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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-10 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading R E C E I V E D 5 z Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK s k1A. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Community Planning and Development Commission Date: 2025-03-10 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Town Hall Location: Hybrid Meeting - Zoom and Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: Hybrid Meeting Version: Final Attendees: Members In person: Hillary Mateev, Acting Chair; Tom Armstrong, Associate; John Weston; John Arena Members Present on Zoom: Guy Manganiello Members Not Present: Heather Clish Others Present in person: Andrew MacNichol, Community Development Director; Olivia Knightly, Senior Planner; Tony D'Arezzo Present on Zoom: Christopher R. Cook Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Olivia Knightly Topics of Discussion: Floodplain Bylaw Update; Eastern Gateway Vision Plan; Planning Updates MEETING HELD IN THE SELECT BOARD ROOM AND REMOTELY VIA ZOOM Ms. Mateev called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM and Mr. MacNichol provided an overview of the hybrid meeting procedures. Continued Public Hearina, Special Permit and Site Plan Review for Mixed -Use. 346- 348 Main Street Mr. Arena made a motion to continue the application of 346-348 Main Street at the request of the applicant to April 14, 2025. It was seconded by Mr. Armstrong, and it was approved 4-0-0 (Manganiello, Mateev, Arena, Armstrong). Continued Public Hearing. Definitive Subdivision Application 0 Harold Ave (a.k.a 0 Van Norden Rd), Zero Harold Avenue, LLC Park Realty Trust Mr. Arena made a motion to continue the application of 0 Harold Ave at the request of the applicant to April 14, 2025. It was seconded by Mr. Armstrong, and it was approved 4-0-0 (Manganiello, Mateev, Arena, Armstrong). Zoning Amendment. Floodplain Bylaw Mr. MacNichol gave a presentation on the proposed floodplain overlay district bylaw amendments stating that the bylaw updates should correspond with the State's revised maps and flood panels and the model bylaw from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). He stated that the bylaw amendments are necessary to comply with the 'Orq Town of Reading Meeting Minutes state and to allow private property owners to maintain or get flood insurance through the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program. Mr. MacNichol reviewed the change in uses allowed within the floodplain and reminded the board that conservation review is required for any proposal within the 100-year floodplain. Mr. MacNichol stated that most of the floodplain in Reading is changing from Zone X (500-year flood zone) to Zone A (100-year flood zone) and this is reflected in the new FEMA maps. He discussed specific areas that will be removed from the boundaries of the floodplain and displayed a map. He stated that these areas primarily include town land, wetlands, swamps and some residential parcels, however, there are a few areas that include residential uses. Mr. MacNichol stated that the 100-year flood zone is regulated through FEMA and enforced through local codes and policies. Mr. Armstrong asked what the definition of a truck garden is, and Mr. MacNichol said it is an agricultural use. Mr. Armstrong asked about the definition of rifle shooting and assumed that it applies to hunting and not a shooting range. Mr. MacNichol said definitions can be redefined or clarified if needed. Mr. Armstrong asked about the applicability of variances to ensure minimal damage to residential and abutting properties. Mr. MacNichol stated that other sections of the bylaw address this. Mr. Arena asked if this is directed by FEMA and asked where the proposed bylaw language comes from. Mr. MacNichol said that some of the zoning language is pre-existing. Mr. Arena asked if the language being removed is required for compliance and Mr. MacNichol confirmed that it is. Mr. Arena asked about the definition of development and whether the intent is to include only passive activities, such as storage, and why the definition is changing. Mr. MacNichol said this would need to be confirmed by DCR and that it originates from the model bylaw. Mr. Arena asked if the model bylaw needs to be followed verbatim and Mr. MacNichol said there is some room to tailor the language, but they prefer consistency with the model. Mr. Arena asked if the 500-year floodplain is gone from Reading and Mr. MacNichol said there are some areas that still exist. Mr. Arena asked if the map changes