HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-10 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesF
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Community Planning and Development Commission " 26
Date: 2020-02-10 Time: 7:30 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session:
Purpose: Meeting Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
John Weston, Chair, Rachel Hitch, Nick Safina, Pamela Adrian
Tony D'Arezzo, Associate
Members - Not Present:
Heather Clish
Others Present:
Community Development Director Julie Merrier, Staff Planner Andrew MacNichol, Brad
Latham, Chris Pesce, Jack Sullivan, John Magee, Joe Feznola, Josh Latham, Suzanne
Algen, Chuck Castelluccio, Judy Coltman, Richard Mastronardi, Made Kleponis, Janice
Hart, Jay Shatto
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders
Topics of Discussion:
John Weston called the meeting to order at 7:33 PM; and said the agenda will be taken out
of order and the two Approval Not Required (ANR) Plans will be heard first.
Sian Permit Application
21-31 Harridan Street. North Shore Bank
Chris Pesce and Richard Batten were present on behalf of the Application.
Mr. Richard Batten from Batten Brothers Sign Company introduced Chris Pesce, Vice
President, Marketing of North Shore Bank and presented the proposal:
> Install two wall signs on the facades;
Both would be externally illuminated by LED fixtures;
One sign on the front of the facade and one in the rear; and
Dimensions of both proposed signs were provided
Mr. Safina asked if the letters are mounted flush and made a suggestion about the LED
lights.
Ms. Hitch opined the design of the sign goes well with the signs across the street.
Mr. Weston asked about the existing lighting. Mr. Batten replied it is Halo illuminated chain
letters.
Mr. Safina asked if there is an issue with the address, the Town GIS System has the
property come up 37 Hamden Street. Mr. Batten replied the property used to be several
stores.
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Mr. D'Arezzo asked about the external lighting and how the shielding will work. Mr. Batten
explained the light bar angles back towards the lettering, and the bar is low profile.
Mr. Safina asked if all wiring will be enclosed. Mr. Batten replied yes, within arms of the
light fixture.
Mr. Weston went through the conditions with the Applicant.
Mr. Batten asked if temporary signs are allowed. Ms. Mercier reviewed the temporary sign
regulations.
Ms. Hitch made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for North
Shore Bank, 21-31 Hamden Street. The motion was seconded by Mr. Safina and
approved with a 5-0-0 vote.
Continued Public Hearing. Site Plan Review
259-267 Main Street. Stonegate Construction Corporation
Joshua Latham, Jay Finnegan, Eric Katz and Joe Peznola were present on behalf of the
Application.
Mr. Weston opened the continued public hearing for 259-267 Main Street, Site Plan Review.
Attorney Joshua Latham, on behalf of Stonegate Construction Corporation, provided an
overview:
• The proposal is to construct and redevelop the site for 24 -residential condominium
units;
• It's an as -of -right use within the A-40 District where the primary portion of the
redevelopment occurs;
• Obtained a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals to allow a portion of the
5-15 zoned area to be used for residential parking; and
• The updated plans incorporate feedback and suggestions received from CPDC, DEP,
DRT meeting, Conservation, RMLD and the Fire Department
Mr. Latham said the updates to the plans are technical and substantive, and introduced Joe
Peznola, Director of Engineering from Hancock Associates.
Mr. Peznola provided an update:
• Introduced revisions from feedback received from ConsCom and comments received
from DEP;
• Revision to the stormwater design - removed detention basin from back left of
development because of issue with compliance with State regulations governing the
public water supply; and there cannot be a discharge within 200' of a stream;
• To compensate for this change, the underground infiltration was enlarged to provide
for the necessary volume of storage;
• The testing to support this change was submitted to Engineering for review; and
Engineering responded with a Memo dated February 5, 2020;
• A response letter to Engineering was presented and revised plans were submitted to
staff;
• Engineering comments were minor in nature;
• Snow storage is located on the updated plans;
• RMLD requested the transformer to be relocated;
• The retaining wall was pushed back and the transformer will be located down below
from the retaining wall and obscured from Main Street;
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• Landscaping will be planted around the transformer to help conceal it from residents
driving/walking past the area;
• Submitted memo response to Draft Decision; and
Updated plans to reflect minor housekeeping issues;
A Building Permit and structural plans will be required for retaining walls over 4';
Affordable housing is not proposed; and
Egress and security lighting will be on the final plans for the Building Permit and
will be reviewed at that time.
