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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-08-31 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTOWN OF READING COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES OF AUGUST 31, 1998 A meeting of the Community Planning and Development Conunission of the Town of Reading was held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of the Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street in Reading, Massachusetts on August 31, 1998. In attendance were Michael Flammia, Chairman Richard Schubert, Susan DeMatteo, and Richard Howard. Also present was/were Clerk to the Commission Joe Connelly, Town Engineer Joseph Delaney and Town Counsel Ted Cohen. The meeting was called to order at 7:36 PM. Howard motioned to accept the minutes of the August 24, 1998 meeting, seconded by Flammia. Schubert asked Connelly to verify the spelling of Latham, Latham, & Lamond representative Sheilah Griffin. The minutes were accepted 4-0-0. Commission Secretary Jonathan Barnes entered the meeting at 7:38 PM. Connelly reviewed concern from Selectman George Hines regarding the use of Pleasant Road Extension as a street name. Hines concerns are with the name's similarity to Pleasant Street. Howard stated that he would not be available to attend the 9/14 Town Meeting and the CPDC meeting scheduled for 9/28. Schubert stated that he would not be available to attend the 9/10 CPDC meeting. SECOND STREET ANR Barnes and Howard reviewed the Commission's discussion of the August 24, 1998 meeting. The Commission pointed out their concerns with two issues: 1) Is drainage considered a municipal service? 2) Can the Commission require bonding for an ANR? The Commission posed these questions to Town Counsel. Town Counsel determined that CPDC could either approve or not approve the ANR as submitted. Cohen stated that CPDC could not impose conditions and must make their decision based on the plan as presented. Cohen explained that adequacy of access, safe travel, and emergency vehicles were relevant issues for the Commission's decision. Cohen stated that if the ANR is denied, the applicant could reapply or take the matter to court. Barnes asked Cohen if drainage was considered a municipal service? Cohen reviewed the By-Law stating that there must be adequate construction to "provide for municipal service". Cohen believed that drainage was more of a private issue among dne parties. Howard asked for public input. Ed Clark of 515 Summer Avenue reviewed his concerns with the run off and conditions of his property. Clark explained his concerns regarding the rate of run off and the slope of the proposed road. Howard answered Clark's questions. Flammia stated his concerns regarding the emergency access and asked if the current plan has been approved by the Fire Chief. Flammia would like to see something in writing from the Fire Department. Delaney summarized the original plans submitted for the site. Delaney and Flamnia discussed the drainage and emergency access issue. Clark again stated his concerns with the run off from the property. The applicant, Mr. Larkin, summarized his intent to complete the road. Clark voiced his concerns directly to Larkin. Howard asked each member of the Comm-nission for their position on the ANR. Flammia stated that lie could not support - the ANR. Bones commented that lie would like to deny the ANR, but is concerned with the legality of denying the ANR. DeMatteo explained her desire to deny the ANR based on emergency access issues. Howard stated that lie would deny the ANR based on all weather access and drainage issues. Schubert stated that he would deny the ANR. Howard made the following motion, which was seconded by Barnes: Move that CPDC deny ANR of a plum of hand in Reading, MA on Second Street dated May 25, 1998 and revised on August 11, 1998 because the way in its present condition is not of adequate construction to provide safe all weather access for vehicular traffic. Motion was seconded by Barnes and approved 5-0. Flammia stated for the record additional reasons including drainage, and access for emergency vehicles. Flammia and Delaney discussed subdivisions. PUBLIC HEARING: ARTICLE ON WARRANT FOR THE SEPTEMBER 14 1998 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 4.3.4 ADULT USES OF THE READING ZONING BY-LAWS Schubert called the Public Hearing to order at 8:15 PM. Barnes read the Public Notice detailing the changes in the Zoning By-Laws. Town Counsel gave a summary of the proposed zoning changes. Schubert and Cohen discussed the proposed changes. Schubert asked for public input. Receiving none, Flammia motioned to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Barnes, approved 5-0. Barnes made a motion to recommend Article 4 of the Warrant for the September 14, 1998, Special Town Meeting, as written to Town Meeting, approved 5-0. Town Counsel Ted Cohen exited the meeting at 8:30 PM. BRANDE COURT DISCUSSION REGARDING PROPOSED PARKING LOT EXPANSION Town Engineer Joe Delaney reviewed the parking lot project and gave background on the proposed plans. Delaney reviewed the latest series of estimated project costs. Delaney stated that the estimated cost did not include demolition cost. Delaney stated that this project will be seeking Town Meeting approval. Delaney explained the Town will handle the site preparation and will attempt to complete the project by the end of the year. Schubert asked to explain the differences between the two estimates. Delaney reviewed the reasons for the differences between the two estimates. The Commission discussed the abutting properties with Delaney. Abutter to the property, Tim Kelly, asked the Connuission what the procedure would be for final approval of the proposal. Delaney explained that he would speak with the Town Manager regarding the approval schedule. Delaney stated the Board of Selectmen would need to approve the final site plans. Howard made the following motion, seconded by Flammia: CPDC fully supports the intent of Article 5 of the Warrant for the September 14, 1998 Special Town Meeting that provides needed parking to the downtown area, provided that public process be implemented including but not limited to notice to abutters and input from CPDC regarding .final plans. Motion approved 5-0-0. DISCUSSION: PROPOSED REVISIONS TO ZONING BY-LAWS PERTAINING TO NURSING HOMES & ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES The Commission reviewed the proposed zoning changes. Barnes asked if the abutters had been notified of this meeting? Connelly stated that he did not inform the abutters. Barnes and Mark Favaloro discussed the percentage of affordable housing units. Favaloro explained that the Town will follow a detailed process under the 61A guidelines. Howard and the Commission discussed the closing date of the Fall Town Meeting. The Commission asked Connelly to obtain feedback regarding the proposed changes from the By-law Committee, Housing Authority, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Town Counsel. Schubert asked for this item to be placed on the September 10, 1998 meeting agenda. Howard asked Favaloro if he would inform the abutters of this meeting and copy the notice to Connelly. Favaloro agreed to inform the abutters. MISCELLANEOUS The Commission discussed its presentation to Town Meeting regarding Article 4. Schubert will discuss the presentation options with Jonathan Edwards, the Town Manager, and Town Counsel. ADJOURNMENT At 9:27 PM a motion was made by Howard and seconded by Flammia to adjourn and the Commission voted unanimously to do so. Respectfully Submitted: Signed: Approved Date: ]vi than Barnes, Secretary Q-'q_ S>- 9P'