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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-22 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesRECEIVED. TOWN CLERK READING, MASS. TOWN OF READING CJMUNJ1 NG AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION I ES OF MARCH 22, 1999 A meeting of the Community Planning and Development CoiniWssion of the Town of Reading was held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room in Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street in Reading, Massachusetts on March 22, 1999. In attendance were Chairman Richard Schubert, Neil Sullivan and Michael Flammia. Secretary to the Commission Jonathan Barnes and Commission Member Richard Howard were not in attendance. Also present were Town Engineer Joe Delaney and Clerk to the Commission Joe Connelly. The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM. MINUTES Mr. Schubert and the Commission reviewed the minutes of the March 8, 1999 meeting. Mr. Flammia motioned to approve the minutes of March 8, 1999 meeting, seconded by Mr. Sullivan, motion approved 3-0. Commission member Jonathan Barnes entered the meeting at 7:41 PM. DISCUSSION WITH THE PETITIONER OF ARTICLE 19• ZONING BY-LAW CHANGE FOR AGRICULTURAL USES: Mr. Schmidt reviewed the latest changes in the proposed by-law amendments. Mr. Schmidt summarized his meeting with the By-Law Committee and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Schmidt stated that he would be meeting with the Conservation Commission and the Historical Commission before the April Town Meeting. Mr. Schubert and Mrs. Schmidt discussed communication with the neighborhood regarding the latest changes to the proposed by-law. Mr. Schubert reviewed Mr. Howard's suggestion that the petitioner be prepared to answer questions regarding how the by-law change would effect other businesses in the community (Calareso's, Spence Farm, Longwood Farm). Mr. Barnes asked if the proposed by-law changes reflected existing agricultural by-laws in other communities within the State. Mr. Schmidt and the Commission discussed the presentation format for Town Meeting. Mr. Schmidt commented that there were two themes that continued to present themselves: 1) Is this single issue zoning? 2) Does the Town of Reading have too many of these by-laws? The Commission discussed these issues with Mr. and Mrs. Sclunidt. MISCELLANEOUS Mr. Connelly introduced Town Planner Ann Kreig to the Commission members. Ms. Kreig reviewed her past experiences with the Town of Danvers. Ms. Kreig and the Commission discussed some of the recent issues before the Commission. DISCUSSION WITH ATTORNEY BRAD LATHAM CONCERNING SALEM STREET ZONING Attorney Latham reviewed his clients desire to rezone their property to allow for overflow parking to the REURegistry property. Attorney Latham- reviewed his recommendations for the necessary zoning change. Attorney Latham stated that when drafting the zoning change his intent was to give the Town control over where and when. the by-law could be applied. Mr. Delaney and Attorney Latham discussed reasons why a special permit from ZBA would not apply. Mr. Flammia asked Attorney Latham if this could be perceived as spot zoning. Attorney Latham felt the issuance of a special permit eliminated that concern. The Commission discussed traffic concerns in the area. Mr. Delaney and the Commission discussed how the need for additional parking would be derived. GEORGE STREET COMPREHENSIVE PERMIT Residents Bill McCarron of 99 Curtis Street and Deb Capobianco of 20 George Street stated their concerns regarding the George Street Comprehensive Permit. Mr. McCarron stated that the neighbors were looking 11 for feedback and direction on the permitting process. Mr. Connelly handed out a summary of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Permit Law. Mr. Schubert reviewed the Commissions knowledge of the proposal. The Commission and Mr. McCarron discussed the permitting process. Ms. Capobianco expressed concern over how the process was going to work. Ms. Capobianco stated that the applicant was applying for a LIP permit at an upcoming Board of Selectmen's meeting. Mr. Flammia explained how the Commission's meeting policy operated. Mr. McCarron asked if the CPDC would hold a public hearing when making recommendations on this issue to the ZBA. Mr. Schubert agreed that a public hearing would be appropriate on this issue. Ms. Kreig explained the Local Initiative Petition (LIP) for the Commission and residents. The Commission discussed this with Ms. Kreig and Mr. McCarron. Mr. Barnes suggested the neighbors contact DHCD for further information on the Comprehensive Permit. Mr. McCarron discussed the neighbors opposition to the project. ADJOURNMENT At 9:25 PM a motion was made by Mr. Flammia and seconded by Mr. Sullivan to adjourn and the Commission voted unanimously to do so. Respectfully Submitted: Approved: Signed: Date: Jonathan Barnes, Secretary