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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-29 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting January 29, 2005 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 9:00 a.m. in the Senior Center, 49 Pleasant Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Richard Schubert, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Gail Wood, Selectmen Joseph Duffy and George Hines, Town Planner Chris Reilly, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: Doug Wood-Boyle, Scott Miller, Lorraine and Bill Toppi, Nancy Littlehale, Diana Lavancher, Dick Nazzaro, Fred Sawin, Rob Miller, Elizabeth Rogers, Kim Park, Joanne Senders, Dorothy Zanni, Elaine Secher, Kevin Cignetti, Carol Fuoco, Chris Kielupules, Kevin Kelliher, Pat Black, Charles and Eileen Collins, A. J. Heidkamp, Alison Simcox, Mark and Jeannette Spataro, Kathy Hatherly, Jean Humphrey, Joie Gerrish, Zack Wang, Betsy Ridges. Discussion/Action Items Site Lighting at Walkers Brook Crossing and Jordan's Furniture Site -The purpose of the meeting is to hear public input with regard to issues about Jordan's lighting. The Board does not intend to get into a dialogue or discussion on the matter but just to hear your input. Dick Nazzaro of 13 Carnation Circle and President of the Board of Trustees of Greenhouse Acres Condominiums spoke. He noted that he had been meeting with the developer since December 2003. They had met with Dickinson's and Jordan's, and didn't think that the lights would be a major issue. They had understood that the light fixtures would be a shoebox type of lighting. They have discussed the matter with Jordan's and they have made some adjustments, but they are not satisfactory. The two issues of concern are: (1) lighting and (2) noise after hours. They suggest that five lights that have their back to the condos don't bother anybody and can be left on. They suggest that the seven other post and building lights should be turned off when they are no longer in business. Elliot Tatelman stated at one of the meetings that "Jordan's is glitzy." Jordan's should change the lights on the seven poles and put in shoebox type of lighting fixtures. They should install spot lights at a lower level. The slats in the fence need to be changed to be more opaque. They don't block lights from cars coming up the hill. Dickinson has agreed to install an additional 120 feet of fence and install slats. He reviewed the history of the plans. There are 11 light posts in front of the Home Depot lighting 750 spaces. There are 12 light posts in Jordan's lighting 750 spaces. They had concerns about sweeping at night and that hasn't happened. They understand that the snow plowing needs to happen at night; however, they would prefer the snow removal not take place at 4:00 a.m. They'd like to have a situation where there is no disturbance from midnight to 7:00 a.m. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 29 2005—Page 2 Voters in Reading voted for the Prop 2'/a override to preserve the quality of life, and they want to see the quality of life maintained. Some things have been promised and some have been delivered. Town Planner Chris Reilly noted that if the issues can't be worked out otherwise, then the neighbors have the right to litigate but they would prefer to get the issues resolved. Mark Spataro of 25 Lakeview Avenue indicated that the lighting glares into the bedrooms that face the Jordan's parking lot. Previously, that area was completely dark. Although they have adjusted the lighting, it is still bright. There is also a generator motor that runs during the night. Lighting for Phase II could make life on Lakeview Avenue much worse. Alison Simcox of 28 Stedman Street in Wakefield spoke. She handed out a one page flyer for the Board. She is concerned about the affects on Lake Quannapowitt. She reviewed the Friends of Lake Quannapowitt statement. She suggests some possible solutions in the statement. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if she knows of any locations where motion detectors are used in large commercial parking lots, and Ms. Simcox indicated that she would have to research it. A.J. Heidkamp of 5 Lakeview Avenue in Wakefield spoke. Dick Nazarro mentioned lighting on the parking lot. Any solution should deal with all other areas. Jordan's doesn't have to give up anything. The current lighting detracts, and he stated that it looks like a prison yard. They could save on electrical costs. Scott Miller of 6D Carnation Circle spoke. He expanded on Dick Nazarro's comments. He noticed that there was a change in plan from 2001-2003, and there was a change in the number of parking spaces. For structural reasons, they want the lights on the perimeter of the site. The first plan was modified so that 750 spaces could be required and it modified the slopes. The parking lot was expanded and the retaining wall was approved. They have to keep the trash from the landfill onsite and that's why they had to build up the parking lot. The main building structure is on pilings and the lot is not. The developers claim that lighting can't be put down in the middle of the lot because it is a former landfill. Lower lights could be installed. He has met with Jordan's consultant. He indicated that the lighting scheme is the only way that it can be done. He talked to Ed Shaw and he admitted that it was a cost issue. Changes can't be made now. He has done a file review. Jordan's consultant, Irving Gould, has opted for bigger lights with less lighting. The original site plan called for lights straight down. When the major site plan changed, it was reviewed by the Planning Commission, and there was no opportunity for citizen review. The original consultant indicated that the tilt of the lights would 30 be degrees. The plan calls for the tilt of lights to be 56-80 degrees. 90 degrees is straight out, and 55 degrees is the industry standard. A plan was submitted to the Town. There was not enough oversight. He talked with the Town Engineer regarding the conditions of the permit which calls for Town oversight. In his opinion, the issue is what the original proposal was and what we have now. The parking lot is required to be lighted. If additional parking lot lights need to be installed, that would be one solution. The developer states that they can't do it because the foundations of the new lighting would sink into the landfill. It would cost a lot of money. The lighting is for safety and security. