HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-11-09 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTOWN OF READING
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 9, 1994
A meeting of the Community Planning and Development Commission of
the Town of Reading was held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of
the Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street in Reading, Massachusetts on
November 9, 1994. In attendance were Thomas Baillie, Chair;
Bryan Irwin, Commission Secretary; and Members Nancy Shipes,
Richard Howard, and Jonathan Barnes. The meeting was called to
order at 7:38 PM.
PUBLIC HEARING--FINAL PRD-M PLANS: BEAR HILL APARTMENTS
Mr. Baillie called to order a continued public hearing to con-
sider Final Planned Residential Development--Municipal Plans for
Bear Hill Apartments proposed to be located off Hopkins Street.
Mr. Andrew Dolben, applicant, presented responses to Mr.
Edwards's comments presented at an earlier session. Messrs.
David Hawk, landscape architect, and Frank Ford, engineer,
presented revised and augmented plans concerning landscaping and
utilities and drainage. Mr. Baillie read comments submitted by
Mr. William Robertson, the Commission's consulting engineer.
Discussion ensued between the Commission and the applicant con-
cerning drainage, runoff, utility connections, and alternative
transportation plans. Town Planner Jonathan Edwards arrived at
this point.
Comments from the public in attendance concerned the number of
units, drainage, vanpoolilng, runoff, recreation for the neigh-
borhood (including swings and slides), the proposed house lot and
possibly adding this land to the recreation area, sidewalks
(particularly along Summit Drive), traffic mitigation measures
(particularly pedestrian signal and street widening at Main and
South Streets), and alleged violation of the Zoning By-Laws by
the cost-sharing provisions of the Purchase and Sales Agreeement.
Some neighbors questioned whether the risk to the Town's expenses
for schooling and maintenance would outweigh any financial
benefits to be derived from the proceeds of the development and
whether or. not the value of the affordable housing proposed was
not overstated.
The Commission voted 4:0 (Mr. Barnes not voting) to approve a mo-
tion of Mr. Howard, seconded by Mr. Irwin, to close the public
hearing. The Commision then voted 4;0 to approve a motion of Mr.
Howard, seconded by Ms. Shipes, to schedule the decision on this
application for 7:30 PM on November 28, 1994.
PUBLIC HEARING--SITE PLAN REVIEW: McDONALDS, 413 MAIN STREET
Mr.-Baillie called to order a continued-public hearing to con-
sider Site Plan Review for McDonald's Restaurant at 413 Main
Street. At this point Ms. Shipes and Mr. Howard left the quorum.
Mr. Alan Altman presented revised and consolidated plans showing
the revised street and curb-cut layout, revised parking lot
layout, and augmented landscaping. On his request, the Police
Chief, Edward Marchand, stated that these plans satisfy public
safety criteria. Considerable discussion ensued between the Com-
mission and Mr. Peter Napoli, agent for the applicant, concerning
specific site plan measures and options, particularly regarding
the play structure and the free-standing sign.
The Commission then voted 3:0 to approve a motion of Mr. Irwin,
seconded by Mr. Barnes, to close the public hearing. The Commis-
sion then voted 3:0 to approve a motion of Mr. Barnes, seconded
by Mr. Irwin, to approve the revised and consolidated site plan.
subject to conditions and modifications as specified in a
Notification to Town Clerk dated November 10, 1994.
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:55 PM a motion was made and seconded to adjourn and the
Commission voted unanimously to do so.
Respectfully Submi ted:
Signed:
Bryan win, Secretary
Approved: lra~Ulct~,~ 9, (995
Date: g
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