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Home My WebLink About2017-03-27 Community Planning and Development Commission Minutesiy OF q Town of Reading Meeting Minutes RECEIVED Isco 90 C�CTOf(��r, r►1(r�CL`RK Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Community Planning and Development Commission 101 APR 20 A 1,-, I Date: 2017-03-27 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, John Weston, Dave Tuttle, Karen Goncalves-Dolan Members - Not Present: Others Present: Community Development Director Julie Mercier, Administrative Assistant Caitlin Saunders, Brad Latham, Bill Lumbard, Jennifer Corvino, Tony D'Arezzo Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Topics of Discussion: Chair Nick Safina called the meeting to order. Continuance Reauest & Extension of Time 136 Haven Street - 4011 Redevelopment Attorney Bradley Latham was present on behalf of the Application. Mr. Safina read the Continuance Request and Extension of Time into the record Mr. Tuttle moved to continue the 136 Haven Street 40R Redevelopment to May 22, 2017. The motion was seconded by Ms. Goncalves-Dolan and approved with a 4-0-0 vote. Approval Not Required Plan — 48-50 Franklin Street and 32 Eastwav Applicant: Bill Lumbard of Comfort Construction, LLC Bill Lumbard was present on behalf of the Application. Mr. Tuttle inquired about whether Parcel A left enough distance between the driveway and the lot lines. Ms. Mercier stated that she is not aware of a setback requirement for driveways. Ms. Goncalves-Dolan asked whether the existing homes would be torn down. Mr. Lumbard replied in the affirmative. Mr. Tuttle moved to endorse the ANR plan for 48-50 Franklin Street and 32 Eastway. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 4-0-0 vote. Sign Permit Application — Spiritual Diva Hair Design Applicant: Jennifer Traino, 400 Main Street Jennifer Corvino of Sign Edge was present on behalf of the Application. Page 1 1 Mr. Safina asked whether the sign will be illuminated. Ms. Corvino responded that no lighting is proposed at this time; however, the building has existing wall fixtures that may be utilized in the future. Mr. Tuttle moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for Spiritual Diva Hair Design at 400 Main Street. The motion was seconded by Ms. Goncalves-Dolan and approved with a 4-0-0 vote. Master Signage Plan Application Applicant: Nordblom, 55 Walkers Brook Drive Grant Michael of Walton Sign was present on behalf of the Application. Mr. Michael explained the proposed Master Signage Plan to the Commission, which includes a non -illuminated free-standing sign at the front of the building, a main wall sign identifying the building, a logo sign, ten (10) tenant signs spread across the facades of the building, an LED rope around the top perimeter of the building, and window graphics. He noted that the proposed window graphics will simply add a logo to an area of the windows that is already blackened out. He commented that not all of the tenants have been identified at this time, and noted that the specific proposal for the tenant signs is to allow three (3) of the tenants to have two (2) wall signs each. Mr. Safina clarified that the Commission is being asked to approve all ten tenant wall sign locations but only allow a maximum of six of them to be utilized. Mr. Tuttle opined that this is a reasonable approach, and that the use of channel letters is preferred over light boxes. Mr. Michael pointed out that the channel letters will be on a raceway to reduce the need to puncture the building multiple times for electrical conduits. Mr. Safina asked what will happen if one of the tenants has a super long name. Mr. Michael said that the tenant may choose to just use a logo or tag line, or separate their name onto multiple lines that fit within the approved sign area. Mr. Safina pointed out that The Eliassen Group is an example of a name that would be squeezed onto one sign. Mr. Tuttle noted that the Site Plan that was submitted is out of date. Mr. Michael agreed to submit a revised one. Mr. Safina asked if the Zoning Bylaw restricts the number of signs. Ms. Mercier explained that the PUD -I signage regulations really focus on the signs as they relate to the building size and scale, proximity to street, and access points. Tony D'Arezzo of 130 John Street commented that the building at 55 Walkers Brook Drive was not built under the PUD -I zoning, and that the Master Signage Plan should allow only what is permitted for signage in the Industrial Zoning District. Ms. Mercier said that when she looked at the files for the property, she was under the impression that it was permitted under PUD -I, so this is how she advised the Applicant to apply. A discussion ensued regarding what is permitted under the Industrial Zoning District. Mr. Safina opined that he likes the proposal, and noted that the raceway will cast a shadow across the letters. He commented on the sight lines from abutting neighborhoods, and asked about the lumens. Mr. Michael responded that the LED lighting will just illuminate the letters, not project light out. Mr. Safina suggested the Commission walk through each part of the proposal. None of the members had issues with the proposed entrance signs or free-standing sign. The proposal for ten tenant sign locations, with a proviso that only two tenant signs for each of three tenants can be utilized, was deemed reasonable. Page 1 2 Mr. Safina asked if the tenant wall signs on the western building elevation would really be necessary. Mr. D'Arezzo noted that if the building was built before 1987, then it was not built under PUD -I. He pointed out that while the PUD -I allows flexibility, the Industrial regulations do not allow waivers. He stated that the regulations do not allow signs above the first floor in the Industrial Zoning District. He noted that buildings within 1,800 feet of a highway are allowed to have a wall sign above the top windows. Ms. Mercier was unable to locate any specific information regarding the zoning district and year the building was built. Mr. Weston stated that it is questionable which zoning district applies to this building. Mr. Safina stated that the owner should provide more information. He opined that the LED rope is inappropriate. He suggested that the Commission approve the building wall sign and free- standing sign for now. Mr. Tuttle moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness, as amended, for the front entrance wall sign and free-standing sign only. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 4-0-0 vote. Planning Updates & Other Tonics Draft Town Meeting Presentation The Commission reviewed the draft presentation for Town Meeting and suggested some edits. They discussed potential questions that may be asked about the expansion of the Downtown Smart Growth District Mr. Tuttle moved to adjourn at 9:02 PM. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 4-0-0 vote. Documents reviewed at the meeting: CPDC Agenda 3/27/17 Continuance Request / Extension of Time, 136 Haven Street - 40R Redevelopment Draft Town Meeting Presentation Approval Not Required Plan, 48-50 Franklin Street & 32 Eastway: a) Form A b) Approval Not Required Plan c) Memo from Community Development Director to CPDC Sign Permit Application - 400 Main Street: a) Sign Permit Application b) Supporting Documentation c) Draft Certificate of Appropriateness, dated 3/27/17 Master Signage Plan Application - 55 Walkers Brook Drive: a) Sign Permit Application b) Supporting Documentation c) Draft Certificate of Appropriateness, dated 3/27/17 Page 1 3