HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-08-12 Community Planning and Development Commission Minutes p UrR
?. Town of Reading
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? ' Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK
ow READING, MA.
Board - Committee - Commission - Council19 SEP 10 PM $ 4
Community Planning and Development Commission
Date: 08-12-2019 Time: 7:30 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session:
Purpose: Meeting Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Nick Safina, Pamela Adrian, Associate Tony D'Arezzo
Members - Not Present:
John Weston, Rachel Hitch, David Tuttle
Others Present:
Community Development Director Julie Mercier, Staff Planner Andrew MacNichol, Chris
Latham, Carol Chapman, Steve Chapman, Julie Wallace, Jonathan Pollard, James
Hickey, Mike Farrell, Janet Davidson-Dee
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders
Topics of Discussion:
Nick Safina called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
Sian Permit Application
672 Main Street. ReMax Renaissance
John Magazzu and Kevin Chiles were present on behalf of the Application.
Kevin Chiles from Madison Design, on behalf of John Magazzu from ReMax Renaissance,
said the proposal is to install an all-black Sunbrella awning similar to Cafe Nero and a sign
above the door. He said the Cafe Nero sign Is hidden from the street due to an existing tree
and he does not want his wall sign to be blocked in the same way. Mr. Safina said he is not
in favor of the wall sign because it will be blocked from view for traffic driving north. Ms.
Adrian recommended using the awning as a sign for the business. Mr. Magazzu responded
that the awning will not be very visible from the street. Mr. Chiles added that he took
videos from all directions and this proposal is the simplest way to comply with the signage
bylaw.
Ms. Julie Mercier, Community Development Director, suggested a blade sign in addition to
the wall sign. Mr. Chiles replied the blade sign will be seen from the sidewalk alone. Mr.
Safina replied the sign will be seen by both north and southbound traffic; and said the
business name can also be on the awning. Mr. D'Arezzo explained the blade sign would be
In addition to the wall sign.
Ms. Adrian reviewed the proposal and asked if lettering can be added to the door. Mr.
D'Arezzo replied lettering is allowed on the door but not enough to be seen from the street.
Mr. Safina said he appreciates the proposed awning as it is a continuation of Cafe Nero's
awning; and added the awning will block a blade sign. Mr. D'Arezzo suggested a one-sided
blade sign. Mr. Safina said he was trying to help make it more visible but the 25' facade will
become too busy with four total elements.
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Mr. Safina pointed out a few businesses in town that have a free-standing sign. Mr. Chiles
said the challenge with the site is that the building is set back from the street and there are
several trees and street lights. He said the proposal is the most economic for the owner
and non-invasive for the town. Mr. Magazzu said the proposal will dress up the front of the
building; and clarified the main purpose of the awning Is to keep people dry and the
sidewalk clear in the winter. He added there is no good place for signage except on the
windows. Mr. Andrew MacNichol, Staff Planner, explained that window signage can cover up
to 30% of the glass and cannot exceed 6-square feet. Mr. Chiles said the owner might be
interested in window signage in the future and will approach the town for approval if so.
Mr. Chiles confirmed the gooseneck lighting Is proposed with the signage.
Mr. D'Arezzo asked if the awning projection Is 2' from the wall. Mr. Chiles confirmed the
awning will project 2' from the wall and will match Cafe Nero's awning.
Ms. Adrian asked why there is not an awning proposed over the entrance of the door. Mr.
Chiles replied the door is set back 2 feet which will allow coverage from the weather. Mr.
Magazzu explained if the awning was extended to the Cafe Nero awning there would be no
room for the sign above the door. He said Venetian Moon and Cafe Nero have gooseneck
lighting and the proposal will continue the theme.
Mr. Safina asked if there is an existing street light. Mr. Magazzu replied there is an existing
street light to the left of the building.
Ms. Mercier asked about the proposed material for the wall sign. Mr. Chiles replied 1/2"
PVC with an overlay of digital graphics. He said there is a specification sheet for the
gooseneck lighting. Ms. Mercier passed the Commission a sample of the Sunbrella awning
material.
