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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-06 Board of Selectmen HandoutPage 1 of 2 Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 10:04 AM To: Sousa,John Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: RE: Home Compost Bins This is fine. I'll include it in my report to the BOS tonight. Pete From: Sousa, John Sent: Tue 12/6/2005 9:32 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: FW: Home Compost Bins Peter: Please see the following background information regarding DEP's request that communities consider increasing the price of a home composting bin from $20 to $25 (to offset the vendor's recent price increase). Ted suggested that 1 check with you to see if the BOS needs to approve this change. Thank you, John From: McIntire, Ted Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 9:18 AM To: Sousa, John Subject: RE: Home Compost Bins John, That sounds good to me. You may want to check with the Town Manager and determine if the BOS needs to approve the change. Ted From: Sousa, John Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 9:03 AM To: McIntire, Ted Subject: Home Compost Bins Hello Ted: Michael forwarded the email along to me from Ann McGovern of DEP regarding a price increase on home composting bins. Back in September, we ordered 50 BIN-24 models at a unit cost of $38.00. According to Ann's memo, New England plastics has increased the price for this unit by $7.00 to $45.00 each on future orders. They kept their price steady for about 7 years. Since our compost bin revolving fund balance is down to about $589.00 (after our September order), it would be a good idea to consider raising our selling price to residents by $5 to offset most of this increase. This will help us build up the fund for an order next Fall. Do you support the idea of increasing the price of a bin from $20 to $25 (as recommended by DEP)? We could make the change effective January 1, 2006. If so, we can have Michael update our website and print materials. 12/6/2005 HOME COMPOSTING BINS (FAC31) CONTRACT AWARD INFORMATION Contract Number: FAC31 Contract Duration: 5/15/04-9/30/06 Description: "Home Composting Bins" The purpose of the contract is to make available aerobic, rodent resistant home composting bins suitable for urban, suburban and rural use, along with promotional materials for marketing the bins. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) purchases compost bins to grant to municipalities or regional organizations under DEP's Recycling Grants Program. All political subdivisions of the Commonwealth have the option to purchase off the state contract. The vendors have also agreed to provide compost bins to retailers at the prices indicated. Vendor information and product descriptions: Bin Name New Age Composter, BIN-11 Earth Machine New Age Composter, BIN-24 New Age Composter, BIN-30 (formerly Brave New Composters) Vendor New England Plastics Corp. Norseman Plastics Ltd 126 Duchaine Blvd. 39 Westmore Dr. New Bedford, MA 02745 Rexdale, Ontario Contact: Trudy Wood Canada M9V 3Y6 Phone: (508)998-3111 NE Rep: Art MacKenzie FAX: (508)995-8895 Phone: (800)267-4391 FAX: (416)745-7140 Capacity BIN-1 1: 11 cubic feet 11 cubic feet BIN-24: 24 cubic feet BIN-30: 30 cubic feet Shape/Dimensions Cylindrical Conical Diameter: adjustable from 26" to 44" Diameter: 30" at base, 18" at top; Height: BIN-11: 28" Height: 33" BIN-24: 32" BIN-30: 34" Special features Adjustable diameter; Sliding door for compost removal Self-aerating via cone-shaved floor Recycled content 50% postconsumer recycled HDPE 1 50% postconsumer recycled HDPE Color Black I Black Warranty 10 year 10 year Bin Price BIN-11: $39.00 $32.35 BIN-24: $45.00 BIN-30: $50.00 Minimum order 20 bins; smaller quantities may be picked up at 20 bins manufacturer's facility or delivered with additional freight charges. Call vendor for details. Price to retailers BIN-11: $39.00 $32.35 BIN-24: $45.00 BIN-30: $50.00 D Marino, Lillian From: Cormier, Jim Sent: Tuesday, December 6, 2005 To: Marino, Lillian Subject: 24 Hour License for Reading Shell Station, 87 Walkers Brook Drive From a public safety perspective, I do not see any major impediments to the station being open 24 hours. It does provide a service for the motoring public in an area where fuel availability is limited after 10:00 p.m. at night. In the past, the store has been open during the overnite times, and we have not experienced complaints from neighbors or abutters. Considering its location, it is a reasonable location for a 24 hour business, close to the highway yet away from residential neighbors. One concern we do have is the location presents itself as a prime target for late night crime. We have had numerous reports of larcenies from the cash register, drive offs and a few armed robberies over the years. I would only recommend to the business owners that they consider security steps that include an up to date video system that provides high image quality, and limited access to the building after a certain hour such as 11:00 p.m. or 12 midnight. After those hours, people who want store products get them through the tray in the window but do not enter the store, thus protecting the attendant. They have had these security measures in place in the past but seem to abandon them after they are successful. In summary, I don't see any community issues from a public safety perspective; however, security issues for the business should be explored by the business operators. Chief James W. Cormier Reading Police Department From: Marino, Lillian Sent: Friday, December 02, 2005 12:43 PM To: Cormier, Jim Subject: 24 Hour License for Reading Shell Station Chief Cormier: The Board of Selectmen will have a hearing on December 6, 2005 on the 24 hour operation of the Reading Shell Station located at 87 Walkers Brook Drive. Do you have any comments concerning this license? D Page 1 of 1 Schena, Paula From: Joan Langsam Delangsam@brackettlucas.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 2:27 PM To: Schena, Paula Cc: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: RE: Avalon and MILD We have agreed to a form agreement which I should be sending you soon. You can print it out for the BOS's package however, the BOS can move to approve the Agreement but the motion should state that it will only be executed upon receipt of a check for $245,000 to the Town of Reading. Raymond Couture has advised me that Avalon knows of that condition. Joan From: Schena, Paula [mailto:pschena@ci.reading. ma.us] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 2:13 PM To: Joan. Langsam Subject: RE: Avalon and RMLD Thanks Joan. I'll wait to hear from you. If they are going to approve tonight let me know if there should be any special wording for the motion. Paula From: Joan Langsam [mailto:jelangsam@brackettlucas.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 1:42 PM To: Schena, Paula Cc: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: Avalon and RMLD Paula, I spoke to Peter earlier and I know he is out. I am trying to work out the agreement for the BOS review tonight with RMLD and Avalon. I still have some issues. Peter asked me to keep you updated. They owe us $245,000 which no one wants to put in the agreement for MEPA review, so the agreement is that until we receive a check the BOS does not sign the agreement if it gets resolved. RMLD's attorney agrees with that. Joan n 12/6/2005 AGREEMENT . This Agreement is entered into as of the day of November, 2005, by and between the TOWN OF READING with an address at 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts 01867 ("the Town"), the READING MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT, with an address of 230 Ash Street, Reading, Massachusetts 01867 ("RMLD"), AVALON WFS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with a Massachusetts address at 1250 Hancock Street, Suite 804N, Quincy, MA 02169 ("Avalon WFS") and AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC., a Maryland corporation with a Massachusetts address of 1250 Hancock Street, Suite 804N ("AvalonBav"). The Town and RMLD are sometimes collectively referred to as "Reading", and Avalon WFS and AvalonBay are sometimes referred to collectively as "Avalon"). WHEREAS, Avalon WFS is the owner of that certain parcel of land situated in the City of Woburn, Town of Reading and Town of Wilmington, County of Middlesex, Cormnonwealth of Massachusetts, and shown as Lot 1 (the "Avalon WFS Land") on that certain plan entitled "Modification Plan Definitive Subdivision, Inwood Drive in Woburn, Massachusetts", prepared by Hayes Engineering, Inc., dated September 14, 2004, and recorded with the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds (the "Registry") as Plan No. 1510 of 2005 in Book , Page (the "Subdivision Plan"); WHEREAS, AvalonBay is the owner of a certain parcel of land in Woburn, Massachusetts shown on Lot 2 on the Subdivision Plan, and the subdivision road shown "as "Inwood Drive" as show on the Subdivision Plan (the "AvalonBav Land"); WHEREAS, the Avalon WFS Land is improved by, among other improvements, certain roadways with utilities therein and thereon (the "Access Wavs") as shown on the sketch plan attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Sketch Plan"). WHEREAS, Avalon utilizes the Access Ways for, among other purposes, access to, and egress from, the Avalon WFS Land and the AvalonBay Land, and to and from Inwood Drive and for certain utility facilities to serve the Avalon WFS Land and the AvalonBay Land. WHEREAS, a portion of the Access Ways are currently situated in the Easement Area (as such term is defined below), as more particularly shown on the Sketch Plan; WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Order of Taking by the Town of Reading dated February 3, 1969, and recorded with the Registry in Book 11644, Page 202 (the "Order"), Reading is the holder of an easement (the "Easement") over a portion of the Avalon WFS Land situated in the Town of Reading, as more particularly described in the Order and shown on the Sketch Plan (the "Easement Area"); WHEREAS, the Order provides that the Easement was taken "for municipal light purposes under the provisions of General Laws, Chapt. 