HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-10-07 Board of Selectmen Executive Session Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
Executive Session
October 7, 1997
The Executive Session convened at 7:00 p.m. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice
Chairman Bruce MacDonald, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectman George Hines, Town Manager
Peter Hechenbleikner, Housing Authority Chairman Robert Sweet, Jr., Housing Authority
Members Tim Kelley and Jean Galvin, Housing Authority Executive Director Peg Plansky.
Discussion with Housing Authority—Acquisition or Disposition of Real Estate
Reverend Sweet noted that they have abandoned the plans relative to 32 John Street, and to the
issue of moving the Hopkins Street home. Their folks are trying to develop a program for the
Wilson and Pleasant Street lot. They are requesting a vote tonight by the Board of Selectmen to
transfer the property pending the Reading Housing Authority holding a public hearing and
getting public input. They are proposing three two bedroom units versus a previous discussion
of two three bedroom units. They have more calls for two bedroom units than for three bedroom
units. In two bedroom units, they have one parent and one child per housing units. In three
bedroom units, they tend to have two parents and two children. The density of three two
bedroom units would be six people living on the parcel. The density of two three bedroom units
would be eight people. A payment in lieu of taxes program would be set up with the Town.
Hines noted he felt there should be joint process with the Board of Selectmen and the Housing
Authority. At a local hearing, there should be discussion about the concept but without drawings.
Following that, the Housing Authority can come back with some specifics to another
neighborhood meeting.
Plansky noted that on Waverly Place there were neighborhood meetings during construction also
in order to resolve resident's complaints on an ongoing basis.
Camille Anthony noted that she would prefer a hearing prior to transfer. Reverend Sweet noted
that this would be an investment by the Housing Authority and they would, therefore, have full
control over it and can restrict residency to Reading residents, Reading employees, etc.
Hines noted that if a transfer is made prior to going through a process, then there would be
criticism. Camille Anthony was concerned that there would be three units put on an 11,000
square foot lot. It was explained that the sketches that have been submitted were the total —that
there would not be three such structures. MacDonald noted that we should go to a public hearing
on the concept without details. George Hines felt that he would like to see this happen but that
we should go carefully. He's concerned about the number of housing units because of the
number of vehicles that would be created.
Sally Hoyt thinks that we should have a public hearing and that would help to determine whether
there should be three two bedroom units or two three bedroom units. The consensus was that the
Board of Selectmen supports the transfer.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—Executive Session—October 7, 1997—page 2
Hines also brought up the issue that in exchange for the donation of this property, perhaps the
Housing Authority could free up more of the Parker Place parking places to be used for use of
the Senior Center visitors during weekdays. The hearing will be scheduled in early December. -
The Board reconvened the Executive Session at 10:55 p.m. Present were Chairman Camille
Anthony, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectman George Hines, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner
and Town Counsel Cheryl Blaine.
Eric's Greenhouse
They reviewed Mark Favalaro's letter of October 2, 1997 and the addition received October 7,
1997. The Board agreed that a 7,000 yard mulch pile was too big. They felt that firewood and
mulch should not be stored at the same time. Cheryl Blaine will check with the Zoning Board of
Appeals relative to their thoughts on this potential settlement.
George Hines proposed that the Town counteroffer as follows: 2,500 cubic yards of mulch can
be stored in a pile not to exceed 10 feet in height; 60 yards of cord wood could be stockpiled so
as not to be an eyesore; the specific bag material will be listed, will be stored on a pallet along
side the building and behind the front line of the building. Blaine was directed to convey this
information to Mark Favalaro, Counsel for Mr. Goddard.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines, the Board voted to adjourn the Executive Session at
11:25 p.m. on a roll call vote with all three members voting in the affirmative. -
Respectfully submitted,
ecretary