HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-11-16 Subsequent Town Meeting MinutesSubsequent Town Meeting November 13, 1989
ARTICLE 16. On motion of George V. Hines, it was
voted that the Town authorize the Department of Public Works to
expend the performance bond in the amount of Seven Thousand Dol-
lars ($7,000.00), for the purpose of completion of construction
of approved Site Plan improvements to private property at 156
Main Street, in accordance with the terms of a certain perfor-
mance bond executed by Joseph Laschi to the benefit of the Town
of Reading on January 27, 1988 pursuant to the Reading Zoning
By -Laws and Chapter 40A of the General Laws, such funds to be
spent by and under the direction of the Department of Public
Works.
Quorum count was request by William C. Brown, Town Meeting
Member, Precinct 8.
On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that this meet-
ing stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 PM on Thursday, November 16,
1989, at Reading Memorial High School.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
99 Town Meeting Members were present.
A True Copy. Attest:
&�, Cep
Doris M. Fantasia,
Town Clerk
ADJOURNED SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School November 16, 1989
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C.
Dustin, at 7:45 P.M., there being a quorum present.
The Invocation was given by Reverend Alan B. Bond of the
First Congregational Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
to the Flag.
On a point of personal privilege, Robert I. Nordstrand,
Chairman of the Board of Assessors, presented the following
Resolution honoring William E. Locke:
Resolution Honoring
William E. Locke
WHEREAS William E. Locke has well and faithfully served the
Town of Reading for more than seventeen years as a mem-
ber of the Reading Board of Assessors; and
WHEREAS William E. Locke served as an elected Town Meeting Mem-
ber from 1959 through 1978; and
WHEREAS William E. Locke served on the Town Finance Committee
from 1963 through 1972; and
WHEREAS William E. Locke has served with efficiency, fairness,
and a competence that has earned him the respect and
admiration of his colleagues, townspeople, other
municipal officers and officials of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Town Meeting, held on
November 13, 1989, does extend to William E. Locke its' most sin -
cere appreciation and gratitude for such outstanding service ren-
dered to the Town and wishes him health and success in the fu-
ture; and
Mr. Moderator:
It had been my hope to have cast off the role of Prophet of
Gloom and Doom some four or five years ago and retire gracefully
to the optimistic and blissful life of a Selectmen.
However, the Financial picture facing Reading has become so
bad, the Chairman of the Finance Committee has taken off to Abu
Dharbi. It is our understanding that he has every intention of
returning, we think.
Last Monday, however, when I met with him to review what in-
formation in what form we would present to this Town Meeting, he
smiled at me, patted me on the shoulder, and said "I leave from
Logan in four hours - it's all yours pal."
And so, here I am again in a role, many of you have tired of
seeing me in, and one with which I have certainly grown weary.
But I believe that no single issue looms more in our minds
or has more potential for harm to our life, than the fiscal
crisis of the Commonwealth and it's effect on the Town of Read-
ing.
In the Spring Town Meeting, we provided you a full update as
to the process FY91 Budget, and a review of our financial condi-
tion.
We promised to give it to you, we never promised you 'd like
it.
Last year's Budget process was a slow and painful one.
We realized it was the front end, slow. - What we did not realize
was how long we would still be addressing it at the back end.
The Board and the Town Manager are determined that the FY91
budget process be far swifter and more efficient.
The budget schedule as released to all department heads is
as follows:
In looking at the guidelines and at a quick view, the fis-
cal picture becomes easily apparent that nothing has transpired
to negate the sorry fiscal picture that the Chairman of Finance
Committee presented to all of us at the Special Town Meeting two
months ago.
In an attempt to address that sad scenario and to look at
the strategy for the budget process, a special Budget Committee
was formed. The Committee consists of the Chairman of Board of
Selectmen, the Town Manager, the Chairman of the School Com-
mittee, the Superintendent of Schools,the Chairman of the Finance
Committee, the Director of Finance, and the Town Accountant.
Consensus was quickly reached that the situation was dismal
and, perhaps more importantly, consensus was reached that no
relief to this fiscal disaster was evident on any front other
than action by the Town itself. The financial chaos of the State
of Massachusetts is known by all who can read or hear. That
chaos seems to be accompanied by an unwillingness to provide
leadership in overcoming the problems.
