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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-17 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting January 17,2006 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:10 p.m. in the Parker Middle School Multi-Purpose Room, 45 Temple Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille, Anthony, Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Joseph Duffy,.Selectman Ben Tafoya, Consultant John Diaz, Bob Frazier from W/S Development Associates, CPUC Members John Sasso, Jonathan Barnes, Dick Howard, Neil Sullivan and Sue DeMatteo, Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena, and the following list of interested parties: • William Griset, Jr., Kate Thibeault, Brent Brooks, Torn Jozkowski, David Fleming, Mary Connors, Lucretia Zerfas, Margaret Grogan, Rosemarie Arubi, Andella and Bob Montgomery, Marie Hickey, Fred and Joan Doherty, Norma Varley, Joan'Benevides, Nancy Hinds, Marie Brennan Taylor, Tom Procopio, Nancy Errico, Chris Dumas, Angela Binda, Mark Schneider, Jeff Everson, Jean Clark, William Cronin, Anne Ward, Marianne Downey, George Rio, Heidi Bonnabeau, Kate Adams, Michelle Hopkinson, Sharon Peterson, Tom Laughlin, Paul John, Patrick Sullivan, Lori and Jay Doughtey, Frank Touserkani, William Pike, Stephen Peters, Karen Doherty, Tom Walsh, Kristen Remondi, Attorneys Josh and Brad Latham, Mary Good, C. Schubarth, Mary Avery, Dan Leneham, Rick Rostoft, Dave Missert, Theresa Murphy, Paula Gentile, Carol Everson, Jeffrey Dietz, Christine Brungardt, Sheila Spinney, Joe Westerman, Mary Graham, Susan Peters, Marilyn Carter, Bernie Donohue, Neil Adams, Yuging Xue, Bob and Diane Weggel, Paula Perry, Peter Martin, Steve Morrison, Dana Baker, Ed Howard, Brad Fuller, Tina Brzezenski, Monette Verrier, Tony D'Arezzo, Robert Shamsky, Joan Neary, Lois Halligan, Dick and Lynn Williams, Jean and Richard Roketenetz, Anne Jack, Susan DiGiovanni, Dave Lyons, Leanne Webb, Lisa D'Alessio, Charles Presho, John Malley, Eileen and Frank Faggiano, Ronald Iapicca, Theresa Petrillo, Jay Lenox, Harry Simmons, Walter Begonis, State Representative Patrick Natale. Discussion/Action Items Joint Meeting with CPDC re: Addison-Wesley — Chairman Camille Anthony noted that this meeting was an opportunity for CPDC to see the traffic study and for public comment. Attorney Brad Latham noted that four months ago, he was approached by W/S Development to represent them. He voted in the Presidential Election so he knows what the problems were. The traffic study has satisfied his concerns. He also noted that the design is to keep traffic off of South Street, and that there have been meetings with the neighbors and the concerns are similar to the concerns that neighbors to the landfill had. Attorney Latham noted that vehicle trips in and out equal two trips. He also noted that 80% of the vehicles will be coming from the south, and that there are three facts: (1) through traffic will flow better, (2) Main and South Streets will be safer, and (3) there will be no traffic going onto South Street. He read a letter from the Board of Selectmen of Canton. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 17, 2006—Page 2 Bob Frazier from W/S Development Associates noted that they had preliminary meetings with Boards, Committees and Commissions and the neighbors. They wanted to go to the November Town Meeting but the Board of Selectmen suggested that they take more time to study the issue. They did a traffic study that centered around the neighborhood. He also noted that this project is a $100 million investment in the community. The site is in a fantastic location for retail with convenient access to the highway, and 80% will come from the highway, 15% will be coming south from Main Street and 5% from the east. He noted that Pearson acquired additional land and has an agreement to acquire land from EMARC. Mr. Frazier noted that office use generates heavy traffic in the morning and evening.but none on the weekend. Retail generates traffic in the evening and weekend but is light in the morning. Trak counts show 22,129 vehicles on Saturdays. He also noted that the level of service for the existing roadway is a B. If Addison-Wesley was to re-occupy, it would be level F. The proposed retail would have a level of service of A in the morning, B in the evening and C on Saturdays. An office park would have a level of service of D in the morning and C in the evening. Mr. Frazier noted that Representative Patrick Natale had concerns at the last meeting regarding Mass Highway. He also noted that they submitted the traffic study to Mass Highway and they were fine with it. There is zero impact on traffic on South Street. Chairman Camille Anthony asked John Diaz for additional information. Mr. Diaz handed out information on traffic counts. He noted that the traffic in December 2005 is 4% higher than October 2004. June is approximately 5% higher than average, May is approximately 4% higher than average, and December is approximately 3% higher than average. In December, Saturday traffic is 9% lower than weekdays and Sunday is 27% lower than weekdays. The December peak hour traffic on Saturday is 12% greater than weekdays, and Sunday is 5% lower than weekdays. The average daily traffic count in December is 23,000 vehicles. "Reading First"Representative Angela Binda of 10 Orchard Park Drive gave a presentation. She noted that the"character"of the Town is an attribute that distinguishes or defines something, and CPDC defines the Town as a New England structure