Mr. Chiles confirmed there will be no lighting added to the awning.
Mr. Safina explained he is not in favor of the proposal; the building is art-dew with
symmetrical features but the design is off-set and the awning is blocked on one side. He
pointed out a location for a blade sign on the south side of the building that is clear of the
tree. Mr. Chiles said he believes a blade sign will be blocked in this area but asked about
the procedure if a blade sign is wanted in the future. Ms. Mercier asked if the Commission
will allow Administrative Approval of a future blade sign. Mr. Safina agreed Town staff is
allowed to issue an Administrative Approval for a blade sign.
Mr. Chiles said the Applicant would like the sign installed by the end of the month to allow
for an upcoming event. Mr. Magazzu said there will be a grand opening on September 7`h,
the day before the Fall Street Falre. Mr. Safina Informed the Applicant a "Grand.Opening"
temporary banner is allowed as long as it meets Town approval.
Ms. Mercier reviewed the signage size and height requirements. Ms. Adrian asked if the
Applicant is restricted on the color and is allowed the red, white and blue theme. Mr. Safina
replied that sometimes there are graphic logos that are recognizable. Ms. Mercier said a
blade sign can match the wall sign as long as it follows the requirements. Ms. Adrian
commented a blade sign is good for foot-traffic.
Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for 672
Main Street ReMax Renaissance as amended. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Adrian and approved with a 3-0-0 vote.
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Ms. Mercier said she will add a condition to the approval that a future blade sign can be
granted an Administrative Approval if it meets the specifications for the wall sign.
Continued Public Hearing. Maior Modification to an Approved Site Plan
107 Main Street, Fusilli's Restaurant
There was no one present on behalf of the Application.
Mr. Safina noted that the Applicant has requested the public hearing to be continued to
September 9, 2019.
Ms. Adrian made a motion to continue the public hearing for the Major Modification
to an Approved She Plan at 107 Main Street, Fusilit's Restaurant to September 9,
2019 at 7.30 PM. The motion was seconded by Mr. D'Arezzo and approved with a
3-0-0 vote.
Mr. D'Arezzo asked if all three Commission members who are in attendance would have to
vote in the affirmative to constitute an approval. Ms. Mercier responded that all three
members are needed for an approval.
Continued Public Hearing. Site Plan Review Application
Austin Preparatory School. Lower Field Work
Chris Latham, James Hickey, Jonathan Pollard, and Chris Huntress were present on behalf of
the Application.
Attorney Chris Latham provided an overview since the last meeting:
• The Applicant has received feedback from the recent site walk with the Conservation
Commission;
• The Applicant attended a productive meeting with town staff;
• Chuck Tirone, the Conservation Administrator, has submitted a memo;
• The feedback received is incorporated into the updated plans;
• The Applicant is still working with the town In regard to the river front issues;
• The height of the light poles and the adjustment of the light fixtures will be reviewed
by the Conservation Commission; and
• The updated photometric plan reduces the light spillover to the wetlands and keeps
the light within the boundaries of the property
Chris Huntress from Huntress Associates Landscape Architects and Planners apologized for
the late submittal of the revised Photometric Plan and explained at the Conservation site
meeting it was asked if there was a better way to improve the glare into the wetlands. He
said when initially reviewing the site with the electrical engineer and specialists the
concentration was on the MBTA and the neighbors along Causeway Road and the wetlands
were not targeted as a sensitive receptor. Mr. Huntress provided the revised Photometric
Plan:
• The foot-candle values in the wetlands have been reduced by half;
• The confusion with the property line has been corrected;
• Moved one fixture and re-aimed lights - values in this range dropped in half which is
what the Conservation Commission requested;
• Taller poles allow for less spillover and improved glare control due to better angles -
this is the option the Applicant wants and the Conservation Commission prefers;
• The 6-foot solid wood fence is extended to the next adjacent property line;
• The wall heights in the tennis courts have been reduced; and
• The cutting of trees will be controlled.
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Mr. Safina said the lighting change to help minimize the impact to the wetlands does not
sacrifice Causeway Road, there is still "0"foot-candle there. Mr. Huntress agreed that
protecting the wetlands does not negatively Impact the neighbors.