Were any town or city to fail to address it's own financial
problems and delude itself into believing the State will somehow
reform itself overnight and thereby rescue us, is believing that
Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny are coming to Town loaded with
cash to disperse our way. No matter whether we were naughty or
nice. It is not going to happen! In response to that situation,
the Budget Committee asked the Chairman of The Finance Committee
and the Financial Managers of Reading to prepare a proforma
budget, the bottom line of which would be the amount necessary
for and override of Proposition 2 1/2 if the present (no addi-
tional) level of service were to maintained. The result could be
called frightening. To just maintain where we are we would need
an additional two million five hundred nine thousand dollars.
After looking at that scenario, the Budget Committee attended a
meeting of the Board of Selectmen to present this data in order
for the Board to give direction to the Town Manager in the issu-
ing of guidelines in preparations of budgets.
So devastating would such cuts be to municipal government
and to the education of the children of Reading (in fact the cuts
that Dr. Munnelly would have to make would kill the heart of any
Reading parent) - and would keep awake any rational and intel-
ligent member of society who valued the need for education.
So severe would these cuts be, that the Board of Selectmen
came to a decision that an override of Proposition 2 1/2 would
have to be put on the next Town Election ballot. Before such a
drastic change to our Budget and our town could be suffered, the
residents of Reading would have to be involved and take part in
the decision.
The situation is so serious, and the consequences so drastic
to our community, that we have an absolute responsibility to
bring that information to them, and let them decide what kind of
Town they want to have and what price they are willing to pay
for it.
As a result of that decision, guidelines were issued to all
departments asking for two budget documents.
One, assuming an override of one million five hundred
thousand dollars ($1,500,000.00), and one assuming no such over-
ride, but assuming the imposition of a trash collection fee.
We stress that these are the guidelines issued to depart -
ments. Under the state law, the decision on whether or not to
put an override question on the ballot, what form the override
question will be in, and what amount the override shall be, rests
soley in the hands of the Board of Selectmen. Ain't we got fun!
The Board of Selectmen have taken no action to do any of
these. - They have merely issued the guidelines.
The budgets which will be developed from those guidelines
will serve to give us the data we need to arrive at a decision as
to the question, the amount, and what other action we may or we
may not take if an override were not passed. We wish , however,
to assure you that unlike some of our neighbors, we will arrive
at these conclusions based on good healthy debate, and faithful
to respect and courtesy which is the hallmark of Reading govern-
ment.
We promise you that we will not take to the parking lot and
decide it by means of fisticuffs.
Incidentally, how very fortunate we are in Reading, that
such action is unthinkable in terms of Reading Town Government,
and how ever vigilant we must be of all our actions ( including
our conduct in Town Meeting) to preserve that respect and cour-
tesy. For if we loose that, no amount of money will be able to
solve the problem and the essence of our community will be lost.
We have every right and duty to disagree. There is no right
to be belligerent, discourteous or disrespectful in the expres-
sion of that disagreement.
The analysis of those guidelines reveal that even if an
override were to succeed - then $831,000 would still have to be
cut from the Budget.
That is the best case scenario - think of it - the best case
scenario is a cut of $831,000.00.
If an override were to fail, but a trash fee to be imple-
mented, then $1,581,000.00 would have to be cut from the Budget.
If an override were to fail and no trash fee implemented, then 2
1/2 million dollars would have to be cut from the budget. That
is the worst case scenario.
If any member of this body or any citizen of Reading
honestly believes that we could easily cut that amount of money
from our budget and continue as the kind of Town we are, then we
urge you to tell us how to do so and do so specifically. A long
host of very able and dedicated members of your Finance Committee
have reviewed the Budgets of this Town and have not been able to
do so. Your Board of Selectmen and your School Committee have
not been able to do so.
We can cut - believe us, that's easy, but the consequences
will not be easy.
The consequences will be, poor government services, inade-
quate education of our children, and a deterioration of the Town
of Reading.
It is not an easy time to serve in Town government. The
responsibility lies heavily on all of our shoulders.
