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Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
YED
Community Planning and Development Commission N11 JAN i � A 8: 31
Date: 2016-11-07 Time: 7:30 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session:
Purpose: General Business Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Chair Nick Safina, Dave Tuttle, John Weston, Jeff Hanson
Members - Not Present:
Karen Goncalves-Dolan
Others Present:
Community Development Director Julie Mercier, Administrative Assistant
Caitlin Saunders, Gretchen and Ron Baker, Peter Shields, Frank Coleman,
Kathleen Owen, Adina Weisman, Vis Sankaran, Jack McQuilkin, Brad
Latham, Jamie Shaw, Jody Heyward
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By:
Topics of Discussion:
Chair Nick Safina called the meeting to order.
Public Hearing, Definitive Subdivision Plan — 'Randall Road Extension'
Applicant: Mark G. Hall, 0 Randall Road & 25 Sprincivale Road
Jack McQuilkin, P.E., P.L.S. was present on behalf of the application.
Mr. McQuilkin described the existing condition of the site and the proposed project. He
explained that the Applicant is proposing to extend Randall Road and all existing utilities by
approximately 200 feet in order to provide frontage for three new lots. A fourth lot, which
has a house on it, will be modified in order to give frontage to one of the Randall Road lots.
He noted that the turn -around area at the end of the existing paved road will be removed,
and the newly extended road will be capped with a cul-de-sac bulb.
The stormwater treatment train will include installation of cultec infiltration chambers
connected to the downspouts on each new lot, as well as deep sump catch basins in the
road that are tied into a detention pond on Lot 1. Runoff will then flow through a 12" HDPE
culvert from the detention pond to forebay and water quality swales on Lot 2 and then into
the pocket wetland. Additional road runoff will be treated via Filterra tree box systems in the
right-of-way that discharge directly into the pocket wetland on Lot 2.
Mr. McQuilkin mentioned that the Commission previously approved a Preliminary
Subdivision Plan for this project, and that the Conservation Commission has granted an
Order of Resource Area Delineation (ORAD) for the wetlands delineation but still needs to
issue an Order of Conditions for the project. He noted that the Conservation Commission
site walk is scheduled for the next day.
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Mr. Safina referred to an update provided by the Conservation Commission and inquired
about the Operations & Maintenance Plan for the tree boxes, and asked about the status of
a Tree Replacement Plan. Mr. McQuilkin responded that a new O&M Plan and Tree
Replacement plan would be submitted.
Mr. Safina asked why only the cul-de-sac bulb is proposed to have vertical granite curbing.
He suggested that the portion of the straight-away down to the tree boxes should have
vertical granite curbing, as it is much harder for plows to destroy. Ms. Mercier noted that
the Commission could require it as a condition of approval.
The board discussed the requested waiver from providing full granite curbing waiver and
whether that is something they would approve or not.
Mr. Hansen asked whether Randall Road is slated for repaving. Ms. Mercier responded that
it is not on the schedule for the next few years.
Mr. Weston asked for an explanation of the waivers from under -road utility coverage. Mr.
McQuilkin explained that the road will be raised 6 feet at the cul-de-sac for separation from
utilities and the high water table, but that the utilities will not meet the requirements for
coverage. He noted that the Town Engineer only wanted verification that the pipes would be
strong enough and low enough to allow for repaving of the road. Mr. McQuilkin stated that
raising the road 6 feet above groundwater should prevent frost heaves.
Mr. Tuttle asked for an explanation of the waiver for the looped water main. Mr. McQuilkin
explained that they are propsing a hydrant because looping is difficult in the project area.
Frank Coleman of 26 Randall Road asked if he could see the list of waivers and asked what
it means for regulations to be waived. Ms. Mercier gave him a copy of the list.
Mr. Hansen raised the question about snow storage and the Commission discussed the
direction of flow of the runoff from snowmelt. Mr. McQuilkin explained that snow will be
pushed to the side of the street and over the curbing.
Peter Shields of 31 Randall Road expressed confusion with the drainage design and flow
patterns. Mr. McQuilkin explained the stormwater treatment train. Mr. Weston clarified that
only snowmelt that makes it over the berm will become part of the lot runoff system; the
rest will flow into the municipal drainage system.
Vis Sankaran of 39 Randall Road stated concerns regarding stormwater and commented
that he already runs two sump pumps all winter. He opined that he does not want to deal
with additional water. Mr. McQuilkin described the berm that will be added along the
perimeter of the project and his lot. The berm should actually reduce the amount of water
flowing to his lot. Mr. Safina reiterated this statement.
Mr. Coleman described that snow plows push snow to the end of Lisa Lane and then down
Randall Road into the woods. He asked what will happen after this project is built. Mr.
McQuilkin pointed out that the end of the proposed cul-de-sac is still wooded, so likely the
situation won't change.
Mr. Shields asked whether the replicated wetland would absorb snow and salt in the winter.
Mr. McQuilkin explained that there is a large pre-treatment area for runoff before it goes
into the wetland. Mr. Weston noted that the Conservation Commission will look at the
functionality of the pre-treatment area during their hearings for this project.
Mr. Sankaran asked if the area near the fence would be cleaned up. Mr. McQuilkin answered
in the affirmative.