Mr. Huntress said there is a memo from the Town Engineer approving the drainage system.
Ms. Mercier confirmed the Town Engineer does not have any major concerns.
Mr. D'Arezzo asked for clarification on the Photometric Plan, and said the worst-case
scenario of spillover onto Causeway Road is .3 foot-candle. Mr. Huntress pointed out the
areas that will be affected by the spillover and added the tree line is not taken into
consideration. Mr. Safina said the spillover will be less when there is foliage. Mr. D'Arezzo
said the baseball field and soccer field will not be In use when there is less foliage during
winter time.
Mr. Safina requested a condition be added to the Decision that the Applicant is required to
receive approval from the Conservation Commission.
Mr. Safina opened the meeting to public comment.
Mr. Steve Chapman of 66 Causeway Road asked if there will be security lighting on the field
and how people will get on and off the fields safely. Mr. Huntress replied there are
pedestrian lights along the field and explained the sports lights are programmed to dim for
15-minutes before fully going off.
Mr. Chapman said Finding #1 in the Decision references two baseball fields and two soccer
fields which implies four fields but the fields are shared use.
Mr. Chapman said he is disappointed that the hours of operation start at 6:00 AM, and
commented the Town bylaw requires construction hours start at 7:00 AM and trash pickup
at 6:30AM - at the last meeting 6:30AM was discussed. Mr. Latham mentioned the Dover
Amendment and responded 6:30AM Is fine for athletic events. Mr. Chapman replied in his
opinion 6:30AM Is still too early and will disrupt the neighbors.
Mr. Chapman said the conditions do not mention the Conservation Order of Conditions. Ms.
Mercier said she will add a condition for the Order of Conditions with standard language. Mr.
Latham confirmed he had no objection to the language and changing the hours of operation
to 6:30AM.
Mr. Safina asked for confirmation on the number of sports lights proposed. Ms. Mercier said
she will verify the number and suggested a change to the Decision language on the light
pole heights.
Mr. Safina asked if there were any other public comments and when there were none asked
for a motion to close the public hearing.
Mr. D Arezzo made a motion to close the public hearing for the Site Plan Review
for 101 Willow Street, Austin Preparatory School. The motion was seconded by
Ms. Adrian and approved with a 3-0-0 vote.
The Commission went through the Decision and minor changes were suggested.
Mr. D'Arezzo confirmed that no restroom facilities are proposed.
Mr. MacNichol reminded the Commission to vote on the waiver for the Traffic Study.
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Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to approve the waiver for the Traffic Study for 101
Willow Street Austin Preparatory School. The motion was seconded by Ms. Adrian
and approved with a 3-0-0 vote.
Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to approve the Site Plan Decision for 101 Willow
Street, Austin Preparatory School as amended. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Adrian and approved with a 3-0-0 vote.
Continued Public Hearing, Definitive Subdivision Plan
135. 139 & 149R Howard Street. Infrastructure Holdings LLC
There was no one present on behalf of the Application.
Mr. Safina noted that the Applicant requested the public hearing to be continued to
September 9, 2019.
Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to continue the public hearing for 135, 139 & 149R
Howard Street to September 9, 2019 at 7:45 PM. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Adrian and approved with a 3-0-0 vote.
Continued Public Hearing. Site Plan Review
258-262 Main Street. Reading CRE Ventures LLC
There was no one present on behalf of the Application.
Mr. Safina noted that the Applicant has requested the public hearing to be continued to
September 9, 2019.
Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to continue the public hearing for 258-262 Main
Street, Reading CRE Ventures LLC to September 9, 2019 at 8:00 PM. The motion
was seconded by Ms. Adrian and approved with a 3-0-0 vote.
Continued Public Hearing Zoning Bylaw Amendments for November Town Meeting
Mr. Safina opened the continued public hearing for the Zoning Bylaw Amendments for
November Town Meeting, Mixed-Use Regulations - Sections 2.0, 5.0 & 6.0 and Footnote
One to Table 5.3.1 and 5.3.2. Ms. Mercier suggested discussing the Mixed-Use Regulations
first because they impact the Business A and Business C Districts along Main Street.