are purely a decision from FEMA and Mr. MacNichol confirmed that they are. Mr. Arena asked about the definitions for manufactured homes and Mr. MacNichol said that he would follow up on this. Mr. Armstrong asked if there was any comment about the Eastern Gateway District, which has some areas being removed from the floodplain. Mr. MacNichol said that there have not been any comments and there is opportunity to allow and regulate development within the Eastern Gateway floodplain area. Mr. Arena asked if there will be a public hearing for the bylaw amendments and Mr. MacNichol proposed Monday March 31n to host the public hearing which will allow the board one to three weeks to open and close the public hearing. He stated that FEMA and DCR do not notify any property owners that are now within the floodplain and that the town would seek to notify those within 100 feet of the floodplain to raise awareness. Mr. Arena suggested that anyone who has a change in floodplain status should be notified. Mr. Armstrong asked if changes will be made to the bylaw prior to the public hearing and Mr. MacNichol said minor changes will be addressed with approval from DCR and without substantially deviating from the intent of the bylaw. Mr. Arena asked if private insurance carriers are aware of the floodplain changes and Mr. MacNichol said that they are. Mr. Weston joined the meeting in person at 7:34pm. The board discussed the public hearing schedule. `. <Town of Readi 0.^,, Meeting Minut'l- Eastern Mr. MacNichol stated that there are no major updates at this time and that the survey is now live online. He stated that the survey has been collecting good feedback on priorities and district intents and that the steering committee is meeting at the end of the month and will begin having more discussions about general zoning considerations. Other Planning Business Mr. MacNichol stated that staff received the Attorney General's Office review of Reading's MBTA Communities 3A District proposal, which now makes the zoning effective. He said that the town is still awaiting review from EOHLC for the compliance district approval but are hopeful that it comes in the Spring. Mr. Weston asked if other towns have received compliance letters yet and Mr. MacNichol said that he is not aware that anyone has received final review. Mr. MacNichol said that EOHLC had to repromulgate their regulations and their public comment process. He said the new regulations are similar to the guidelines that the town used. Ms. Mateev asked if the ADU amendment will be on the Town meeting warrant and Mr. MacNichol said it will not. Mr. Arena asked if the town could require multifamily units to be included on the subsidized housing inventory (SHI) and Mr. MacNichol said that the town's definition is defensible and that 80% AMI affordable units should qualify for the SHI total. Mr. Weston said that when new units are added to the SHI, documentation is provided to EOHLC and asked if they would ever question the eligibility of these units. Mr. MacNichol said that every request for new units on the SHI has been added and that there has never been pushback. Mr. Arena said that the town should consult with town counsel where advised. He added that the town should get credit for as many affordable units as possible on the SHI. He asked about receiving payment from developers in lieu of trees and if this is a revolving fund. Mr. MacNichol said that it is a conservation fund currently. Mr. MacNichol said that the Net Zero Action Plan and Arts and Culture Plan are wrapping up and some grant applications are being considered for the spring. He stated that the select board discussed interest in pursuing a Master Plan and staff are waiting on a cost estimate from a consultant. Mr. Weston said that a Master Plan would compile all the existing plans that Reading has completed recently, and supplement the gaps as needed. Meetina Minutes Mr. Armstrong made a motion to approve the February 10, 2025 meeting minutes, as modified. It was seconded by Mr. Arena and approved 5-0-0 (Arena, Armstrong, Weston, Mateev, Manganiello). Adiournment Mr. Arena made a motion to adjourn at 7:54 PM and it was seconded by Mr. Armstrong. It was approved 5-0-0 (Arena, Armstrong, Weston, Mateev, Manganiello). 0gTown of Reading Meeting Minutes Documents Reviewed at the Meeting: • Draft Floodplain Amendments, dated 3/10/25 • Floodplain Bylaw Presentation, dated 3/10/25 • FEMA Model Floodplain Bylaw • FIRM Summary of Map Actions, Reading MA • Harold Avenue Continuance Request Letter • 348 Main Street Continuance Request Letter • Draft Meeting Minutes, dated 2/17/25