HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-04-13 Board of Selectmen Minutes - Board of Selectmen Meeting
April 13, 1999
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center, 49 Pleasant Street, Reading,
Massachusetts. Present were Chairnlan Bruce MacDonald, Vice Chairman Sally Hoyt, Secretary
Matthew Nestor, Selectmen Camille Anthony and George Hines, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Paula Schena and the following list of
interested parties: Attorney Steven Singer, Joseph T. Conneamey, Alice Langone, Michael
Langone, Brian Morse, Steven Cacciola, Paul Forsythe.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Hines, the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the
purpose of discussion of litigation and approval of minutes, to come back into Open Session at
approximately 8:30 p.m. On a roll call vote, all five members voted in the affirmative.
The Board reconvened in Open Session at 8:40 p.m.
Discussion/Action Items
Decision — George Street Comprehensive Permit — Chairman Bruce MacDonald noted that this
was a follow up meeting regarding the proposal of development of 17 townhouses off of George
Street. Additional written information has been received and oral information will not be taken.
Additional information was received from Attorney Brad Latham reiterating the concerns of the
residents. Their primary concern is safety along with inadequate vehicle and emergency access,
Lack of adequate useable frontage, lack of sidewalks, traffic impacts and issues of water pressure.
The Town Manager noted that he had received a memo from Fire Chief Don Wood indicating
that a 20 foot access is needed for emergency vehicles. He also received a memo from DPW
Director Edward McIntire indicating that there is no problem with the sewer main on George
Street or on Curtis Street.
Additional written information was received from Attorney Cicatelli who represents L.A.B.
Realty Trust. The plan was modified from 17 units to 12 units and moves the units away from
the highway about 20 feet; the parking has been reduced; the refuse disposal will be put in a
separate building. Regarding noise — not all of the trees will be taken out and the ledge will be
left in. A letter from Dermot J. Kelly, PE was submitted stating that there is adequate access for
emergency vehicles.
The Town Manager noted that the easement is not an easement but is the public right of way.
When George Street was constructed in 1947, it was expanded by a notch to provide access to
Lot 2. Lot 3 was created into a triangle of land that is privately owned, not part of the public
right of way. This leaves an access of 15.5 feet, not the 20 feet that is needed as recommended
by the Fire Chief.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 13, 1999—Page 2
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
e Inaccurate information was submitted relative to the ownership and width of access
way available to the site. The applicant initially represented that he had 6' +/- frontage
on George Street, and that the remainder of a 20' access way was an easement over
Lot 26. He then represented that there is no easement but that the property has access
directly to George Street. The facts as understood by the Board of Selectmen are
that the right of way of George Street does in fact"protrude" into the lot in question
but the parcel of land shown as Lot 3 is privately owned and is not in the ownership of
L.A.B. Realty Trust. The impact of this is that the maximum width of access way that
could be constructed to the site is approximately 15.5'. The Board of Selectmen finds
that an access of this width is inadequate for safe access to the site for the use proposed
including access by emergency access.
Inaccurate information as to the size of the site was presented by the applicant. The
applicant represents that the site is 67,350 square feet. Tax records show that the site
is 1.9923 acres or 87,785 square feet.
4 Assuming that the Town's measurement of the lot size is accurate, and that the
developer's estimate is inaccurate, the density of development as initially proposed is
over 8.5 units per acre, and the revised plan submitted 4-13-99 is over 6 units per acre.
The average density of land as developed in the immediately surrounding area
bounded by Curtis, George, Heather and South Streets is 2.4 units per acre. Both
scenarios of development proposed are more that twice the development density in
the surrounding area and are out of character for this area of Reading. The area is not
supported by the infrastructure to support development at this density.
The topographic character of the property does not lend itself to the density of the
development proposed. The westerly portion of the property is characterized by steep
slopes, extensive grade differences and clear evidence of ledge. While it may be
ID
technically possible to develop this portion of the site, the expense of the develop-
ment and the impact on the abutting properties would be detrimental to the site itself
and to the abutting properties.