The decisions we make in our roles as Town Meeting members
and as Town Officials will have awesome consequences on what we
as a Town will become.
Let us resolve that we will not abdicate that serious
responsibility by applying " quick fix" simplistic solutions to
very serious problems. Let us resolve to do what is right for
Reading and it's citizens. It may be difficult to do, it may not
be popular to do, but if it is right for Reading then it becomes
worth doing.
And in years to come, those who succeed in these hard
choices, those who hopefully benefit from our making of tough
decisions, will look back and thank us for staying the course.
Those future students who will pass through these halls will
thank us for reserving their right to receiving a good educa-
tion.
That which most of us in this room will do, will have such
an effect on so many people, present and future, as will deci-
sions we make in our Town government roles. Let us not disap-
point those citizens, let us not disappoint Reading, for these
people and Reading deserve only the best that we can offer.
Thank you, Mr. Moderator,
Russell T. Graham
Board of Selectmen
11
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M
FY91 REVENUES
$000'S
LEVEL
FUNDED STATE AID
FY90
FY91
DIFF
TAX LEVY:
PRIOR YEAR
$17,822
$18,483
$661
3.71%
PLUS 2 1/2
$446
$462
$16
3.60%
NEW CONSTRUCTION
$215
$250
$35
16.28%
PROVISION FOR ABATMENT ($400).
($400)
s0
0.00%
NET TAX LEVY
$ 18,083
$18,795
$712
3.94%
STATE AID
$5,767
$5,617
($150)
-2.60%
OTHER LOCAL REVENUE
$3,424
$3,424
$0
0.00%
FREE CASH
$915
$800
($115)
- 12.57%
ABATEMENT SURPLUS
$610
$100
($510)
-83.61%
SALE OF REAL ESTATE
$1,192
$1,192
$0
0.00%
MUNICIPAL LIGHT
$1,350
$1,350
$0
0.00%
OTHER
171
$171
$0
0.00%
TOTAL $31,512 $31,449 ($63) -0.20%
AMOUNT FOR OVERRIDE $2,509
FY91 EXPENSE
$000's
WITH OVERRIDE
FY90
FY91
DIFF
GENERAL
DEBT SERVICE
$1,527
$1,906
$379
24.82%
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
PENSIONS
$1,865
$2,000
$135
7.24%
UNEMPLOYMENT COMP
. $30
$50
$20
66.67%
GROUP INSURANCE
$1,901
$2,471
$570
29.98%
MEDICARE
' $65
$75
$10
15.38%
WORKERS COMP
200
$220
$20
10.00%
SUBTOTAL BENEFITS
$4,061
$4,816
$755
18.59%
STATE & COUNTY ASSES
$610
$634
$24
3.93%
TOTAL GENERAL
$6,198
$7,356
$1,158
18.68%
MUNICIPAL
PERSONAL
$6,515
$6,873
$358
5.50%
NON PERSONAL
$3,586
$3,622
$36
1.00%
TOTAL MUNICIPAL
$10,101
$10,495
$394
3.90%
SCHOOL
PERSONAL
$121390
$13,257
$867
7.00%
NON PERSONAL
$2,637
$2,663
$26
1.00%
NORTHEAST REGIONAL
$186
$186
$0
0.00%
TOTAL SCHOOL
$15,213
$16,107
$894
5.87%
TOTAL BUDGET
$31,512
$33,958
$2,446
7.76%
AMOUNT FOR OVERRIDE $2,509
NOVEMBER 16, 1989
REPORET OF PROGRESS
-------------------
LANDFILL SALE AND DEVELOPEMENT
THIS IS A REPORT OF PROGRESS, BUT VERY, VERY SLOW PROGRESS. THE
ORIGINAL PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED OVER 2 YEARS AGO, ON
OCTOBER 27, 1987, AND ANTICIPATED A CLOSING DATE OF MARCH 31 1988. THIS
AGREEMENT INCLUDED A PROVISION FOR HOMART TO EXTEND THE DATE OF CLOSING
FOR UP TO 10 THREE MONTH PERIODS. WE ARE CURRENTLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE
7th EXTENTION PERIOD AND, UNDER THE PRESENT AGREEMENT, THE CLOSING MAY
BE FURTHER EXTENDED THRU SEPTEMBER 30 ,1990.
