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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-08-24 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTOWN OF READING COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION -'MINUTES OF AUGUST 24, 1998 ! W# P 12~ A meeting of the Community Planning and Development Commission 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 24, 1998. In attendance were Michael Flammia; Secretary Jonathan Barnes, and Richard Howard. Also present was/were Clerk to the Commission Joe Connelly and Town Engineer Joseph Delaney. The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM. Barnes reviewed the evenings agenda with the Commission. Barnes and the Commission welcomed Connelly. Barnes asked Connelly to provide information from past CPDC meetings in the current packet to provide a history on topics that will be discussed. Howard asked Connelly to number the pages in the packet. Howard amended the minutes dated August 10, 1998. Howard motioned to accept the minutes of the August 10, 1998 meeting as amended, seconded by Flammia, approved 3-0-0. Barnes asked for public input from those in attendance. No public input was given at such time. ANR PLANS The Commission voted 3-0 to approve a motion of Howard, seconded by Flammia to endorse the plan proposed by Town Engineer Joe Delaney regarding the corner of Union and Hamden Street in accordance with section 6.3.1.1 of the Zoning By-Law. BOND REDUCTION The Commission voted 3-0 to approve a motion of Howard, seconded by Flammia to reduce the bond for Sunset Rock Lane from $234,000 to $217,000 in accordance with the 8/24/98 recommendation of the Engineering Division. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: DEFINITIVE SUBDIVISION PLANS PLEASANT ROAD EXTENSION Barnes reviewed the request for extension from Latham Latham & Lamond. Barnes opened the public hearing. Sheilah Griffin from Latham, Latham & Lamond read the request for extension until the 9/28 CPDC meeting. Griffin and Barnes signed the October 05, extension. Howard asked for public input. Howard asked the applicant to inform the abutters of this extension. The applicant agreed to inform the abutters. Howard moved to approve the extension to 9/28 at 9 PM, seconded by Flammia, approved 3-0-0. SECOND STREET ANR Barnes opened discussion on the Second Street ANR. Flammia asked what the notice of action was on an ANR. Delaney stated it was 21 days from submittal. The applicant Mr. Larkin stated that the base course has been put down and he is waiting for a signature. Barnes and Howard read the minutes of 7/27/98 regarding the Commissions decision on Second Street. Mark Favalaro reviewed the sentiments in opposition to this request from his clients Sullivan and Busch. Favalaro pointed out that lack of communication between the applicant and abutters was the root of the problem. Barnes read aloud the regulations regarding Subdivisions, highlighting section (c). A way in existence when the subdivision control law became effective in the city or town in which the land lies, having in the opinion of the planning board, sufficient width, suitable grades, and adequate construction to provide for the needs of vehicular traffic in relation to the proposed use of land abutting thereon or served thereby, and for the installation of municipal services to serve such land and the buildings erected on to be erected thereon..... Mr. Sullivan commented that he was against this project because he feels he has not been treated with respect. Tim Kelley spoke on behalf of Mr. Higgott and presented the Commission with a letter outlining their issues. Flammia and Kelly engaged in discussion regarding the Commission's role in this matter. Mr. in this area creates several problems. Howard stated his concerns regarding Town controls over this projects completion one the ANR is approved. The Commission discussed the controls issue. David Turell and Delaney discussed the measuring of grades. The Commission reviewed the memo submitted by Delaney regarding his recommendations for the site. The Commission discussed whether or not drainage is considered a utility. Barnes opened discussion to the Board. Flammia would like to see plans for municipal services before rendering a decision. Barnes reviewed the unusual circumstances of this ANR. Larkin reviewed the sewerage plan with the Commission. Howard asked if it was legal to control the situation with a bond? Larkin and Howard discussed this option. Jake Enos commented that currently the water from the site goes directly through his back yard. Flammia commented that he would like Town Counsel's opinion regarding this issue. Howard asked Connelly to have Town Counsel look at a draft motion. Move that CPDC endorse an ANR of a plan of land in Reading, MA, on Second Street, dated May 25, 1998 and revised on August 11, 1998 provided that the applicant complete the road or furnish a bond to cover the cost of completing the Road to the satisfaction of the Town Engineer prior to occupancy of proposed Home on Lot A. Howard motioned to continue discussion at their 8/31/98 meeting at 7:40 PM, seconded by Flammia, approved 3-0. SITE PLAN WAIVER REQUEST: CUMBERLAND FARMS 295-307 SALEM STREET Alan Jurista of Cumberland Farms reviewed the plans with the Committee. Jurista highlighted the changes to the plan as suggested by the Development Review Team. Fran Sheflin of Cumberland Farms reviewed the plan detailing the tank storage of the new site. Howard reviewed the Development Review Team suggestions and Cumberland Farm changes. Delaney reviewed the need for reduced curb cuts and the Board of Selectmen regulations concerning a maximum driveway width of 30'. Barnes stated his concerns regarding granting a waiver for this project. Barnes commented that he did not feel that this project fell into the "change of use" category for a waiver. The Commission, Delaney and Jurista discussed this issue. Flammia commented that the plans revealed dramatic improvements to the site and he would like to do whatever possible to assist Cumberland Farms with this project. The Commission, Delaney and Cumberland Farms discussed canopy options for the site. Howard commented that he would like to see pictures of similar canopies used by Cumberland Farms. Cumberland Farms stated that they can make changes to the plan, however, keeping corporate identity is extremely important. Flammia stated that he would like to see grass instead of mulch used for the landscape. Barnes suggested that Cumberland Farms apply for official site plan review and the Commission will help expedite the process. Howard motioned to deny the waiver request and schedule a site plan review for September 10, 1998 at 7:30 PM, seconded by Flammia. Flammia asked Cumberland Farms if they would like to withdraw their request for waiver. Cumberland Farms did not have a preference. The Commission voted 3-0 to deny the request for a waiver and schedule a site plan review for September 10, 1998. ADJOURNMENT At 10:43 PM a motion was made by Howard and seconded by Flammia to adjourn and the Commission voted unanimously to do so. Respectfully Submitted: Approved: Signed. 3._ Date: Jon~i tlianBarnes, Secretary