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if there was an equipment change from shoebox lighting. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 29,2005—Page 3 Selectman Gail Wood noted that the entire site can't be lighted by perimeter lighting. One of the previous speakers had mentioned North Andover High School and Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked about that. Selectman George Hines noted that the High School is not primarily used at night and there are different issues. He definitely feels that things can be done with the current Jordan's site. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the North Andover High School is probably not on a landfill. Selectman George Hines noted that the point loading and wind considerations are different for different lighting fixtures. The Town Manager reviewed the lighting policy that was included in the Selectmen's packet with an e-mail from John Hanley. Their policy, at least as of last evening, was not being followed* Selectman George Hines noted that they don't need to be advertising when the store is closed. Barry and Elliot Tatelman are trying to be good to the Town, and we need to continue to work with them. Rob Miller of 1D Carnation Circle spoke. He noted that Dickinson agreed that the driveway would be depressed six feet and this wasn't done. He felt that was because the developer didn't feel like doing it. He also feels that the way Jordan's lights up, the building makes it look like a casino.. The issue is attitude. Nancy Littlebale of 17 Smith Avenue spoke. She felt that the parking lot was bigger than it was going to be. It would be good if there was more greenway. If Dickinson and Jordan's are able to solve this problem with the Town, it would be good public relations -- the community,Town and businesses working together. The current situation doesn't allow residents to get eight hours of sleep and that's contrary to Jordan's advertising. Selectman Gail Wood noted that we need to give sometime for the plantings to grow. Chris Kielupules of 102 Eaton Street spoke. He is in the development/real estate business. He feels that Jordan's would want to create a village feel, not a casino feel. The Town has turned a liability into an asset but now it's effecting assessed valuation of homes. The developer has a long-term lease. Procedural things were not done right. Did the Town have consultants to represent it? Joie Gerrish of 18D Carnation Circle spoke. She felt that the developer was not acting in good faith. Pat Black of 18B Carnation Circle spoke. She's a realtor. Generally units in this development are sold in three weeks. There are two units on the Jordan's side that have been on the market for 90 days and sold for$10,000 under market value. She finds the "hot pink" sign offensive. .Scott Miller of 6D Carnation Circle spoke. He noted that the parking lot is 30 feet higher than Green House Acres, and the light pole is 45 feet so they are looking up at a 75 foot light pole. The landfill was required to be capped. Large trees can't be put on the landfill. Dickinson has offered to put arborvitae on their property to help screen the site. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 29 2005 —Page 4 Selectman George Hines noted that the snow banks are currently taking care of the car lights. Dick Nazzaro noted that the developer had promised to plant 200 pine trees at the base of the berm. He has also committed to plant arborvitae in the rear of two of the units. Selectman George Hines noted that the idea of motion detectors on the lights could be used at Green House Acres-- the area is illuminated by lights that are on all night. Joie Gerrish noted that those are street lights. She indicated that there have been numerous meetings and there has been a lot stated here that was stated previously. If people could come up with solutions, that would be helpful. How did we get here to this situation? Still, after all of those meetings, nothing has changed. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that this is a large project on a complicated site. It is difficult to build on this site. The Town is not a developer. We try to do everything we can for checks and balances. It is difficult to understand all impacts of every development until it is done. We have been working three to four months to get improvements made. The Board of Selectmen has not been involved to date. Now, the Board of Selectmen is trying to get involved and have some influence in making changes. The process has to be played out. Selectman George Hines agreed that it is definitely time for the Board of Selectmen to be involved. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony would like to know why changes were made in the plan and asked the Town Manager to find out. Betsy Ridges from Wakefield noted that she has an advertising business and they do business in Reading. She objected to the lighting and signage on the front of the building. Between Wakefield and Framingham, this is the brightest lighted facility on Route 128. The up lighting on the front is.extraneous. It shines across the lake. Alison Simcox from Wakefield asked if the Town would indemnify Wakefield of the plan. The Town Manager noted that all legal requirements were met. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that we had received a memo from Diana Lavancher. The next steps are as follows: 1. Process the questions and what we're hoping to accomplish. 2. The Board of Selectmen will review the information. 3. The Board will meet face to face with Dickinson and Jordan's. 4. The goal will be to get some positive changes made. The question was raised as to whether technical expertise was needed and the Town will determine that. Selectman George Hines noted that people contact the Town Manager. Board of Selectmen Meeting—JanuM 29 2005 —Page 5 It was suggested that Phase II of the development be reviewed for'lighting and landscaping issues. A. J. Heidkamp from Wakefield noted that Al Turco, a Selectman in Wakefield, is interested in .this issue. It was agreed that the Board of Selectmen Chairmen would talk. On motion by Wood seconded by Duffy, the Board of Selectmen voted to adiourn their meeting of January 29, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, A ZIL-t-, Secretary