Ms. Mercier noted that the project is still outstanding with the Conservation Commission and
suggested that the Applicant keep the Definitive Plan hearing open until it is clear that no
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major plan changes will be required. She suggested continuing it until January 23rd and
noted that an Extension of Time will be needed from the Applicant. Mr. McQuilkin agreed to
this.
Mr, Tuttle moved to continue the hearing until January 23rd, 2017. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 4-0-0 vote.
Certificate of Appropriateness for Signage, 1 General Way
Applicant: Jamie Shaw, Danis Reading LLC
Jamie Shaw & Jody Heyward of Danis Reading LLC, and Brad Latham, Esq. were present on
behalf of the application.
Mr. Latham described the proposal for four identification signs which would be located at
decision points within the site to help patrons navigate. The signs will be red and black and
look identical to the existing Town -owned sign on Main Street.
Mr. Safina asked for clarification that Sign B4 is actually proposed on the 1 General Way
property. Mr. Shaw confirmed that it will be.
Mr. Safina commented that the Applicant could probably make do with just 3 signs, which is
what the bylaw allows. He stated that Sign B1 appears to be in the wrong place and that it
may not be needed. He opined that if the other members are okay with it, it should at least
be moved to the first island within the parking lot, which would coincide with the first point
at which a driver has to make a choice. He said he is generally in favor of the proposal.
Mr. Tuttle stated that he has no issue with the signs, but asked whether Sign B2 would
conflict with the speed table and fire hydrant. Mr. Safina reminded the Commission that the
speed table agreement was reneged upon. The Commission agreed to add a condition that
the Fire Department would have to approve the location of Sign B2.
The Commission decided to refer to the signs as "directional" instead of "identification" and
to cite the directional sign section of the regulations in their Decision. This section has no
maximum number of signs, but has a maximum size requirement of 4 square feet. The
Commission agreed to waive the size requirement.
Mr. Safina suggested that the Applicant should change the arrows on Sign B4 so they more
accurately depict that a driver has to go around a corner.
Mr. Hansen clarified that the proposed colors will match the existing sign.
Mr. Tuttle moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness as amended. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Hansen and approved with a 4-0-0 vote.
Other Topics
Release of Lot - 4 Old Farm Road
Ms. Mercier explained that the lot was effectively released many decades ago and that the
Lot Release sign -off is a formality so that the property can change hands.
Mr. Hansen moved to approve the release of Lot 33, 4 Old Farm Road. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Tuttle and approved with a 4-0-0 vote.
Minutes
Mr. Tuttle moved to approve the October 17 minutes as amended. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Hansen and approved with a 4-0-0 vote.
Ciao Bella Sian: Ms. Mercier explained that Cathy's Nails at 644 Main Street has changed its
name to Ciao Bella and that the owner would like a new sign. However, the Applicant
submitted materials too late to be on the agenda, and the Commission's next meeting is not
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until January. She asked if the Commission would be comfortable allowing an administrative
approval so the Applicant does not have to wait. The Commission reviewed the proposal and
agreed that as long as the proposed lettering is spaced similarly to the signs adjacent to it,
it can be approved administratively.
Stormwater Bylaw: Mr. Weston stated that the revised language in the motion clarifies his
concerns. Mr. Tuttle moved to accept the revised motion for Town Meeting. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 4-0-0 vote.
Mr. Tuttle moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 PM. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Weston and approved with a 4-0-0 vote.
Documents reviewed at the meeting:
CPDC Agenda 11/7/16
CPDC Minutes 10/17/16
Draft Presentation for Town Meeting
Form L and Lot Release for Lot 33, 4 Old Farm Road
Revised Town Meeting Motion for Stormwater Bylaw, prepared by Town Counsel
Sign Package for Ciao Bella, 644 Main Street
Randall Road Definitive Subdivision Plan:
a) Form B: Application for a Definitive Subdivision Plan, filed with the Town Clerk 10/5/16.
b) Form G: Designer's Certificate, dated 9/26/16.
c) List of Waivers requested from Reading Subdivision Regulations, dated 9/26/16, revised
11/3/16.
d) Certified List of Abutters, dated 5/26/16.
e) Email from Community Development Director to Applicant, Applicant's Engineer and
Applicant's Attorney with a statement deeming the submission Complete, and including a list
of minor revisions to be made for the next plan submission, dated 10/4/16.
f) SH. 1 through 8 of 8: Definitive Subdivision Plan -Randall Road Extension, Reading MA,
prepared for: MG Hall Contractors, prepared by: JM Associates, dated 9/26/16.
g) Stormwater Management Report - Randall Road Extension, Reading MA, prepared for MG Hall
Contractors, prepared by JM Associates, dated 9/26/16.
h) Order of Resource Area Delineation, issued by the Reading Conservation Commission on
3/24/16.
i) Notes from the Development Review Team (DRT) meeting on 10/19/16.
j) Email from the Health Agent to the Community Development Director, dated 10/31/16.
k) Memo from the Town Engineer to the Community Development Director, dated 10/31/16.
1) Draft Decision, dated 11/7/16.
1 General Way Sign Permit Application:
a) Application for Sign Permit, dated 10/21/16, submitted 10/26/16.
b) Narrative submitted 10/26/16.
c) Site Layout Plan, submitted 10/26/16.
d) Colored, dimensioned and annotated elevations and locations of the proposed site directional
signs, submitted 10/26/16, stamped by the Commission on 11/7/16.
e) Draft Certificate of Appropriateness, dated 11/7/16.
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