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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-19 Community Planning and Development Commission Minutes Kc ; EiVEJ T041'id CLRRE� Town of Reading ?;; a,') ?dq Meeting Minutes g - 1.A.. flG9 24 PM 3 00 Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Community Planning and Development Commission Date: 2020-10-19 Time: 730 PM Building: Location: Remote Meeting - Zoom Address: Session: Purpose: Meeting Version: Attendees: Members: John Weston, Chair; Rachel Hitch, Pamela Adrian Heather Clish, Tony D'Arezzo-Associate Members - Not Present: Nick Safina Others Present: Community Development Director Julie Mercier, Staff Planner Andrew MacNichol, Economic Development Director Erin Schaeffer, Patricia Dababneh Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Andrew MacNichol Topics of Discussion: MEETING HELD REMOTELY VIA ZOOM Chairman John Weston called the meeting to order at 7:33 PM. Community Development Director Julie Mercier explained the protocols for tonight's meeting that is being held virtually as all hearings throughout the pandemic have been. She presented the Zoom Meeting information to the public for those wishing to join. She explained the features of the Zoom program and how to provide comments for any given application. She added that RCN is broadcasting and recording the meeting. Potential Zoning Amendments for April 2021 Outdoor Commerce. Dining and Recreation Mr. Weston explained that currently the Town does not have a way to approve a temporary use on a site looking to hold outdoor events. He continued that this did start with the Covid- 19 pandemic but the need is expected to continue beyond such and the Town wants to be prepared for the short- and long-term future. These outdoor uses may not have been contemplated when a site was originally approved so applications may warrant a review by the CPDC. Mr. Weston asked to consider a Special Permit process versus a Site Plan Review process and why one may be preferred over another. Ms. Mercier stated that Special Permits are statutory and require a specific timing of notice which is then followed by a public hearing, These can take up to 90 days at times to issue a Decision. Site Plan Review and Minor Site Plan Review are not statutory and town staff can have Flexibility within the process. Items such as legal notices, issuances of Decisions and other parameters can be set and adjusted by staff. Ms. Mercier continued that Special Permits can be denied but a Site Plan Review is typically non-discretionary. Ms. Mercier stated that while outdoor events on public land, such as sidewalks and roads, are outside the CPDC's jurisdiction, CPDC has focused solely on outdoor dining within private lots. She added that one particular property has undergone a Minor Site Plan Review for their own outdoor dining in the past. t Town of Reading Y Meeting Minutes Ms. Adrian asked that submitted plot plans depict how many structures would be installed. Ms. Mercier agreed and summarized what was being presented. Ms. Mercier shared the proposed zoning amendments on the screen. A definition of Open Storage exists in the bylaw which relates to Outdoor Retail. Ms. Mercier stated the proposed revisions would change the "Open Storage"title to "Outdoor Commerce, Dining and Recreation" in order to directly relate the definition to the use. She added that Board Member Tony D'Arezzo, who could not attend tonight's hearing, would prefer that the Open Storage definition and line item (within the Table of Uses) remain and that a new and separate definition and line item for Outdoor Commerce, Dining and Recreation be created. Ms. Mercier stated that notice would be given to not only property abutters but also adjacent businesses, if they share a building/lot. Ms. Mercier added that Mr. D'Arezzo felt guidelines such as length of time, size of event, etc. be added to ensure events are not approved in perpetuity. Ms. Mercier opined that if something is successful it should not be impeded by constant review. It was added that Minor Site Plan Review can also be triggered by a site that 'becomes a nuisance'. She felt that leaving the bylaw'open' was best instead of adding too many restrictions that may have unintended consequences. Varying conditions can be placed on any given application during its review. Ms. Mercier added that the existing Minor Site Plan Review Bylaw language includes the ability to waive parking requirements. She stated this could be very beneficial to sites that would like to temporarily use their parking areas to hold events. Ms. Mercier reviewed the Open Storage `Criteria for Approval'. She stated she has not received an Open Storage Application since her time in Reading and questioned whether the Board had seen many of them. Ms. Hitch asked how these events would be temporary in nature. Ms. Mercier replied that the proposed definition allows for conditions of approval limiting the use and time. Each site and application may be different and require different conditions. She continued that flexibility will be key in the future for businesses looking for different style of events. Ms. Hitch opined that it must be made clearer that this use is always for temporary events. Ms. Clish agreed that more could be added to the definition to make that distinction. Mr. Weston opined the definition may not be the best place for including limitations but could be added in a separate section. Ms. Clish opined that recreation may not be the best word and that another, such as 'Programming', may make more sense and allow for even greater flexibility. Ms. Mercier stated that whatever the word is, the intent should be very clear. She added that the new language is in the Accessory Use Table, therefore it must relate to principal uses. Mr. Weston stated a principal use may wish to apply for a more creative outdoor use and did not want to restrict any creative applications. Ms. Mercier agreed and felt that`Special Events' (such as functions, fairs, and more) should be captured within any new definition. Mr. Weston expressed concern that these outdoor uses and events need to be reviewed for safety concerns. Ms. Mercier gave an example of a bank holding an outdoor event with food, drink and other business