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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-09-25 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTOWN OF READING r > - E } V E'D 16 Lowell Street T t i, CLERK EE;A 0!',AG, tIASS. Reading, MA 01867-2683 Phone: 781-942-9012 Fax: 781-942-9071 2001 MAR 13 A 1pp i' 5~y U Email: akrie0d.readin .ma.us COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION CPDC MINUTES Meeting Dated.• September 25, 2000 Members Present. Michael Flammia (MF); Richard Schubert (RS); Richard Howard (RH): Jonathan Barnes (JB) Also Present Joseph Delaney, Town Engineer (JD); Anne Krieg, Town Planner (AK) In the absence of Neil Sullivan, RH chaired and called the meeting to order at 7:45 PM. SUNSET ROCK Joseph Way's clean up issues were discussed. Peter DeGennaro, applicant and developer, indicated he thought the area was to be left open. CPDC members requested for him to add 10 trees to the area. The Commission discussed whether pedestrian access from Joseph Way to Sunset Rock Lane is adequately provided for. AK reviewed staff recommendation to extend the project further to the 16th of October to provide for further completion of the roadway prior to Town Meeting. MF discussed if the remaining bond amount is sufficient, pointing the likelihood of the Town completing the roadway work. MF made the following motion: We, the Reading Community Planning and Development Commission, under the authority of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Section 81U, and under the requirements of Section 9.4.2. of the Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision ofLand in Reading, Massachusetts, having been requested by Peter C:\My Documents\CPDC\Agenda-Minutes\9.25.00 minutes.doc Last printed 03/11/0110:53 PM Created by Created on 11/06/00 3:11 PM TOWN OF READING COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Minutes forMeetmg dated. 255eptember2000 DeGennaro, to extend the time required to complete the recorded definitive plan known as Sunset Rock, do hereby vote; to extend the completion date until October 1&h 2000. Motion seconded by RS. All in favor. MF made the following motion: We, the Reading Community Planning and Development Commission, under the authority of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Section 81 U, having been requested by Peter DeGennaro, to reduce the tri partite agreement currently being held for $55,800.00for the construction of ways, frontage and utilities for the endorsed and recorded subdivision known as Sunset Rock, and further, to extend the time to complete the subdivision, do hereby vote; to reduce the above noted surety to $20,000.00, as recommended to this Commission in a memorandum from the Town Engineer September 25, 2000 and to extend the date to complete the subdivision to October 16, 2000. Both of these actions are subject to the following conditions.- 1. Further plantings buffering improving the Joseph Way area shall be planned and approved by the Town Planner prior to funds being released. Installation ofplantings shall occurprior to October 16~, 2000 2 A checkpayable to the Town ofReadingshall be submitted to the Town Treasurer in the amount of$7,300.00 to cover the requirement of Item 15 in the action on the definitive subdivision application dated January 6,1998. " Motion seconded by RS. All in favor. WENDY'S -126 MAIN ST. AK noted to the Commission the applicant is requesting a continuance to October 16, 2000. Motion was made by RS to continue the public hearing for the Wendy's site plan at 126 Main Street to October 16, 2000 at 8.00PM. Motion seconded by MF All in fa vor. The Commission approved the following minutes with editions: 3-27-00 Page 2 of 11 TOWN OF READING COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Minutes for Meeting dated. 255eptember2000 4-20-0 PIERCE STREET SITE PLAN Brad reviewed previous plan of re-use of the existing plan already acted upon by the Commission. He further asked for support for the new plan of demolishing the structure and placing townhouse developments with a deed restriction for 55+ age occupants/ owners. This plan, he noted, requires zoning relief from the Zoning Board of Appeals. He is requesting a general letter of support to the Zoning Board of Appeals, respecting the Commission's hearing is still open. RS requested response from the abutters. David Gillette - 26 Pierce Street expressed concern with 12 units in less than three (3) lots and requested Public Works to look at sewer problems on Salem Street. Tom Hildreth - 24 Pierce Street noted the $490,000 purchase price for the property was not practical for single family development, and feels this proposal - has less impact on schools. Kevin Keating - 35 Pierce Street expressed this proposal is a better plan and requested the Commission preserve the buffer. Brad - reviewed what 55+ housing is for the