40, Section 14, for a High Voltage transmission line" and includes, among other rights, the right to (i) "construct, erect, operate and maintain a line or lines ...in, on, along, over, through, across or under" the Easement Area, and 10 (ii) "place, erect, maintain, inspect, add to the number of, and relocate at will, poles, towers ...from time to time, across, through, or over" the Easement Area; WHEREAS, on April 13, 1987, the respective rights and obligations of Reading and the owner of the land which is bound by the Easement were the subject of a ,decision by the Massachusetts Land Court in the case of Callan v. Town of Reading and the Readinv Municibal Light Department, Miscellaneous Case No. 120179, dated April 13, 1987 (the "Land Court Decision"); WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to enter into this Agreement to further clarify the rights and obligations of the parties with respect to the Order, the Easement and the Easement Area, relating to the rights of Avalon to maintain and use the portion of the Access Ways within the Easement Area, as more specifically set forth herein;. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and other good and valuable consideration this day paid, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Avalon and Reading hereby agree as follows: 1. Notwithstanding any term or provision of the Order or Land Court Decision to the contrary, Reading hereby acknowledges and approves the location, as of the date of this Agreement, of the Access Ways substantially as shown on the Sketch Plan for access to and egress from the Avalon WFS Land and the AvalonBay Land and for the construction, use, maintenance, repair and replacement of any and all utilities therein and thereunder. 2. Notwithstanding any term or provision of the Order or Land Court Decision to the contrary, Reading and Avalon hereby acknowledge and agree that, if in connection with the exercise of Reading's municipal purposes as described in the Order, Reading requires that the any portion of the Access Ways within the Easement Area must be relocated, Reading may require, upon not less than thirty (30) days' prior written. notice to Avalon, that Avalon WFS relocate, at. Avalon WFS' sole cost and expense, such portion of the Access Ways to another location within the Easement Area that is reasonably satisfactory to Reading. In such case, Avalon WFS shall have a reasonable period of time to commence and complete such relocation of the Access Ways after agreement is reached on the new location. If Avalon WITS fails to do so, after the giving of notice and the expiration of a reasonable cure period, Reading shall have the right to relocate the Access Ways at Avalon WFS' cost and expense, provided, that any such relocation shall be completed in such a manner so as to not unreasonably interfere with Avalon's right to continually use, maintain, repair and operate the Access Ways as provided herein. 3. Recognizing the fact that access to the Avalon WFS Land and the AvalonBay Land requires the existence of roadways and related facilities within the Easement Area, and notwithstanding any term or provision of the Order or Land Court Decision to the contrary, Reading shall not have the right to require the removal of the Access Ways (as the same may be relocated pursuant to paragraph 2 above), and Avalon shall have the perpetual right to the continuous and uninterrupted use thereof. 4. Upon the full execution an delivery hereof, AvalonBay shall pay to RMLD One Hundred Fifty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($150,000.00): In consideration of such payment, Reading agrees that notwithstanding any term or provision of the Order or Land Court Decision to the contrary, in no event shall Avalon ever be required to make any other payment to Reading in connection with the exercise by Reading of its rights under the Order, including, without limitation, any payment for any increased costs as may be incurred by RMLD which may be attributable to the use, maintenance and operation of the Access Ways (except only for the obligation under Section 2 above for AVS to reimburse Reading for a required relocation of the Access Ways in the event Avalon WFS fails to do so after the giving of notice and the expiration of a reasonable cure period). 5. Each of AvalonBay and Avalon WFS represents and warrants to Reading that (i) it has the full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the matters contemplated hereby; (ii) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by AvalonBay and WFS and all necessary consents required under AvalonBay's and Avalon WFS' organizational documents, by law or otherwise have been obtained; (iii) this Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligation of AvalonBay and Avalon WFS, enforceable in accordance with its terms and does not violate any contract, judicial order or any thing to which AvalonBay or Avalon WFS is a party or to or by which AvalonBay or Avalon WITS is subject; (iv) neither the execution or delivery of this Agreement or the carrying out of the matters contemplated hereby is subject to the requirement that AvalonBay or Avalon WITS obtain any consent, approval, authorization or, or make any declaration or filing with, any governmental authority or third party. 6. Each of the Town and RMLD represents and warrants to Avalon that (i) it has the full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the matters contemplated hereby; (ii) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Town and RMLD and all necessary consents required under any local, state or federal law, rule, order or regulation have been obtained; (iii) this Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Town and RMLD, enforceable in accordance with its terms and does not violate any contract, judicial order or any thing to which the Town or RMLD is a party or to or by which the Town or RMLD is subject; (iv) neither the execution or delivery of this Agreement or the carrying out of the matters contemplated hereby is subject to the requirement that the Town or RMLD obtain any consent, approval, authorization or, or make any declaration or filing with, any governmental authority or third party. 7. The terms and conditions herein contained shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, and their respective successors and assigns. All rights and obligations of AvalonBay hereunder shall run with the AvalonBay Land, all rights and obligations of Avalon WFS hereunder shall run with the Avalon WITS Land, and all rights and obligations of Reading hereunder shall run with the Easement Area. 8. To facilitate execution, this Agreement may be executed in as many counterparts as may be convenient or required. It shall not be necessary that the signature of, or on behalf of, 3 Executed as an instrument under seal as of the day of December, 2005 AVALON WFS, LLC By: AVB Development Transactions, Inc., its Manager By: Name: Title: AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC. By: Name: Title: THE TOWN OF READING By Its Board of Selectmen READING MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT By: Name: Title: (Y- COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS , ss On this day of December, 2005, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared , the of AVB Development Transactions, Inc., the sole member of Avalon WFS, LLC, proved to me through satisfactory evidence which was , to be the person whose name is signed on the preceding or attached document, and acknowledged to me that he/she signed it voluntarily for its stated purpose as of AVB Development Transactions, Inc., the sole member of Avalon WFS, LLC. Notary Public My commission expires: COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS , ss On this day of December, 2005, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared , the AvalonBay Communities, Inc. proved to me through satisfactory evidence which was , to be the person whose name is signed on the preceding or attached document, and acknowledged to me that he/she signed it voluntarily for its stated purpose as of AvalonBay Communities, Inc.. Notary Public My commission expires: 6 D COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS , ss On this day of December, 2005, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared and the Selectmen of the Town of Reading, proved to me through satisfactory evidence which was , to be the persons whose name is signed on the preceding or attached document, and acknowledged to me that he/she signed it voluntarily for its stated purpose. Notary Public My commission expires: COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS , ss On this day of December, 2005, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared , the of Reading Municipal Light Department, proved to me through satisfactory evidence which was , to be the person whose name is signed on the preceding or attached document, and acknowledged to me that he/she signed it voluntarily for its stated purpose as of Reading Municipal Light Department. Notary Public My commission expires: GSDOCS\1553428.4 12/1/2005 6:36 PM 7 Page 1 of 3 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Brad Latham [blatham@latham-lamond.com] Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 11:26 PM To: Reading - Selectmen; canthony@ci.reading. ma.us; James Bonazoli forwarding account; Ben Tofoya; Rick Schubert Multiple Addresses; jduffy@ci.reading. ma.us; Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: Addison-Wesley property and W/S Development LATH", LATH" & L"OND, P. C. 643 MAIN STREET READING, MASSACHUSETTS December 5, 2005 Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Re: Addison-Wesley Property and WIS Development Proposed Route 28 Improvements We represent W/S Development in its proposal to create a lifestyle center at the "Addison-Wesley" property. A few months ago W/S Development participated in a joint meeting with the Community Planning and Development Commission ("CPDC") and the Board of Selectmen. The CPDC participated as it is responsible for land use planning and zoning and the Selectmen participated, as it is responsible as road commissioners, for public ways. The Selectmen were uncertain whether roadway and intersection improvements could be made that would adequately address the impact of the traffic from the proposed lifestyle center and decided to engage the services of a traffic engineer to study the proposal and report to the Board. The Town engaged as its traffic consultant, John Diaz of GPI, who is both a licensed Professional Engineer and a certified Professional Traffic Operations Engineer. The Town had apparently used his services previously for traffic review. On October 6, 2005, the Town's traffic consultant issued a preliminary review letter. As a consequence of comments in that preliminary review, W/S Development made improvements to its traffic proposal and prepared a revised (supplemental) traffic report. After having reviewed the supplemental traffic report by W/S Development, the Town's traffic consultant submitted to the Town his final report, dated November 11, 2005, which stated, in part, that "Overall we feel comfortable that the current design of the intersection will sufficiently accommodate the anticipated traffic associated with the Addison- Wesley facility. Furthermore the modifications to the intersection will provide improvements to the safety of the intersection when compared to the current design.... Therefore, GPI would recommend that the project be accepted as a feasible project...." 