AFTER THE WITHDRAWAL OF EMBASSY SUITES LAST SPRING, HOMART HAS
BEEN PERSUING THREE AVENUES, ANY OR ALL OF WHICH, DEPENDING ON .
SPECIFICS, WOULD GIVE THEM SUFFICIENT CONFIDENCE TO PROCEED WITH THE
PROJECT.
* AGREEMENT WITH ANOTHER 1st CLASS HOTEL OPERATOR FOR A 200 +
ROOM HOTEL,
* AGREEMENT WITH SEVERAL MAJOR TENNANTS WHICH WOULD ASSURE
OCCUPANCY OF A SUBSTANTIAL PART OF THE PLANNED OFFICE BUILDINGS, AND/OR,
* FINDING A JOINT VENTURE PARTNER TO SHARE IN THE FINANCIAL RISK.
WHILE INTEREST HAS BEEN SHOWN IN ALL OF THE THREE AREAS, THE
MIRACLE OF MASSACHUSETTS IS IN A TEMPORARY DECLINE AND BOTH THE HOTEL
AND OFFICE SPACE MARKETS ARE SOFT AT THE PRESENT TIME. HOMART BELIEVES,
AND WE CERTAINLY HOPE, THAT THIS IS A TEMPORARY CONDITION.
HOMART CONTINUES TO BE VERY POSITIVE, PARTICULALLY ABOUT FINDING A
FINANCIAL PARTNER. THEY CONTINUE TO TO BE FULLY COMMITTED TO THE
PROJECT. THEY HAVE GOT ALL OF THEIR STATE AND LOCAL PERMITS AND
APPROVALS FOR THIS DEVELOPMENT, WHICH IS A MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT AND
MAKES OUR LANDFILL HOMART'S MOST ADVANCED PROJECT IN NEW ENGLAND.
THESE PERMITS, HOWEVER, DON'T REMAIN IN EFFECT FOREVER,AND HOMART
IS TRACKING ALL OF THEM TO MAKE SURE THAT EXTENTIONS AND RE-APPLICATIONS
ARE PROPERLY OBTAINED.
HOMART HAS COMPLETED THEIR BASIC DESIGN AND LAYOUT AND IS IN A
POSITION TO PROCEED RAPIDLY INTO CONSTRUCTION ONCE THEIR FINANCIAL
PROJECTIONS ALLOW. THEY HAVE COMPLETED A RENDERING OF THE FULLY BUILT
"READING OFFICE PARK" WHICH THEY USE FOR MARKETING PURPOSES AND HAVE
ALLOWED ME TO SHOW IT TO YOU TONITE.
(SHOW RENDERING)
THE TOWN MANAGER MEETS WITH HOMART EVERY WEEK OR SO TO REVIEW
PROGRESS AND THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEET WITH THEM PERIODICALLY, TO MAKE
SURE THAT ANYTHING THE TOWN CAN DO TO HELP THE PROCESS ALONG IS BEING
DOME. THE MOST RECENT MEETING WAS LAST TUESDAY NITE AND THIS IS THE
STATUS I'M REPORTING TONITE.
IN SUMMARY, THE PROJECT IS ALIVE, BOTH PARTIES COMMITTED, BUT
NOT YET READY FOR CLOSING. ONCE AGAIN--- STAY TUNED.
J.H.RUSSELL
BOARD OF SELECTMAN
Town of Reading
Reading, Massachusetts 01867 -2693
(617) 942 -0500
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
16 LOWELL STREET
REPORT TO TOWN MEETING
From the Community Planning and Development Commission, and
the Town Planner
Pearl Street School - Potential for Elderly Housing
Town Meeting, at the Annual 1989 Session, instructed that the
potential for re -using Pearl Street School as housing for the
elderly be investigated. This report is in response to that in-
struction.
The existing building contains 40,580 square feet of gross floor
area. The potential number dwelling units in the building would
be approximately 45 one - bedroom units, plus a small common area
for social functions such as meetings and activities. Low -and
moderate - income elderly units are typically one- bedroom units.