® The proximity of the site to the abutting 1-95 (Route 128) will have a negative impact
on the proposed development itself, and will have a negative impact on the abutting
properties because existing noise and pollution barriers including rock ledge and trees
would be removed by the development. While this may be somewhat mitigated by the
developer's representation that he will construct a noise barrier, the proximity of the
development with habitable structures less than 12' (20' under the revised plan) from
the highway would be problematic for future residents. The Board of Selectmen is
especially concerned that residents of affordable housing, who do not have as many
choices as to housing locations, would be subject to the blight of the highway in such
close proximity.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 13, 1999—Page 3
o The Board of Selectmen has supported the development of affordable housing in
the community in appropriate locations, witness the linkage programs and recent
development of affordable housing in Summit Village Condominiums; School
House condominiums; Longwood Place Assisted Living; and isolated sites on
Main Street, Pleasant Street, and Wilson and Pleasant Street. In all cases, these
developments were consistent with the portion of the community in which they
were constructed.
Matthew Nestor noted that based on the oral and written testimony, he will vote against it. It
doesn't fit in with the character of the neighborhood regarding density, access is an issue, noise
is an issue, children's safety is an issue. He also noted that the Board of Selectmen is committed
to affordable housing in appropriate areas; i.e., the number of units on the lot of land.
Camille Anthony reiterated what Matthew Nestor said. The proximity to Route 128, density
issues and lack of frontage and ledge are issues that make this development not appropriate for
this piece of land.
Sally Hoyt noted that she had walked the site and she took into account the open space and bird
sanctuary. The development of affordable housing is a priority but it must be in the right area.
There are no sidewalks, a problem with water pressure and the trees should not be disturbed.
George Hines concurred with the other Selectmen. He noted that the access is inappropriate for
the proposed development. It is out of character with the neighborhood. He is reluctant to
support the proposal. He would be willing to work with the developer if he considered
-" something in proportion with the neighborhood.
Bruce MacDonald indicated that he will be voting against the proposal. He noted that guidelines
exist regarding density and frontage. The original proposal offered four units of affordable
housing, the revised proposal offers three units. The goal is affordable housing but the concerns
override it. He would be willing to work with the developer on something more consistent with
the site.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the request
by L.A.B. Realty Trust to support a Local Initiative Program (LIP) for development of property
at 23 George Street as submitted by letter dated March 3, 1999 by Attorney Steven L. Cicatelli.
The motion was not approved by a vote of 0-5-0.
Greenhouse Acres Municipal Rubbish and Recycling Collection — Attorney Steven Singer and
Joseph Conneamey were present on behalf of the Board of Trustees and Unit Owners of the
Greenhouse Acres Condominiums. The Board of Appeals had amended the special permit to
eliminate any requirement for private rubbish removal. They are requesting that the Board of
Selectmen approve municipal rubbish collection at Greenhouse Acres.
Bruce MacDonald asked if an affirmative vote would increase the budget. The Town Manager
replied "no," -- that it is already included in the budget.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 13, 1999—Page 4
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the plan for
the collection and disposal of rubbish and for recycling for the Greenhouse Acres Condominium
complex as detailed in the letter from Singer and Singer PC dated March 24, 1999, and that the
Board of Selectmen hereby approve the extension of municipal rubbish collection and disposal
and recycling service to this development in a manner approved by the Director of Public Works.
The motion was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Hines opposed.
Diversity — Chairman Bruce MacDonald handed out brochures regarding diversity to the Board
members. He asked the Town Manager for an update on this issue. The Town Manager noted
that he has met with three different training groups and is looking at training in May. The
training will require a considerable amount of time (6-8 hours). The Police have heard a
presentation on the types of training that is available.
George Hines asked if the Town has a policy regarding why an officer is doing a traffic stop. He
noted that the Board needs to understand the policies in order to deal with the issue.
Designation of Memorial DaySpeakers —George Hines noted that he spoke at Charles Lawn last
year. The event was poorly organized and there was no public address system. He suggested
that the Cemetery Department provide the capital to install power at each cemetery.
The speaker designation is as follows:
Bruce MacDonald—Laurel. Hill Cemetery;
Sally Hoyt—Forest Glen Cemetery;
Matthew Nestor—Charles Lawn Cemetery;
Camille Anthony— Wood End Cemetery.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines, the Board voted to adjourn their meeting of April 13,
1999 at 9:45 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Resp ully ,submitted,
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