12/6/2005 0 Page 2 of 3 On November 15, 2005, the town traffic engineer, John Diaz, P.E., appeared before the Selectmen at a scheduled meeting and for more than an hour answered questions from the Selectmen about traffic and his November 11, 2005 report. At the Selectmen's meeting, in response to questions, Mr. Diaz stated the following additional facts: e The thru traffic on Route 28 (both northbound and southbound) will run through the Main/South Street intersection at an acceptable level of service, even during the peak traffic hours. That is, traffic flow into and out of the Town will not be disrupted with the potential of two dedicated through lanes in each direction. . The intersection will be safer when the improvements proposed by WS Development are made. We complement the Selectmen for having taken the extraordinary step of having had a traffic review . before the rezoning process has even begun. Such scrutiny and the future scrutiny that would take place as part of rezoning and CPDC review would certainly enhance the proposal. Since the November 1 lth Selectmen's meeting, persons in favor of and opposed to the proposal have voiced their opinions. Both traffic and non-traffic issues have been aired that would be addressed as part of the rezoning efforts. Unfortunately, some of the statements that have been made in handouts are in error. While we do not assert any intention to mislead the public, it is important that we are all dealing with the following correct information: . Traffic Flow: 80% of the traffic to the site will come directly from and go directly back to Route 128, staying within 300 feet of Route 128. . One-Wav Streets: There is no proposal made by the proponent to make any Town street one-way. That is not necessary. . Town Control of Future Use: The Town does not lose control over the site by allowing rezoning. What goes on the site can be tightly controlled by the zoning language. Further, even if Town Meeting rezones the property, the Community Planning and Development Commission can control how the site may be used by imposing such conditions in any special permit. . Downtown: The project will not have a significant impact downtown. People who shop and dine there will continue to do so. Park Square will offer an alternative for those Reading residents who would otherwise go the Burlington Mall, as they do now. Hingham has advised the Town Manager that the Derby Street project was positive, not negative to the downtown. Main Street Improvements: The proposed improvements to Route 28 will improve the safety of the intersection. The only widening of Main Street will be at its intersection with South Street and at the intersection of Routes 28 and 128. W/S Development is very aware that as this proposal continues through the rezoning process, the Town retains control. There would have to be multiple public hearings. Many town boards would review the matter before any final action could be taken. Our client is well aware of the.heavy burden placed on a proponent when a two-thirds vote of Town Meeting is required for a project. We thank you for the time that you have taken on this matter. We trust that with further review of this matter, the other positive consequences of the proposal can be recognized by the Town, such as significant tax revenue (over one million dollars per year), employment opportunities and the 12/6/2005 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Patrick Egan [pegan@bermanesq.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 12:59 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: AW Site Dear Selectmen: I echo my wife's thoughts contained in her attached email concerning the proposed AW site. We do not believe that any benefits can outweigh the significant cost to the town's character and problems that would arise, particularly with increased traffic and congestion and the risk of losing downtown. Thank you for your consideration of this important issue and your service to the community. Patrick T. Egan 8 Oak Ridge Road This electronic mail transmission may contain confidential information and is intended only for the person(s) named. Any use, copying or disclosure by any other person is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender via e-mail. -----Original Message----- From: LisaEgan [mailto:lisaegan@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 12:49 PM To: 'selectmen@ci.reading. ma. us' Subject: no to lifestyle mall Dear Selectmen: I am writing regards to the lifestyle mall proposed for the AW Site. I strongly urge you to vote "no" for this development. We have lived in Reading for nearly 5 years. We recently just moved in Sept. to Oak Ridge Road in Reading. When looking for a new home, we did not consider towns such as Burlington or Woburn because there is too much congestion, traffic and too much large commercial retail in those towns. We like Reading's "town feeling" and the town center. We like the fact that there is not a lot of traffic and congestion. We did not care for North Reading because there is no real town center and there are too many super stores, like Walmart. Now I fear Reading could have the same problem, should this mall open in town. First, there is plenty of shopping in all of the adjacent towns to Reading, and I've heard another lifestyle mall is already scheduled to open near Burlington. Reading is already going to reap many tax benefits from the new shopping center at Jordan's and Home Depot. We should carefully control the development of retail space rather than opening the floodgates to every and all businesses. Further, let's work to come up with a creative solution that uses the AW site to benefit the town while preserving the town's quaint charm and local businesses. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Lisa Egan 8 Oak Ridge Road Reading MA 781-942-0857 D 12/6/2005 Hechenblefter, Peter From: jody avtges Bodyavtges@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 1:24 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: I am attending tonite because I worry developers can be deceptive Dear Selectmen, Please think carefully before putting in this shopping centers. From what I read, this is not clear cut at all - and developers are likely to be putting "rosey" glasses on projections. I hope to attend to learn more. Thank you for your caution on this. Jody James Avtges , 42 Washington St., Reading, MA 01867 Yahoo! DSL - Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less. dsl.yahoo.com 1 O Page 1 of 1 Hechenblelkner, Peter From: heidi bonnabeau [heidijerry@verizon.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 1:31 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Against Lifestyle Center at Addison Wesley Selectmen, I am writing to express my concern over the possibility of a Lifestyle Center in Reading. I am completely against this Lifestyle center. I believe that the property does need to be developed, but why can't we as a town go out and market ourselves and get the business that we want? Why not a campus for a college, over 55 housing with a nursing home, or a hotel and office park? We need what is right for Reading. I don't want to live in a mall town- that is not why I came to Reading. Lastly, traffic is a major concern. One way in and out is not sufficient to support typical mall traffic. What if their projections are low? Do we have our own data on mall traffic? PLEASE SAY NO TO THE DEVELOPERS. THIS PROJECT IS NOT RIGHT FOR READING M! Thank you, Heidi Bonnabeau D 12/6/2005 Hechenblefter, Peter From: jeannette corbett Deannette_corbett@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 1:05 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: shopping plaza Dear Selectmen, I am opposed to the development of the shopping plaza at Addison-Wesley site-the mainreason being that downtown Reading is already a ghost town, other towns like melrose and Wakefield being vibrant centers. Jeannette Corbett 3 Bond Street reading, Ma. 01867 781-944-3181 Yahoo! DSL - Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less. dsl.yahoo.com 1 VID Page 1 of 2 Schena, Paula From: Camille Anthony [canthony@ftmc.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 12:35 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: FW: PEP News Flash FYI Camille Anthony -----Original Message----- From: Carl McFadden [mailto:cmcfadden@ftmc.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 11:51 AM To: Peter Hechenbleikner; Camille Anthony Subject: Fw: PEP News Flash fyi Have fun!!!! Original Message From: Reading PEP To: readingpep@co_mcast.net Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 11:33 AM Subject: PEP News Flash PEP NEWS FLASH SELECTMEN TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED ADDISON-WESLEY REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT TUESDAY NIGHT (TONIGHT) AT 9PM When PEP formed, our mission was to keep Reading parents informed about our public education issues and to support efforts by the Town and other organizations to ensure that Reading schools have the fiscal resources needed to meet our educational goals. While the proposed Addison-Wesley development does not directly effect Reading schools, the outcome will have an impact on our schools and our town. Some quick facts: • The project will generate $1.2 million annually in local property taxes, which will benefit both the schools and the town • Potential retailers include: Whole Foods, P. F. Chang's, Legal Seafoods, Ann Taylor, Barnes & Noble, J. Crew, Chico's, Coldwater Creek and others • The shopping center will be fashioned after the Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham • The selectmen are considering a request for re-zoning to allow retail; they are currently split on sending this issue to Town Meeting for approval Z 12/6/2005 Page 2 of 2 • A traffic study has been completed • Local proponents want to see an increase in town revenue through a sustainable development plan, and would like to see this issue go to town meeting for further