• Architecture - showed rendering of Main Street facade:
Added plantings and the retaining wall;
Stone and windows added to front (Main Street facade);
Closet locations will have real windows but sheet rocked on the inside to mirror
the other side of the building; and
Two different types of vinyl siding proposed, shakes and clapboards.
Mr. Peznola provided samples of the materials.
Ms. Adrian asked if there would be balconies. Mr. Peznola replied balconies are proposed
but are tucked into the building and within setback requirements.
Ms. Adrian asked if the gutters are only in the rear of the building. Mr. Katz replied the
gutters will be all around the roof, and will be black.
Mr. Peznola informed the Commission:
• The Applicant had to re -advertise and re -notice abutters for the Conservation
Commission meeting on Wednesday night;
• Conservation Commission has new members, will need to refresh the process with
them to move forward;
• Don't anticipate finishing with the Conservation Commission because DEP feedback is
needed;
• Would like to meet with DEP analyst and Conservation on-site; and
• Applicant feels that DEP doesn't fully understand degradation of site and need for
clean up to justify the 2000 SF of wetland impact proposed.
Ms. Adrian asked how the outside parking in the rear will be safely lit. Mr. Peznola described
the lighting under the porte-cochere and proposed light poles in the area. Ms. Adrian noted
that there is lighting around the landscaping but not along the path. Mr. Peznola said to
supplement the lighting bollards can be added. Ms. Mercier asked if lighting in addition to
the poles is needed. Mr. Peznola said potentially in one location near the handicap ramp.
Mr. Weston requested the security lighting and building lighting be incorporated into the
Lighting Plan so the Commission can understand what is proposed; it should be designed
with the building.
Mr. Safina asked if the rendering showed LED accents on the building structure.
Mr. Katz from Stonegate Construction responded to the lighting concerns:
• Additional bollards can be added along walkways;
• Two egress doors on Main Street will be lit;
• Doors to patios and balconies will be lit; and
• Photometrics will be updated and cut -sheets of new proposed fixtures will be
provided.
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Mr. Safina asked about the location of the retaining wall and transformer. Mr. Peznola said
there is a slope and pointed out the location. Ms. Mercier asked if RMLD has reviewed the
location. She clarified why she requested cardinal directions on the elevations, because the
front of the building is located facing the back of the site.
Mr. Weston said he is having trouble understanding the elevations, grading, and retaining
walls because it doesn't match from plan to plan. Mr. Peznola explained:
• The retaining walls;
• Slope in front of wall and slope behind; and
• Shrubs and plantings will soften the impact of the slope.
Mr. Weston responded there will be a 10' grade difference between the sidewalk and flat
space in the front of the building. Mr. Peznola explained there is a pathway through the
landscaping. Mr. Weston said a pathway should be flat; and requested more detail on the
retaining wall and landscaping. Mr. Peznola explained the path will be up at the 101' level;
and said he will provide a cross-section.
Mr. Peznola said one loading zone is proposed where two are required. The Applicant will
need to submit a waiver request from providing a second loading space. Mr. Weston asked
if there are any other waivers requested. Mr. MacNichol said a waiver from a full traffic
study has been requested.
Mr. Safina commented the design is not unique to Reading and that it is very similar to the
developer's other buildings. Ms. Mercier asked Mr. Safina if he had any suggestions. Mr.
Weston said he has concerns with the back of the building facing Main Street; and said the
changes to the stonework and additional windows will help, but he also wanted to know if
Mr. Safina had additional feedback. Mr. Safina replied the balconies and glass should
activate the site, and the landscaping as proposed is good.
Mr. Weston summarized there are no dramatic changes or requests from this Commission;
and said the Commission does not want to proceed without Conservation Commission
approval.
Mr. Weston opened the meeting for public comment and closed it with no comment.
Ms. Hitch made a motion to continue the public hearing for 259-267 Main Street to
March 9, 2020 at 7:30 PM. The motion was seconded by Ms. Adrian and approved
with a 5-0-0 vote.
Continued Public Hearina. Home Occupation Special Permit
21-23 Village Street. Ryan Barry
Mr. Weston read the email request from Mr. Ryan Barry to withdraw the application without
prejudice into the record.
Mr. Safina made a motion to accept the withdrawal without prejudice request for
the Home Occupation Special Permit, 21-23 Village Street. The motion was
seconded by Ms. Hitch and approved with a 5-0-0 vote.
