HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-08-10 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTOWN OF READING
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COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION -
MINUTES OF AUGUST 10, 1998 3 ` ~Ij, 11. - P 2:3Q
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
10, 1998. In attendance were Richard Schubert, Chair; Secretary Jonathan Barnes, and Members Michael
Flammia and Richard Howard. Also present were Town Planner Jonathan Edwards and Town Engineer
Joseph Delaney. The meeting was called to order at 7:35PM.
ANR PLANS
The Commission voted 4:0 to approve a motion of Mr. Howard, seconded by Mr. Flammia to endorse a
Plan of Land on Harold Avenue, dated July 27, 1998. The Commission voted 4:0 to approve a motion of
Mr. Howard, seconded by Mr. Barnes, to endorse a Plan of Land off Hamden Street, dated August 4, 1998
in accordance with Section 6.3.1.1 of the Reading Zoning By-Laws.
REPORT ON BEAR HILL DRAINAGE:
Attorney O. Bradley Latham stated that the Condo Association does not wish the property disrupted for any
drainage alterations and questioned whether the Town system downgrade has any excess capacity to handle
overflow. Mr. Delaney stated that some engineering solutions are possible. Sal, President of the Condo
Association, stated that earlier overflow was extremely unusual and the wish to do further improvements is
an overreaction. Mr. Howard pointed out that the Condo Association might be subject to liability, if it turns
down this opportunity for performing drainage improvements. Mr. Delaney encouraged Dolben's engineer
to examine a structure as a solution. Mr. Barnes and other CPDC members indicated support for Mr.
Delaney's approach. Mr. Edwards' is to check this out with Town Counsel.
PUBLIC HEARING: WALNUT STREET SCENIC ROAD PLANS
Mr. Delaney presented road construction plans as approved by the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Edwards
suggested using grass instead of pavement in proposed sidewalk area and wooden guardrails instead of the
metal ones; he pointed out that attention be given to minimizing tree trimming. Mr. Bill McElhiney
explained his proposal to move and replace the driveway and stonewall on their property. Comments:
Attorney Mark Favaloro, representing Walnut Street Neighborhood Association, supported a grassy walk
instead of a paved sidewalk as shown on the plans. Benta Starbal asked where the road would be widened.
Mr. Delaney pointed out two locations. Dan Sulls objected to the paved sidewalk. Joanne Fuller, Charles
Cobb, Stan Karionitis, Harvey Lubdell, and June Kihnarx all spoke in favor of a grass walk instead of a
paved sidewalk. Mr. Delaney expects construction in the spring.
CPDC discussed changing the asphalt sidewalk and granite curb with a grass walk and no curbing, tree
should be replaced in kind if it dies. If significant tree trimming or significant changes are needed by the
Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, and the Tree Warden, then a new hearing must be held.
Input is needed from the Conservation Commission, Historical Commission and the Tree Warden.
The Commission voted 4:0 to approve a motion of Mr. Howard, seconded by Mr. Barnes, to approve the
Plans of McElhiney of 140 Walnut Street as set forth in letter of June 15, 1998, to be done in accordance
with the recommendations of a Historical Commission report to be forthcoming. The Commission voted
4:0 to approve a motion of Mr. Howard, seconded by Mr. Flanunia, to continue the Public Hearing to
8:OOPM on September 28, 1998.
DISCUSSION
Mr. Edwards and Attorney Mark Favalom presented a proposed draft by-law amendment for Assisted
Living. CPDC would like to include Municipal Building Re-Use affordability language.
The Commission voted 4:0 to approve a_motion of Mr. Howard, seconded by Mr. Flammia, to _appoint Mr.
Joseph Connelly as Clerk to the Commission.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The Commission voted to amend and accept the minutes of its meeting of July 27, 1998.
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:50PM a motion was made and seconded to adjourn and the Commission voted unanimously to do so.
Respectfully Submitted:
Sign
jonatlwn Barnes, Secretary
Approved: ~ - 31- Q
Date:
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