residents and the Commission. MFmoved to continue the publicheat ngfor the site plan application for 15-17 Pierce Street demolition to October 16, 2000 at 830PM. Motion seconded by RS. All in favor. RS discussed the possibility of the provision of an affordable unit at this location. The Commission directed the Town Planner to prepare a letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals indicating the following: A. Site Plan Approval is in process B. There is an approved site plan using the existing structure - attach copy of decision C. The Commission prefers the second option of the plan with the over restrictions applied Page 3 of 11 TOWN OF READING COMMUNny PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Minutes for Meeting dated: 25 September 2000 D. This plan appears to be in more favor with the public The Commission discussed the recent housing certification received by the Department of Housing and Community Development. AK - Housing clerk RH requested a schedule of goals of the comprehensive plan that will be funded from the certification. The Commission asked for time at the next meeting to discuss this further. SOUTH STREET SCENIC WAY RS read legal advertisement into the record. RH introduced Commission members. Bob Fishman, Esq. representing the applicant, reviewed process thus far. Ellen Watts of Tsoi/Kobus summarized the application and presented plans for construction of the way. AK reviewed town engineer/ staff comments as filed in the Community Development Department. Issues discussed centered upon: Sign placed to show as Scenic Way One way at peak a.m. possibility Sign placed at other end of South, at Walnut Street, for no AM cut-thru Possibility of notifying Walnut/ Hopkins Streets in future RSmoved to close the publichearing, seconded b Afl . All in favor. MF made the following motion: We, the CPDC, as requested by Pearson Education, under the provisions of Article 5. Public Order. Scenic Roads of the.General By-Laws of the Town of Reading to consider the contemplated modifications to the scenic way known as South Street, do hereby vote; to approve the modifications as shown on the set of plans entitled "Transportation Improvement Project South Street atJacob Way in September, 2000, submitted with the application, due to the following reasons: Page 4 of 11 TOWN OF READING COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Mmutes forMeeting dated. 25September2000 A. The improvements will not adversely affect South Street as a scenic way, but rather will enhance the area and willlin& the view of Main Street from the neighborhood, and the addition ofnewplantings and stone walls which will upgrade the approach to the neighborhood; B. The road improvements are necessary to diminish the cut-through traffic and mitigate traffic from the redeveloped Addison Wesley Longman campus, thereby increasing the safety and welfare of the Town residents; C. The improvements willprovide the neighborhood with a visuallyprivate access drive and improved landscape areas, all of which wVllikely enhance property values; D. The improvements are consistent with the Town's Master Plan that encourages business development in the Business CDistrict and also promotes appropriate residential buffers; E. The improvements will create a landscaped area in the area which is now a portion ofexistingSouth Street, to be eitherretained by the Town (with appropriate rights granted to the owner of the Addison Wesley Longman Campus for maintenance of landscaping and signage) or abandoned to abutting owners; and, E The improvements will not compromise any other values or resources held by the Town. This approval is further subject to the following conditions. 1. The applicant shall adhere to the followingnumbered comments from the memorandum written by the Town Engineer to the Town Planner dated September22,mo- #'s2,3,5,7,10,12,13,15,and18. 2. The realigned road shall be named Jacob Way. 3. All remo val of trees within the right of way shall ha ve a public hearing as per the Tree Warden. 4. The relocation of South Street shall be constructed concurrent with the improvements to Main Street as part of the traffic mitigation for the re- development of the current Pearson property. u,, a upl u vu rs cu-ii urigenr upon any the Board of Selectmen. Page 5 of 11 TOWN OF READING COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MmutesforMeeiingdated.• 253eptember2000 6 A drainage plan shall be submitted by the applicant and approved by the Town Engineer prior to the commencement of construction. 7 This approval does not relieve any party from sign by-la w requirements for the Business CZoning District. 8 The Town Planner shall approve finallandscaping plans for the discontinued portion ofSouth Street prior to the commencement of construction. Final design shall coordinate and respect underground utility lines and address possible obstruction of site distance. 