Mixed-Use Regulations - Sections 2.0. 5.0 and 6.0
Ms. Mercier said she made changes to the proposed bylaw amendments based on the
feedback she received from the Commission at the last meeting and from the Select Board
meeting on July 9, 2019. She asked if the Commission had time to review the changes
prior to the meeting. Mr. Safina requested Ms. Mercier characterize the changes in order to
help the residents in the audience understand. Ms. Mercier provided an overview of the
proposed amendments and explained why the Commission is proposing such changes:
• Business A zones exist on both sides of Main Street, primarily in the southern portion
of Town;
• The proposal is to add a definition for mixed-use that has both a residential and a
commercial component, to create a process for mixed-use projects, and to establish
regulation for mixed-use projects;
• Would establish a Special Permit process with the Community Planning and
Development Commission, which will require notification to abutters within 300' of
any proposed project and a public hearing; and
• There will be regulations for different aspects of the projects that incentivize or
prioritize planning principles the Commission is in favor of.
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Ms. Mercier said the Commission started the discussion in December 2018 and the official
public hearing started in June. She invited the residents to come to the Public Services
Department for further explanation of these changes if needed.
Ms. Mercier went through the document and gave an overview of each section.
Mr. Safina explained the Town is trying to get a little more commercial In the commercial
corridor and the only way to do this is offer mixed-use to developers. Ms. Mercier said
housing is driving the real estate market right now and if developers are allowed a housing
component in their project the Town might see better development on south Main Street.
Ms. Mercier explained the south Main Street Best Practices and Design Guidelines and why
the document was referenced In the amendment.
A resident asked for clarification of some of the language. Ms. Mercier replied this is to
encourage commercial properties that are next to each other to share parking between
them. She said If a mixed-use project can establish a permanent shared parking
arrangement there could be flexibility on another measure of the project.
Ms. Mercier discussed the commercial component of a mixed-use project and said the
Commission feels strongly it does not want the commercial to be less than 25% of the gross
floor area of the structure because this is the primary commercial district in town. Mr.
Safina commented the Commission could receive resistance from a developer on this
requirement. Ms. Mercier said housing is driving the real estate market right now and there
are commercial vacancies in the area that are having difficulty getting tenants. She added
even though the feedback received from the developers that 25% Is a high requirement, the
Commission is determined to maintain the percentage to make sure the corridor does not
turn completely into housing.
Ms. Mercier discussed a clause that could allow the Commission to give favorable
consideration on the request for waivers on other aspects of the design if the developer
brings back existing commercial tenants once the development is completed. Mr. Safina
said the benefit of the Special Permit process is that it gives the Town a better negotiation
tool, the Design Guidelines are not enforceable they are recommended. Ms. Mercier
reiterated the abutters are notified with the Special Permit process which gives them the
opportunity to hear the negotiation and a chance to weigh in on a proposed project.
Ms. Mercier said the residential component is required to be located in the rear of a building
or on upper floors only, the first Floor fronting Main Street is meant for commercial space.
Ms. Mercier explained Inclusionary Zoning is zoning that requires a certain number of units
be eligible to families who qualify for affordable housing.
A resident asked how high a building can be constructed. Ms. Mercier replied this is
addressed in the Table of Dimensional Controls and is later in the bylaw.
Mr. Safina asked how age restriction housing is addressed. Ms. Mercier responded there Is a
mechanism for this but that she does not want to misspeak, she will get back to them with
a response.
Ms. Mercier pointed out there Is a provision that the Commission can grant a waiver on
other aspects of a project if a developer proposes more than 10% affordable units or
proposed units at a deeper level of affordability which will add breadth to the housing stock.
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A resident from Greystone Way asked about the language about HUD. He said the
development he lives at has three affordable units and asked if the current regulations
require the units to remain affordable even when the units are sold. Ms. Mercier explained
that each development Is different depending on how the Deed'Rider and Affordability
Restriction were written. She said currently affordable housing requires the Deed Rider be
in perpetuity so the unit Is not lost 30 years from now, but it is common that older
affordable units have limits on them and can expire in a certain number of years.