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135. 139 & 149R Howard Street. Infrastructure Holdings LLC
Andy Street and Kevin Greenwood were present on behalf of the Application.
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Mr. Weston opened the continued public hearing for the Definitive Subdivision Plan, 135,
139 & 149R Howard Street.
Mr. Andy Street, PE from Civil Design Consultants on behalf of the Applicant Kevin
Greenwood, Infrastructure Holdings LLC, provided an overview on the updated plans;
• Received feedback from many entities and made several changes;
• The subdivision is the same number of Lots as previously presented;
• The right-of-way in the straight section was changed from 50' wide to 60';
• Changes made from feedback received by Engineering included revising the drainage
configuration, ensuring that the road is no longer super -elevated, adding more catch
basins, and certifying that peak volumes and Flows will work;
• Parking on the proposed street is still an outstanding question;
• The paved roadway is proposed at 24' wide with vertical granite curbing;
• Each dwelling will have a garage and can fit 3 to 4 additional vehicles; and parking is
allowed on Howard Street;
• A single street light is proposed at the end of the cul-de-sac;
• The critical area to be lit is the cul-de-sac itself;
• Post lighting at the ends of the driveways was proposed but since the Town would
own them, it is no longer proposed;
• The drain pipe will be concrete per Town specification;
• Compliance with MS4 General Permit;
• Town Engineer sent a memo stating his concerns have been satisfied; and
• Fire Department satisfied if Lot 4 driveway can support a fire truck - the roadway
cross-section will be applied to this driveway.
Mr. Safina asked what is the difference with the driveway construction, is it subgrade
material at the top level; and asked how a future homeowner will know they need to repave
to that standard. Mr. Street responded that Mr. Safina had a good point, and said with a lot
of their projects they include one pavement cross-section.
Mr. Street said there are a few items remaining with Conservation that will be addressed on
Wednesday.
Ms. Hitch said she was curious about the width of the paved surface and how no parking will
be enforced. Mr. Weston responded the previous Town Engineer used to come to the CPDC
meetings when things like this came up; and the disagreement on the roadway width needs
to be addressed internally with the Town. He opined that if the Town insists on vertical
granite curbing, then the road should be wider. Ms. Mercier asked if the vertical granite
curbing is needed for the drainage design. Mr. Street replied any type of curbing would
keep the drainage on the road. Ms. Mercier asked if the road was widened would the
drainage design still work. Mr. Street replied that without reviewing, he does not know the
implications. Ms. Mercier asked if the Town Engineer has discussed installing "No Parking"
signs with the Applicant, because without signs the Police cannot enforce. Mr. Street replied
he does not recall a discussion on installing "No Parking" signs.
Ms. Hitch opined that the updated drainage design is a good solution.
Mr. Weston brought forward the letter received from Robert Connors, 107 Howard Street,
requesting a stop sign at the end of the road. The Commission looked at other intersections
in Town that do not have a stop sign; and agreed it is the rules of the road a driver should
know to stop at an intersection before proceeding. Mr. MacNichol said installing the stop
sign was added as a condition. Mr. Weston said the Commission is not in control of traffic
signage on roadways. Ms. Mercier explained that during the Definitive Subdivision Plan
review, the Commission can request signage because the property is private; and after the
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road is constructed and adopted by the Town then regulations on the road become the
purview of the Select Board.
Mr. Safina opined the 24' roadway width is fine for vehicles parking on the street. Mr.
Weston agreed vehicles can park on a 24' wide street, but vertical granite curbing is
proposed which prohibits vehicles pulling off of the road. Mr. Street opined the driveways
are long enough for additional. parking. Mr. D'Arezzo said the reality is, vehicles of guests
will park by the cul-de-sac and walk to the home. Ms. Mercier disagreed and said people
will park closest to the door. Mr. Safina said curbing is needed to help prevent the sidewalk
shoulder from being destroyed. Mr. Weston said sloped granite curbing would permit
vehicles to park off of the road. Ms. Hitch suggested "No Parking" signs be installed on both
sides of the road. Ms. Mercier recommended adding a condition that the PTTTF shall review
the issue. She said the Commission will still have a chance to review the Plan before
endorsing it.
Mr. Weston opened the meeting for public comment.