discussion • Local opponents are concerned with traffic flow, out-of-town visitors, competition for local businesses, the impact on Main Street and other neighborhood issues This is a major proposal for the town that will impact residents, positively and negatively, in many different ways. We encourage you to attend the meeting, or at the very least, email the selectmen and inform them of your views! Camille Anthony canthony_@,ci.reading.ma.us James Bonazoli jonazoli cr ci.readins.ma.us Joe Duffy jduffy@ci.reading.ma.us Ben Tafoya btaf6ya@pj.r-qqding.ma.us Rick Schubert rchubert@ci.readirng.ma._us OR selectmen &i.reading-A 12/6/2005 22 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Diana Rhudick [drhudick@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 11:55 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison-Wesley Development Dear Reading Selectmen: I would like to add my voice to the chorus of those opposed to rezoning the Addison-Wesley site to allow retail stores. Although I don't live in that area, I would hate to see it become even more commercial and congested. I know there are other development possibilities for the site and I realize they would contribute less revenue to the town, but I feel they would fit the town's character better. We have enough chain stores here already. Sincerely, Diana Rhudick Grove St. drhudickO..comcast.net ( 310~) 12/6/2005 Hechenblefter, Peter From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Selectmen, Teresa Teixeira [tetex@comcast.net] Tuesday, December 06, 2005 11:57 AM Reading - Selectmen Proposed Development for Addison-Wesley Complex My understanding is that the potential developer of the Addison-Wesley complex is also the owner of the Redstone Plaza in Stoneham, MA. The state of this shopping plaza is terrible, with several stores having been empty for years. Clearly, the owners have no interest in revitalizing this older shopping plaza - they could have renovated these stores or changed them to make them more attractive to retailers. If they are not interested in changing this plaza so that it can meet the needs of today, why should we believe that they are going to develop/maintain something in Reading that will last? I also have concerns about overdevelopment in primarily residential areas of town and traffic issues. Thank you for your consideration, Terri Teixeira 98 Howard Street 1 (9 Hechenblefter, Peter From: Karen Dussault [kmdussault@earthlink.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 12:35 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: dussaukm@bausch.com Subject: Shopping plaza at Addison Wesley Dear Selectmen, I live on George St and am ABSOLUTELY opposed to a shopping plaza at Addison Wesley; we have more than enough shopping centers. I much prefer shopping in Reading Square and would like to see the square developed more so that I can support local merchants. We DO NOT need any more chain stores. Karen Dussault 1 (9 Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: LisaEgan [lisaegan@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 12:49 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: no to lifestyle mall Dear Selectmen: I am writing regards to the lifestyle mall proposed for the AW Site. I strongly urge you to vote "no" for this development. We have lived in Reading for nearly 5 years. We recently just moved in Sept. to Oak Ridge Road in Reading. When looking for a new home, we did not consider towns such as Burlington or Woburn because there is too much congestion, traffic and too much large commercial retail in those towns. We like Reading's "town feeling" and the town center. We like the fact that there is not a lot of traffic and congestion. We did not care for North Reading because there is no real town center and there are too many super stores, like Walmart. Now I fear Reading could have the same problem, should this mall open in town. First, there is plenty of shopping in all of the adjacent towns to Reading, and I've heard another lifestyle mall is already scheduled to open near Burlington. Reading is already going to reap many tax benefits.from the new shopping center at Jordan's and Home Depot. We should carefully control the development of retail space rather than opening the floodgates to every and all businesses. Further, let's work to come up with a creative solution that uses the AW site to benefit the town while preserving the town's quaint charm and local businesses. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Lisa Egan 8 Oak Ridge Road Reading MA 781-942-0857 9S 12/6/2005 Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: Janelle Bonasera [Bonasera@nazareth-academy.org] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 10:20 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Note of concern from a Reading resident Importance: High Dear Selectmen, My husband and I moved to Reading about two years ago and currently live at 19 Boyce Street. We love the town and have a vested interest in its future, since we plan on raising a family here and making Reading our home for a long time. I wanted to express my concern over the proposed shopping center for the Addison Wesley site. I believe this is not in the best interest for the town and its residents. The proposal will jeopardize many residents' current way of life and directly affect the overall feel and flow of the town, which is one of the main reasons why we decided to move here. There are a number of residents on my street who also agree and are very, very concerned about these plans and how they are handled going forward. We believe that the impact of this future plan will have more negative outcomes than positive. Thank you for your attention to our concerns and for your work to safeguard the integrity and quality of life in Reading for us all. Respectfully, Janelle Bonasera 19 Boyce Street Reading, MA 01867 12/6/2005 US-7 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Kerry Kreppein [kerrykreppein@hotmaii.com] Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 2:19 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: kerrykreppein@hotmaii.com Subject: Rezoning Addison-Wesley, NO Dear Selectmen, I am writing regarding the proposed rezoning for the Addison Wesley site. I am strongly against it. As I understand it the move would be to snake the area retail and possibly a site for shopping malls, retail centers, or "lifestyle centers". Whichever way you term it, I feel that is NOT the area for it. I chose Reading to be my home because of its residential feel and center of town focus. and I feel that characteristic is being threatened by this proposed rezoning. I am also curious to know the "pros" of this option, for other than the Addison-Wesley site owners. This plan seems to be very far down the line of a "yes, rezone" and I am uncomfortable with such a change in a residential area happening so quickly. Can you let me know the true status of this process, and how I can be more involved? I have wanted to come to the open forums, but with two small children, I've been unable to make a 7pm time. Thank you for your time, Kerry Kreppein 15 Pratt St 12/6/2005 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: charles restuccia [restuc@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 10:39 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: READINGFIRST@comcast.net Subject: Addison-Wesley Site We strongly oppose the presently planned shopping mall for this site. The attraction of far flung traffic to the "cross-road of eastern MA " will have an unbearable burden on our community. See how Cummings Park advertises its great location at the intersection of 1-95/1-93. Charles and Carmel Restuccia 46 James Road 12/6/2005 (0) Page 1 of 1 Hechenblelkner, Peter From: HarrySim@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 11:37 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Shopping Mall Dear Board: As long time residents of Reading (39 years), we are strongly opposed to proposed plans for Addison-Wesley property. The South side of Reading does not need any more congestion. Why not affordable senior housing? Why not utilize our Main & Haven Street area (Recent rezoning action at Town Meeting is a start). No more urban sprawl! Harry and Marilyn Simmons 12/6/2005 U-030 Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: Amy Coumounduros [amy.c@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 11:47 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison-Wesley Re-Development Project Please send the Addison-Wesley Re-Development matter to Town Meeting so that all issues, both pro and con, can be discussed. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Amy Coumounduros 12/6/2005 6) Page 1 of 1 Schena, Paula From: charies restuccia [restuc@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 10:39 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: READINGFIRST@comcast.net Subject: Addison-Wesley Site We strongly oppose the presently planned shopping mall for this site. The attraction of far flung traffic to the "cross-road of eastern MA " will have an unbearable burden on our community. See how Cummings Park advertises its great location at the intersection of 1-95/1-93. Charles and Carmel Restuccia 46 James Road 12/6/2005 C39 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: dangerous dave [ikon_100@hotmail.com] Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 7:54 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: South Street Hi: I have lived in Reading all my life and concider myself a true townie. During my 47 years of living here I have watched the Town blow land deals and make some truely poor decisions dealing with development. I also live in the South Street area and have been there all of my life. It is about time the longtime residents are heard and those who "just moved here" back off because when thier job transfers them or thier kids get older and they hove, people like me will be left holding the bag and picking up the pieces. I am in favor of the zoning change and welcome such a high end and classy use for that property. Reading is not Andover, Lexington, Winchester nor is it Woburn, Wakefield or Melrose. If those opposed to this development want that type of development, well there are several moving companies listed in the yellow pages along with realtors. Reading is Reading and we should do what is best for our community as a whole and betterment of said conununity. For those in my neighborhood and area who are opposed to this, remember one thing: If you buy a house near or next to railroad tracks, sooner or later