The same resident asked for clarification on a deed. Ms. Mercier explained the overall
project has a Regulatory Agreement and a Deed Rider, and each unit has their own Deed
Restriction. She added the proposal is not modifying any State or Federal parameters.
Ms. Mercier discussed parking requirements on residential units &commercial uses and said
shared spaces between businesses are encouraged.
Ms. Mercier said she added a provision for bicycle parking to be included in developments.
Ms. Mercier said she added language that projects that have electric vehicle charging
stations, accommodations for car sharing or one or more drop off/pickup spaces for"app"
rides can be given favorable consideration on requests for waivers. She explained the
Select Board Chair requested provisions for electric vehicles.
Ms. Mercier said there is a regulation that all loading Is to be managed on the site and not
on Main Street or any side street. There is a provision the Commission can approve not
requiring a loading space if an Applicant can make a strong case that one is not needed.
She encouraged the Commission to consider that the number and types of deliveries is
increasing, for example Uber & Lyft drop-offs, and Amazon and grocery deliveries that occur
regularly. Mr. Safina agreed there are more deliveries and added a lot of deliveries are
being done with smaller vehicles. The project could have two smaller spaces. Ms. Mercier
said a development might not need a traditional loading space but there should be
consideration made for other types of deliveries. Mr. Safina replied a loading space cannot
be waived but the Commission can be Flexible. Ms. Mercier said she will work on the
language.
Ms. Mercier discussed curb cuts and driveways connecting adjacent lots. The intent is to
encourage developers to have the curb cut off of a side street rather than on Main Street
where feasible; as well as an internal connection between properties that will help prevent
people from needing to go back onto Main Street to get to another business.
Ms. Janet Davidson from Mile Post Road asked for clarity on the meaning of feasible. She
explained she lives off of Hopkins Street and there is a possibility that Harrows, 126 Main
Street, could sell, and from her view having an entrance other than that the one on Main
Street will Increase the traffic by her home. Ms. Mercier replied Ms. Davidson had a good
point and that a different word instead of feasible should be used. Mr. Safina said that
property is a large site and there is Flexibility; he presented a scenario that the residential
vehicles enter/exit off of the side street and all commercial on Main Street — whatever is the
safest, least impactful route. Ms. Mercier said most commercial sites are accessed on Main
Street and it could be easier to use the existing curb cut than deal with the State.
Ms. Davidson said residents will think of locations that are closest to their homes and she is
trying to understand the amendments to figure out if they will impact her personally. Mr.
Safina said a traffic study will be required from developers and a project will not be
approved if the sight-line is affected. Ms. Mercier explained there are driveway regulations
that are required to be met or a waiver is needed from the Select Board. Ms. Mercier
discussed the current project at 467 Main Street and pointed out the curb cut is now on
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Green Street. Ms. Davidson asked about the impact to the residents on Green Street. Ms.
Mercier said a limited traffic study was conducted for the project; and there were some
abutters who attended the meeting. Mr. D'Arezzo said exiting from Green Street was
changed to"Right Turn Only". Ms. Mercier said the Commission tries to consider as many
trickle-down impacts as they can. Mr. Safina discussed the Special Permit process.
A resident expressed concern that the development at 467 Main Street is very close to the
abutting property, 128 Tire. Ms. Adrian said there were negotiations between those two
property owners. The Commission took a little time and answered questions about the
development.
Ms. Adrian complimented Ms. Mercier on the amendments and said they were very
thoughtful.
Ms. Mercier went through and explained the amendments to Section 6.0 and the Table of
Dimensional Controls. She said it is important to note the dimensional controls that are
proposed for mixed-use are not supposed to be more impactful than what already exists in
the Business A Zoning District. The one exception is the front-yard setback that allows a
building to be right up on Main Street.
Ms. Mercier discussed the side-yard setback and how the amendments could impact the
residential abutters. She said through the Special Permit process with the Commission
almost anything can be negotiated.