Ms. Pauline Mastoratti, 144 Howard Street, worried about water issues and stated:
• Our neighborhood will be impacted by aesthetics;
• Fine with Lots 1, 5 & 6, but not okay with the rear Lots - leave the area natural;
• The retention pond was moved forward so now a house is proposed closer to an
abutters property;
• Opined that these are huge houses that don't fit in neighborhood;
Mr. Weston pointed out that Reading's Subdivision Regulations date back to the 1950's and
establish what a property owner can do with their land and said:
• Howard Street was one big property which was subdivided and individual lots were
created;
• Subdivision Rules and Regulations were adopted by Town Meeting;
• The proposed development meets all these regulations; and
• The Conservation Commission tries to minimize impacts to wetland areas and the
CPDC ensures the development complies with the Subdivision regulations.
Mr. Safina noted that the development is less dense than the surrounding neighborhood.
Ms. Adrian added that the proposed Lots are larger than the lots in the surrounding area.
Ms. Hitch commented that the leverage for change is at Town Meeting.
Ms. Suzanne Alger, 149 Howard Street, said it sounds like the Commission is making a lot
of concessions on the size of the roadway. Mr. Weston said the right of way was increased
from 50' to 60' wide per the Town's request. He explained the regulations were put into
place in the 1950's and the thinking on pavement has changed over the years; and less
than 30' paved roadway is allowed as long as it functions.
Ms. Alger asked if parking is allowed on the street would it still be safe for emergency
vehicles to pass. Ms. Hitch replied yes and that the Commission is always sensitive to
parking, safety and stormwater. Mr. Safina said developers always try to avoid installing
vertical granite curbing because of the price. Mr. Weston said the vertical granite curbing is
beneficial because plows do not destroy it. Ms. Hitch explained the thoughts of the
Commission when reviewing a proposed subdivision. Ms. Alger replied she appreciates the
road was extended.
Mr. Chuck Castelluccio, 62 Wescroft Road, said the Applicant should be required to meet all
Town standards; and added pavers could be installed in driveways to help with percolation
of water. Mr. Weston said the Commission asked developers to reduce the pavement width
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from the standard in the interest of the environment. Mr. Castelluccio pointed out the
house that is between the wetland areas. Mr. Weston replied the developer has been
working with the Conservation Commission.
Ms. Janice Hart, 70 Wescroft Road, asked if there was a regulation about the length of
driveways. Mr. D'Arezzo replied there is not such a regulation. Ms. Hart says the driveway
seems excessive.
Ms. Hart asked about the runoff of salt into the wetland area. Mr. Street explained the
driveway is designed to pitch to a stone trench that will catch it; and the salt will be filtered
through the stone first. Ms. Mastoratti asked what would happen if the homeowner uses a
lot of salt or fertilizer. Mr. Street replied the Conservation Commission requires an
Operations and Maintenance Plan for such. A resident asked if the Conservation Agent
could give a fine to a homeowner. Mr. Weston said the Town tries to work with
homeowners or business owners first before issuing a fine.
Ms. Hart asked if it would be more beneficial for the street light to be closer to the homes,
rather than lighting the wetland. Mr. Street explained the street light is very focused and
that it will point onto the cul-de-sac.
Mr. Jay Shatto, 66 Wescroft Road, said it seems that water calculations have been done but
what if they are wrong and abutters need to install sump pumps because of this
development. He asked who is responsible if his basement has a foot of water in it. Mr.
Safina said the developer is responsible, and the drainage design was approved by the
Engineering Department. Mr. Shatto stated that multiple Town Commissions approved this
development, and expressed concern he would have to approach the developer for a
solution. Mr. Street further explained the drainage design. Mr. Weston assured Mr. Shatto
he can contact the Town Engineer; and said the Project Engineer, Town Engineer, Peer
Review Engineer, and the Conservation Commission has reviewed and approved the
drainage design.
Ms. Maria Kleponis, 56 Wescroft Road, asked how high is the driveway at the rear. Mr.
Street explained the driveway is approximately 3' higher, and grades down to the wetlands.
Ms. Judy Coltan, 18 Milton Road, asked if the existing trees in the wetlands will be removed.
Mr. Street explained there are a handful of trees in the 100' buffer zone that will be
removed. He added Conservation will make sure that if a tree is removed, a new tree will
be planted at a 1:1 ratio. Ms. Coltan asked about the trees in the wetland. Mr. Street
replied the trees she pointed out in the wetlands will remain. Ms. Coltan asked about the
trees on Howard Street and if they will be cleared. Mr. Street replied the intent is not to
clear cut trees, just to take down trees that need to be removed for the development. Mr.