the train is coming by. If you buy a house or a home next to a vacant commercial area, sooner or later they are going to develop it. I support the change in zoning and to the board of selectmen: Go for it. It is the right thing to do. Unsigned If i put my name to this, i will end up in the police log as a statistic. Download todav's ton songs at MSN Music from artists like U2. Eminem. & Kelly Clarkson bum 603 00P 12/6/2005 Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: janet bonitatibus ambonitatibus@msn.com] Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 4:21 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison-Wesley Site I am just writing to let it be known, that I am opposed to the Addison-Wesley lifestyle center. I did see the list of stores that may go into the center, none of which I shop at. I love the country setting and small town feel of Reading. It just seems that we are becoming more of a city than a nice little town. I am not sure if all of this is a done deal, but I am against this. 12/6/2005 (Y3 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Gangfeng xu [gangfeng xu@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 4:28 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: readingfirst@comcast.net Subject: the Use of Addison-Wesley Site for Shopping Plaza Dear Selectmen, I am a resident on the South Street in Reading and am very concerned about the development of the Addison-Wesley site for a shopping plaza. I have been lived in Reading since the fall of 2002 and have been enjoying every minute in this beautiful town. A shopping plaza at the said site will not fit in the charming residential environment that we all enjoy. The significant increase of traffic that the shopping plaza will bring to the area will detroy the life as we know it. I strongly urge you not to approve the rezoning of the site for such a development. Thanks for your consideration. Best regards, . Gangfeng Xu, PhD 978-604-0459 Yahoo! Personals Single? There's someone we'd like you to meet. Lots of someones, actually. Tiv Yahoo! Personals 12/6/2005 ffil Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: kremondi@comcast.net Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 6:34 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: kremondi@comcast.net Subject: Addison Wesley development Dear Selectmen: My husband and I have lived on Pine Ridge Rd. in Reading for the last 13 years. We are raising our three boys here because we truly value Reading as a quiet, suburban town. Our boys feel safe walking to Joshua Eaton, playing at Sturges park, riding bikes to friends' houses, etc. I am VERY concerned about the Addison Wesley site being zoned and developed as a retail space. I am concerned that adequate study on traffic has not been undertaken, and that the enormous environmental impact of duinpsters, car noise and pollution, large overhead parking lot lighting, and lost open space has also not been thoroughly considered. I understand that the space will at some time be sold, but I urge the town to consider other options: a town recreational complex of fields,.a pool, tennis courts,ete. possibly to be funded by another 2 1/2 override; a town hospital funded by an already significant endowment and partnered with another larger hospital; elderly and assisted care living; or a satellite college campus of a larger college or university. I know that the options presented above are not EASY solutions and would require effort and creative financing solutions, but I do believe them to be in better interest to the town of Reading. I want to see Reading preserved as the wonderful town that it is and not to see it become another victim to suburban sprawl. Thank you, Kristen Remondi 165 Pine Ridge Road 12/6/2005 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Joann Takehara Sanford Oo.take@verizon.netj Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 8:05 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison-Wesley proposal - REJECT I urge you to REJECT the proposed mall at the Addison-Wesley site. After the fiasco of voting at the site, it is obvious there is no traffic plan that will allow mall access while still allowing Reading residents to go about their normal business. Turning Main St into a seven lane highway is not a viable or practical solution. It is already difficult to enter Reading, given the traffic at the Rte 129 and Walkers Brook exits; a mall at the Main St. exit will effectively barricade residents from entering from the highway. And when traffic backs up, cars will be cutting down surrounding side streets, even more than the current rush hour cut-through traffic. The Walkers Brook development and the current multiple unit housing developments will be changing the character of our town in the next years. Please wait to implement further changes until the impact of these current projects on the town's infrastructure can be adequately assessed. Joann M. Takehara 52 Hopkins Street 1 Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: djmjm45@comcast.net Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 8:41 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison Wesley I am writing to voice my opposition to the retail proposal at the Addison Wesley site. I do not live in the inunediate neighborhood, but think the proposal would have a negative impact in regards to traffic and overall quality of life in the town. Creating a large retail development in the middle of a residential neighborhood is not the highest and best use for the site Town officials, with input from the neighborhood, should determine what an acceptable alternative use is for the site. This info-nation should be communicated to the owner as it will allow the owner to solicit bids on proposed uses acceptable to the town. Also, has the Board considered any linkage for allowing a zoning change? Thank you for your consideration, John Migliozzi 45 Audubon Road l7% 12/6/2005 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: jbdietz@comcast.net Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 10:58 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison Wesley project Dear Sirs and Madam, The numbers in the traffic study presented by the developers of the "Lifestyle Center" being proposed for the Addison-Wesley site give me great pause. I have twenty years of experience as a software engineer, working on Traffic Management on Internet Routers. While Internet data and automobiles are not the same thing, the engineering discipline needed to solve problems in both of these areas is similar. The numbers presented in the traffic studies are precise - times to the tenth of a second, traffic volumes to exact five figure numbers. This is a little disturbing, as though their calculations were done with exact knowledge rather than the estimates on which they were based. Yet the traffic study downplays the fact that these are estimates, and does not go into sufficient detail in describing where these estimates come from. My major concern is this: Where is the wiggle room? What excess parking capacity and traffic volume have they accounted for? What is the margin for error? The Reading site does not have the luxury of space for expansion of satellite parking lots and longer off- ramps that the developer had in Hingham. The A-W site is bounded by homes on one side and the busiest interstate highway in the state on the other. If they have underestimated the volume of traffic, the result may be more money for the store owners, but misery for the unfortunate residents of Reading who have to fight their way through it every evening and weekend afternoon. To be frank, I question the independence of the traffic consultant brought in to evaluate this proposal. Given that firms evaluate each other's proposals routinely, it seems likely that they would give each other professional courtesy in the form of latitude when evaluating. Adding to the tax base is a potential benefit, but will come as little comfort to those residents whose property values are adversely affected by the increased traffic volume and the erosion of the character of our town. Please take all your constituents into account and reject ,this proposal. Sincerely, Jeffrey Dietz 1 (3y Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: crwhit99@aol.com Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 11:55 PM To: . Reading - Selectmen Subject: Proposed "Lifestyle Center" Dear Members of the Reading Board of Selectmen: I am writing to express my concerns about the traffic impact of the proposed "lifestyle center" at South Main Street and South Street/Jacob. Based on what happened during the presidential primary election, I don't believe that the roads in the area can be reasonably modified in order to efficiently handle the level of traffic that would probably result from building this "lifestyle center." I am also concerned about likely negative impacts on current local businesses. While I would welcome a Whole Foods Market store in Reading, I have no interest in the other stores listed in the Daily Times Chronicle; and I would be opposed to the addition of a Walmart (not included in the list in the paper but I gather that this could happen, once the zoning has been changed). Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Carolyn R. Whiting 17 Chestnut Road Reading MA 01867 12/6/2005 No Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Vito Politano [politano@verizon.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 1:03 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Dear Town of Reading Selectmen, My name is Vito Politano and I live on Arrow Circle with my wife Helen and 2 children ages 8 and S. Have been living in Reading since late 1999 I will be unable to attend the Selectmen's Meeting tomorrow since I am out of town for business, and wanted to email you with my concern and dislikes of this proposed project. Like many other residence of Reading, I have strong concerns about this project. I feel that there will be more negative impact then positive. 1. Mainly the increased traffic volume not only at the intersection of the entrance but throughout the town as people from surrounding towns come through the town from all directions. 2. I find it very hard to believe that traffic studies performed today can predict traffic volume for tomorrow, history has shown that these studies are more often wrong. 3. Timing traffic signals and imposing traffic restrictions is not the answer to traffic volume, this just backs up traffic. 