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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-19 Community Planning and Development Commission Minutes� of RE'b .� Town of Reading Meeting Minutes r° _:[T D14G. MASS. Board - committee - Commission - Council: Community Planning and Development Commission 1011 +l'i'p 13 A 4 S { 1 Date: 2017-04-19 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 Members - Not Present: Karen Goncalves-Dolan Others Present: Community Development Director Julie Mercier, Administrative Assistant Caitlin Saunders, Donna Smith, Jackie Welch, Paul and Christine Cheney, Bill Crowley, Tony D'Arezzo, Pat O'Brien, Charles Salem! Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Topics of Discussion: Chair Nick Safina called the meeting to order. Continued Public Hearing, Definitive Subdivision 1260-1264 Main. Street — Mass Equity Investments LLC John Tilton, P.E. from Williams & Sparages, and Jackie Welch were present on behalf of the application Mr. Tilton provided an update to the Commission on progress made since the last hearing. He explained that they met with the Conservation Commission and adjusted the wetlands line and buffer zone. He mentioned that the roadway width was reduced from 30 feet to 26 feet, which requires a waiver but is consistent with what other Towns require for road width. The Conservation Commission supports the reduction since It results in a net decrease in impervious area and creates additional green space. The cul-de-sac circumference and sidewalk will remain the same size. He said that MassDOT has received the request, but has not approved it yet. Mr. Tilton said that at the request of DEP, additional test holes were conducted for the drainage basin and infiltration pond. The results were added to the plans and submitted to the Conservation Commission. Mr. Tilton noted that the wetlands modification resulted in changes to Lots 4 and 5. The proposed dwelling on Lot 4 will be moved forward, which will allow for a larger backyard. The existing dwelling on Lot 5 will have a smaller addition than what was previously proposed, and the driveway will be moved out of the buffer zone. He stated that the Conservation Commission seemed satisfied since the changes comply with their setbacks and with zoning requirements. He noted that mounding calculations have been submitted to Conservation and the DEP. Page 1 1 Mr. Tilton informed the Commission that information was submitted to RMLD in February, but they are still waiting to finalize the specific electrical layout. The proposed street name "Veterans Way" has been approved by the Veterans Group. Their attorney is working on the easement, conservation restriction and sump pump station language. Mr. Tilton discussed the Traffic Analysis, which was based on AASHTO and Mass Highway standards. He noted that the sight distances account for road grades and meet design requirements. He said that the Town Engineer has not commented on the analysis. Mr. Safina questioned if the apron width will be wide enough to allow vehicles to enter the site quickly off of Main Street given that the road width has been reduced. Mr. Tilton stated that the opening meets all MassDOT requirements, but has not officially been approved yet. The Commission discussed how the road will change if MassDOT requests a larger radius. Mr. Weston expressed his concern with the sight distances and explained that the MassDot calculation presumes flat ground, while the site in question has grades. He questioned whether the site would comply if the MassDOT calculation took grades into consideration, and noted that currently the site is on the cusp of compliance. Mr. Tilton restated that he did not receive feedback from the Town Engineer, but suggested Engineering could verity for safety. Mr. Weston noted that the only potential solutions would be moving the road or installing a stop light, which he does not recommend. Mr. Tilton agreed that left hand turns out of the site could be problematic, but noted that other roads which exit onto Main Street have the same issue. He reminded the Commission that MassDOT will need to be satisfied, but CPDC approval is needed first. Mr. Weston suggested that the MassDOT permit be obtained before the start of roadway construction in case there is a change to the plan. Mr. Tilton agreed that this would be prudent. Mr. Tuttle suggested a Flashing red light or speed limit modification. The Commission discussed the suggestion and agreed MassDOT would need to approve any change on Main Street. Mr. Safina asked what would happen to Lot 5 if the road had to be moved to the north. Mr. Tilton replied that the existing dwelling would probably have to be torn down and the lots reconfigured. Mr. Weston opined that if MassDOT approves the plan then he is satisfied. The Commission requested MassDOT approval prior to commencement of site work. Mr. Safina stated that CPDC would need to approve any changes MassDOT requests. Mr. Safina read an email from Ms. Goncalves-Dolan expressing her concerns with adding traffic along Main Street. He noted that the rest of the members agree that if MassDOT approves the plan, then