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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-14 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesRECEIVED TOWN CLERK Town of Reading READING, MA m .I Meeting Minutes 2021 SEP 16 AM 7:44 Board`- committee - Commission - Council: Community Planning and Development Commission Date: 2021-06-14 Time: 7:30 PM Building: Location: Remote Meeting - Zoom Address: Session: Purpose: Meeting Version: Attendees: Members: John Weston, Chair; Linda Harrison, Heather Clish, Pamela Adrian, Tony D'Arezzo-Associate Members - Not Present: Nick Safina Others Present: Community Development Director Julie Mercier, Staff Planner Andrew MacNichol, Town Engineer Ryan Percival, Anne Manna, Nancy, Cassandra Albrecht, Bruce Adams, Lance Watson, Ben Rollins, Linda, Jackie McCarthy, Caitlin, Glen DeCesare, Cado Bacci, Carolyn Whiting, Ed Pare, Ann Dillaway, David Dillaway, Mike Lacey, Jean, Carl Aquilina, Lebatique, Mark Delaney Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Andrew MacNichol Topics of Discussion: MEETING HELD REMOTELY VIA ZOOM Chairman John Weston called the meeting to order at 7:35 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 RCTV is broadcasting and recording the meeting. Mr. Weston informed all that there was a mistake made with the official agenda posting of tonight's hearing but all Items being discussed tonight have followed standard noticing requirements and are Town based projects. He continued that both Town projects under discussion tonight are Site Plan Reviews which are non -statutory. The public hearing for a 40R Plan Review at 18 Woburn Street was continued to the next meeting date. Public Hearing Site Plan Review 160 Hopkins Street. Town of Reading Town Engineer Ryan Percival was present along with Ms. Cassandra Albrecht, Mr. Ben Rollins and Mr. Bruce Adams of Weston and Sampson, Inc. to present the application. Mr. Percival stated that the Gazebo Circle development, and Its surrounding area, has low water pressure. Domestic flow and fire flow could be improved. The Town sponsored a Town Meeting article and happens to own a small piece of land abutting the development. It Is proposed to hold a new water pump station in order to increase the existing water pressure. Mr. Percival continued that the site is also an area of demand from the Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) who would like to bring three-phase capabilities to the site. Ms. Albrecht shared the site plans on-screen. Mr. Adams began by informing the Board that sites access will be provided off of Cedar Street. The area of work does have some grade change but the pump station is to be located on a flat area atop the land. Cedar Street Town of Reading 9 .Y Meeting Minutes pavement will be extended for the access and for plowing purposes. A T-shaped turnaround will be provided at the pump station. Mr. Adams stated that the pump station building itself measures 25' x 16'. An underground infiltration gallery will be provided for the increased impervious area but the final size of such has yet to be determined. The design shall ensure that no runoff to the residential abutter on Hopkins Street occurs. The pump station has been sited to minimize required tree removal. The trees at the site entry will need to be removed and replacement trees will be provided. The final species and location of such trees will need approval from the Town Tree Warden. Mr. Adams informed the Board that a chain link fence must be provided per State regulations. He stated that the design of the proposed building is residential in nature through its clapboard composite siding, peaked asphalt shingled roof and windows. The final color is yet to be determined but the overall design is similar to a garage. Ms. Albrecht shared images of recent and similarly designed pump stations done by Weston and Sampson. Mr. Adams stated that infrastructures such as control panels, vents, HVAC equipment and more may be seen on the sides of the building. Barbed wire is not required but can be placed on the fence for security. Curbing will be provided along the driveway In order to direct drainage to the proper area. Mr. Adams stated that the pump station will make minimal noise due to the equipment used and insulation within. Mr. Percival added that the station will serve more than just Gazebo Circle. Mr. Weston asked if a previous presentation was made to Staff or another Board. Mr. Percival confirmed that a presentation was given to Staff at a Development Review Team (DIRT) meeting and that tonight is the first public meeting for the project. Mr. Weston asked how often the driveway would be utilized. He asked if porous pavement or another alternative could be provided over impervious area. Mr. Adams answered that the same concept was asked by Staff and further soil sampling will be done in order to determine if porous pavement can be used. He agreed that capturing infiltration over a larger area is a benefit and that a combination of porous pavement and an infiltration gallery could be utilized If necessary. Mr. Adams continued that the site may be accessed about once a day. Mr. Percival confirmed once -a -day visits are done during work hours. Ms. Adrian asked why Hopkins Street was not utilized for the site entry as it may help reduce the number of trees being removed. Mr. Adams replied that excavation on Cedar Street is required