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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-05 Community Planning and Development Commission Minutes0- TOWN F ,ro OF READING COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION A Y MINUTES OF MARCH 5, 1998 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 March 5, 1998. In attendance were Secretary Richard Schubert as Chair; and Members Jonathan Barnes, Susan DeMatteo, and Richard Howard. Also present was Town Planner Jonathan Edwards. The meeting was called to order at 7:30PM. PUBLIC HEARING - Reuested Modifications to Summit Village Condominium Special Permit at Bear Hill Mr. Schubert read a request from O. B. Latham to continue the Public Hearing to May 18, 1998. Mr. Edwards and Mr. Howard related what the applicant has requested to modify. Public comments included: one Summit Village owner says that shuttle service is not needed, not enough visitor parking in Summit Village; they don't need a playground, Hopkins Street is difficult to see to enter from Summit Village; and another thought a playground should be built. The Commission voted 4:0 to approve a motion by Mr. Howard, seconded by Mr. Barnes, to continue the Public Hearing to 8:OOPM on May 18, 1998. BOND REDUCTION REQUEST - Carriage Estates II Subdivision Attorney Mark Favaloro requests reduction of $16,500 so that $30,855 will remain as bond funds, as per Town Engineer's memo of March 15, 1998. The Commission voted 4:0 to approve a motion by Mr. Howard, seconded by Ms. DeMatteo, to endorse Release from Covenant Agreement for Leaning Elm Farm, subject to a letter from the Town Engineer certifying the acceptability of the water and sewer construction. PUBLIC HEARING: Historic Preservation Zoning By-Law and Map Amendments Mr. Edwards recommended that CPDC propose at Town Meeting to table these articles and then explained and reviewed the proposed by-law text. Comments: Virginia Adams, of Historical Commission, stated that the by-law is good and that the concept is worthwhile. Sally Hoyt, Board of Selectmen, does not support the concept. Abutters: not fair to introduce businesses into neighborhoods; too many restrictions are being placed on historic properties, traffic impacts of business uses could be severe in neighborhoods; opposing signatures of 60 signatures presented concerning Sweetser Avenue; zoning concept is good, but the proposed location is bad; the concept may well be appropriate in other areas; by-laws should provide for fewer employees; traffic and parking are already problems in this area; by-law could allow business encroachment throughout town; and by-law would allow more control than presently exists. The Commission voted 4:0 to approve a motion by Mr. Howard, seconded by Ms. DeMatteo, to close the Public Hearing. The Commission voted 0:4 to approve a motion by Mr. Howard, seconded by Mr. Barnes, for CPDC to recommend Article 13 to Town Meeting. The Commission voted 0:4 to approve a motion by Mr. Howard, seconded by Mr. Barnes, for CPDC to recommend Article 14 to Town Meeting. SALEM STREET - Hydrological Study Attorney Steve Cicatelli presented new information. The Commission voted 4:0 to approve a motion by Mr. Howard, seconded by Ms. DeMatteo, to recommend to ZBA that portions of the property do not flood and are fit for human occupation, according to Sections 4.4.4.2 and 4.5.5 and according to Town Engineer's memo of March 5, 1998. Copy to be forwarded to Board of Health and Conservation Commission. Mill Street walk at 9:30AM on Saturday, March 21, 1998. Mr. Schubert will present Articles 13 and 14 recommendations. ADJOURNMENT At 10:04PM a motion was made and seconded to adjourn and the Commission voted unanimously to do so.