9. Prior to commencement of construction, the applicant shall produce a guarantee, performance bond, surety, or tripartite for the cost of construction in an amount as determined by the Town Engineer. This security shall include the production of an as-built plan and street acceptance plan. 10. Prior to the commencement of construction a site meeting shall be scheduled by the applicant with the following staff, ata minimum: Town Planner, Director of Public Works, Town Engineer, and Tree Warden. The project shall be inspected atmtervals as provided form Section 9.7ofRules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land in Reading, adoption date October 6,1997 11. Construction shall adhere to the following hours of operation: Monday through Fridayfrom 730" to 6.30 PM, Saturdayfrom 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM. No construction shall be allowed on Sunday. RSseconded themotion. Allinfavor. At 9:20 PM, MF excused himself from the meeting. JB entered the meeting at 9:20 PM. NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Harry Harutunian, School Superintendent, updated CPDC members on process of the school to date. Sid Bowen, Architect, reviewed plans up to date, including comments on the following: Deliveries Topography Review of the February 2000 letter - Maximum recreation allowed - cannot do baseball field Page 6 of 11 TOWN OF READING COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MmutesforMeetingdated.• 255eptember2000 - Minimum aquifer protection - 48 spaces in the parking lot(s)/ 3 accessible - Gate from Dividence - open in fence - wetland issues - Natural gas search Emergency access for town forest still provided for - Cost issue of break-a-way bollards - Encouraging pedestrian movement - Glare from cars on adjacent properties RH requested work on future ballfield RS discussed a balancing out of the needs and felt overall getting input has solved a lot of issues with this project. The width of the pedestrian entrance from Dividence Road was further discussed. It will be the minimum as what is there now, approximately fourteen feet (14'). RH discussed with the Commission the priority for Franklin Street sidewalk provision and to give direction for placement for the annual budget in the capital plan Neighbors' concerns centered on buffering issues using evergreens and saving existing vegetation wherever possible. Concerns were also focused on the absence of a traffic plan and of requisite blasting for the construction. Parking adequacy for community use of the building was also discussed. RH directed AK to have the Development Review Team review the traffic report to determine adequacy of queuing, parking, access for both pedestrian & vehicle. The Commission also agreed to have AK review the buffering and planting, the Fire Department to review blasting. The Commission also directed staff to draft a letter of comments to the School Committee and separately to the Selectmen regarding the urgency of planning for sidewalks at Franklin Street to provide adequate pedestrian access for this school. The Commission also requested the School Department take care in spreading out events that occur at the site, and to encourage car pools. Harry Harutunian thanked Commission, staff and neighbors for their Page 7 of 11 TOWN OF READING COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MmutesforMeetingdated.- 25September2000 VAN NORDEN PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT Applicant requested a continuance to continue work with the Conservation Commission. JB moved to continue the public hearing to October 16, 2000 at 9.•00 PM. Motion seconded by RS. All in favor. FINAGLE-A-BAGEL Lloyd Godot, developer for the applicant, introduced project Dave Feiss of Millennium Design reviewed the plans and Development Review Team comments as filed in the Community Development Department. The Commission discussed issues surrounding: replace existing sidewalk - no patchwork color of building existing site lighting adequacy delivery times landscaping siding of building South Main Street improvement plan Signage - lighting and materials Trash pick-up A letter written from an abutter was read into the meeting,as filed with the project files in the Community Development Department. RSmoved to close thepublichearing, seconded byJB. Allin favor. RSmade the followingmotion: We, the CPDC, as requested by Finagle a Bagel, Inc., under the provisions of Section of the Zoning By-Laws of the Town ofReadinp to consider the contemplated site plan developmentfor property addressed at 228 Main Street (Assessors Map 19, Lot 19), as shown on the plans entitled "Finagle a Bagel site planprepared and stamped byMillemum Design Group, do hereby vote: This approval is subject to the following conditions. _ rlor tome issuance of a building permit, all other requirements and permit shall besought andreceived, includin& butnotlimited to, a curb cutpermit Page 8 of 11 TOWN OF READING COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Minutes forMeeting dated- 295epteznber2000 and a utility connection permit. The applicant shall bear the burden of ensuring all state and local permittinghas been sought and received. 