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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-22 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesY _ Town of Reading �I Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Community Planning and Development Commission Date: 2015 -06 -22 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Chair Jeff Hansen Nick Safina Dave Tuttle Karen Goncalves -Dolan John Weston Members - Not Present: Others Present: TOWN CLERK READING. MAS ..423 AD Ib Time: 7:30 PM Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Community Development Director Jessie Wilson Administrative Assistant Caitlin Saunders Brad Latham Mark Dickinson - Walkers Brook Crossing Owner Kelly Burke - Wilder Companies Ralph Cappola - Main Street Architects Peg Raciti Ed - United Signs Tony D'Arrezzo Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Caitlin Saunders Topics of Discussion: Chairman Jeff Hansen called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Certificate of Appropriateness for Signage — 6 Linden Street, Tread Ms. Wilson reported that Tread withdrew their application prior to the meeting and are redoing their sign. They will come back before the board on June 13th Minor Modification Request to PUD -1 Special Permit — Walkers Brook Crossing Ms. Wilson provided a summary of the proposed changes to the shopping center at Walkers Brook Crossing. The Macaroni Grill closed a little over a year ago. They are proposing to split that space into three. Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza will take 3,245 square feet and have an outdoor patio area on the side of the building. Chipotle will have the middle spot at 2,268 SF and also have an outdoor patio. The third space has no official tenant yet but the owner indicated it will likely be a hair salon at 1,064 SF. The dumpsters will be out back and they are proposing a new sidewalk to connect the front of the building to the back for employees. There were some concerns regarding the proposed patio at Chipotle's space and the Applicant intends to revise the plan so Page 1 1 there are no conflicts with the handicap curb cut. Both Anthony's and Chipotle's patios will be enclosed with different but similar black railings. The front of the building will be renovated to match the rest of the plaza with the stone part fway up the building. They will be installing storefront for Chipotle and Anthony's. There will be a sign for each tenant on the front of the building and Anthony's also wants a sign on the side of the building. The Applicant indicated that the total number of seats between the proposed restaurants is less than what Macaroni Grill had. They provided a summary sheet to demonstrate compliance with the parking requirements. They are proposing the conversion of the mezzanine space over Golfsmith into a separate rentable space since Golfsmith does not use it. In addition, the Applicant told the CPDC they are proposing a 13 -seat patio for Oyes that would have the same railings as Starbucks. Anthony's patio will have an awning that comes off the building and covers the whole patio. The CPDC had questions regarding the awning and whether there would be any conflict with the proposed umbrellas. The Applicant replied there would not and umbrellas at Anthon's patio. They are requesting to modify the existing free standing sign on the site by adding 2 double -sided panels to it for the new tenants. In regards to the proposed improvements for the mezzanine space, the rear of the shopping center will be renovated to create a new and separate tenant entry. The plans propose a new metal awning with a small sign above and some gooseneck lighting. The space is currently unoccupied but will most likely be office space. Other site improvements include landscaping around the proposed Anthony's patio space. It will be re- worked to accommodate the new outdoor seating area. Mr. Weston asked if the patio seats were accounted for when determining the parking. The Applicant replied they did not include it in the parking total because it is seasonal. Ms. Wilson mentioned that the Building Inspector does not count those seats for parking tabulations, but he does require it to comply with the plumbing requirements. Mr. Safina pointed out that if the patio seating is counted towards the parking requirement, the site is short one parking space under zoning. The CPDC asked about snow removal and if they will be changing that now that they have tenants in all the spaces. The Applicant replied that they previously stored it on site, but with the increase in activity, they may have to remove it off -site. The CPDC asked what the awning over Anthony's will be made of and the Applicant replied it will be a fixed canvas awning. It was clarified that the lighting for the patio area will come from proposed fan fixtures. There was concern that this would not be enough lighting. The CPDC asked for more detail on the existing stone benches in front of Oyes. There was concern that there would be a conflict with the proposed. The architect replied that those benches will have to be removed. It was also clarified that the patio fences are bolted in- placeand stay up all year. The CPDC asked if the Police Chief expressed any concerns for the increase in traffic especially at the 4 way intersection between