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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-09-10 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTOWN OF READING COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION P 2:32 MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 10, 1998 A meeting of the Community Planning and Development Commission of the Town of Reading was held in the Senior Center, 49 Pleasant Street in Reading, Massachusetts on September 10, 1998. In attendance were Michael Flanunia, Secretary Jonathan Barnes, Susan DeMatteo, and Richard Howard. Also present were Clerk to the Commission Joe Connelly, and Town Engineer Joseph Delaney. The meeting was called to order at 7:36 PM. Mr. Howard amended the minutes dates August 31, 1998. Howard motioned to accept the minutes of the August 31, 1998 meeting, seconded by Ms. DeMatteo. The minutes were accepted 4-0-0. Mr. Howard and Mr. Connelly reviewed the FY 2000 budget. Mr. Connelly explained to the Commission the reasoning for submitting the budget. Mr. Barnes asked for public input. Mr. Pat Lane of 3 Line Road commented on the overall up keep of the Cumberland Farms property. Mr. Bill DeAngelis of 11 Line Road commented on the drainage ditch in the rear of the property. Mr. Barnes stated that these questions would be addressed during the Cumberland Fauns public hearing. SITE PLAN REVIEW CUMBERLAND FARMS 295-307 SALEM STREET Mr. Barnes introduced the Commission and Town Personnel. Ms. DeMatteo read the Legal Notice. Mr. Barnes asked Cumberland Farms to make their presentation. Mr. John Smolak introduced Fran Shefflin and Thomas Casseola, both of whom represent Cumberland Farms. Mr. Smolak briefly reviewed the project and it's improvements. Mr. Shefflin reviewed the reasoning for the renovation project, going into detail regarding the tank storage. Mr. Shefflin reviewed the Canopy design and safety features and explained his reasoning for not proposing a pitched roof. Mr. Shefflin stated that the new floor plan has been approved by the Board of Health. Mr. Shefflin proceeded to review the exterior plans for the building and landscaping plan. Mr. Shefflin and the Commission thoroughly examined the Development Review Team's concerns and the relevant responses by Cumberland Farms. The Commission reviewed pictures of similar Cumberland Farms properties. Mr. Barnes and Mr. Shefflin continued to discuss the material presented to the Commission. Shefflin ended his presentation stating that they hope to begin construction on October 1, 1998. Mr. Howard reviewed the landscaping issues with Mr. Casseola. Mr. Flammia thanked Cumberland Farms for their quick response to the Commission's recommendations. Mr. Delaney, made several comments regarding the proposed plans: keep right sign on entrance island; stockade fence along both property lines; island rounding off at entrance to property; additional sidewalks on the Torre Street side of property with wheel chair access; possible licensing agreement issues for island separating the entrance from exit area. Mr. Shefflin commented that he was not opposed to any of the changes with the exception of the licensing agreement. Mr. Shefflin commented that he would need more information on this issue. The Commission discussed this issue with Mr. Delaney and Mr. Shefflin. Mr. Barnes clarified that the fencing should be a stockade fence. Mr. Barnes opened the discussion up to the public. Mr. DeAngelis stated that there was a right of way issue to his property. The Commission and Mr. Shefflin discussed a 4' gap in the fence as solution to this issue. Mr. DeAngelis commented on the speed of traffic entering the Cumberland Farms property. Mr. DeAngelis pointed out that there is a bus stop at the corner of Torre Street. Mr. Delaney stated that a stop sign would be added to the area as part of the Route 129 project. Mr. Lane stated that he was concerned with the landscape contractor. Mr. Shefflin and Mr. Lane discussed this issue. Mr. Howard motioned to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Flammia, and approved 4-0. Mr. Howard made a motion to approve the site plan for Cumberland Farms, 295-307 Salem Street, • as shown on the plans as revised through September 1998 with conditions as stated in the Commission memo to the Town Clerk dated September 11, 1998. Motion was seconded by Mr. DISCUSS: PROPOSED REVISIONS TO ZONING BY-LAWS PERTAINING TO NURSING HOMES & ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES Mr. Barnes asked Mr. Favaloro to open discussion regarding this issue. Mr. Favaloro reviewed the By-law changes. Mr. Favaloro stated that this change would include Assisted Living Facilities with Nursing Homes. Mr. Favaloro reviewed the By-law procedure. Mr. Favaloro explained that a meeting with the abutters has been set for October. Mr. Favaloro reminded the Commission that the focus of this discussion was on the changes to the By-law and not on the Marriott proposal. Mr. Lino Bernardi, Regional Vice President of Marriott Senior Living Services, reviewed the proposal to give those in attendance an understanding of the