowed. The ZAC agreed. Review Draft Agenda for Next Public Forum Page 1 2 Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes Mr. Willmer discussed the agenda for the next public forum. He will present the table of uses, but was unsure on the best format to do so. Ms. West suggested listing the district types. Ms. Delios said it will be helpful to have the zoning map available for viewing. She said it will be important to remind folks that the goal of the update it to simplify and easier for people to understand. Ms. West asked about the turning point questions. Mr. Willmer said that he was not sure what to ask. He wanted the questions to solicit meaningful answers and not have the conversation get completely off topic. Ms. Delios suggested to keep the questions more broad such as "what do you envision Reading to look like ?" Mr. Tuttle suggested asking whether they believe the town did the right thing in regards to various projects such as Pulte Homes and Oaktree. Ms. Wilson confirmed that the presentation will include an overview of Section 3 and 4 and then go into more detail regarding Site Plan Review and the Table of Uses. It was also agreed to ask the follow questions as part of the Turning Point activity: - Who do you represent? - Resident, Business Owner, other? - What type of business do you own? - Would you like to see more review or less review of projects in Town? - Would you like to see a design review process for projects in Town? - Where should more development occur? - Should there be more businesses? - Do you want to be known as business friendly? Mr. Willmer agreed to use the first few slides from the previous presentation as the introduction and then the remainder of the presentation will be more discussion. Ms. Delios said the flyer for the Public Forum will be in the Bi- weekly notes and also sent out via email lists. She will also follow -up with the schools to see if it can be in the Ed -Line. Aunroval of Minutes The ZAC reviewed the minutes of February 3, 2014 and suggested minor edits. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Hansen, the ZAC moved to approve the February 3, 2014 minutes as amended. Motion carried 4 -0 -0. Adiournment On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Hansen the ZAC moved to adjourn at 10:05PM. Motion carried 4 -0 -0. Page 1 3