HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-20 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867-2683
Phone: 781-942-9012
Fax: 781-942-9071
Email: creilly&i.reading.ma.us
Community Planning and
Development Commission
CPDC MINUTES
Meeting Dated: October 20, 2003
Members Present: Chair, Susan DeMatteo (SD), Secretary Neil Sullivan (NS),
Richard Howard (RH)
Also Present: Chris Reilly (CR), Town Planner; Joe Delaney (JD), Town Engineer
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM.
RH moved to approve the following minutes with no amendments/ additions:
9.8.03
NS seconded.
All in favor, 3-0
Staff Briefing:
Pierce Street
CR and JD discussed the Pierce Street site walk attended by the Selectmen and
neighborhood; there were neighborhood concerns on the traffic and parking
situations.
According to some residents the main problem is cut-through traffic during peak
commuter periods.
The right of way is narrow and some neighborhood residents don't want the
sidewalk CPDC required for safety reasons in the 15-17 Pierce Street Site Plan
Decision.
CR and JD felt the traffic concerns only validated the need for a sidewalk. The
bond has been taken for this purpose because the Pierce Street developer didn't
do the work.
CR and JD talked about the general issue of off-site improvements and whether
Selectmen approval is needed for conditions that require roadway
improvements.
RH would like an opinion from Town Counsel on who has authority for off-site
conditions or Site Plan Review, subdivision a roval an special permitting.
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JD mentioned that Town Counsel has already advised that Selectmen approval is
needed for changes to the right of way.
RH and SD want Town Counsel to review where authority lies under the
relevant statutes.
CR will work on scheduling a workshop with the BOS and Town Counsel to
discuss policy and authority on off-site improvements, e.g., sidewalks.
JD has concerns about how the Town deals with bonds in general-private
property creates issues because the Town may not have legal authority to come
on to private property to finish bonded work. CR and JD will research what
technical assistance or training the Town can arrange.
Pondview Subdivision Extension Request
JD talked about Pondview; the developer, Ranger Development Inc., is making
progress but is not here for the extension request. CR didn't hear from them after
they got the agenda.
The street lights need to be installed.
There is $100,000 owed to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
When they come in for extension CPDC may require the $100k to grant the
extension.
Zoning Workshop:
Tambone
Atty. Brad Latham represented Atlantic Tambone Development Inc. Tony
Tambone, Exec. Vice President, was present.
Atty. Latham talked about the rationale for PUD-B proposal he drafted for CPDC
review.
The PUD-B would be a zoning overlay that would allow similar uses and
controls under current PUD regulations; he used existing language from other
approved Zoning By-Laws text amendments.
Mr. Tambone's parcels amount to 3.4 acres.
Atty. Latham has observed that a limited PUD that is site-specific has more of a
chance of passing Town Meeting.
SD asked about the Carter and Colemen building and whether they looked at
that for reference.
Atty. Latham explained that they looked to the Carter and Colemen approvals to
draft something that was consistent with current uses.
George Katsoufis from the Master Plan Advisory Committee was present.
He talked about the rythym of South Main Street and the need to exploit nodes
along the corridor to encourage in-fill and promote neighborhood-based services.
South Main Street needs variety but within the context of neighborhood
commercial nodes.
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Within a transitional approach from commercial nodes to single-family zoning,
we know we can build on the nodes and do more mixed-use.
With Carter and Colemen there is an abrupt change from building mass to,
residential land uses.
Design guidelines should be developed for the Tambone Building elevations that
compliment the corner aspect.
Landscaping and fagade treatments could provide a focal point.
Can we seize the opportunity provided by the corner lot to create more of a
neighborhood-oriented node; this could make an important gateway statement
on the streetscape as one enters Reading.
Mr. Tambone responded that access isn't possible on that corner so it would be
tough to utilize it in that manner.
RH asked CR to solicit comments from the MPAC on the PUD proposal.
CR will compile comments from the CPDC as they become available and will get
them to Atty. Latham before the next meeting so he can review and respond.
RH moved to adjourn.
NS seconded.
All in favor, 3-0
The meeting was adjourned at 9:21 PM.
These minutes were prepared by Chris Reilly, Town Planner and submitted to the
Community Planning and Development Commission on November 24, 2003.
The minutes were approved as amended by the CPDC on November 24, 2003.
Signed as approved,
Neil Sullivan
Date
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