HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-12-12 Conservation Commission MinutesMinutes of the Reading Conservation Commission - December 12, 2000 1
Joint Meeting with the Board of Selectmen and CPDC
Conservation Commission Meeting
December 12, 2000
The meeting convened at 7:32 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room; 16 Z oe11tre,et,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Matthew Nestor, Vice Chairman George Hines;
Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectmen Matthew Cummings and Sally Hoyt, Town Manager
Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Fire Chief Don Wood, Assistant
Fire Chief Jack Mooney, Town Engineer Joe Delaney, Paula Schena and the following list of
interested parties: Attorney Mark Gallant, Attorney Brad Latham, Edward Merullo, Mary
Becker, Keith Becker, Nancy Eaton, Will Finch, Mary Gillis, Pat Lloyd, Thad Berry; Neil
Sullivan, Dick Howard, Rich Schubert, Mark Dickinson, Mark Megera (VHB), Scott
Weiss(VHB), Rick Askin (Add, Inc.), Elliot Tatleman, Eddie Bramhall.
Joint meeting with CPDC and Conservation Commission re: Reading Business Park -
Conservation Commission Members Nancy Eaton, Will Finch, Mary Gillis, Pat Lloyd, Thad
Berry; CPDC Members Neil Sullivan, Dick Howard, Rich Schubert; Attorney Brad Latham,
Mark Dickinson, Mark Megera, Scott Weiss, Rick Askin and Elliot Tatleman were present.
Mark Dickinson noted that Home Depot will be on the lower level of the site and Jordan's
Furniture will be on the upper level. Jordan's Furniture will have a 300 seat IMAX Theater. He
hopes to be under construction one year from today.
Mark Megera, Civil Engineer from VHB, was present. He noted that site constraints include
75% of the site being ringed by wetland areas and vegetative wetlands. The capping will be
done in a manner to reuse and develop the site. Some of the waste will be relocated so a large
retaining wall will be built.
Scott Weisse from VHB talked about the traffic perspective. He noted that a preliminary traffic
evaluation has been done, and noted that the access points will be opposite New Crossing Road
and another halfway between there and the existing signal. There will be signals at both
driveways with separate right and left turn lanes. A second left turn lane will be added on the
Route 128 exit ramp.
Rich Askin from Add Inc. gave a virtual reality video presentation.
Attorney Brad Latham noted that they needed a very aggressive schedule where all of the
permitting will be done by June at the latest. The initial application of the Wetlands Protection
Act will be filed in a few days from now. They would like the Conservation Commission
hearing done by January 10, 2001, and will request dual hearings with CPDC and the
Conservation Commission for January 16, 2001. The PUD plans - notice of intent will start
March 15, 2001. Need to be done with all of the permitting by June 1, 2001.
Mark Dickinson noted that they will be working with MEPA, DEP, Mass Highway, etc. and
of people including the Town.
Minutes of the Reading Conservation Commission - December 12, 2000 2
Joint Meeting with the Board of Selectmen and CPDC
Elliot Tatleman noted that speed is important but he wants everyone to want them. He noted that
the Town will be proud of his facility.
Dick Howard asked about the scope of the traffic study. Scott Weise noted that a traffic study
was done in 1997 and that will be repeated.
Dick Howard asked about the source of traffic, and Scott Weise noted that Home Depot and the
restaurant is more a local draw; i.e., Wakefield and Reading. Jordan's Furniture is more of a
regional draw.
Dick Howard asked if Mark Dickinson was planning on building everything at once. Mark
Dickinson noted that the retail will be first, and he will start in the back and move forward.
Rick Schubert noted that this is a wonderful project and asked if there are newer traffic numbers
than 1995. Scott Weisse noted that the traffic numbers don't vary over time. He will get the
numbers from Jordan's Furniture in Natick.
Nancy Eaton asked about widening of Walkers Brook Drive and right of ways. Scott Weisse
noted that most of the widening is on the south side to keep away from the brook.
Will Finch asked them to consider paths and walk site for employees and folks who want to
- exercise, and to consider shuttle buses to the Wakefield and Reading train stations.
Eddie Bramhall of 11 John Street Court asked what size the Home Depot was going to be. Mark
Dickinson indicated it will be the same size as the others. Mr. Bramhall also asked if the traffic
study will include build out and traffic from Route 129 to John Street.
Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the feedback he has received regarding Jordan's
Furniture has been very positive, and thanked everyone for their patience and cooperation.
espectfully submitted,
Nanc L on, Chair,
Minutes drafted by Paula Schena