HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-08-25 Community Planning and Development Commission Minutes"* Town of Reading
Meeting g Min utes <<ECtIY.EO
I OWN CLERK
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Community Planning and Development Commission `fl4 SEP 29 A 11: 31
Date: 2014 -08 -25 Time: 7:30 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
Nick Safina
John Weston
David Tuttle
Jeff Hansen
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Jessie Wilson - Community Development Administrator
Andy LaGraga, Wilder Company
Kelli A. Burke, Wilder Company
Ralph Cappola, Main Street Architects
Tony D'Arezzo, 130 John Street
Angenla Binda, 10 Orchard Park Drive
Meghan Young - Tafoya, 40 Oak Street
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary
Topics of Discussion:
There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
Minor Site Plan Review - 40 Walkers Brook Drive, Staples
Ms. Wilson stated Staples is proposing to downsize. A wall will be constructed. The only
fagade change will be an egress door due to building code. The use of the new space has
not yet been identified. The parking table submitted is consistent with the approved site
plan.
Mr. Cappola represented the owner of the property. He reviewed why Staples will be
downsizing. The store will be giving back 4,000 square feet to a future tenant. He stated a
bench planter will be taken out to install the new egress door. Any future tenants will come
to the CPDC for approval.
Mr. Safina commented that if the future tenant is a restaurant the Commission should find a
way to make the parking work. Ms. Wilson stated the window sign violations and the issue
with the Paper Store sign have been added as a condition in the Minor Site Plan Review
Decision. Mr. Hanson questioned if the location of the Staple signs will change.
Motion made by Mr. Tuttle to approve the Minor Site Plan Decision for the proposal
at 40 Walkers Brook Drive - Staples size reduction. Mr. Safina seconded. Vote was
4 -0 -0
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Mr. LeGrega talked with the Commission about the difficulties of finding a good tenant for
shopping centers due to the internet. He commented there is plenty of parking at 40
Walkers Brook Drive and will be back to the CPDC under Minor Site Plan Review once a
tenant is identified.
Review Revised Draft Zoning changes for Comprehensive Update
- Section 6 - Signs
The Commission reviewed the 'Allowed Signs and Conditions of Use" sign table that
Mr. Tuttle updated. They went over the different types of signs allowed and if any
changes should be made. After a discussion, Mr. Safina agreed to create a separate
table to help businesses know how many signs they are limited to at a glance. This
table will coincide with the "Allowed Signs and Conditions of Use" sign table.
Mr. Safina read through his comments on the definitions. The Commission discussed
their thoughts and made edits. Mr. Weston suggested having pictures of the different
types of signs.
Ms. Young - Tafoya expressed concern that is being proposed is not friendly and is
more legalese. She questioned where she could get the updated Section 6. She
asked if the ZAC is adding anything to the bylaws or just making changes. Ms. Binda
agreed with Ms. Young - Tafyoa. She stated what was there before was simple.
Mr. Tuttle stated everything will not be fixed the first time. There is a list of items
that ZAC is keeping to be worked on later. Ms. Young will be emailed a copy of what
was edited at tonight's meeting. Mr. Safina asked Ms. Binda to share her notes with
the CPDC.
The Commission discussed increasing the amount of signage allowed per district.
They reviewed the signs on Main Street. Mr. D'Arezzo asked the Commission how
far they are willing to go with the pylon sign. Mr. Tuttle stated he would be willing to
allow more signs if the size allowed was reduced. The Commission agreed they will
not be increasing the signs allowed at this time.
Section 5 - Dimensional Controls
Mr. Weston stated the suggested language is a lot more complex than it needs to be.
The text and table do not match up. The Commission discussed and edited the
"Supplementary Requirements ". It was suggested having something in the
document before the controls stating that additional requirements might be
necessary.
Accessory Uses and Structures
The Commission discussed "Accessory Buildings or Structures ". The following was
discussed:
• Mr. D'Arezzo asked who added 4.3.2.9.1, is the board allowing structures,
and where are the structures going?
• Mr. Weston suggested omitting including Redbox kiosks, due to it becoming
outdated.
• The Commission had concerns about g - game courts. Mr. Tuttle stated
ZAC's intent apply to the setback requirements.
• Unregistered vehicles should have a time limit
Planning Updates & Other Business
• The West Street Historic District Commission (WSHDC) has filed with the State for a
local historic district. They have submitted a copy to the CPDC. They will be having
a Public Hearing and moving forward.
• Special Town meeting on September 15`h
• The Town has received a grant that will investigate the viability of a Cultural District
in the downtown.
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• Still working out the details of the Regional Housing Office - might have to go back
out for quotes.
• Economic Development Plan
Approval of August 11, 2014 CPDC Minutes
Motion made by Mr. Tuttle to approve the minutes for August 11, 2014 as
amended. Mr. Safina seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0.
Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to adjourn at 11:00 p.m. Mr. Safina seconded and the
motion carried 4 -0 -0.
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