they are ok with it. Mr. Safina summarized that the Town Engineer appears satisfied and that the Conservation Commission is working towards finalizing their Order of Conditions. Ms. Mercier commented that the Conservation Commission requested additional time to review the project, but that they have no concerns with the changes. Mr. Tuttle questioned why the Engineering memo requests 30' pavement width and sidewalks on both sides of the road. Ms. Mercier said she did not have a chance to review the comments with the Town Engineer, but that they are in line with the requirements of the Subdivision Regulations. Mr. Safina commented that Conservation is in favor of the pavement reduction. Mr. Weston asked if allowing sidewalks on one side of the road is consistent with the Complete Streets Policy. Ms. Mercier noted that providing a sidewalk on one side of a cul- de-sac road seems consistent with Complete Streets, and she opined that bike lanes and other mode accommodations would probably not make sense for this project. Ms. Mercier suggested that the Commission could better align the Subdivision Regulations with the Complete Streets Policy when and if they revise the Regulations. Mr. Safina asked for public comment. There was none The Commission reviewed the draft Decision. Page 1 2 Mr. Safina noted the request for a waiver from providing off-site topography and opined that granting waivers like this means the Town collects less and less information to use for the GIS mapping program. Ms. Mercier explained that the topography layer on the GIS maps is from the State, but she agreed to verify whether local topography is incorporated into the GIS maps with the Town GIS Administrator. Mr. Safina stated that developers recently have been asking for waivers from providing some of the required documentation outlined in the Subdivision Regulations. Ms. Mercier questioned if the Subdivision Regulations should be updated, and noted that the CPDC can request any information they deem necessary to make their decision. Mr. Safina noted that the Utility Plan shows the sewer pumps in strange locations. Mr. Tilton explained that the locations will be adjusted as each individual plot plan is developed. The plot plans require approval by the Town Engineer. Mr. Tuttle asked whether there is a condition for As -Built Plans. Ms. Mercier replied that there is, and that any outstanding bond will not be released until As-Builts are received. Mr. Tuttle made a motion to close the public hearing for the Definitive Subdivision Plan for 1260-1264 Main Street. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 3-0- 0 vote. Mr. Tuttle made a motion to approve the Definitive Subdivision Plan for 1260-1264 Main Street as amended, including all waivers as updated. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 3-0-0 vote. Continued Public Hearing Definitive Subdivision 364 Lowell Street — Lyle Estates Thad Berry, P.E. from ASB Design Group, and Attorney William Crowley were present on behalf of the application. Mr. Berry updated the Commission on progress made since the last hearing. He noted that the Conservation Commission has issued an Order of Conditions for which the appeal period has expired. He explained that all comments from the Town Engineer have been addressed and incorporated into the plans. Ms. Mercier confirmed that the Town Engineer submitted a memo stating that concerns have been satisfied. Mr. Crowley made a few clarifications and modifications to the draft Decision. He explained that the Applicant is no longer planning to shift the front door of the existing dwelling from Lowell Street to the new road, as the Applicant does not want to go through the Variance process with the Zoning Board. He said the front entrance will remain facing Lowell Street with 364 Lowell Street as the address. Mr. Crowley noted that the paper streets condition has been addressed and should be removed from the Decision. Ms. Mercier agreed to remove it. Mr. Crowley asked for clarification on the Covenant Agreement language that states that no partial release of lots is allowed. Ms. Mercier reassured Mr. Crowley that the lots can be individually released, and agreed to investigate the meaning behind the language, which was taken directly from the Subdivision Regulations. Mr. Safina commented that there is a condition in the Decision stating that utility easement language will need to be completed. Mr. Crowley said he will be submitting language to the Town for approval. Mr. Safina asked if Conservation approved their plan to clean out the culvert and ditch. Mr. Crowley replied that the Conservation Commission has approved them to clean it out both manually and by machine as needed. Page 1 3 Mr. Safina asked for public comment Mr. Tony D'Arezzo from 131 John Street noted that the proposed garage will require a Variance, even if the front door of the dwelling remains on Lowell Street. After a discussion, Mr. Crowley decided that since the proposed garage requires a Variance, the Applicant should stick to the original plan to shift the front door off of Lowell Street. The Applicant can apply to the Zoning Board for relief from both conditions at the same time. Ms. Mercier will edit the Decision to reflect this. Mr. Tuttle made a motion to close the public hearing for the Definitive Subdivision Plan for 364 Lowell Street. