HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-10-01 Community Planning and Development Commission Minutes1~- IV~L I~-
TOWN OF READING
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867-2683 A S S.
Phone: 781-942-9012
Fax: 781-942-9071 v k f
Email: akriee-ci.reading.ma.us
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
CPDC MINUTES
Meeting Dated: October], 2001
Members Present: Richard Howard (RH), Chairman, Jonathan Barnes(JB); Neil
Sullivan, (NS); Michael Flammia (MF)
Also Present: Joseph Delaney, Town Engineer (JD); Anne Krieg, Town Planner (AK);
Joan Langsam, Brackett & Lucas., Town Counsel (JL)
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM.
The following minutes were approved with/without amendments or editions: September
24, 2001
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
PIERCE STREET
AK reviewed with the Commission the chronology of events as attached.
JL discussed options with the Commission.
The attorney for Gerald Welch, applicant, presented the errors in the record.
Gerald Welch indicated the age restriction was not part of the original application
and was meant to be a point of discussion. Commission members differed with
this indication.
Mr. Welch spoke to the Commission of the market condition that has made it
difficult to sell the units with an age restriction. The error in the record was found
when condominium documents were being drawn up. He further indicated he has
two (2) units under agreement with individuals meeting the age restriction, plus
two (2) pending that do not meet the age restriction. There is also one purchase
and sale agreement completed.
RH spoke of the Commission's concern that both the public and the Zoning Board
C:\My Documents\10.1.01 minutes.doc
Reading Community Planning and Development Commission
Minutes dated: October 1, 2001
continued the intention of both the applicant and the CPDC was clear the project
would have an age restriction.
Beth Barton, Esq. for the applicant discussed issues with the preparation of the
condominium documents.
JB and NS proposed the integrity of the original decision should be held.
RH indicated the minutes to the continued hearings on the application reflect a
clear intention and understanding by both the applicant and the CPDC of the
requirement to provide for age restriction at the site.
Counsel for the applicant expressed concerns with financing issues if purchase and
sale agreements are changed. He indicated the issue was caused by negligence on
the part of staff and litigation will be necessary if sales are prevented or delayed.
At 9:00 PM, MF moved to go into executive session to discuss possible litigation
on this application, expecting to return to open session -at 9:15 PM. Motion
seconded by NS. A roll call vote was taken reflecting all Commissioners
favorable to enter into executive session.
Through a proper roll call vote, the CPDC returned to open session at 9:20 PM.
The Commission took a short break.
PUBLIC HEARING: 743-745 MAIN STREET
Brad Latham, attorney for the applicant, reviewed project components as follows:
• Apartment use allowed
• Requires relief for parking off-site and use
• 2 parkingspaces provided on easement on the adjacent property
• Landscape replacement as per Anne Krieg review
• No grading required
JD reviewed his comments as filed.
AK reviewed DRT comments as filed.
AK recommended no action by the Commission on the site plan until variance is
granted by the Zoning board of Appeals.
Brad Latham indicated further there were no exterior changes, lighting will be
what is existing on the lower floors with motion detector lights in the rear portion
of the property, and no signage will be necessary.
RH spoke of dumpster issues, that enclosure would be required. He also requested
a specification be filed with the Commission on lighting.
Landscaping issues were discussed, improvements- include street trees on Main
Street and maintenance of existing vegetation.
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Reading Community Planning and Development Commission
Minutes dated. October 1, 2001
Affordable component to the project was discussed by the Commission. Brad
Latham indicated this provision would not be feasible for this project.
Exterior changes include only vinyl siding & replacement windows.
Virginia Adams of the Historic Commission discussed the following:
• National Register 1982 on Town Common
• A property owner of such registered property can get tax credits for
renovation
• There is relief on Building Code issues for registered properties
• Offers design review on behalf of the Historic Commission
JB moved to continue the public hearing to November 5, 2001 at 8:00 PM.
Motion seconded by NS. All in favor:
MF moved to go into executive session at 9:55 PM to continue discussion on
pending litigation regarding 15-17 Pierce Street, with an expected return to open
session at 10:15 PM. Motion seconded by JB. A roll call vote was taken
reflecting all Commissioners favorable to enter into executive session.
Through a proper roll call vote, the CPDC returned to open session at 10:10
PM.
Motion to adjourn at 10:10 PM, made by MF, seconded by NS. All in favor:
These minutes were prepared by Anne Krieg, Town Planner, and submitted to the
CPDC on January 11, 2002.
Minutes were approved by the CPDC on January 14, 2002.
Signed as approved:
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