The amendments to the Municipal Building Reuse Zoning By- Lai -7, as
proposed by the Community Planning and Development Commission;
would allot; for up to 8`r' owel. ling units, on the. propert:.y. `'li:;
excess over the number contained in the existing building would
be allowed in new construction, as a new wing to the building, or
in new buildings, or both.
Investigations into the current local supply of low -and moderate -
income elderly housing in Reading reveals that, in the three ex-
isting complexes, Tanne.r.ville, Cedar Glen, and Peter Sanborii
Place, there are over 300 such units for the elderly. Combined
waiting lists now total 96 households, and have been steadi.Iy
declining over recent years. Not only has the demand brr:;1
declining, but the current demand, signified by the waiting
lists, can be principally accommodated by normal turnover.
Moreover, Federal Government housing program guidelines, for in-
stance HIJD Section -8 and Farmers Home 515, specify that the iden --
tifiable demand should amot,nl. to three times the number of
proposed housing units hefvrF there a-genc. ie.s would curisider fund_.
ing a housing proposal. Thus, current demand is well below the
261 households that would need to be identified for sufficient
demand to justify 87 more: elcler_1 v i,ousing ��r,i.t,s in Readi.rg.
%no 1
Not only does there not exist sufficient demand for traditional
assisted elderly housing for the site, but the financing
programs, both Federal and State, which enabled affordable units
to be provided in the past, either through rent subsidies or in-
terest subsidies, have been reduced to the point that they are
practically unavailable for relatively affluent communities such
as Reading, and certainly not on the scale to finance a complex
of the potential size that could be created on the Pearl Street
site. Market -rate financing is, and has been for decades, too
expensive to enable completely (100 %) affordable housing com-
plexes to be built.
Investigations by the Reading Housing Authority indicate that the
growing need for elderly housing lies in non - traditional types of
housing, particularly for the over -75 age cohorts, such as non -
independent or semi - independent congregate and special needs
housing, and life -care facilities. Again, funding is not avail-
able through government programs.
Where such complexes have been built of late, they have been made
financially feasible by donations of land and buildings. Such a
course at Pearl Street School would yield no financial return to
the Town through sale or transfer of the property.
Nevertheless, on the distinctly off - chance that a private
developer would like to propose re -uses that would in whole or in
part accommodate assisted elderly housing, the Municipal Building
Reuse By -Law amendments proposed by CPDC and to be presented at
the subsequent 1989 Town Meeting would allow, though not neces-
sitate, every conceivable type of elderly housing: traditional
independent, congregate, special needs, group quarters, life -
care, or the like, with development standards designed to ensure
both a quality development and compatibility with the surrounding
neighborhood.
In a letter, dated October 17, 1989, to the Board of Selectmen,
the Community Planning and Development Commission recommended
that priority be given, in evaluating proposals received from
developers for the re -use of the Pearl Street School, to those
proposals which provide for elderly housing.
K,
PEARL STREET SCHOOL FACT SHEET
Area of land
Area of Building
Leasable area of building
Current assessed value
Estimated cost of Renovation
(Per Town Hall Project 1988)
Minimal renovations include
new electric, plumbing, heat, roof,
windows - est. $1,000,000
Current annual rent @ $5.60 per square foot
Rent potential (includes Senior Center and
Auditorium) @ $5.60
Potential Taxes
Residence - 87 units @ $117,000
per unit x 12/1000 =
Office - 27,326 square feet @ $120
per square feet x 12/1000
Average =
Annual cost of not selling school
Renovation 10 year bond - principal
and interest
operating expenses
Interest on lost income ($1,575,000
Lost tax revenue
Total
Rent per square feet to carry
Current rent
J",
4.8 acres
27.326 square
23.546 square
$2,574,300
$4,325,068
$ 103,229
131,858
122,148
39,350
80,750
feet
feet
*
135,750
75,000
@ 8 %) 126,000
78,000
$414,750
17.60 /s.f.
5.60 /s.f.
417
Subsequent Town Meeting November 16, 1989
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be made a part of the
records of this Town Meeting and a copy of it, suitably embossed
with the Town Seal and certified by the Town Clerk, be presented
to him.
