HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-29 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of
16 Lowell Street
Reading
Reading, MA 01867-2683
Phone: 751-942-9012
Fax: 751-942-9071
Email: creilly@d.reading.ma.us
Community Planning and Development Commission
CPDC MINUTES
Meeting Dated: September 29, 2003
Members Present: Chair, Susan DeMatteo (SD), Secretary Neil Sullivan (NS),
Jonathan Barnes (JB), Richard Howard (RH)
Also Present: Chris Reilly (CR), Town Planner; Joe Delaney (JD), Town Engineer
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:43 PM
RH moved to approve the following minutes with no amendments/ additions:
8.4.03
JB seconded
~ All in favor, 4-0
Administrative Review:
Pondview Lane Subdivision
JD gave a report on the as-built status of the Pondview Lane subdivision.
The subdivision approval has expired.
The developer, Ranger Development Corporation, needs to install street lights.
JB talked about the need for a spreadsheet that tracks the status of approved
subdivisions, to be reported regularly.
JD discussed the spreadsheet format that could be used; the Engineering Dept.
has something similar for street acceptances. Milestones such as the completion
of streets and sidewalks, etc. could be categorized.
RH suggested quarterly updates to CPDC.
SD explained that CPDC wasn't looking for an exhaustive report that would
greatly increase the workload of Town staff.
JB mentioned that the Town Manager was also interested in such a tracking
system.
JD and CR agreed that they would provide a draft for review in 6 weeks; CPDC
is looking for a pre-Christmas roll-out.
CAMy Documents\CPDC\Agenda-Minutes\Minutes\Minutes 9.29.03.doc
Approval Not Required:
Tim and Jean Procopio, 553 Haverhill St.
CR and JD reviewed the application.
The Conservation Commission would prefer that the Applicant use the proposed
common access easement rather than construct a new driveway that may impact
wetlands.
RH moved to endorse.
JB seconded.
All in favor, 4-0
Pre-Application Presentation:
Longwood PUD
Principal Ted Moore, Attorney Brad Latham, Engineer Bill Bergeron and
Architect Jim Velleco were present.
Brad Latham began; 6 units per acre must be maintained.
Jim Velleco made a presentation. There are numerous advantages for the Town
to go this route for the site instead of the approved 40B. The PUD would be 27
acres. Contour elevations run from 142' to 80,' sloped toward wetlands and Enos
Circle. The roads would provide 24' wide access in a continuous loop; 500' access
and emergency access to Inwood and Kelch. The internal circulation would be
private ways.
The program would be mostly detached townhouses that would have their own
entrances. Small, detached unit blocks would predominate, with clustered
buildings, parks and open space in front. There would be an internal trail system
that links Town-owned open space. The nearest residential structure would be
240' from West St. Gazebos are proposed in landscaped islands within each
block, with possible water features. Linked blocks off the main circulation loop
will contain 4 houses.
By the Longwood Extension a passive recreation park would be built around the
Town wetlands. Proposed density=161 units with garages for 6 units per acre.
Detached units would be 1.5 stories, 1.2k sq. ft. with small porches. Every 30 feet
the buildings can shift to follow topography.
Surface parking: only 2 lots that correspond to two large buildings. Luxury
townhouse units=2k to 2.2k sq. ft., 2-3 bedrooms.
RH wondered about the 3-bedroom units and the impact on the school system;
this was not proposed before. The Connery Fiscal Impact Analysis report on the
prior PUD proposal had assumptions based on 2-bedrooms.
Ted Moore explained that the prior concept was designed exclusively for the 55+
market; this is not.
NS is concerned that 3-bedroom units will mean a greater impact on the school
system and more traffic.
Based on prior traffic studv. Ted Mnnra int;r;na+P, ahn„+ MR
traffic @ 161 units.
CAMy Documents\CPDC\Agenda-Minutes\M nutes\Minutes 9.29.03.doc
RH supports the conceptual layout, spine and screening. The increase from 2 to 3
bedrooms will be an issue.
SD liked the site design.
JD supports the reduced fill and cuts with lower retaining walls.
YMCA-Burbank Site Plan Review
Attorney Brad Latham and YMCA Director Peter Smargon are present.
Attorney Brad Latham gave a presentation; he is asking for simplified
application with waivers for certain requirements. JD asked about any proposed
increase in parking and impervious area.
Atty. Latham explained there would be a slight increase in impervious.
JB asked what they want in the way of an expedited process.
RH asked what issues JD might have with the proposed expansion.
JD would want a drainage study to show it works and meets DEP Stormwater
regs. There's ledge and an apparent reduction in parking; he would want to see
how the plan effects this.
Once the hearing opens RH suggested that CPDC review a request to waive the
following application requirements: traffic studies; building elevations;
landscaping plan.
CPDC needs the original parking and drainage plans to establish whether slope
will be adequate for parking.
Town Counsel has said waivers can be granted on an application once it is
submitted.
PUBLIC HEARING: Zoning By-Laws Text Amendment
Zoning By-Laws Section 6.3.11.1
Town Counsel Joan Langsam and ZBA John Jarema were present.
Town Counsel suggested that a handout of amendment to Town Meeting would
suffice.
RH wanted clarification on the language between Subsection a. and b.; b. seems
redundant.
Town Counsel talked about the original language and the meeting with the
Town Manager where the intent was to limit the front expansion to minimize
affect on streetscapes.
John Jarema discussed the ZBA's experience with an increase in cases under this
Section and the need to give the Board discretion under reasonable
circumstances when denying a variance is the only option.
Town Counsel recommended:
"a." stays the same, with "No such increase shall create any new nonconformity;
b. goes out; c. becomes b.
RH moved to recommend to Town Meeting the above text amendment that
replaces the current Section 6.3.11.1.
CAMy Documents\CPDC\Agenda-Minutes\Minutes\Minutes 9.29.03.doc
All in favor, 4-0
RH moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 PM, NS seconded
All in favor, 4-0.
This minutes were prepared by Chris Reilly, Town Planner and submitted to the
Community Planning and Development Commission on October 27, 2003.
The minutes were approved as amended by the CPDC on October 27, 2003.
Signed as approved,
Neil Sullivan
Date
C\My Documents\CPDC\Agenda-Minutes\Minutes\Minutes 9.29.03.doc