Anthony's, Home Depot and Chili's. Ms. Wilson said he did not express specific concerns related to that issue. The CPDC asked Mr. Dickinson to address anyinternal site traffic problems that may develop. He said he would gladly work with the town if traffic becomes a problem. Ms. Wilson reported to the CPDC that several structures behind Oyes were constructed by the tenant without anyone's knowledge. The Applicant replied that the tenant was unaware that a permit was required for construction and he will be taking one down this week. Ms. Wilson said that as a result of the zoning changes last November, there is a provision that allows accessory structures in the Industrial District by Special Permit. The Applicant said they will be seeking a Special Permit for the other accessory structures. In summary, Mr. Weston really believes that outdoor seating should be counted when determining parking spaces. Ms. Wilson would like to see an updated parking plan with proof of compliance. The CPDC reviewed the proposed signage for Chipotle and Anthony's. The Mac Grille had a variance for the sign on the side of the building. It was agreed to include approval of the wall signage in the minor modification decision. The CPDC said Anthony's sign on the front should match the one on the side. In regards to the free - standing sign, the CPDC wanted to review the previous decision to determine whether there were limitations on the size of that sign. Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to approve the proposed modification for Walkers Brook Crossing LLC as amended, second by Mr. Weston and approved with a 5 -0- 0 vote. Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to authorize Administrative Review for the free standing sign for new tenants, second by Mr. Safina and approved with a 5 -0 -0 vote. Certificate of Appropriateness for Signage — 34 Gould Street Ms. Wilson summarized the proposed. Peg Raciti Photography is proposing a wall sign on the side of the building that would be visible from Haven Street. Ms. Peg Raciti told the CPDC the sign is going to be very simple with blue letters on a white background. It will be placed at the same height as the Pure Fit sign. CPDC noted she should consider a bolder font if she would like to make it easier for people to read from far away. Mr. Tuttle made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness at 34 Gould Street, seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 5 -0 -0 vote. Certificate of Appropriateness for Master Signage Plan — 180 Haven Street Ed from United Signs was present to represent the property at 180 Haven Street. The property is currently occupied by the Reading Cooperative Bank which will be leasing the second floor to Keller Williams. The bank proposes two signs, one out front and one out back while Keller Williams would like one sign out front. The bank signs are proposed with a white background and red /black letters that will be halo illuminated. The Keller sign is proposed with all red letters on white background. The CPDC commented that the Keller sign covers up some of the architectural details and asked if it could be slightly smaller. Mr. Tony D'Arrezzo noted that the Zongin Bylaw does not allow the Keller Williams sign to be placed above the second story. In review of the bylaw, the CPDC concurred and suggested relocating the Keller sign to the other side of the building at the same height the bank sign. It was agreed that the Applicant can provide a revised master signage plan to comply with this change. There was discussion regarding the carved cast stone signage above the doorways. Ms. Wilson told the Applicant that they are only allowed two signs. If they wish to keep one of the cast -stone signs, they will need a variance for a 3rd sign. The Applicant agreed to work with Staff on what would be required. Mr. Tuttle moved the CPDC to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Master Signage Plan at 180 Haven, as amended, seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 5 -0 -0 vote. Aquifer Protection District The CPDC reviewed the updated revised language. Mr. Weston expressed concern over whether the district is even required. Ms. Wilson said that the Administrative Consent Order required the Town to maintain the Zone II wellhead area. She said that Staff is looking for the plan that was submitted to DEP to determine whether the Town agreed to implement and maintain the Aquifer Protection district. Ms. Wilson also reported that Town Counsel would not advise against including a reference to the Consent Order in the Bylaw. Mr. Tuttle again stated that the definition of underground storage tanks should not have regulatory language in it. Telecommunications Bylaw The CPDC tabled this to Monday June 29, 2015. They requested that Staff review other bylaws for their requirements to assist the CPDC with some guidance. Approval of Minutes Mr. Tuttle made a motion to approve the minutes from June 8th, as amended, seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 5 -0 -0 vote. Updates Bunratty's opened. Ms. Wilson said she is still waiting to hear from Mass Housing on 40B projects. The Hazard Mitigation forum last week received good feedback. Adjournment Mr. Tuttle made a motion to adjourn at 10:50 PM, seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 5 -0 -0 vote.