Ms. Mercier said the Intensity Regulations have changed since the last meeting but not
since the Select Board meeting.
A resident thanked Ms. Mercier for her thoughtful explanations.
Ms. Mercier said out of the 984 courtesy notices that were mailed to the abutters of south
Main Street, 13 inquiries were received, and 5 abutters attended this meeting.
Mr. Safina complimented Ms. Mercier on her explanations and said the document presented
is now clearer.
Ms. Mercier asked the Commission if they had any comments on the language she added to
the mixed-use regulations on bicycle parking and electric vehicle parking requirements. Mr.
MacNichol asked If language should be added that at least one loading space should be
provided. Ms. Mercier suggested different dimensions of a loading space. Mr. Safina replied
a Loading Management Plan is required regardless of the business to see what size space is
required. Mr. D'Arezzo said the requirement is one loading space per project. The
Commission made changes to the loading space language.
Ms. Mercier asked if the word "feasible" under curb cuts and driveways should be changed.
Mr. Safina suggested a change to the language. Ms. Mercier said she Is trying to have
strong language to get developers to think about alternative access points from side streets.
Mr. Safina gave his opinion developers would like to have access on side streets. Ms.
Mercier replied a developer could use both Main Street and the side street. Mr. Safina
suggested for safety concerns separating residential access from commercial access. Mr.
Safina said not many of the properties have side street access. The Commission discussed
changes to the language.
Ms. Mercier asked if the Commission would like any changes to the Intensity Regulations.
Mr. D'Arezzo asked how some of the wording in Section 6.0 relates to a recent Approval Not
Required (ANR) Plan the Commission endorsed. Ms. Mercier explained ANR Plans are
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protected for three years from zoning changes. Mr. D'Arezzo brought forward a recent
approval that allowed a lot to be divided for a buildable lot in the future. He asked for
clarity on the more non-conforming. Ms. Mercier explained that endorsing an ANR is not a
statement that the plan complies with zoning. She said Town Counsel still needs to review
the language and it will be changed if needed.
Footnote One to Table 5.3.1 and 5.3.2
Mr. D'Arezzo clarified that Footnote One will be removed from the Table of Uses in Business
Zones. Ms. Mercier presented the feedback received from the Zoning Board of Appeals
(ZBA). They suggested subtracting out the additions that came after 1942. She said staff
believes this will add complexity for the Building Inspector, and If a dwelling qualifies for the
zoning the square footage will be what it exists as of January 1, 2020. Mr. Safina said it
could cause owners to come in and try to claim more square footage. Ms. Mercier said that
would be another"can of worms" and would require additional digging through files. Mr.
D'Arezzo said he likes the language as presented. Mr. Safina agreed.
Ms. Mercier said the ZBA Chair requested parameters similar to the performance standards
for accessory apartments - standards of means of egress and design for maintaining single-
family appearance. Mr. MacNichol agreed the ZBA has difficulty with the requirement that
the proposal must maintain a single-family appearance. Mr. Safina suggested a change to
the language to maintain single-family character. He said it is not difficult to do and a good
residential architect should be able to achieve this requirement. Ms. Mercier said the
Commission previously decided not to include performance standards for Footnote One and
to keep it simple. Mr. Safina agreed that performance standards have value but the
Commission is trying to keep it Flexible and simple.
Ms. Mercier said the ZBA, in an informal way, can pick and choose from the Performance
Standards for Accessory Apartments to get their own checklist. Mr. MacNichol said not all of
those standards will apply to Footnote One. Mr. Safina asked if there is a reason why the
ZBA can't create their own checklist. Ms. Mercier replied there is no reason, but It is tricky if
the Applicant does not know about the checklist up front and if the ZBA Is not consistent.
Mr. Safina mentioned a recent ZBA meeting he attended, during which the ZBA said they
look at each proposal individually. Ms. Mercier agreed there is no precedent in zoning, but
there could be some consistency in their process if there was a checklist. Mr. Safina replied
he does not have an issue with them using performance standards but if it Is formalized the
Commission would need to really look at it make sure it is usable. Ms. Mercier suggested
leaving the language as is, and revisiting Footnote One and accessory apartments in a year
to allow some time to see what evolves.