4. Do we really need another mall, what impact will this have on the existing businesses in town As you can see my main issue is traffic volume, and turning route 28 Main Street into a route 1. It is already frustrating dealing with the traffic volume when riding through the center on a Saturday, I can not imagine what this will be like when you add more volume. I think you as selectmen for the town of Reading need to really think about where the town is heading and what changes have taken place in the past 5 years. Thanks in advance for your time. Vito Politano 1 O Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: Diane A. Weggel [d-weggel@mindspring.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 2:10 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Proposed shopping center traffic pattern I have serious concerns regarding the proposed shopping center on the Addison-Wesley site. I am particularly concerned about the increased traffic congestion and accident risk that is certain to result from this proposed mall. I have been a Reading resident for almost 60 years. I attended Joshua Eaton School, Parker Junior High and graduated from Reading Memorial High School. I have been driving between Reading and Boston via various routes since 1963. As an RN at Massachusetts General Hospital, I drove to work from South Street at all hours, in all sorts of weather, on every day of the week for 27 years. Over the years the trip became potentially quicker as access changed from Rte. 28 to Routes 128 and 93. However, on each trip as I leave the corner of South and Main streets I always look at the Rte. 128 bridge over Rte. 28 to check the amount of traffic congestion. Two lanes of traffic accessing Rte. 128 South will further aggravate the present nightmare of merges and accident risk at this site, already described as the worst in Massachusetts for accidents". Returning north on 128 to northward onto Rte. 28, is even more difficult, because of the lane drop on 128 between Rtes. 93 and 28. None of the latter should be news to Reading residents. The "artist's sketches" of the proposed increase from four to seven lanes of traffic, as well as the lovely fall mall scene, are fabrications of an artist, not a traffic engineer. Only an artist could increase four lanes to seven without taking any land or buildings. To me, an indication that someone is trying to foist something on residents of South Street is the surreptitiousness with which trucks came in the stealth of night to paint lines on our designated historic road. Another indication is that even abutters were not notified of the latest meetings regarding the proposed additional lanes that will affect far more than South Street. This Mall has been portrayed on Channel 5 as a fait accompli. Is this misrepresentation from the Town, or from the developers, or both? Whichever, it is not behavior that establishes trust. I think that the certainty of increased traffic volume at this intersection is reason enough to conclude that this proposed development is not in the best interest of Reading. Diane Weggel 12/6/2005 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Joe Westerman Poseph.westerman@verizon.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 7:47 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: A-W Project The proposed A-W project is not a direction that I want my town to follow. There are several reasons that I believe this would be a negative for Reading including the added traffic load, the eventual dissolution of the South Street neighborhood area, and an increase in crime. Very little has been said about the additional crime that accompanies retail developments and to ignore those implications would be a grave injustice to Reading's residents. In addition to the obvious shoplifting that will occur, _larcenies, burglaries would rise if what we've seen at Jordan's is an indication. We have West St, Rte 129, Rte 28, and North Ave which are all main roads entering or passing through Reading. The affect of our cumulative additional developments should be examined to assess to what extent we've created and will continue to create a Gridlock Community. I checked the Boston globe community assessment for Reading and noted that our Smog index exceeds the state average. Overloading our roads will increase this pollution and the tax benefits received from AW will not compensate that detrimental health effects from increased pollution. An A-W traffic study has been conducted but that study was actually a proposal for access to the AW site the mindset that we can change other roadway directions and whatever we need to alter as long as our project continues. Certainly the developer can change what's on their land, but this traffic study shows a leaching approach that will erode the adjacent neighborhoods however as Summer Ave is proposed as being changed into a One way road, I can't help but to wonder how far the leaching will go and how much will be lost 20 years from now as that project will continue to evolve and grow. Whether the developer will agree, development sprawl continues to consume lands adjacent to developments years later and if we nee to see evidence collaborating this, we need look no further than the North Shore Shopping Center in Peabody which had its starts as an early version of a Lifestyle center which is a cute marketing term for multiple adjacent strip malls. As you may surmise, I do think retail or mixed retail development is a good use of the AW Land. Thank You, Joseph Westerman 17 Avon St. 1 0 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: hugebasil@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 8:03 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: readingfirst@comcast.net Subject: Addison-Wesley Site I am a resident of Reading, living near the Addison-Wesley site. I am absolutely opposed to rezoning that site and putting a shopping mall there. We already have more than enough places to shop in Reading and nearby. The congestion is not worth the tax revenue. You already made a huge error allowing low income housing into the old Spence Farm site which will bring in minimal revenue but cost the town a huge amount in extra police, water, fire protection, classroom space, added congestion and traffic, and other tax payer provided services. The assisted living complex you refused to allow into that space would have provided jobs, tax revenue, and required very few additional tax payer dollars. Please don't make an even bigger mistake this time. Richard Dennis 9 Machitosh Road D 12/6/2005 Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: cmissert@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 8:38 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: please vote "No" for me concerning Life Style/Addison site To my Selectmen, Please vote "no" for myself and my wife concerning the proposed Lifestyle Center at the Addison Wesley site. If you have gone to that location on a voting day, you would see-that the location and community cannot handle the traffic flow. Putting a Lifestyle Center there would be even worse. I'm all for tax revenue coming to our town, but not if it costs us our small town/bedroom community look and feel. We already have one major "Center" off of the North Ave Exit between Reading and Wakefield. Why would you want to push more Big Mall sprall down our throats?? Look at Main Street in Andover as our goal for Reading. (I don't want another Mishawam Road, Washington St (Woburn), or Commerce Way in my back yard). A Life Center at that location is a BAD idea. Please vote no for it, as our representative. Thank you. Paul and Carolyn Missert 97 Red Gate Lane 12/6/2005 (P_~ Page 1 of 2 Hechenblefter, Peter From: Michael Giacalone [Michael@GiacaloneCPA.com] Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 9:32 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison-Wesley site Dear Selectmen, I am writing to all of you in response to the proposed development at the Addison-Wesley site. My family moved into Reading in 1996. At that time, the town was what we had envisioned it to be: small coinlnunity, nice local businesses, and people who were happy and knew each other. Since then, there has been considerable building within the town both residential and commercial. I daresay that my wife and I have been disappointed in how the town has been maturing. We can accept the Home Depot/Jordans site because that was an undesirable site for residential development. However, the proposal at the Addison site is unacceptable. This proposal is asking to put yet another STRIP MALL in a residential community. There is already enough retail in the area: first, our own Down Town Reading; Red Stone Shopping Plaza in Stoneham; the malls in Woburn, Burlington, and Peabody; the area in Woburn near Staples on Washington Street. In addition to the over saturation of retail shopping, there would be adverse effects to our local businesses that have enough to do to prosper in this economy as it is. What this developer is asking the Town for permission for is to place a STRIP MALL right up against residential homes that will do nothing but destroy the quite LIFESTYLE that the people in this community are accustomed to and want. That reason is why we live here. In addition to the impact to the abutting properties, the negative impact will be felt by the entire town as a result of the negative impacts on traffic. I was doing errands up town this past Saturday morning at about 10:30am. The traffic at that time was nuts and it was just with our local shops, bank, and post office! ! If this development should go through, how can any study truthfully and in good faith try to make this community believe that there will not be a negative impact? I have even seen one report suggest that Summer Avenue be made a one way going from Main Street to West Street. That makes no sense. A change like that would cut off and make it far more difficult for the residents of the West Street side of town to gain access to the Main Street side of town. Not to mention the chaos it would create for the many families which have children attending the Joshua Eaton School and the residents on/near Summer Avenue gaining access to the Main Street side of town. Has any thought been given to how the surrounding neighborhoods would be impacted by the trash that would be facing their properties? How about the negative impact of the commercial deliveries? The lighting? All the Selectmen need to do is look at the Home Depot site to see those negative impacts. We are even receiving complaints from residents of Wakefield! This town is going to have enough to deal with concerning whatever changes will