for utilities that are being installed. He continued that they focused the Impact on the north portion of the site in case the southern portion of the site can be used for open space or recreation. Mr. Percival added that a drive entry to the north would also help provide better access to the existing water tank at 0 Bear Hill Road. Ms. Clish asked if the road Is currently paved or not. Mr. Percival answered that the road up to the water tank Is currently a graveled road. Ms. Clish asked if the MassDEP requires a chain link fence or just a fence In general. Mr. Percival replied that the fence must allow vision through it. A black color was chosen and barbwire will not be utilized. Ms. Clish asked if elevation renderings will be designed for this building or If the photos shown tonight were available to the public prior to the meeting. Mr. Percival replied that elevations of the proposed building can be provided. Mr. MacNichol added that four photos O q Town of Reading Meeting Minutes of the Peabody, MA pump station were posted online and are found within the memorandum of changes. Mr. Adams stated that the building height is approximately 17'. Mr. D'Arezzo asked for more information about the electricity being provided to the area. He asked what would happen if the area lost power. Mr. Percival stated that RMLD is using this opportunity to provide a three-phase line to the area. A better and redundant feed would be provided. If the pump station were to shut down for any reason pressures would revert back to present day conditions. Mr. D'Arezzo asked how much water would come out of an overflow pipe. Mr. Warner agreed that the overflow is for emergency and would likely only flow if a hydrant in the area is opened and closed in a short period. The discharge releases a decent amount of water in a short period in order to relieve pressure. Mr. Adams estimated that it would be no more than 100 -gallons and not impact neighbors. Mr. D'Arezzo asked if additional water is being pulled to the site. Mr. Adams answered that the same volume of water as today will be used and only the pressure will increase. Mr. Weston asked to confirm that water pressure will be increased for the neighborhood. Mr. Adams confirmed but clarified that residents at the side water is being suctioned from will not see any adverse Impact. Mr. Weston asked if increased water pressure will put strain on leaky pipes at residential homes. Mr. Adams responded that it is an important point and failing lines could be impacted. Notification will be utilized in order to help residents prepare for impacts but most are happy to receive increased pressure. Mr. Percival added that maximum pressures will be placed in order to mitigate impact. Mr. Weston opened the hearing to public comment. Ms. Anne Manna of 156 Hopkins Street stated she is a direct abutter to the project. She asked why the area that currently maintains the water tank Is not being utilized for this pump station. Mr. Adams responded that MassDEP has certain pressure requirements to improve. Hydraulic pressures to the higher 0 Bear Hill Road site would not meet such requirements due to Its higher elevation and typically pump stations are found at the bottom of a hill. Mr. Rollins added that surveyors were at the 0 Bear Hill Road site because utilities are being installed/extended in the area. Mr. Adams stated that the property line must be finalized but the setback requirements of the zoning district will be met. Ms. Manna presented concerns with flooding of her property due to the projects impacts. She continued that tree removal reduces screening to the site which is not ideal. Ms. Manna stated that it was her understanding that the land would be preserved for recreation but that no longer seems to be the case. She questioned if this were truly the best site as a number of kids play In the area and questioned how much increased pressure will benefit. Mr. Percival replied that the use restriction in question was looked into but no deed restriction was found nor Town Meeting vote restricting such use of the land. Mr. Percival clarified that when the subdivision went into development in the past an area was noted as a playground but no official restriction was ever made when it became Town property. Mr. Percival continued that the Town did get involved in redesigning the detention pond at Gazebo Circle, which was not properly constructed and resulted in adverse flooding of the area. He ensured that the capture of drainage from this site will be properly designed and maintained. Mr. Percival clarified that all employees who go to the site would be under the Department of Public Works (DPW) and if the area is desired to be mowed more often that can be scheduled. Ms. Manna asked when the project would be expected to begin and be completed. Mr. Percival answered that they are hoping the project goes out to bid in fall of 2021. He 3 Orq O � Town of Reading 49�$'Meeting Minutes i tr �OJa„ expected that the work would be no longer than a year. Mr. Adams agreed that MassDEP review and approval can be timely but the construction process itself would be around four months. Mr. Percival continued that he understands tree removal is always a concern but they will provide replacement trees wherever they can. Ms. Albrecht clarified that six trees are to be removed and not ten. Mr. Percival stated that for proper growth the trees must