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 3-0-0 vote. Mr. Tuttle made a motion to approve the Definitive Subdivision Plan for 364 Lowell Street as amended, including all waivers. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 3-0-0 vote. Adoption of Commission Reoulations Stormwater Management & Erosion Control Ms. Mercier explained that Town Counsel provided feedback on the Application and prepared separate Regulations. She asked the Commission if they would like to review and discuss both documents. Ms. Mercier said Town Counsel requested the Application and Regulations be distributed together. Mr. Tuttle explained the Regulations provide structure to enforce the General Bylaw. Mr. Weston said he reviewed them and they seem fine. Mr. Safina asked if Public Services should be changed to Planning Division. After a discussion, it was agreed it should be changed to Planning Division. The Commission discussed the proposed fee schedule. Mr. Weston questioned how often the CPDC will use this regulation? Ms. Mercier noted that these regulations will capture single and two-family home construction that disturbs more than 1 acre of land. Given the small size of most lots in Town, this scenario is unlikely to happen very often. She noted that the regulations may encourage people to disturb less than an acre if possible. Tony D'Arezzo of 131 John Street asked if the two projects presented tonight in theory would have been required to follow the regulations. Ms. Mercier answered in the affirmative, but noted that they were submitted prior to the adoption of the Bylaw, and so were subject to the stormwater regulations Engineering was enforcing at the time they submitted. Mr. Tuttle made a motion to adopt the Stormwater Management & Erosion Control Application and Regulations, as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 3-0-0 vote. Planning Updates and Other Topics Review of Town Meeting Presentation Ms. Mercier opined that the Accessory Apartment presentation at Town Meeting could be complex. She explained that an informal meeting was held between a couple Commission members and Zoning Board members, at which the idea of placing all Accessory Apartment review under Zoning Board jurisdiction was discussed. After a discussion of Warrant Articles 20, 21 and 22, related to recreational marijuana, the Commission decided to have the Town Manager present them. Ms. Mercier said the Downtown Smart Growth District presentation is straightforward, but warned that Town Meeting members might have questions. Mr. Weston agreed to present the article at Town Meeting. Page 1 4 The Commission reviewed the presentation and made edits. Minutes Mr. Tuttle made a motion to approve the minutes of March 27, 2017. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 3-0-0 vote. Mr. Tuttle made a motion to approve the minutes of April 3, 2017 as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 3-0-0 vote. Mr. Tuttle made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weston and approved with a 3-0-0 vote. Documents reviewed at the meeting: CPDC Agenda 4/19/17 CPDC Minutes 3/27/17 CPDC Minutes 4/3/17 Draft Stormwater Management & Erosion Control Application and Regulations Draft Town Meeting Presentation 1260-1264 Main Street 5 -Lot Definitive Subdivision Plan: a) Certified Abutters List b) Legal Notice c) Completeness Review by Community Development Director d) Form B & Form G e) Waiver List & Justifications f) Definitive Subdivision Plans, most recently revised 4/4/17 g) List of Plan Revisions h) Drainage Analysis, dated 12/7/16 i) Environmental Impact Report, submitted 12/19/16 J) Traffic Analysis, dated 3/13/17 k) Email from Health Agent to Community Development Director, dated 1/18/17 I) Memo from Conservation Agent to Community Development Director, dated 1/17/17 m) Memos from Town Engineer to Community Development Director, dated 1/17/17 and 4/3/17 n) Draft Decision, dated 4/19/17 364 Lowell Street 4 -Lot Definitive Subdivision Plan: a) Certified Abutters List b) Legal Notice c) Completeness Review by Community Development Director d) Memo from Community Development Director to CPDC, dated 5/19/16 e) Form B and Form G f) Waiver List & Justifications g) Project Data/Environmental Impact Report, dated January 2017 h) Definitive Subdivision Plans, most recently revised 3/30/17 1) Operation & Maintenance Manual & Plan, dated 10/25/16 j) Stormwater Calculations Sheet, dated 3/30/17 k) TSS Calculation Sheet, dated 4/1/17 1) Order of Resource Area Delineation, dated 7/25/13 m) Order of Conditions, dated 3/27/17 n) Email from Historical Commission to Community Development Director, dated 5/17/16 o) Email from Health Agent to Community Development Director, dated 5/19/16 p) Memos from Town Engineer to Community Development Director, dated 5/12/16, 2/8/17 and 4/13/17 and Responses from Applicant q) Memo from Conservation Administrator to Community Development Director, dated 2/8/17 r) Draft Decision, dated 4/19/17 Page 1 5