Ms. Mercier said Town Counsel had a question on the last paragraph regarding whether
there should be a cap on the number of Special Permits or square footage allowed and if an
owner can do the rest without a Special Permit if the maximum is not reached the first time.
Mr. D'Arezzo replied that if a Special Permit is issued any changes would require an
additional Special Permit. Mr. D'Arezzo opined that most people will get the fully allowable
square footage the first time. Mr. Safina agreed, and said a developer would not leave
square footage on the table. Ms. Mercier asked whether, if a proposal maxes out what is
allowed the first time, a future owner could come back for an addition. Mr. D'Arezzo replied
an Applicant is limited to 25% coverage and ZBA would have to approve if over the
coverage. Ms. Mercier noted that theoretically the Variance threshold is harder to meet than
the Special Permit criteria. Mr. Safina said the small Increase in square footage allows an
accessory apartment that will have minimal impact to the neighborhood.
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The Commission discussed what could happen if an owner proposed an addition onto the
two-family after it was converted under Footnote One. The language was changed to say
no future additions will be allowed.
Ms. Mercier said the goal is for the public hearing to be closed tonight in order to send the
draft language to Town Counsel for review in time for the Warrant. Mr. Safina agreed that,
even though everyone is not at the meeting, the process needs to proceed.
Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to close the public hearing for Footnote One -
Sections 5.3.1 and 5.3.2. The motion was seconded by Ms. Adrian and approved
with a 3-0-0 vote.
Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to close the public hearing for Mixed-Use and
Intensity Regulations - Sections 2.0, 5.0 & 6.0. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Adrian and approved with a 3-0-0 vote.
Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to recommend the amendments to Footnote One -
Sections 5.3.1 nd 5.3.2 to Town Meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Adrian
and approved with a 3-0-0 vote.
Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to recommend the amendments to Mixed-Use and
Intensity Regulations - Sections 1.0, 5.0 and 6.0 to Town Meeting. The motion
was seconded by Ms. Adrian and approved with a 3-0-0 vote.
Planning Updates and Other Topics
Minutes of May 13, 2109
Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to approve the minutes for May 13, 2019 as amended.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Adrian and approved with a 3-0-0 vote.
Minutes of June 10. 2019
Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to approve the minutes for June 10, 2019 as
amended. The motion was seconded by Ms. Adrian and approved with a 3-0-0
vote.
Minutes of July S. 2019
Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to approve the minutes for July 8, 2019 as amended.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Adrian and approved with a 3-0-0 vote.
. Updates
Ms. Mercier said the developer for the Met at 35 Lincoln Street has not applied to the ZBA
for the Variance for the sign. The Commission discussed if the Applicant would have to
come back to the CPDC for approval. Ms. Mercier said the Town Is continuing to work with
the Dollar Store on the problems with truck-turning and circulation.
Ms. Mercier asked for input on starting the conversation on zoning for next year at the next
meeting, which could include a review and modernization of the Table of Uses. She said this
could be an opportunity to meet Erin Schaeffer, the Town's new Economic Development
Director. Mr. MacNichol noted that the Downtown Smart Growth District Design Guidelines
also need to be discussed.
Ms. Mercier said the meeting that was tentatively scheduled for August 21� Is not needed;
the next meeting will be on September 9, 2019.
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OWN nrg�i
§ Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10;30 PM. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Safina and approved with a 3-0-0 vote.
Documents Reviewed at Meeting:
8/12/19 Agenda
5/13/19,6/10/19,7/8/19 CPDC Minutes
107 Main Street Continuance Request
258-262 Main Street Continuance Request
135-249R Howard St Continuance Request
ReMax Renaissance Sign Permit
• Sign Permit Application
• Draft Certificate of Appropriateness
Austin Prep
• Revised Site Plans dated 8/6/19
• Draft Decision,dated 8/12/19
• Memos from Town Engineer and Conservation Agent
Zoning Amendments
• Footnote 1 amendments—Revised Draft
• Mixed Use and Intensity Regulations—Revised Draft
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