be spaced better than they are today. Ms. Manna asked what type of lighting will be provided on-site. Mr. Adams replied it is up to the Town but most commonly used are motion sensor lights. Ms. Manna asked if a new light pole is being installed. Mr. Adams confirmed no overhead lighting will be installed on the pole. Mr. Percival confirmed that a motion sensor light would be utilized on the building entry. If found to be impactful, due to animals or weather, It would be revisited. Employees would only ever visit the site at night If there were an emergency. Mr. Percival added that if a security issue were ever found lighting may need to be increased. Mr. Weston asked if other utility buildings in Town have seen vandalism. Mr. Percival replied in the negative but it is a concern to be aware of. Ms. Manna asked if the road would be gated. Mr. Percival replied that such conversation has not occurred but the chain to the existing water tank would likely remain. He opined that since the site is to be fenced a second gate on the new driveway may not be needed. Ms. Manna stated that some cars do pull further down Cedar Street until they notice the chain. Mr. Percival replied he will look into the suggestion. Ms. Clish asked if this land was gifted to the Town and even though no formal restriction of the site was found, was there Intent for the land to be recreation. Mr. Percival replied that he has not found records of restriction. Ms. Manna asked that more research into the topic be done to be sure. Mr. Percival replied in the affirmative. Ms. Manna asked why the building cannot be placed further to the north. Mr. Percival replied that setback requirements of the property must be met. Setting the building as far from the residential property is a goal of the team. Ms. Linda Antinoro of 510 Gazebo Circle stated that the information provided to trustees of Gazebo Circle matches what has been discussed tonight. She asked if construction would be done in spring/summer of 2022. Mr. Percival replied that is the intent but if winter Is mild some work may be able to begin then. Mr. Lance Watson of 16 Cedar Street asked if the rectangles shown on the plan are hay bales or fence. Mr. Percival confirmed that they are hay bales for drainage and erosion control and will be installed temporarily. Mr. Watson asked If he could meet someone on- site who could mark trees to be removed. Mr. Percival replied that he can do such. Mr. Watson recalled the discussion of when the subdivision went through and stated that It was promised that the land would be given to the Town for recreation purposes. Mr. Percival responded that he will look into It further but he has not found any official restriction of the property. Mr. Weston asked if trees or additional screening can be installed at the proposed fence area to help increase screening. Mr. Percival confirmed he will look into the regulations further and conduct a site visit to determine appropriate locations. Mr. Weston asked if water flowing down the unpaved portion of Cedar Street will be captured. Mr. Percival replied that the site grades down from Gazebo Circle. Runoff will be intercepted by the driveway and swales. Orq Town of Reading s' Meeting Minutes Mr. Weston asked the Applicants to come back with architectural elevation renderings, a determination on the driveway's exact location and more information on the discussed restriction. In the meantime, a site visit will be conducted with neighbors to identify trees for removal and other site specifics. Mr. Percival confirmed. Mr. D'Areuo made a motion to continue the Site Plan Review of 160 Hopkins Street to July 12, 2021 at 8:30PM. Ms. Clish seconded the motion and it was approved 5-0-0. Public Hearing. Maior Modification to an Approved Site Plan Review 0 Auburn Street. Town of Reading Mr. Percival began by Informing the Board that a condition was placed in the previous decision of the site. The condition stated that If the location of the temporary cell tower were to change from the northwest corner of the lot the Applicants would come back to CPDC with a Major Modification to discuss. The location of said temporary cell tower has changed to the northeast of the site due to the 'zone of influence' In the northwest. The potential for impact and failure was too high not to move and the new location is safer due to being further away from the proposed water tank. Mr. Percival clarified that the new location may shift two- or three -feet due to an existing Oak Tree at 26 Beacon Street. Once trees on-site are cleared it will result in better determination for placement. Mr. Percival stated that the new location for the temporary cell tower is contained within the construction area of the site. No other modifications from the approval are proposed. Mr. Weston asked when the tower would be installed and for how long would it remain. Mr. Percival stated that they are hopeful to have the tower installed by mid -fall of 2021. He continued that they are looking to conduct demolition work before spring of 2022 so that only construction remains for next season. Mr. Percival stated that the temporary tower would be up for approximately 18 -months. Mr. Weston asked that since this temporary cell tower is required by cell carriers will there be leverage from the Town to ensure that the cell Infrastructure is quickly re -installed on the new water tank once completed. Mr. Percival