facility. Mr. Barnes reminded those in attendance that the Commission would be reviewing possible By-law changes and not the Marriott plans. Mr: Barnes opened the discussion to public comment. Ms. Peg Plansky of the Reading Housing Authority and Mr. Bernardi discussed the particular type of assisted living model that Marriott would use. Ms. Plansky and Mr. Bernardi discussed state and local regulations pertaining to assisted living facilities. Mr. Barnes asked the Commission for input. Mr. Howard reviewed suggested changes from Town Counsel and the By-law Committee. Mr. Barnes and members of the audience discussed the presence of abutters at this meeting. Mr. Barnes thanked those abutters in attendance and stated that they would be invited to the CPDC meeting regarding the proposed plans from the developer. Mr. Howard reviewed the difference in opinion of various sources regarding the percentage of affordable housing. Mr. Howard stated that he was informed by Town Counsel that there was no restriction on changing the percentage on Town Meeting floor. The Commission discussed this issue with Mr. Bernardi and Ms. Plansky. Mr. Howard reviewed the suggested change from the Board of Selectmen what would change the wording in section 4.3.1.41 of the By-law to read "As may be acceptable to the Community Planning and Development Commission with recommendation from the Reading Housing Authority..." Mr. Howard and Ms. Plansky discuss versions of section "k". Mr. Barnes and Mr. Flammia shared their concern regarding which percentage of affordable housing to recommend. Howard stated that CPDC traditionally requires 10% affordable housing for other types of developments. The Commission, Mr. Favaloro, Mr. Bernardi, and Ms. Plansky discussed the percentage of affordable housing issue. Ms. Plansky was concerned that if the CPDC recommended 10% then it would be difficult to increase that percentage on Town Meeting floor. Mr. Favaloro stated that his clients were concerned that if CPDC recommended 20% then it would be difficult to lower that percentage on Town Meeting floor. Ms. DeMatteo stated that she was concerned with being consistent with the affordable housing requirements for all types of developments. The Commission continued to discuss which percentage would be appropriate. At this time the Commission stopped discussion on this issue to take up the Bethesda Lane agenda item. DISCUSSION: BETHESDA LANE The Commission asked Mr. Connelly why this matter was on the agenda. Mr. Connelly explained that he received a call from Mr. Tango asking to be placed on the CPDC agenda to discuss the October 27, 1998 deadline for completing the project. Mr. Tango was not in attendance and therefore could not elaborate on this issue. Mr. Barnes discussed the bond with Mr. Delaney. Ms. Joyce and Mr. Delaney discussed the bonding issue. Mr. Barnes and Mr. Delaney discussed the timing of placing this issue on the Town Meeting Warrant. Mr. Delaney discussed the punch list with Ms. Joyce and the Commission. Mr. Favaloro asked the Commission what its role was if Mr. Tango did not finish the work? Mr. Flammmia asked either Mr. Connelly or Mr. Delaney to call Mr. Tango and check on this matter. DISCUSS: PROPOSED REVISIONS TO ZONING BY-LAWS PERTAINING TO NURSING HOMES & ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES Mr. Flammmia re-opened discussion with regard to the percentage of affordable housing. Mr. Flammia and Ms. Plansky reviewed the Longwood Place Assisted Living Facility and their requirements. Mr. Barnes summarized the information presented to the Commission. Mr. Bernardi commented on the benefits of the comprehensive permit. Mr. Flammmia and Mr. Barnes discussed the feasibility of the 20% affordable housing requirement with Mr. Bernardi. Mr. Howard motioned to recommend that the Board of Selectmen place an article on the warrant for Assisted Living Facilities consisting of the amendments stated in the memo to the Board of Selectmen dated September 11, 1998. The motion was seconded by Flammia and approved 4-0. OTHER BUSINESS Howard reviewed the "Lucy Drive" draft warrant article. Mr. Howard and the Commission discussed this issue. Mr. Howard modified the version to include the following statement at the end of the existing document "..provided a special permit is granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals". The Commission asked Mr. Connelly to forward this revision to the ZBA, By-law Committee, Town Counsel, and the Town Manager for feedback. Reading resident James Killam entered the meeting. Mr. Killam expressed his opinions regarding the potential assisted living facility at Spence Farm. Mr. Howard motioned to close the public hearing regarding the By-law revisions pertaining to Nursing Homes and Assisted' Living Facilities, seconded by Mr. Flammia, and approved 4-0. Mr. Barnes briefly discussed the Town Meeting presentation format. ADJOURNMENT At 11:11 PM a motion was made by Mr. Howard and seconded by Mr. Flammia to adjourn and the Commission voted unanimously to do so. Respectfully Submitted: Signed, , ~tanafl~ar► Barnes, % Secretary Approved: Date: _ %-fi