HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-03-08 Board of Public Works Minutes Board of Public Works Meeting of March 8, 1982 Page 1
A meeting of the Board of Public Works convened in Room 16,
Municipal Building at 7:30 P.M. Present were Mrs. Wood, Board Members
DeHart, Fallon and Barker and Superintendent E. Roger Louanis. Mrs. Wood
assumed the position of the Chairman in his absence.
The Board met with the League of Women Voters regarding Cluster
Zoning and Condominium Conversion in Reading.
Mrs. Wood introduced the Board and the following members of the
League were present:
Eleanor Dustin
Barbara Hewitt
Judy LeBlanc
Russ Stone
The League stated that what they were mainly interested in
referred to new development, and the impact this would have on the Town's
services. For example, what if the land on North Main Street or at the
end of Pleasant Street was rezoned for condominium development. How does
the Board feel this would impact on the Town's services?
The Board members all concurred that whatever type of development
is built, it would have to be considered individually. With any new
development, the rate of growth of the Town would naturally be increased
and would have some impact on the Town's services.
Superintendent Louanis felt that condominium clusters would
definitely increase the growth rate of the Town.
Board of Public Works Meeting of March 8, 1952 Page 2
Mr. Fallon felt he would like to see each development considered
individually before he would form an opinion on cluster zoning. Any
impact on our services would depend on what the developer was planning on
building, i.e., three bedroom units vs. one or two bedroom units.
Superintendent Louanis stated that these types of buildings would
come under the Subdivision Control Laws, and new Rules and Regulations may
have to be written. Superintendent Louanis also brought up the point of
rubbish collection, whereby the rules now state that any dwelling with
three or more units is considered commercial property, therefore, the Town
does not pick up the rubbish nor does the Town plow the properties.
The League stated they have been studying conversions as well as
new condominium construction. The League has met with the Planning Board
and are planning to meet with the Recreation and Conservation Committees.
The Board of Selectmen see condominium conversion as a big issue because
they are the Board that receive the complaints from tenants who are unable
to purchase condominiums.
The League has done studies regarding those people who have low
, to moderate incomes and are unable to buy property but are able to rent.
Mrs. Wood requested that the League transmit any information they
receive from other Boards to the Board of Public Works.
Mr. DeHart felt he would have to investigate the plans fully
before he would approve them and he couldn't make a general statement
whether he was for or against it, however, he would like to see the growth
' of Reading slow down.
JPW
Board of Public Works Meeting of March 8, 1982 Page 3
A general discussion ensued with input from two residents of
Reading. The meeting with the League of Women Voters concluded at 5:25
P.M..
The Board met with Mr. Reggie Peters and Mr. James McTaggart,
residents of Bay State Road. Mr. Peters inquired if there is going to he
another meeting regarding the off-site plans for the Horizon Homes
Project, i.e., line painting, stop signs, sidewalks, etc. on Bay State
Road.
Superintendent Louanis informed Mr. Peters that Public Hearings
would be required for the construction of a sidewalk and roadway
reconstruction. However, there are no State Laws requiring reconstruction
of the roadways or sidewalks. Superintendent Louanis felt that the $8,000
being donated to the Town by Horizon Homes for the construction of a
sidewalk would be under the control of Town Meeting. The Superintendent
felt that the Order of Conditions is just as viable as the one written for
Cedar Glen. In his mind, every order in that comprehensive permit is
enforcable by the Building Inspector and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
It was moved, seconded and voted 3:0 that the minutes of the
Board of Public Works meeting of February 8, 1982 be accepted as written.
Mr. Fallon requested that negative and abstaining votes be
recorded by name.
It was moved, seconded and voted 3: 1 (Mr. Fallon opposed) that
the minutes of the Board of Public Works meeting of March 1, 1982 be
accepted as corrected.
Board of Public Works Meeting of March 8, 1982 Page 4
The Board discussed the letter from the Industrial Development
Commission regarding the Town landfill. The Board suggested the
Department respond to the letter and invite the Chairman of the Industrial
Development Commission to come before the Board prior to the Spring Town
Meeting.
The Board reviewed the letter from Ella Roman regarding the
plowing and sanding of the Town's roadways. Her letter was accepted as a
point of information to be referred to the Assistant Superintendent. It
was suggested that the Department write a letter to Mrs. Roman, thanking
her for her letter and explaining to her about the frequent icing problems
across the State this year and explaining that the Board is trying to keep
costs in line, while not jeopardizing public safety.
The Board reviewed the letter from Gail T. Matthews,
Founder/Chairman of the Reading Cancer Chapter regarding the test results
of Readings water supply. The letter was accepted as a point of
information and tabled until the Board reviews Superintendent Louanis's
previous response to her.
The Board signed the letter of commendation to Mr. Harry Mohla on
his retirement.
The letter from Anthony D. Cortese, Commissioner of the D.E.G.E.
regarding the approval of a grant in the amount of $25,000 for Leak
Detection under Chapter 805, was accepted as a paint of information.
The Board signed the Payroll for the period ending 3/5/82.
The Board signed the Bill Roll for the period ending 3/5/82.
The meeting adjourned at 9:25 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
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