be imposed upon us by the looming "improvements" to the 128/93 interchange. Homes and our community will be permanently and negatively impacted. The developer is trying to do all it can to lessen the impact of that project on itself by wanting to push its site as far back and as close to the abutting residences as it can. That is hardly something as I see as something that would improve the surrounding residences. I am further confused as to why this is the only project that has been presented to the town. Are there not other more desirable alternative? Has anyone thought of less invasive options like an over 55 community? How about an adjunct college campus? Those options are less invasive to the surrounding .01 A 12/5/2005 Page 2 of 2 neighborhoods and the entire community. In fact, they may even help to boost the local community without even negatively impacting our infrastructure. I would expect that the people in those options would need to go out for lunches and dinners at local establishments, utilize the local banks, shop at the Atlantic Super Market, and use the businesses in our own down town center. We would probably enjoy the same real estate tax revenue and increased property values due to the nature of those activities. Is it not the responsibility of our elected officials to seek out other more desirable suitors for this site? Is it not the responsibility of our Town Manager, a hired position, to do the same? I do not think that the people in charge of this town should just sit back and tell the community that this is the only avenue we have. Clearly, the community does not want it and it is the moral and fiduciary responsibility of our hired and elected officials to find a better solution to this problem. My family lived in a town that was filled with commercial activity before moving to Reading. That is why we moved out of that town and came to this one. Do not make us feel like we made the wrong choice. Do not allow this development to proceed. There must be better alternatives. Thank you, Michael Giacalone D 12/5/2005 Page 1 of 1 Hechenblelkner, Peter From: Fante, Ronald L. [rfante@mitre.org] Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 8:18 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison Wesley I would like to express my opposition to a Shopping Plaza on the Addison Wesley site.Do we want Reading to become another Woburn? Ronald Fante 26 Sherwood Rd. Reading,MA 01867 781-944-6585 12/5/2005 9 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Mary Avery [mavery@mindspring.com] Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2005 10:59 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Oppose LifestyleShopping Center I want to voice my opposition to the proposed LIFESTYLE SHOPPING CENTER. I have lived on South Street for 58 years, thru many changes, including the coming of Rt. 128. This latest proposed change is preposterous and one that will ruin the entire South end of Reading, as I see it. Rezoning for a shopping mall will open the door for anything and forever change our tranquil neighborhood. The mall developers will not be the neighbors Addison Wesley was. The traffic will be horrendous, as their plan shows. We are already about to be inundated with the expected traffic from the West Street project and being a " 128A" at rush hour. This impacts all of Reading. Please don't accept the traffic plan and rezoning. Defeat the shopping center and put your effort into downtown Reading and local business. Mary D. Avery 0 12/5/2005 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Arlene303O@aol.com Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2005 7:39 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Shopping Plaza/Add ison-WesleySite To Whom It May Concern- I have been a resident of Reading for 3 years now and I really love this community. I love the small town feel and the shops in the town center. I am writing to you today because of how strongly I feel a shopping center at the Addison-Wesley site would be a detriment to our town. I love shopping and having great stores close by but I don't want the extra traffic or congestion or the driving out of the town's local shops. Please consider this a "NO" vote on the proposed shopping center. Sincerely, Arlene DeLuca 90 Green St., #1 Read i ng VID 12/5/2005 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: bruce.woodbury [bruce.woodbury@comcast.net] Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2005 3:02 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison-Wesley Site Greetings.We are opposed to the developement of a shopping plaza at this site.Bruce & Brenda Woodbury. 12/5/2005 Page 1 of 1 Hechenblelkner, Peter From: Dave Heron [dbheron@ix.netcom.com] Sent: Sunday, December 04, 20052:35 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Opposition to Rezoning the Addison-Wesley Site I would like to go on record of opposing the rezoning of the Addison-Wesley site as it would be detrimental to the overall Reading lifestyle. Thank you, David B. Heron 288 Charles Street Reading, MA 12/5/2005 D Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Alice R Modica [armodica@comcast.net] Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2005 12:05 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison-Wesley Site Please put us on the list of those who strongly object to developing the Addison-Wesley site into a "lifestyle center." We are seniors living on the other side of Reading and fear this town will become just another city. Alice and Michael Modica 12/5/2005 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: MCarter811 @comcast.net Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2005 10:27 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: ADDISON WESLEY SITE After watching the traffic discussion on the proposed Addison-Wesley site, I would like to express opposition for this project. During the meeting, a traffic study was presented. From the TV viewpoint, the diagram looked extremely distorted and I feel does not truly represent the problems in the area. It is obvious the person who presented it has not traveled any of the affected roadways often. Ramps exiting 128 from either direction will become gridlocked adding to the already busy, conjested South Street area. The surrounding residents of the area (I live north of town and have been told I would not be affected) will be forced to live with never ending traffic trying to reach their homes which will not be accessible from Rt 28 or West Street without experiencing delay. I feel the election was the perfect arena to predict the problems which would arise. Remember the restriction for the election, no left turn onto South Street from 28N? Did you travel down 28S to vote or did you walk the two mile traffic backup? Maybe you took an alternate route and came from behind Wayside from Wakefield to vote and parked on the side street? What did the extra police details cost? Did you try to cross South St with your child's stroller? The proposed project will make life difficult for the entire Reading community. Will the downtown area become a ghost town? Will the merchants be forced out of business? Will I be able to get home to the North of the center? I work in South Stoneham, sometimes because of traffic delays it takes 40 minutes for me to get to work then an additional 40 minutes to get home. The town has allowed Walker's Brook to be constructed, we'll soon be forced to encounter the 128/93 interchange which all of us realize WILL HAPPEN. Too much traffic already on West Street, Lowell Street (from the Wilmington line to the square), Walkers Brook, Haverhill Street (exit 40 off 128) will paralize the entire town. PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW THIS PROJECT TO BE BUILT. Marilyn Carter 32 Field Pond Drive Reading 12/5/2005 D Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Christine Brungardt [cebrungardt@comcast.net] Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2005 9:32 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: Christine Brungardt Subject: Things to think about regarding the Addison-Wesley development e The developers are calling it quaint New England - it is not, it is a strip mall in the shape of a rectangle filled with chain stores with a parking lot in the middle • Cars from Woburn, Wilmington, North Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield will cut through our Reading neighborhoods e Our Main St. will become as busy as Wilmington's Route 38. e Malls create ghost towns instead of downtowns because they drive out local businesses. If our local businesses only lose some of their regulars or you just shop there less frequently than you used to, they will be in big trouble. Calaresos and the Atlantic will have a hard time competing against a Whole Foods. If you need to pick up a gift and you are at the mall anyway, you are not shopping at Sense of Wonder. . Increased commute times coining home from work as you are now battling mall traffic coming off the dual off-ramp and the multiple lights that come with it. It will be heck driving across Main St.or turning against traffic on Main St. Wasn't this one of the justifications of not wanting a Wendys? e Home values will go down if we change our town's reputation into a shopping town with lots of traffic instead of a shall quiet community with great schools Thank you, Christine Brungardt 324 South St. 11 year resident D 12/5/2005 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: lorijay348@comcast.net Sent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 8:50 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Pearson Education property To the Board of Selectmen: I am a resident of South Street, and am writing to voice my opposition to a proposed retail development on the Pearson Education property. Although I am an abutter to the property, my concern is not only with my own neighborhood, but the town as a whole. Having worked in the retail industry for almost 20 years, both in stores and in corporate office positions, it is my opinion that this property is an inappropriate location for a high-volume retail development. The potential negative impact on the quality of life in the town of Reading is enormous, primarily because the existing infrastructure in the town is insufficient to support the amount of traffic that will be generated. In the years that I've worked in store management, in various locations throughout New England, I have never encountered a multi-store, or even single-store, development, that has only one means of entry and exit for customer, employee, and