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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-01-25 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTOWN OF READING COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIQ , 1 23 A 8: 45 MINUTES OF JANUARY 25,1999 A meeting of the Community Planning and Development Commission of the Town of Reading was held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room in Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street in Reading, Massachusetts on January 25, 1999. In attendance were Chairman Richard Schubert, Michael Flarmnia, Richard Howard, and Neil Sullivan. Secretary to the Commission Jonathan Barnes was not present. 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. Howard and the Commission amended the January 11, 1999 minutes. Mr. Howard motioned to approve the minutes of the January 11, 1999 meeting as amended, seconded by Mr. Sullivan, motion approved 4-0. MISCELLANEOUS Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and Mr. Howard discussed the Town Planner hiring process with the Commission. Mr. Hechenbleikner announced that a Town Planner was hired and upon the passing of a physical exam will be begin working for the Town on April 5, 1999. The Commission and Mr. Hechenbleikner discussed the Ad Hoc Water Supply Advisory Committee. Mr. Howard volunteered to represent the Community Planning and Development Commission. Mr. Connelly and Mr. Delaney discussed conversations with a potential buyer for the 335 Main Street _ property. Mr. Connelly stated that the Commission would be receiving a Site Plan Review from the Getty Station at 306 Main Street in the near future. Mr. Hechenbleikner reviewed the status of the Marshall's building at 1343 Main Street. DISCUSSION WITH EUGENE SULLIVAN CONSULTING ENGINEER REGARDING 21-37 HARNDEN STREET PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT Mr. Sullivan introduced his client Dave Barrett of Barrett Homes. Mr. Sullivan reviewed the proposal for site development. Mr. Sullivan explained that the existing building would be demolished and that a new four story building would be built on the footprint of the old building. Mr. Sullivan explained that the first story would remain retail and the top three stories would be office space. Mr. Sullivan briefly reviewed the design of the building. Mr. Sullivan reviewed the necessary variances with the Commission. Mr. Howard made several comments referring to lot coverage, setbacks and parking. Mr. Sullivan distributed sketches of area parking. Mr. Sullivan reviewed the potential parking sites for the building occupants and customers. Mr. Hechenbleikner and Mr. Delaney reviewed the parking situation at the new police station. Mr. Hechenbleikner commented that the two most important issues for this building was aesthetics and parking. Mr. Howard and Mr. Sullivan discussed the necessity of a loading zone and dumpster. Mr. Delaney commented that space was left in the municipal parking lot for a dumpster for that building. Commission Member Neil Sullivan and Mr. Gene Sullivan discussed the potential for underground parking. Mr. Howard and Mr. Sullivan discussed the pedestrian access to the parking area from Hamden Street. Mr. Delaney stated that the Town did have an easement through the Anton Cleaners parking lot. Mr. Sullivan explained that his client has made preliminary contact with both the Downtown Steering Committee and the Historical Commission. Mr. Hechenbleikner explained the time concerns associated with this project. Mr. Delaney discussed the design of the new municipal parking lot with the Commission. Mr. Barrett building was not possible in this instance. Mr. Barrett stated his reasons for proposing a four story building on the site. Mr. Flammia expressed his concerns with the amount of parking spaces a project of this magnitude would demand for its tenants and customers. Mr. Hechenbleikner stated that the new municipal lot will limit parking to a 3 hour time period. The Commission discussed this concern with Mr. Barrett. Mr. Schubert suggested a shuttle transportation system for employees. The Commission discussed several options. Mr. Howard and Mr. Barrett discussed the time frame for the project. Mr. Barrett indicated that he would like to move fast on the project and would be filing for Site Plan Review very soon. 660 MAIN STREET: SITE PLAN WAIVER REQUEST Applicant Tom O'Conner reviewed his request with the Commission. Mr. O'Conner explained that he is the owner/occupant of the property. Mr. Howard discussed signage and fagade design with Mr. O'Connor. Mr. Schubert and the applicant discussed the potential for increased walk-in retail business. Mr. Howard made the following motion, seconded by Mr. Sullivan and approved by the Commission 4-0. Move that the Community Planning and Development Commission grant a waiver from Site Plan Review in accordance with Section 4.3.3.1. lb of the Zoning By-laws for the property at 660 Main Street based on the application dated January 15, 1999, subject to the following conditions: 1. Signage for the site must be in accordance with the Zoning By-laws and approved by the Sign Review Board. 2. The owner gives consideration for fagade improvements that are in compliance with the objective of the Downtown Steering Committee. DISCUSSION WITH ATTORNEY PHIL POSNER REGARDING REQUEST FOR AMENDING THE ZONING BY-LAWS CONCERNING AGRICULTURAL USES TO PARCEL GREATER THAN 5 ACRES Attorney Posner reviewed the draft by-law change with the Commission. Attorney Posner stated that the Town of Andover, Town of Concord, Town of Tewkesbury, and the Town of Billerica all limit agricultural uses to parcels of land over 5 acres. Mr. Posner expressed his interest to keep this by-law change as simple as possible. Mr. Posner reviewed his conversations with Assistant Town Counsel Cheryl Blaine. Mr. Posner stated that he would like to amend the draft by-law change to state that agricultural uses on parcels of land less than 5 acres is not permissible. Mr. Delaney asked if this would include those residents who sell produce during the harvest season. The Commission discussed this issue at length. The Commission and Mr. Posner discussed verbiage that would deal with this issue. Mr. Flam is stated that the draft by-law should deal directly with the issue that you are trying to control. Mrs. Virginia Adams stated her opposition to the by-law change. Mrs. Adams reminded the Commission of the history of agriculture in the area. Attorney Posner stated that he would revise the draft by-law change and submit it Mr. Connelly in time for the hearing on February 08'. ADJOURNMENT At 9:40 PM a motion was made by Mr. Howard and seconded by Mr. Sullivan to adjourn and the Commission voted unanimously to do so. Respectfully Submitted: Approved: 71ilqq Signed: Date: 2. ` o Jonathan Barnes, Secretary