Weston said realistically, because of the location of the foundations and the roadway the
front half of the site will be cleared. Mr. Street agreed, and said as many trees as possible
will be saved, and with the Tree Warden's guidance trees will be replanted.
Ms. Algeri asked if all of the Lots are built up and asked how the water will drain. Mr. Street
explained how anything that falls on the roof will be piped into the ground.
Mr. Street spent time further explaining the Site Plan to the audience members.
Mr. Weston asked for an update where the Applicant stands with the Conservation
Commission. Mr. Street replied two comments remained with the Conservation Commission
peer reviewer and they have been addressed. He said there has been no feedback on their
response; however, there is a Conservation Commission meeting on Wednesday.
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Mr. Weston said the only outstanding item with this Commission is the roadway width.
Ms. Mercier asked the Commission for their opinion if the roadway width should be
increased as long as the drainage will still work. Mr. Weston opined he does not want more
pavement width; and said his concerns are that a vehicle can pull off the roadway to park
and that emergency vehicles can pass. Ms. Mercier asked if the Applicant spoke to the Town
Engineer about sloped granite curbing. Mr. Street said he has, and the Town requires
vertical granite curbing. Ms. Hitch suggested "No Parking" signs on the straight portion of
the proposed road. Mr. Weston replied he is opposed to signs on Howard Street; and
explained his concern is if a vehicle is parked in the cul-de-sac the drive aisle will be tight
for a vehicle to pass. Ms. Mercier asked about limiting parking to one side of the cul-de-sac.
Mr. Weston replied if no parking is enforced, parking will over flow onto Howard Street.
Ms. Mercier clarified she suggested "No Parking" on just one side of the cul-de-sac. Mr.
Weston stated there were two other cul-de-sacs approved without the vertical granite
curbing, and asked what the difference is with this development. Ms. Mercier responded the
difference could be that this site has additional drainage and groundwater challenges that
the other sites did not. Mr. Weston commented that he understands if the issue is the
vertical granite curbing is necessary to channel the water into the system. Mr. Safina said
he thought the curbs are necessary to get the water to flow to the catch basins. Mr. Weston
reiterated it would be beneficial to have the Town Engineer present at these meetings. Ms.
Mercier said she will invite the Town Engineer to future subdivision hearings.
Mr. D'Arezzo suggested moving the trees back a little that are right on the pavement. Mr.
Street said the intent of the plan was to show trees are being planted, the Town Engineer
and Tree Warden will review locations before planting any trees.
Mr. Weston summarized the proposal is to keep it the way it was designed: 24' roadway
with vertical granite curbing, and limiting parking to one side of the roadway. He requested
Ms. Mercier to follow up with Town Engineer and the Police Department. Mr. D'Arezzo
recommended adding a condition giving a maximum pavement width so the Applicant does
not have to come back to get the waiver adjusted. Mr. Safina explained the Applicant can
ask for a waiver on the roadway width, but build larger if Engineering approved. Ms.
Mercier clarified the Applicant does not need to come back if the changes are prior to
endorsement of plans.
Mr. MacNichol said the waivers need to be voted on. Mr. Weston read through the waivers
the Applicant requested.
Ms. Hitch made a motion to close the public hearing to the Definitive Subdivision
Plan, 135, 139 & 149R Howard Street, Infrastructure Holdings LLC. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Safina and approved with a 5-0-0 vote.
Ms. Hitch made a motion to approve 8 waivers as amended for the Definitive
Subdivision Plan, 135, 139 & 149R Howard Street, Infrastructure Holdings LLC.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Safina and approved with a S -O -O vote.
Ms. Hitch made a motion to approve the Definitive Subdivision Plan for 135, 139 &
149R Howard Street, Infrastructure Holdings LLC. as amended. The motion was
seconded by Ms. Adrian and approved with a 5-0-0 vote.
Continued Public Hearing Site Plan Review
258-262 Main Street CRE Ventures LLC
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Mr. Weston said at the request of the Applicant, the public hearing for 258-262 Main Street
is continued to March 9, 2020.
Ms. Hitch made a motion to continue the public hearing for Site Plan Review at
258-262 Main Street to March 9, 2020 at 8:00 PM. The motion was seconded by
Ms. Adrian and approved with a 5-0-0 vote.