Paul C. Dustin, Moderator
Doris M. Fantasia, Town Clerk
ARTICLE 17. On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was
voted that the Town file a petition and /or approve the filing of
the petition to the General Court for a Special Act providing es-
sentially as follows:
"An Act Providing That Officer Herbert G. Perry Continue Employ-
ment With The Police Department Of The Town Of Reading
Be it enacted, etc. as follows:
SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or
special law to the contrary, Herbert G. Perry, an officer of the
Reading Police Department, is hereby authorized to continue in
such position until and including July Thirty- First, Nineteen
Hundred and Ninety- Three; provided however, that he is mentally
and physically capable of performing the duties of his office or
position; and provided, further, that he shall annually, at his
own expense, be examined by an impartial physician designated by
the Reading Retirement Board to determine such capability. No
further deductions shall be made from the regular compensation of
said employee under the provisions of Chapter Thirty -Two of the
General Laws for service subsequent to February First, Nineteen
Hundred Ninety -One, and upon retirement said employee shall
receive a superannuation allowance equal to that to which he
would have been entitled to had he retired on said date.
SECTION 2. The provisions of this act shall take effect as of
February First, Nineteen Hundred Ninety- One."
100 voted in the affirmative
20 voted in the negative
1 abstention
ARTICLE 1. On motion of Mary S. Ziegler, it was
voted to take Article 1 from the table.
ARTICLE 1. The attached report of Russell T.
Graham, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, was accepted as a
Report of Progress.
ARTICLE 1. The attached Landfill Sale and Develop-
ment Report by John H. Russell, was accepted as a Report of
Progress.
ARTICLE 1. The attached Pearl Street School -
Potential for Elderly Housing Report by Jonathan Edwards, was ac-
cepted as a Report of Progress.
ARTICLE 1. On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was
voted to table Article 1.
ARTICLES 25, 26, 27. On motion of Thomas J. Stohlman, it
was voted to take Articles 25, 26 and 27 out of order.
ARTICLE 25. On motion of Thomas J. Stohlman, it was
voted that the Town amend Section 4.7 of the Reading Zoning By-
Laws, Municipal Building Reuse District, as follows:
1. Amend Section 4.7.1. in part so that the last sentence is
changed to read: "In addition, any one and only one of the
use categories specified in Section 4.7.2.1., 4.7.2.2., or
Subsequent Town Meeting
November 16, 1989
4.7.2.3. may be permitted in such an overlay district under
a Municipal Building Reuse Special Permit issued pursuant to
Section 4.7.3."
2. Amend Section 4.7.2. by adding at the end thereof the fol-
lowing:
"...as the same may be modified herein.
114.7.2.1. For any residential use, the following provisions
shall apply:
(a) Enlargement of existing building: The existing build-
ing may be enlarged in a manner harmonious with the ex-
ternal character and appearance of the building;
however, any such enlargement shall not exceed a size
equivalent to 25% of the gross square- footage of the
existing building;
(b) New construction: An additional building or additional
buildings which contain the same use or uses as con-
tained in the existing building may be constructed on
the site in a manner harmonious with the external
character and appearance of the existing building. No
such additional building may be located closer than
forty feet from any portion of the existing building;
(c) Perimeter Setback: No portion of any additional build-
ing or any enlargement of the existing building may be
located closer than fifty feet from any boundary of the
site;
(d) Density: Maximum density of development on the site
shall not exceed eighteen dwelling units per acre.