that is peaceful. Reading has excellent school systems and the Library is in the top 10 in the country. She also noted that the site in Hingham is very different from this site, and that lifestyle centers have opened in the south to give a sense of "New England Style." She wants to see something other than a mall in the Addison-Wesley property. "Reading First"Representative Jeff Everson of 21 Pine Ridge Circle indicated that there are four issues to deal with -- the origin of the motorists traveling to a lifestyle retail center (LRC), the number of motorists going to a LRC, the distribution of the motorists, and accident data. Pertaining to the origin of motorists, the average income of shoppers is $75,000. The average income in Reading is $95,000, in North Reading it is $94,000, in Lynnfield it is $116,000, in Wilmington it is $82,000, in Wakefield it is $80,000, giving an average income of$95,000 in the surrounding towns. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 17, 2006—Page 3 Mr. Everson noted that E & K indicated that a LRC is significantly different from a traditional retail mall but they,used the same trip generation formula for a traditional mall from the 'Engineering Handbook. They also used a computer simulation to determine traffic flow in Reading. He also noted that the accident data that E & K used by Mass Highway is under legal inquiry by the Office of the Inspector General in Washington by reason of fraud, and the accident location is frequently unknown. He feels that the results of E & K's traffic study are totally invalid, and that a LRC will significantly increase traffic congestion. Theresa Petrillo noted that she received a letter one year ago to go and see their lifestyle retail center. She requested numbers and received big glossy pictures but no numbers. She also noted that a mall generates traffic all day. She noted that they submitted an old office park traffic report. They plan on fixing a problem that doesn't exist. It will lower the level of service for residents but increase the level of service for the customers. She noted that Reading is modeled after the Hingham LRC but there are no abutting residents in Hingham and they have four means of egress. The Reading LRC has abutting residential and only one access. She asked that the Board of Selectmen and CPDC take an official vote of"no." Susan DiGiovanni of 34 Chute Street noted that she was a founder of the Downtown Steering Committee. She is in favor of the development. She knows the developer and he is a fantastic developer. She also noted that the development will be approximately the size of Redstone plus 20%. She asked how often people actually go to a shopping center. She noted that an office .worker will look for a short cut because they travel there every day but a shopper will not. She feels that the development will have a"halo"effect and enhance the Downtown businesses. Brad Fuller of 169 Walnut Street noted that he lives %Z mile from the proposed site. He asked how they can put a barrier at the end of South Street when it is a scenic road. He also noted that he moved to Reading for the character of the Town. He asked when the developer will be doing a report on drainage because he is on the lowest point. Frank Touserkani of 21 George Street noted that Brad Latham represented him regarding the affordable housing on George Street. He also noted that Representative Natale made a lot of changes to 40B. He noted that he works in Burlington and his worst nightmare is trying to get onto the highway—he feels that this will be a comparable situation. Jay Lenox noted that he grew up in Reading, and he feels that the developer is creating an unreal vision with his video. He.also feels that the increase in tax revenue will be offset by hiring more police and fire personnel, and wants the Board of Selectmen and CPDC to reject the proposal. Steve Morrison of 178 Walnut Street noted that people will not use Route 93 and 128 to get there. He feels that they will cut through the neighborhoods. He also noted that the traffic issues in the Joshua Eaton neighborhood need to be addressed. Fred Doherty of 68 Curtis Street indicated that he has been a resident for 43 years. He noted that the bridge measures 78 feet wide. There will be two five foot sidewalks, two four foot breakdown lanes and that leaves 57 feet. The State allows 11 feet per lane. The two ramps onto Route 128 funnels into one, and he would like to see pictures of the back of buildings. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 17, 2006—Page 4 Harry Simons noted that there are no sidewalks on that side of Town. He feels that people will cut through West Street down Walnut Street. There will be an increase in noise and pollution. He also feels that this is a quality of life and interchange issue. Paula Perry of 40 Beaver Road noted that the Town needs to develop a commercial base. She feels that this is worth Town Meeting discussion. Marianne Downing of 13 Heather Drive asked for the estimated number of truck trips and hours of delivery, and what type of trucks will be used. She feels that there will be increased fender benders, accidents and break ins, and this will increase insurance rates. Bob Frazier noted that initially there will be tractor trailers and then it will be mostly UPS. Christine Brundardt of 324 South Street indicated that having a gated community at the top of South Street is offensive to her. She noted that Hingham is a rectangle mall with a parking lot in the middle. She feels that people will use the