Planning Updates and Other Topics
Approval Not Required (ANR) Plan, 26 & 27 Rocky Road
Brad Latham was present on behalf of the Application.
Mr. MacNichol, Staff Planner, said the ANR for 26 & 27 Rocky Road is a land swap between
two neighboring Lots, and said Attorney Brad Latham is representing the Applicant. Mr.
Latham explained the ANR Plan would shift the Lot line to allow the owner of one property
to add a front porch to their house; both parties agree with the ANR Plan. Mr. Weston said
the approval will not change the frontage, it will only change the Lot line and the setback
slightly from what exists today. Mr. Safina asked if there was a minimum requirement for
the angle from a Lot line. Ms. Mercier, Community Development Director, explained at
November Town Meeting the Lot shape requirement was modified to account for angles on a
cul-de-sac. She added that the changes to the Zoning Bylaw have not yet been approved
by the Attorney General.
Mr. Safina made a motion to endorse the ANR for 26 & 27 Rocky Road. The motion
was seconded by Ms. Hitch and approved with a 5-0-0 vote.
Three members of the Commission signed the ANR Plan.
Approval Not Required (ANR) Plan, 13 Bunker Avenue
Jack Sullivan and John Magee were present on behalf of the Application.
Mr. MacNichol said the ANR is to divide the existing Lot at 13 Bunker Avenue into two Lots.
Mr. Jack Sullivan from Sullivan Engineering Group presented the following:
• Bunker Avenue is a Private Way and is 16-1/2' wide;
• In the early 90's it was two Lots and the previous owner combined into one Lot;
• The new owner of the property wants to divide it back into two Lots;
• There are no wetlands on either Lot;
• There is sufficient frontage on each Lot;
• There is access to both Lots;
• The existing dwelling will be demolished; and
• The property is in the 5-15 Zoning District.
Mr. D'Arezzo asked if the existing two structures are to be demolished. Mr. Sullivan clarified
that the primary structure and the 3 -bay garage on the new Lot line will be demolished.
Ms. Adrian asked if the 16-1/2' street is wide enough for gravel and/or asphalt. Mr. Sullivan
replied the pavement section is 12-1/2' wide and the existing gravel is 14' wide; and said
the Town Engineer is satisfied the road is sufficient for public access. Ms. Adrian said during
construction, safety vehicles should be able to access. Mr. Weston explained Approval Not
Required has a very limited scope on what the Commission can review.
Mr. Safina made a motion to endorse the ANR for 13 Bunker Avenue. The motion
was seconded by Ms. Adrian and approved with a 5-0-0 vote.
The Commission members signed the ANR Plan.
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Ms. Mercier reviewed the feedback received from the State regarding the DSGD Design
Guidelines, and explained how she responded. Mr. Weston affirmed the three changes
made by the State. Ms. Mercier said there could be another wave of developments that
would utilize these guidelines. She reminded the Commission they already voted, the State
just has to approve the recent changes she made.
Discussion of South Main Street Design Best Practices
The South Main Street Design Best Practices were not discussed. Mr. MacNichol requested
the Commission review the document to be able to give feedback at the next meeting. Ms.
Mercier said an initial review was done by staff to ensure it jives with the recent zoning
changes for that area.
Discussion of Potential Zoning Bylaw Amendments for 2020
Table of Uses
Definitions
Sign Bylaw
Ms. Mercier updated the Commission that on March 30, 2020 there is a Zoning Workshop
scheduled to discuss potential zoning for November Town Meeting 2020. She asked the
Commission for feedback on the format and location. Mr. MacNichol said last year the
Commission notified abutters of the Zoning Amendment Workshop and only a few residents
showed. Mr. Weston said at Town Meeting, he remembers the following was brought up:
Rules about clear cutting;
Zero -foot setbacks; and
Working in more landscaping into the Design Guidelines for Zoning
Ms. Mercier opined that it may be more appropriate to discuss landscaping and greenspace
during the South Main Street Design Guidelines rather than downtown. She said when the
subdivision regulations are modified, stronger language can be added to minimize clear
cutting trees. Mr. Weston said at Town Meeting there was an Instructional Motion passed
stating the Town shall develop a policy on clear cutting associated with new developments.
Ms. Mercier said she will look into this request.