Moreover, the aggregate gross floor area of any en-
largement and any additional buildings shall not exceed
the gross floor area of the existing building;
(e) Height: The height of any enlargement or additional
building shall not exceed that allowed in the underly-
ing zoning district;
(f) Open Space: A minimum of 30% of the area of the site
exclusive of the area occupied by the existing build-
ing, the area in the required forty -foot setback there-
from, and the area in the required fifty -foot perimeter
setback shall be devoted to open space completely
devoid of any structure, parking space, loading space,
accessway, and private yards, patios, and gardens for
the exclusive or principal use by residents of in-
dividual dwelling units. To the greatest extent pos-
sible such open space shall be left in its existing
condition or developed so as to be appropriate in size,
shape, dimension, location and character to assure its
use as a park, recreation area, and visual amenity for
the site and its residents. In no case shall any
dimension of qualified open space be less than twenty
feet;
(g) Accessory Structures: No accessory structure shall be
located within twenty feet of a rear or side property
line, nor within the required fifty -foot front
perimeter setback;
(h) Required Low -and Moderate - Income Housing: There shall
be provided on -site, or off -site in a manner acceptable
to the Reading Housing Authority, a minimum of ten per-
cent of its total units (both on -site and off -site) af-
fordable to low - income, moderate - income, or elderly
households in perpetuity.
4.7.2.2. For non - residential use, the following provisions
shall apply:
Subsequent Town Meeting November 16, 1989
(a) Allowed Non - Residential Uses:
(i) Professional or administrative offices;
(ii) Research and Development uses including ancillary
office use and electronic and computer
laboratories, but not ancillary manufacturing or
activities which possess, use, or transfer
licensed nuclear materials (including source
materials, special nuclear materials, or by-
product materials as defined in Title 10, Chapter
1, of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 20,
"Standards for Protection Against Radiation ") ,
genetically engineered or biohazard materials, or
other toxic or hazardous materials,
(iii) Child Care Facility and /or Elder Care Facility,
(iv) Any other use allowed by right or permitted by
Special Permit in the underlying zoning district;
(b) No use involving manufacturing, assembly, or sale or
resale or storage for sale or resale of any goods,
items, or material shall be allowed.
(c) No enlargements of any type to the existing building,
no additional building or buildings of any type, and no
enclosed storage of any kind outside the existing
building shall be allowed on the site.
(d) Except for the existing building, accessways, walkways,
required parking and loading spaces, and reasonably
necessary other impervious surfaces, the entire site
shall be kept as open space. To the greatest extent
possible such open space shall be left in its existing
condition or improved so as to be appropriate in size,
shape, dimension, location, and character to assure its
proper functioning as an amenity for both the site and
the surrounding area.
4.7.2.3. For mixed use development, the following provisions
shall apply:
(a) The density and dimensional standards of Section
4.7.2.1. shall apply;
(b) Allowed mixed uses may consist of any of the following
uses, singly or in combination:
(i) Residential,
(ii) Housing for the Elderly,
(iii) Child Care facility,
(iv) Elder Care facility,
(v) Medical Clinic and ancillary offices and
facilities,
(vi) Public and Quasi - Public uses as set forth in Sec-
tion 4.2.2., Table of Uses."
3. Amend Section 4.7.5. by deleting the sentence "Copies of the
detailed decision ... for Site Plan Review" and substituting
therefor the following: Copies of the detailed decision of
the Community Planning and Development Commission shall be
transmitted to both the applicant and the Zoning Board of
420
Subsequent Town Meeting
November 16, 1989
Appeals within thirty days after said Commission closes the
public hearing for Site Plan Review ".
111 voted in the affirmative
0 voted in the negative
2/3 vote required
(See Report to Town Meeting on Zoning Articles attached.)
ARTICLE 26. On motion of Thomas J. Stohlman, it was
voted unanimously that the Town amend the Reading Zoning By -Laws
by amending the Reading Zoning Map to include the following
described property in the Municipal Building Reuse District:
Beginning at a point on the easterly sideline of Pearl
Street, said point being that formed by the intersection
with said sideline of the common boundary line between Lots
9 and 10 as shown on Reading Board of Assessors Plat 105 as
revised January 1, 1987;
Thence easterly 117.79 feet more or less to a point;
Thence easterly 302.85 feet more or less to a point at the
intersection of Lots 5, 10, and 32 as shown on said Plat;
Thence northerly 477.98 feet more or less to a point at the
intersection of Lots 10 and 13 as shown on said Plat;
Thence westerly 465.80 feet more or less to a point at the
intersection of Lots 10 and 11 as shown on said Plat with
easterly sideline of said Pearl Street;
Thence southerly along said sideline 230.89 feet more or
less to a point;
Thence southerly along said sideline 196.53 feet more or
less to a point;
Thence southerly along said sideline 43.94 feet more or less
to the point of beginning;
Intending to describe all of Lot 10 as shown on said Plat, con-
taining 4.8395 acres more or less and commonly known as the Pearl
Street School property.