support/delivery vehicles. For that reason alone, I believe that any proposed traffic mitigation proposal will still prove to be inadequate. There are many other options to be explored as potential uses for this property: office, hotel, recreation, residential, to name a few. Keeping the best interests of the community in mind, these and other options should be researched and pursued by Pearson, before turning to retail as a solution. Sincerely, Lori Doughty 348 South Street Reading, MA 01867 781-944-1396 12/5/2005 Hechenblefter, Peter From: Carl J. Hedberg [cjhedberg36@mindspring.com] Sent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 2:57 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison-Wesley Dear Sirs, I am just now becoming aware of the magnitude of the proposed development of the Addison- Wesley property. I must voice my deep concern over the impact it will have on our town. I know you are well informed as to these issues so I won't re-hash them. Even though I live well away from the area, I drive through it constantly and even now there is considerable traffic. I just want to go on record as being opposed to said plan. Carl J. Hedberg 134 High Street 1 97) Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Michael Pelosi [m.pelosi@comcast.net] Sent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 2:29 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison Wesley development What is a "Lifestyle Center"? Sounds like another strip mall to me. If I want to go to a mall I can go to Woburn or Burlington. Reading is already inundated with traffic we don't need this.The development on Walkers Brook Drive should generate enough tax dollars. Let's keep Reading somewhat unique from the surrounding communities. Michael Pelosi 6) 12/5/2005 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: George E. MacPherson [gem11@comcast.net] Sent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 2:05 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Development at Addison-Wesley Site Dear Board of Selectmen, We would like you to consider another use of the Addison-Wesley property than the proposed Shopping Center. Please protect our down town shopping proprietors and not turn our center into a "ghost town". With your creative thinking some one should be able to come up with a use for this property other than more retail stores. Maybe the State of Massachusetts or the U S Government could find these fine buildings to be of use to them, Please no more shopping Malls!!!!! Ann & George MacPherson 161 Belmont Street Reading, MA 01867 FREE Emoticons for , rVx;1- ~~y 2GS' {r At 12/5/2005 your email! Click Here! 60, Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: bdimambro [bdimambro@comcast.net] Sent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 11:46 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Proposed shopping plaza Reading does not need another shopping plaza. Enough. B. DiMambro 10-W A ILO Owl) 12/5/2005 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: James V. D'Agostino [dagdad@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 1:51 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison Wesley Development Proposal We are opposed to the retail store development proposal for this site for several reasons. The traffic impacts can not be adequately mitigated despite what the developer's consultant may propose. The access to the site is just not suitable. This is a residential setting, in no way comparable to the Hingham downtown location. Deliveries to this site would impact on the South st.residences which are in close proximity to the borders of the site. Trash disposal and other service activities, and lighting, would intrude on the neighboring homes. The stores would bring traffic on holidays, when residents are entitled to enjoy peaceful surroundings. The Police activities will be further taxed by traffic and calls for assistance by the tenants of the development. Please oppose this development. Thank you. James D'Agostino Carol D'Agostino 21 Hopkins St. Reading NY V 12/6/2005 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Deborah Gilburg [debgilburg@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 2:07 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison-Wesley Redevelopment Greetings: I am writing to express my desire to see the re-zoning request for the Addison-Wesley redevelopment project be approved for vote by Town Meeting by the Board of Selectmen. I understand there are a lot of important issues at stake, and that the project will have a variety of impacts, positive and negative, on Reading residents. As such, I believe that it is imperative that the Board of Selectmen do not unilaterally quash this project, but allow further and more informed discussion to arise at Town Meeting. This town is in sore need of income other than residential taxes, and does not need any more housing developments to burden our tax base and our schools. Please let Town Meeting at least consider the proposal and perhaps find ways to meet, negotiate or mitigate resident concerns. Sincerely, Deborah Gilburg 103 Oak Street 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: tunacat@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 2:40 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: A-W To the Selectmen: I strongly urge you to reject the proposal for the shopping plaza at the Addison-Wesley site. The town needs to consider not just what is possible but what is desirable and in the long-term best interest of the commuity. Large-scale retail development on this site is will erode the surrounding neighborhoods and entire town. When I think of what makes me proud to be a citizen of Reading I think of our excellent library, the award winning drama club at the high school, the math team at Coolidge, the cultural institutions of our town, my neighbors. These are the things I tell people about our town. I don't want to see our town become known for traffic and shopping. Sincerely, Angela Binda I - It Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Bob & Lynn Householder [blhouseholder@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 2:46 PM To:. Reading - Selectmen Subject: addison-wesley site . Hello- I am writing to let you know that we are AGAINST the building of the lifestyle mall at the Addison-Wesley site. It will cause unimaginable traffic issues and tie ups as well as change our neighborhood. We love our small community and all that the town has to offer. We do not want a mall in town, particularly at this site. Please do not allow this proposal to pass and keep fighting for our wonderful town. Thanks for listening. Lynn Householder 12 Curtis St 12/6/2005 ~K Hechenblefter, Peter From: bethany.montgomery@verizon.net Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 3:36 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: tonight's town meeting Dear Selectmen, As Reading residents my husband and I wanted to express our vote to have the Addison Wesley site plans proceed under your careful guidance. We believe this is an opportunity for the town that should not be passed by. We need to expand our tax base beyond the residential burden and do so in thoughtful ways. This seems like a sound concept to us as long as traffic flow and respect for existing neighborhoods is addressed. Sincerely Charlie Mathewson Bethany Montgomery 16 Harriman Ave. 1 &s Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: RLichl@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 3:25 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison Wesley site Dear Selectmen, Please register us as opposed to any rezoning for commercial/retail use. It is inconsistent with the neighborhood. Is spot zoning of this type illegal? Thank you. Sincerely, James and Rita Lichoulas 7 Hopkins Street Reading MA (100-Ov 12/6/2005 Hechenblefter, Peter From: Atlantic Framing Co. [scott@atianticframing.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 3:41 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison-Wesley Please know your handling of the future development of the addison-Wesley site will have profound effects on the Town of Reading. As a small downtown business owner I urge caution. Once in motion, these developments may be hard to control and can not be undone. The downtown is on the rebound and poised for well planned future growth. Shopping lifestyle centers may not be in the long term interest of the town as a whole, only the short term financial goals of the developer. Thank You, Scott Kajander Atlantic Framing Co. 75 Haven Street, Reading, MA 01867 781-944-4169 R. Scott Kajander Tuesday-Friday: 9:30-5:30 Thursday: 1:00-7:00 Saturday: 9:30-3:00 1 Schena, Paula From: Diane Chapin [dichapin@corricast.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 4:27 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison Wesley Property To Peter and Selectmen, Please stop this shopping plaza idea before it goes any further. The impact on my home and neighborhood would be massive. Haven't even recovered from the housing eyesore on Spence Farm property, plus we all know the issue of 93/128 will be back again. Would you want this mall in your immediate neighborhood? Sincerely, Diane Chapin 66 Sturges Road Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Mary L. Didmenico [didmenm@wyeth.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 5:06 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Park Square @ Reading Peter and Selectmen, My name is Mary DiDomenico and I live on Sturges Rd. I would like to express my concern regarding the proposed plan of action at the old Addison Wesley site. My husband and I OBJECT to such a plan for a number of reasons. ( e.g.traffic,drunks,crime etc.) I chose Reading 20 years ago because it is a great bedroom community and not because I wanted to have the Mall of America in my backyard. Peter and Selectmen, please don't sell Reading out. Regards Mary 12/6/2005 E~TY~G OF 5'E-tE Y~ r~~ ~p_ vss SIGN" (please C ~jto i V h j Alo/ ~Qv BOAV-ID E~,~CT 1 S1G IN s p~ (please pr r~ oo~ It-tat J_q -rb -CU ~ MEETING L BUR ~ S TF T~gO~ F E Vii} 51 DATE ADD"- u (Please P Jn AAj_ cc, ' SELECTMEN MEETING SIGN-IN SHEET FOR THE BOARD OF DATE: u NAME ADDRESS (Please print) D L t r 124 )n Ylkl e, /~dC,~ io seP ~ W eAl2rMAA/ v. A;- P05:r AD - J/ t11A.1c*'Aos? 1719. 33 1.7 A-vo►v S+, °A ?DNS Y L4 Wea57151Z J 5>~7 Cie. ~ -2- Ste- 1 4,4-+ ~j~ShaN /KA ~a~33 -~L . ECT A A) (please prin.) li ~..~lf 4 ~ ~ 1 ~ _ (1 ~ ( f-0 'Z 1A f~ f p QJ(1 ,~tJ~-. lS tX Cya tr, o 6 _ _~1~=-+`1 ~ - `a~ - . 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