Ms. Mercier recommended having the workshop at the library and inviting all Town Meeting
members. She said one goal is to inform the Town Meeting members of proposed zoning
changes before they receive the warrant for Town Meeting. Mr. Weston said the potential
zoning amendments are to correct issues that could potentially arise. The Commission
discussed and agreed what is presented at Town Meeting should be limited as to not to
overwhelm. Ms. Mercier explained her intent with what she sent today on the Table of Uses.
The Commission agreed the March 301h workshop can start earlier than 7:30 PM.
Approval of CPDC Minutes of 11/04/2019, 12/09/2019 & 01/13/2020
January 13, 2020
Ms. Hitch made a motion to approve January 13, 2020 minutes as amended. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Safina and approved with a 5-0-0 vote.
December 9. 2019
Mr. safina made a motion to approve December 9, 1019 minutes as amended.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Hitch and approved with a 5-0-0 vote.
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November 4. 2019
Mr. Safina made a motion to approve November 4, 2019 minutes as amended.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Hitch and approved with a 5-0-0 vote.
• Mr. Weston discussed the Community Preservation Act.
• Ms. Hitch discussed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Zones.
• Mr. MacNichol informed the Commission the Town was awarded the MVP Grant and
explained there will be a community workshop. Ms. Mercier added for the MVP
process, there has to be two 4-hour stakeholder workshops or one 8-hour; and said
Mr. MacNichol is working on the details.
• Mr. MacNichol informed the Commission about Art Boxes, and the call to artists in
March or April - up to 5 utility boxes will be painted.
• Ms. Mercier said the Town will apply to be re-designated as a Housing Choice
Community.
• Ms. Mercier said she presented to the Select Board on Downtown Parking, and will do
so again in March. Mr. Weston agreed with the shorter-term fixes, but the Town
should think long-term and may need to reconsider parking requirements in zoning.
Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:31 PM. The motion was
seconded by Ms. Hitch and approved with a 5-0-0 vote.
Documents reviewed at the meeting:
21-31 Hamden Street:
• Sign Permit Application
• Proposed sign dimensions and renderings
Draft Certificate of Appropriateness
259.267 Main Street:
• Revised Site Plans, dated 1/29/20
• Revised Architectural Plans, dated 1/29/20
• Memo from Town Engineer, dated 2/5/20
• Draft Decision, dated 2/10/20
21-23 Village St:
Email request to withdraw application without prejudice, dated 1/27/20
135, 139 and 149R Howard Street:
• Revised subdivision plans, dated 1/27/20
• Waiver Requests, dated 1/28/20
• Memo from Town Engineer, dated 2/6/20
• Draft Decision, dated 2/10/20
26-27 Rocky Road
• ANR Application Form A
• ANR Plan
• Memo from Community Development Director
13 Bunker Avenue
• ANR Application Form A
• ANR Plan
• Memo from Town Engineer and Community Development Director
Downtown Smart Growth District Design Guidelines
Minutes:
• 11/4/19 CPDC Minutes
• 12/9/19 CPDC Minutes
• 1/13/20 CPDC Minutes
Page
riECEIVEb
TOWN CLERK
Town of Reading REA.MNt , MA.
Community Planning & Development Commission
2028 NRF I I PM 1: 3E
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO G. L. c. 39, SECTION 23D OF
PARTICIPATION IN A SESSION OF AN ADJUDICATORY HEARING WHERE
THE UNDERSIGNED MEMBER MISSED A SINGLE HEARING SESSION
[Note: Can only be used for missing one single hearing session; cannot be used
for missing more than one hearing session. Inquiries concerning this form and
your ability to participate in a matter where you missed a single hearing session
should/ be addressed to Town Counsel.]
I, (name), hereby certify under the pains and penalties
of perjury as follows:
1. 1 am a member of said board.
2. 1 missed a hearing session on the matter of -
z59- Z6ako:r 5fi ,qep rat �enrirader ��P� for
the property located at 259- z6 . ' la.H S7- which was
held on T6. io, 7n7,v
3. 1 reviewed all the evidence introduced at the hearing session I missed, which
included a review of (initial which one(s) applicable):
a. audio recording of the missed hearing session; or
b. ✓ video recording of the missed hearing session; or
C. a transcript of the missed hearing session.
This certification shall become a part of the record of the proceedings in the
above matter.
Signed under the pains and penalties of perjury thisi� day of
A ck— 2020.
Name
Received as part of the record of the above matter:
Date: 3 z_0
By:
Position:
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