responded that an RFP has been placed and responded to that detailed the requirements for replacing the infrastructure. AT&T will fund and construct the temporary tower. He continued that the Town also needs to provide emergency communications on the temporary tower which results in an expedited need. An RFP was also drafted for the leasing of infrastructure on the water tank and this is more advantageous to carriers than the temporary tower due to height. Mr. Weston asked what the height of the temporary cell tower will be. Mr. Percival replied the temporary tower will be 140 -feet high, with the town's equipment at the top. It will hold two carriers. The proposed water tank measures about 120 -feet in height and the additional height for the temporary tower is needed for clearance reasons. Ms. Clish questioned if the foundation for the temporary tower would be permanent or also temporary. Mr. Percival answered that the intent is for the ballasted foundation to be temporary as well. Mr. D'Arezzo asked if the vehicle decontamination pad is new as well. Mr. Percival replied in the affirmative and stated that it is a stone entry. Town of Reading 3sj Meeting Minutes Mr. D'Arezzo asked if the RFP specified the three proposed locations for the temporary tower. Mr. Percival replied in the negative as the RFP showed the northwest corner approved by CPDC only. Loading requirements in the area were found to not be met which resulted in the change of location. Mr. D'Arezzo asked if the temporary tower needed to be relocated that far to the east. Mr. Percival replied in the affirmative as there is a large existing Oak tree to the east which has a healthy canopy and is desired to remain. Mr. D'Arezzo asked why a level area Is needed if site grading work is proposed regardless. Mr. Percival replied that less cut is desirable due to the removal of 12 -inches of soil already occurring for soil remediation. Mr. Percival added that once tree removal on-site occurs it may be possible to move the temporary tower slightly to the west. He clarified that the northwest corner of the site has a zone of influence issue and is not feasible. He stressed that the structure is temporary and the tower is being paid for by cell carriers. Mr. D'Arezzo asked if a monopole structure can be utilized. Mr. Percival replied that such structure has a larger financial impact. Mr. D'Arezzo opined that no tower is an option as well. Mr. Percival disagreed as It was found that the area required the cell infrastructure for communication purposes. Mr. D'Arezzo stated that he was concerned that the new location was in the middle of the area discussed for preservation and open space. Mr. Percival stated that he understands the concern but the new proposed location is the most feasible. The area of the site that will maintain the temporary tower was already to be stripped of trees and soil, with remediation occurring after project completion. Mr. Percival stated that this remediation will still be done. Mr. Percival added that the approved fence line has not been changed. Mr. Percival continued that the Town desires the location to be more westerly as well due to conduit work needed. Mr. Weston opened the meeting to public comment. Mr. Mark Delaney stated that the Town Engineer has been very responsive and helpful throughout the process. He asked if the Applicant intended to seek zoning relief for the new temporary tower location. Mr. Delaney requested that construction schedules and plans be provided to the public in order to mitigate Impact. Abutters could use such schedule to plan around. Mr. Delaney asked that this be provided prior to construction and updated monthly. Mr. Delaney presented concerns with the utility extension that travels through the area discussed for future open space. He continued that overhead wires in the area are quite low and will be impacted. Mr. Delaney suggested that the cell carriers locate in the existing building, the utilities run underground while construction Is commencing or run to the telephone pole found along Auburn Street. Mr. Delaney opined that if this is not done now it will be too late. Mr. Weston agreed that the existing power lines are quite low and would not be viable for any future open space use. Mr. Percival responded that the location of the proposed wires was discussed with RMLD and the cell carriers. He stated that there is potential to relocate the wires but cannot commit to underground installation. Determination of number of conduits and underground requirements must be reviewed but the relocation is under discussion. Mr. Weston asked If anything in writing can be provided on such. He questioned If a written agreement detailing the studying of the relocation/rerouting of such lines be conducted before construction completion be provided. Ms. Mercier opined that she can condition such if appropriate. Mr. Percival added that the funding for such project still requires Town Meeting approval. Mr. Percival stated that an email chain can be created with the neighborhood in order to provide updates and milestones on the project. Ms. Mercier shared the Draft Decision on-screen. She presented language conditioning a construction schedule, that is regularly updated, be provided to the neighborhood. Mr. _q Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Weston asked to define neighborhood. Mr. Percival stated that standard