2 Exterior construction of this project shall be limited to the followinghours - Monday through Fridayfrom 730 AM to 630PM, Saturdayfrom 830 AM to 5.•30 PM. No construction on the exterior shall be allowed on Sunday. Interior construction shall be limited to these hours if the work performed is audible within three hundred feet of the property boundary. 3. The Town Planner, prior to the issuance ofa buildingpermit, shall approve final landscaping plans. As of the posting of this decision, this has been accomplished. 4. Prior to the issuance of a building permit the Town Planner shall review and approve the following items. a. Replacement of existing sidewalk on Main Street b. The color of the buildingfapde and sidingmaterial c. Existing site lighting adequacy d. The site work adheres to the work of the CPDCin improving South Main Street e. Signage - lighting and materials 5 No occupancypem is shall be issued until the Town Engineer has approved the layout and curbing of the project, the utility connections, and the curb cut into the site from Main Street. 6 Prior to occupancy the followingitems will be coordinated with the Town Planner and the Director ofPublic Health a. delivery times b. Trash pick-up Motion seconded byJB. All in favor. ZONING FOR BUSINESS A NON-CONFORMITIES AK presented the proposed language. RSmoved to close the publicheming. Motion seconded byJB. All in favor. RSmade the Page 9 of 11 TOWN OF READING COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Minutes for Meeting dated. 25 September 2000 We, the Reading Comm unity Planning and Development Commission, under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, Section 5, to consider a zoning by law amendmentfor.inclusion in the Subsequent Town Meeting for November 2000, do hereby vote, to forward the follo wmg language to the Town Meeting with a favorable recommendation: Move that the Town vote to amend Section 63.1.1.a. of the Zoning By-Laws relating to non-conforming lots by adding at the end thereof the following two sentences: "Acquisition for a public purpose shall include an acquisition of a portion of a lot by a private or public entity for a public purpose under applicable law including, withoutlimitation, roadway.improvements Such acquisition may be made by private conveyance or a public taking. " so that said Section 6.3.1.1.a. shall read as follows: "63.1.1.a. Any lot that has been built upon may be changed in size or shape so as to create or increase violations of the area, yard or coverage provisions of this By-Law, only if such change is due to an acquisition of a portion of the lot for a public purpose. Acquisition for a public purpose shall include an acquisition of a portion of a lot by a private or public entity for a public purpose under applicable la w including without limitation, roadway improve- ments. Such acquisition may be made by private conveyance or a public taking. " Move that the Town vote to amend Section 63. of the Zoning By-Laws relating to non-conforming conditions by adding at the end thereof the following as Section 6.3.4. "63.4. Restoration ofNon-ConformingStructures Located in the Business A District.- 6.3.4.1. A structure located in the Business A District and located on a lot with frontage on a state-controlled highway which has become dimensional] ynon-conforming as a result of an acquisition of a portion of the lot for a public purpose as defined in Section 63.1.1.a. above and which has been subsequently damaged by fire, flood or other casualty or by vandalism, may be rebuilt and restored without conformance to the then current provisions of this By-Law, Page 10 of 11 TOWN OF READING COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Minutes for Meeting dated,- 25 September 2000 a. Is built entirely within the footprint of the damaged structure; A Does not exceed the height of the damaged structure; and c. Has a gross floor area not in excess of the damaged structure." This language includes the recommended change by the Reading By-Law Committee. The recommendation is based upon the following.- The proposed language seeks to provide basic zoningprotection to properties who have forfeited propertyfor the general publicgood, and thus meets a standard test of equity under land use protection. Motion seconded byJB. The vote taken was unanimous of all members present, 3.•0. These minutes were prepared by Anne Krieg, Town Planner, and submitted to the CPDC on December 8, 2000. Minutes were approved by the CPDC on December 11, 2000. Signed as approved: Page 11 of 11