HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-02-11 ad Hoc - Zoning Advisory Committee MinutesTown of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Zoning Advisory Committee
Date: 2015 -02 -11
Building: Reading Municipal Light Building
Address: 230 Ash Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
Jeff Hansen
Marsie West
David Traniello
Eric Bergstrom
Erin Calvo -Bacci
David Tuttle
George Katsoufis
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Time: 7:30 PM
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OWN CLERK
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Location:
General Managers Conference Room
Session:
Bob LeLacheur - Town Manager
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 Ms. West called the meeting to order at 7:30PM.
Recap Discussion from September and November Town Meetina
Ms. West said this would be the last meeting of the ZAC before the sunset on February 20,
2015. She called the meeting to give the ZAC one more opportunity to provide feedback on
future zoning changes before it goes back into the hands of the Community Planning and
Development Commission (CPDC).
In regards to the Special Town Meeting in September, Ms. West recalled that the Purpose
Section of the bylaw was not approved. She recommended that it be brought back by the
CPDC, using Lexington's language as a template. Mr. Hansen said that the CPDC could
certainly discuss that option. Mr. LeLacheur reminded the ZAC that the Annual Town
Meeting Warrant closes soon, if they wish to put anything on the warrant.
Ms. West said that the proposed language for the Purpose Section seemed to be
misinterpreted and she felt simpler language could be used. Ms. Wilson reminded the ZAC of
the remaining sections of the bylaw that still need to be reviewed, including the Overlay
Districts, the Parking Section and Sign Section. Mr. Hansen recalled that the ZAC reviewed
the parking section and it appeared there were some differences as to how the regulations
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Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes
should be handled and whether a more extensive overhaul was needed to establish different
regulations for different districts.
Ms. Delios pointed out that in regards to the Sign Section, Town Counsel has taken a good
look at the language and provided revisions. However, he recently indicated there is a
Supreme Court case involving signs that could have a potential effect on zoning. He
recommended waiting until there was an outcome for that case. The ZAC continued to
discuss the Sign Section and whether or not the CPDC should consider bringing forward any
changes to Town Meeting in the fall. It was suggested that the CPDC take Town Counsel's
draft which is more of a recodification, and then in the future really look at the regulations
in more detail. Mr. Katsoufis suggested that it may be worth re- writing the entire section
from scratch because there is so much history with the sign bylaw. Mr. Tuttle added that
there is always a challenge with the sign bylaw because there are competing interests when
it comes to signage. The business owners usually want more signage while residents
typically do not. Ms. Calvo -Bacci suggested that the Chamber be involved with the update of
the sign bylaw. Mr. Katsoufis agreed and noted that the changes to the sign bylaw will need
much more public input than just the CPDC public hearing. Ms. Wilson agreed and said the
CPDC has already mentioned that the sign bylaw changes will need a significant amount of
public input. Ms. Delios said there should be an independent person involved with the sign
bylaw. She said it would be great to have a representative from the Business Community
get involved with the CPDC on the updates who will also help get the word out to other
businesses.
The ZAC also discussed the option of moving the sign bylaw into the General Bylaw,
however it was agreed that may not be the best option.
There was a question regarding Inclusionary Zoning and Ms. Delios clarified that is on the
wish list for future zoning changes, but that it really needs a community wide discussion
before moving forward. This is because it requires a certain amount of affordable housing
for set types of development. Mr. Katsoufis agreed that there are a lot of factors to be
considered with Inclusionary Zoning, including where it would be allowed as well as issues
of massing and scale.
No other comments were received regarding future zoning changes.
Aaaroval of Minutes
The ZAC reviewed the minutes of October 14, 2014.
Mr. Katsoufis moved the ZAC to approve the minutes of October 14, 2014. Mr.
Hansen seconded and motion carried 7 -0 -0.
The ZAC reviewed the minutes of October 15, 2014 and suggested minor edits.
Mr. Katsoufis moved the ZAC to approve the minutes of October 15, 2014. Ms.
Calvo -Bacci seconded and motion carried 7 -0 -0.
Adiournment
Mr. Traniello moved to adjourn at 8:45PM Ms. Calvo -Bacci seconded and the
motion carried 7 -0 -0.
{Note these minutes were approved electronically by independent approval of five (5) ZAC
members on February 27, 20151
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