HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-08-06 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTOWN OF READING
16 Lowell Street -
Reading, MA 01867-2683
Phone: 781-942-9012
Fax: 781-942-9071 r' sµs
Email: akrie;?@ci.readirw.ma.us
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
CPDC MINUTES
Meeting Dated: August 6, 2001
Members Present: Richard Howard (RH), Chairman; Jonathan Barnes(JB); Neil
Sullivan, (NS)
Also Present: Joseph Delaney, Town Engineer (JD); Anne Krieg, Town Planner (AK)
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
The following minutes were approved: 5.21.01
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ken Tucci of Precinct 8 Town Meeting discussed the possible re-development of
the Longwood Poultry Farm. He expressed concerns if a residential subdivision
were to be approved for the site as would be allowed under current zoning. He
felt strongly a business use over housing should be pursued. He reminded the
Commission the message from Town Meeting was to not approve large housing
developments in Reading due to the strain of service that they would require.
RH discussed the work of a previous study committee that concluded the land
could not be purchased by the Town due to financial constraints. He expressed
concern of unintended consequences of traffic impacts on West Street should the
site be developed commercially.
AK updated the Commission on the work of staff to bring the developer in for a
public process to evaluate options for the property. Staff is working on a mixed
use option with the developer at present. Town Meeting members would be
notified when a process commences.
STAFF BRIEFING
AK discussed the following items with the Commission:
C:\My Documents\CPDC\Agenda-Minutes\8.6.01 Minutes.doc
Last printed 06/17/0210:25 AM
Created by Anne Krieg
Created on 10/29/0110:10 AM
TOWN OF READING
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Minutes for Meeting dated: 8.6.01
• Town letter to Department of Housing and Community Development on the
modifications to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40B, governing
Comprehensive Permits. The Commission requested to be kept aware of
developments in this area.
• Fraen Corporation re-development
• Spence Farm development options
• Calareso's zoning enforcement issues
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
PIERCE STREET - modification to allow for affordable housing and not an age-
restricted deed on the units
There was consensus among the Commission the modification should be treated
as a major modification to the site plan and should be advertised and notified to
abutters. They felt this change deviates from the original plan as approved since
the deed restriction keeps the density of the project to a minimum.
EXXON - modification to signage on South Main Street location
The Commission drew a consensus the signage should be reviewed by the
building inspector to ensure zoning compliance prior to their review as a major
modification.
CONTINUATION OF A PUBLIC HEARING: 4 WEST STREET SITE PLAN
REVIEW
Due to the lack of notification to Woburn abutters, the applicant requested a
withdrawal without prejudice from the Commission in order to re-advertise and
re-notify.
JB moved to accept the withdrawal without prejudice and to allow the
applicant to pay no fee for re-submittal; however postage and legal
advertisement costs would continue to be borne by the applicant.
NS seconded. All in favor.
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TOWN OF READING
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Minutes for Meeting dated: 8.6.01
PUBLIC WORKSHOPS
CONSTRUCTION HOURS
AK reviewed the issues surrounding the enforcement and the requirements
currently controlling hours of construction on projects in Reading.
The Commission requested for AK to meet with the Police Department to solicit
their input. They also requested staff to determine a definition for construction.
The Commission drew consensus this topic should remain active in their
discussion on their agendas for review.
Abutters to 15-17 Pierce Street spoke of the issues surrounding the construction
hours at this address. They call the Police Department often for compliance to
the hours to be met. They also questioned if construction fencing should be
required for all projects as debris is an issue on construction projects in densely
developed neighborhoods. They also expressed concerns with issues
surrounding the construction equipment being left on-site overnight.
AK offered for a sign to be required in the future at construction sites for sub-
contractors to be aware of he hours of construction requirements to avoid
confusion.
AQUIFER PROTECTION
AK reviewed the model by-law from the Department of Environmental
protection with the Commission. After discussion, the Commission provided
staff with direction to draft a by-law for review at the next meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEWS
AK reviewed the decision for the development on Walker's Brook Drive/ landfill
Special Permit with the Commission.
RH updated the Commission on the work of the Community Preservation Act
Study Committee, as the Commission's representation on that Committee.
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TOWN OF READING
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Minutes for Meeting dated: 8.6.01
AK reviewed the Executive Order 418 ability to pursue $30,000 in funding from
the State to prepare a master plan. She will continue to work on pursuing those
funds and updating the commission on the process to obtain the funds.
Motion to adjourn at 10:10 PM, made by JB, seconded by NS. All in favor.
These minutes were prepared by Anne Krieg, Town Planner, and submitted to the CPDC
on October 29, 2001.
Minutes were approved by the CPDC on October 29, 2001.
Signed as approved:
Page 4 of 4