operations include a reverse 911/Code Red will be conducted prior to construction to notice all neighbors of the start of construction. A webpage is then created and will be regularly updated with new information, as well as the email chain. Mr. Percival added that he will regularly be on-site. Ms. Mercier shared the proposed language requiring the study of relocating/rerouting of the electrical wires on-screen. Both the Board and Applicant were okay with the language. Mr. Weston asked to review the entirety of the Draft Decision. Ms. Mercier shared the document on-screen. Ms. Mercier asked if the new temporary tower location will Impact the scheduling and implementation of any future open space use. Mr. Percival replied that there is no permanent impact on the area discussed for open space. Once the tower is removed the area will still be graded with loam and seed as previously discussed. Mr. Percival confirmed that there are no additional tree Impacts as all trees on-site were to be removed regardless. Ms. Mercier asked if additional utility relocation was needed based on the new temporary location. Mr. Percival replied in the negative. Ms. Mercier asked to confirm if the fence area is being expanded temporarily. Mr. Percival responded that the fence will go to the property line temporarily for construction but the final fence location, once the project is completed, will be as previously approved. Mr. Weston asked to clarify that during construction the entire site will be fenced. Mr. Percival replied in the affirmative as the permanent fence location Is one of the final Items done. Mr. D'Arezzo asked if the RFP specified an end date for the temporary tower. Mr. Percival replied in the affirmative but does not have the exact language in front of him. Mr. D'Arezzo asked that this language be conditioned. Mr. Percival replied it is conditioned within the RFP and contract. Mr. D'Arezzo asked if such date was based on other requirements. Mr. Percival replied that it is based on a certain amount of time from the construction of the temporary tower. Mr. D'Arezzo questioned why it would not be based off of the completion of the water tank. Mr. Weston agreed and questioned what would happen if the tank portion of the project were delayed. Mr. Percival replied that he will look into such amendment. Mr. Weston asked for a condition to be placed on such. Ms. Mercier agreed. Ms. Clish made a motion to approve the Major Modification to an Approved Site Plan Review 0 Auburn Street as amended. Ms. Adrian seconded the motion and it was approved 5-0-0. Continued Public Hearing, 40R Plan Review IS Woburn Street, G.0 Fodera Contracting. Inc. Mr. Weston announced that the Applicants for the 40R Plan Review at 1S Woburn Street have requested a continuance to the luly 12'^ meeting date. Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to continue the 40R Plan Review for IS Woburn Street to Monday July 12, 2021 at 7:30PM. Ms. Adrian seconded the motion and it was approved 5-0-0, Other Business Board Re -Organization Mr. Weston stated that last year he extended his Chair duties in order for continuity o,� orxe ai\ Town of Reading Meeting Minutes 6 throughout the pandemic. This has resulted in him being Chair for two concurrent years. Mr. Weston stated that such should change this coming July and it is typical that the current Vice Chair take over Chair duties. Ms. Adrian confirmed. Mr. Weston added that this is not required. Ms. Harrison stated that she has asked to not be re -appointed to the Board due to outside work impacting her availability. Mr. Weston and the Board thanked Ms. Harrison for her contributions. Remote Meetings Ms. Mercier stated that there have not been many official updates for the allowance of remote meetings once the State of Emergency is lifted. She expects an update in short time but cannot promise much. Mr. Weston stated that a hybrid approach would be most beneficial to the community. He opined that meeting in-person is a preferred approach for Board quorum but in order to allow as much public Input as possible the idea of a hybrid approach is enticing. LRRP Public Meeting Ms. Mercier informed the Board that a public forum will be held on Wednesday June 16th, 2021 at 7:00PM. The forum will focus on the work done so far on the Local Rapid Recovery Planning (LRRP) Grant that was awarded to the Town. Ms. Mercier asked that members that are interested in attending please email her to avoid quorum conflicts. If a CPDC quorum is expected an agenda would be posted. She stated that the forum will be broadcasted live by RCN as well so members can watch online or on TV. Adtournment Mr. D Arezzo made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:57 PM. The motion was seconded by Ms. Adrian and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. Documents Reviewed at the Meeting: • CPDC Agenda 6/14/21 • Site Plan Review, 160 Hopkins Street 0 160 Hopkins Street Site Plan Review Application o Memorandum of Site Plan Changes, dated 6/2/21 o Gazebo Circle Pump Station Site Plan Set, dated 6/21 0 160 Hopkins Street Site Images o Draft Decision, dated 6/14/21 • MajorModification to an Approved Site Plan Review, 0 Auburn Street 0 0 Auburn Street, Site Plan Set detailing new location for temporary cell tower, received 6/9/21 o Draft Decision, dated 6/1421 • 40R Plan Review, 18 Woburn Street o Continuance Request to July 12, 2021, received 6/1421