Downtown services less frequently. She also noted that Gregory's Pizza gives $2.00 for every pizza sold on Tuesday to the Joshua Eaton School. Jeffrey Dietz of 10 Orchard Park Drive asked where the estimates come from in the traffic study, and what the margin of error is. He noted that this is the busiest highway intersection in New England. The levels of traffic service hurts the residents. He also noted that he will have to drive %Z mile to get into a mall that he can see from his kitchen window. George Rio of 11 Estate Lane noted that he was there representing the Children's Store. He feels that the Downtown stores will be driven out of Town, and he would like to see Reading Center made more vibrant. Joe Westerman of 17 Avon Street noted that getting out of Avon Street onto Main has become a challenge. He also noted that the overflow from the landfill is greater than represented. He noted that the Northshore Shopping Center residential areas were turned into streets, and that national chain stores don't contribute to the community. Walter Begonis of 281 South Street noted that the 128 Interchange is the busiest in the Commonwealth. An increase of 1000 cars per day on South Street is cut through traffic. He also noted that we still don't know how much traffic Archstone and Longwood will generate., He noted that gateway to Reading is traffic lights. What kind of impact will this have on the Route 128 Mass Highway Study? Chairman Camille Anthony responded that there will be a MEPA study done. Mr. Begonis urged the Board of Selectmen and CPDC to look for alternative uses for the property—perhaps mixed use. Paul Missert of 97 Red Gate Lane noted that residents want tax revenue but he wants to hear other options. He asked what this will do to his property value, and he urged the Board of Selectmen and CPDC to vote against it. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 17, 2006—Page 5 Michelle Hopkinson of 21 Sherwood Road indicated that she has never been to a mall that has one way in and one way out. She feels that the Town is developing beyond its means. There needs to be a balance between commercial and residents. She asked if the Town considered .purchasing it themselves, and it was noted. that the property is assessed at $18 million and the Town could not afford it. State Representative Patrick Natale noted that he lives in Woburn. The Woburn Mall traffic is incredible -- the road was widened but too much is being funneled in. He has met with the developers and he'll do what the residents want. He thinks that the project is too big and he still doesn't understand the numbers. He has a vote of Mass Highway, and he would be shocked if Mass Highway approved this plan. Paula Gentile of 393 South Street noted that she bought her house with hard earned money, and didn't buy it to move next to a mall. Bob Frazier extended an opportunity for residents to speak with Engineers on Thursday. He noted that they are committed to working with the residents, and that he was directed to study South Street. He also noted that the project cannot be downsized much because it is not economically viable. Jeff Everson indicated that he would like to see a detailed written explanation justifying the 80%, 15% and 5% for the meeting on Thursday. Attorney Latham noted that would require a lot of work and it would not be possible to have that for Thursday. He feels that it would be more appropriate to provide that at the CPDC Meeting. Chairman Camille Anthony asked CPDC what the process would be. Dick Howard indicated that if they get the zoning, then they would apply for a special permit, then get MEPA approval, then expand the scope of the traffic study. There are issues of buffering, emergency access, drainage; etc. Mr. Howard noted that CPDC would pass the zoning proposal-onto Town Meeting with a recommendation of"yes" or"no." Chairman Camille Anthony noted that access is the biggest problem. It can be done but what are the results and affect on the community. Tom Laughlin of 24,Oak Street noted that he works for Mass Highway and to base a report on 80% and 15%without backup is ridiculous. He also noted the entire project is based on it and he asked where it carne from. He noted that the width of the bridge and level of service are unacceptable, and they didn't show future counts or what the delay is at different points. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that a zoning change is a huge change for the community. It impacts the quality of life. Chairman Anthony read a letter from Selectman James Bonazoli into the record because he was unable to be present. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 17, 2006—Page 6 Dick Howard asked when CPDC will see the proposed zoning, and Attorney Latham responded _ probably next week. Bob Frazier noted that he was under the impression that there would be a Special Town Meeting. The Town Manager noted that is up to the Board of Selectmen to decide, and that this is a big issue and should probably stand on its own. Ben Tafoya noted that Mr. Frazier has had conversations with the neighborhood but not the community. He also clarified that at no point did the Board of Selectmen discuss a delay in the process. Selectman Tafoya also noted that the I93/I95 Interchange project was traumatic for these residents, and he doesn't feel that this project will work at this site. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Duffy to adiourn the.meeting of January 17,2006 at 11:00 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, S7cretay F.