102 voted in the affirmative
0 voted in the negative
2/3 vote required
ARTICLE 27. On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was
voted that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen of the Town
of Reading to convey all or any part of the following described
property, with the buildings thereon, commonly known as the Pearl
Street School for the minimum amount of the appraised value; to
authorize the Board of Selectmen to convey all or any part of
said property for such amount or a larger amount, and upon such
other terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen shall con-
sider proper and to deliver a deed therefor to said purchaser:
Beginning at a point on the easterly sideline of Pearl
Street, said point being that formed by the intersection
with said sideline of the common boundary line between Lots
9 and 10 as shown on Reading Board of Assessors Plat 105 as
revised January 1, 1987;
Thence easterly 117.79 feet more or less to a point;
Thence easterly 302.85 feet more or less to a point at the
intersection of Lots 5, 10, and 32 as shown on said Plat;
Thence northerly 477.98 feet more or less to a point at the
intersection of Lots 10 and 13 as shown on said Plat;
Thence westerly 465.80 feet more or less to a point at the
intersection of Lots 10 and 11 as shown on said Plat with
easterly sideline of said Pearl Street;
Thence southerly along said sideline 230.89 feet more or
less to a point;
Thence southerly along said sideline 196.53 feet more or
less to a point;
Thence southerly along said sideline 43.94 feet more or less
to the point of beginning;
A21
Subsequent Town Meeting
November 16, 1989
Intending to describe all of Lot 10 as shown on said Plat, con-
taining 4.8395 acres more or less and commonly known as the Pearl
Street School property.
ARTICLE 2. On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was
voted to take Article 2 from the table.
ARTICLE 2. On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was
voted to modify the motion by Stephen M. DiPietro approved under
Article 3 of the Adjourned Annual Town Meeting on April 13, 1989,
appropriating Ten Thousand ($10,000.00) Dollars from free cash
and requiring its expenditure for planning and appraisals for the
Pearl Street School by the 1989 Subsequent Town Meeting, so as to
permit its expenditure for planning, appraisals, and all other
things necessary to carry out the purposes of Article 27 of the
1989 Subsequent Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 2. On motion of Mary S. Ziegler, it was
voted to table Article 2.
On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger,
meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30
20, 1989, at Reading Memorial High School.
Meeting adjourned at 10:33 P.M.
99 Town Meeting Members present.
A True Copy. Attest:
it was voted that this
PM on Monday, November
&�_� ��. as--, C'.17-
Doris M. Fantasia,
Town Clerk
ADJOURNED SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School
November 20, 1989
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C.
Dustin, at 7:38 P.M., there being a quorum present.
The Invocation was given by Reverend Dr. David W. Reid of
the First Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag.
ARTICLE 1. On motion of Mary S. Ziegler, it was
voted to take Article 1 from the table.
ARTICLE 1. The attached Report of the School Build-
ing Committee by Robin D'Antona was accepted as a Report of
Progress.
ARTICLE 1. On motion of Mary S. Ziegler, it was
voted to table Article 1.
ARTICLE 28. Carol S. Lyons moved that the Town raise
by borrowing as provided under Chapter 44, Sections 7 and 8 of
the General Laws, or any other enabling authority, the sum of
Five Million Six Hundred Forty -Three Thousand Dollars
($5,643,000.00) and appropriate the same for the purpose of
renovations and additions to the Birch Meadow School on Arthur B.
Lord Drive, and the Joshua Eaton School on Summer Avenue, includ-
ing the cost of original furnishings and equipment, engineering
and architectural fees, inspection fees, relocation costs, con-
tingencies, and related facilities incidental thereto and neces-
sary in connection therewith;that the School Committee is hereby
authorized to file applications for a grant or grants to be used
to defray all or any part of the costs of said school renovations
and additions and related matters, including seeking reimburse-
ment in the amount of not less than sixty -six percent (66 %) of