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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-25 Community Planning and Development Commission Minutes - Executive SessionRECEIVED By Town Cbrk GP at 12.32 pm, Fab 11, 121 Town of Reading z Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Community Planning and Development Commission Date: 2023-05-25 Time: 7:30 PM Building: Town Hall Location: Hybrid Meeting - Zoom and Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Executive Session Purpose: Hybrid Meeting Version: Final Attendees: Members In person: Tony D'Arezzo; Pam Adrian; Mark Wetzel; Heather Clish Others Present in person: Community Development Director Andrew MacNichol; Senior Planner Mary Benedetto Remote Participants: Town Counsel Ivria Fried and Ethan Dively Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Mary Benedetto Topics of Discussion: MEETING HELD IN THE SELECT BOARD ROOM AND REMOTELY VIA ZOOM Ms. Clish called the meeting to order at 7:31 PM. Executive Session With respect to GC Fodera Contracting. Inc. v. CPDC (459 Main St lltloation) Mr. Dively began by updating the CPDC that the Applicant has upped the proposed monetary contribution to a $35,000 payment to the Town to support any Improvements found desirable to the immediate area. The plan design now incorporates angled curbing along Washington Street that may further prohibit left-hand turning movements out of the site on Washington Street. Mr. Dively continued that June 16th is the next litigation deadline where briefings and oral arguments are to be presented. At this time the Applicant is unwilling to move this deadline to establish certainty In the process to come. Mr. Wetzel asked how public concerns would be addressed In a future open public hearing should their be an agreement. Mr. Dively stated that the Applicant would bring the full plan set back to CPDC for review by staff, board members, and the public alike. Conditions may be placed just as any other plan review based on level of need found. Ms. Fried added that fine tuning is practical but the high-level concept design is agreed upon. Ms. Clish stated that she favored a CPDC and public review over any staff administrative approval. She noted that massing and shadow impact, traffic and circulation patterns, and pedestrian access were the driving factors of impact from the board and public perspective. Ms. Clish stated that Mr. Weston should provide comments on the angled curbing design as she felt it was not a practical solution. Mr. MacNichol added that the Town's Parking Traffic and Transportation Task Force (PTTTF) did not support the angled curbing given Impacts to transition needs and potential impact on ADA compliance. Mr. Wetzel stated striping and other visuals should be done to inform drivers of the restrictions. Ms. Clish agreed that 4 4Town of Reading Meeting Minutes striping and directional arrows should be done. Mr. D'Arezzo stated that the building design still cannot restrict the turning movements in a practical way. Mr. Dively noted that the Applicants $35,000 contribution was due to them feeling there was not enough detail to support further funding and use. Mr. Wetzel asked what the method to spend would be. Ms. Fried responded that It could go to the General Fund when received and then assigned to a project. Mr. D'Arezzo questioned if the condition can be worded to receive "within 5 -year of occupancy" to itemize improvements seen necessary. Mr. MacNichol added that language to support a study and not just hard Infrastructure may be beneficial and would help identify capital needs. Ms. Clish asked that the Applicant prepare to show how the plan design meets all of the downtown design guideline's asks. She added that balconies should remain at a usable depth, a solar ready roof, EV ready spaces be provided, and bicyde amenities be provided. Mr. D'Arezzo asked how the CPDC, if at all, can condition construction limits. The primary ask would be that jersey barriers necessary for construction not Impede an entire lane of Main Street for the duration of the projects construction. Additional pedestrian and crossing signage is needed at Green St and immediate areas. Ms. Clish agreed and noted that 2 -hour maximum for lane closures may be necessary to reduce Impact. Mr. D'Arezzo closed by stating that the project design and massing is important to mitigate as there is limited ability to seek more benefit to the Town itself. Mr. Dively summarized remaining requests and the possible conditions the Applicant should be aware of. He noted that with the June deadline there will be some procedural needs prior to the next update. He ensured that the Board wished to enter into a tentative settlement agreement with the plans to date and to work towards a future public hearing - the board agreed. Mr. D'Arezzo made a motion to close executive session and adjourn the meeting and Mr. Wetzel seconded and it was approved 4-0-0.