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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-06-30 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTOWN OF READING COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT MINUTES OF JUNE 30, 1994 A meeting of the Community Planning the Town of Reading was held in the the Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, in 30, 1994. In attendance were Richa Nancy Shipes, William Goodrich, and was called to order at 7:32PM. COMMISS WS N nd Development Commission of a Selectmen's Meeting Room of Reading, Massachusetts on June rd Howard, Chair; and Members Jonathan Barnes. The meeting CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: PRELIMINARY PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT--MUNICIPAL (PRD-M) PLANS--BEAR HILL Meeting was called to order by Mr. Howard. The developer's en- gine,er, Frank Ford, presented a proposal to alleveate concerns regarding water runoff from the site. Residents, Ann Moberger and Ron McKaren respectively, voiced concerns about quantity of runoff further filling nearby wetlands as well as oil contamination. Mr. Ford stated the-proposed solution would address these concerns. Mr-.:Ford then outlined the proposal to loop the water mains, connecting Hopkins and South Streets. Mr. Dolben stated this work was not necessary to achieve 160 units on the site, but would enhance the neighborhood at the developer's cost. William Scully of McDonough and Scully next presented his review of the Rizzo traffic study, concurring that the Rizzo report is adequate in its projections. Scully stated that the difference in volume between a 100 unit development and a 160 unit development is not significant.` Scully is not convinced that some of Rizzo's mitigation measures are correct, but feels there is time to work out these particulars. Mr. Drinkwater asks if there will be future meetings on traffic. Mr. Howard states that this is only a preliminary approval, future meetings will come about. Cost estimates for tra',fic mitigation were presented by Mr. Dolben as follows: Widening South Street from 19 to 24 feet 1,750 linear feet: $40,000 New Markings, Stop Signs and Brush Clearing at South and Hopkins: 3,000 Landscaped island and markings at Hopkins and. South Main 4,000 Widening South Street by nine feet at intersection with South Main 45,000 In response to Mr. Barnes' question, Mr. Dolben stated these im- provements would be necessary for 100 units as well as 160 units, 1 Mr. Dolben continued by presenting his research on the feasibility of van pooling, concluding it would cost approxi- mately $4.65 per round trip, making it too expensive to capitalize. Nancy Shipes asks how others manage to do it, Mr. Dolben says further research would need to be done. Mr. Howard takes futher statements before closing public hearing, Mr. Gerry MacDonald states neighborhood is not anti build, but for controlled growth. Mr. Don Allen states that the affordable housing provision is our only chance to show the State we are trying to be in compliance with regulations. Lance Watson states 160 units will cost the town $1 million per year. Motion was made and seconded to close public hearing at 9:OOPM Mr. Howard then presented an "outline" for approval, suggesting Commission begin by focussing on the "justification" issues. Mr. Howard clarified the justification/mitigation issued by stating that if it has to be done, then it is mitigation, if it is something the developer is offering then it is justification. Mr. Goodrich stated that there is confusion as to who will ultimately pay for these item's, the town or the developer. Mr. Howard states that cost should not concern this Commission. Mr. Barnes disagrees. After further debate the outline was addressed. The estimated cost of measures used in justifying the increase in development density from 100 to 160 units was as follows: (a) reduced water runoff, approved by applicant $29,500 (b) loop water service, provided by applicant 25,000 (c). sidewalks, required by Commission 65,000 (d) 2.5 acres of land, provided by applicant '600,000 (e) affordable housing, present value 717,000 .(_8%, 5 years) estimate provided by Reading Housing Authority The estimated cost of these justification measures totals about $1,436,000 or nearly $24,000 for each of the 60 additional units. The Commission indicated that it was relying on these estimates in granting the increased density would independently confirm the estimates and could adjust the development, density if warranted. The Commission voted 4:0 to approve a motion to approve the preliminary plans subject to conditions as reflected.in a notification to Town Clerk dated July 7, 1994. ADJOURNMENT 2 At .11:59 PM a motion was made.and seconded to adjourn and the Commission voted unanimously to do so. Respectfully Submitted: Approved:' I .J4 6g9 Signe Da:te:, Thomas Baillie, Secretary 3'