booth tables. She asked how this would be received. Ms. Hitch opined that it sounded like such an event is outside of this use. Ms. Mercier replied that it would be contained within their own private site and would want a review process. Ms. Clish opined that an event is different than a temporary use. Ms. Hitch agreed. Mr. Weston asked who had control over the Fall Street Faire and how was that permitted. The 2 Town of Reading z Meeting Minutes Faire not only uses public ways but a number of private lots. Ms. Mercier informed that the Civic Function Permit applies to such events. Mr. Weston asked if Economic Development Director Erin Schaeffer had any opinions. Ms. Schaeffer replied in the negative and that the discussion on uses versus events is very beneficial. Mr. Weston asked to review the Outdoor Storage Criteria again. Ms. Mercier opined a number of these criteria can be imposed as Conditions on any Minor Site Plan approval. She felt restricting outdoor uses to a certain percentage of lot area is disadvantage to a number of sites. Ms. Hitch questioned what if a site wanted to use their entire parking area for an outdoor use. Ms. Mercier replied that a case by case basis is needed due to the number of spaces dedicated to a specific use, location of other businesses, utilization rates, timing of the outdoor use and other factors that may impact approvals. Mr. Weston opined the Outdoor Storage Criteria was drafted for outdoor uses such as Redbox, vending machines and other related outdoor commerce boxes. Ms. Clish felt that the Outdoor Storage criteria should remain but could be included in the Outdoor Events definition and guidelines. Ms. Clish questioned what would trigger a review if a Special Permit requirement is removed. Ms. Mercier stated the use itself can be identified as a trigger for Minor Site Plan Review. Mr. Weston questioned how this use can be discussed with a full Site Plan Review if it triggers and requires a Minor Site Plan Review. He asked if both would be required. Ms. Mercier stated this could be worded similarly to the language of a Special Permit being included in a Site Plan Review. She stated this language can be added. Mr. Weston opined that if the criteria is removed, they should be added to the considerations section of the outdoor events. Ms. Mercier agreed. Ms. Mercier reviewed the existing waiver language within the Minor Site Plan Review Bylaw. She asked if all business and industrial zoning districts should be allowed to ask for waivers. Ms. Mercier asked in place of Mr. D'Arezzo if the term "minor" should be defined in more detail. She informed the board that triggers for Minor Site Plan Review exist but not a definition. Ms. Clish opined that a definition may be too limiting. Mr. Weston stated minor is subjective to each site and should remain Flexible. Mr. Weston asked how yearly applications would be handled. He stated he wanted to avoid having a business reapply for the same event. Ms. Mercier agreed and stated that conditions could require applicants to reapply if there are deviations from the original approved plan. Ms. Mercier stated that details on the official application requirements can be given more thought. Mr. Weston asked if members of the public had any comments. Ms. Patricia Dababneh asked who approves the zoning amendments to become official. Mr. Weston informed the public that the CPDC would hold an official public hearing on the zoning amendments and make a recommendation to Town Meeting. Ms. Dababneh asked how often Town Meeting is held. Mr. Weston stated it is held twice a year and is representative in format. Ms. Dababneh asked if Town Meeting members should be present 3 Town of Reading Y Meeting Minutes at the working meetings such as tonight. She continued that they should be aware of the discussion that goes on that results in the language presented. Mr. Weston stated that the hearing is being recorded and broadcast for viewing and meeting minutes are also available. Ms. Dababneh asked if Town Meeting members made themselves aware of the discussions. Mr. Weston replied that is up to each individual. Ms. Dababneh asked if the Town Meeting Members are able to be addressed. Mr. Weston informed Ms. Dababneh that she can ask to speak on a topic at Town Meeting. Ms. Dababneh asked if they could be reached before Town Meeting. Ms. Mercier informed her that the elected precinct members can be found and reached out to. Ms. Hitch opined that there are a number of opportunities to provide input, tonight as an example. Ms. Dababneh expressed concern that outdoor events won't be as controlled as they need to be. Mr. Weston stated that the Board tries to balance the rights of each property owner without negatively impacting abutters and members of the public. He continued that Town Meeting members help draft the rules and regulations of the bylaw. Ms. Dababneh opined public input is not always included within CPDC Decisions. Ms. Adrian reflected on her own experiences, first as an abutter to a large development, and now as a now CPDC Member. Ms. Adrian opined that zoning amendments are the result of the need for change. She continued that temporary events can include a discussion on the duration of any given event. Ms. Dababneh asked that screening of events and outdoor storage be required. Mr. Weston opined that these are always considered, but items such as a Redbox or vending machine may not require screening at all. Mr. D'Arezzo joined the meeting. He stated he had been following along on RCN and is caught up on the discussion. He stated he had a concern of a temporary event being allowed on a permanent basis. Ms. Mercier stated that she will review this further and hopes to have updates at the November meeting. Minutes: 9/14/2020 Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to approve the 9/14/2020 minutes as amended. Ms. Hitch seconded the motion and was approved with a 5-0-0 vote. 10/5/2020 Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to approve the 10/5/2020 minutes as amended. Ms. Hitch seconded the motion and was approved with a 5-0-0 vote. Adiournment Ms. Hitch made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 PM. The motion was seconded by Ms. Adrian and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. 4