Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-07-19 ad Hoc Haven Street Task Force MinutesHaven Street Task Force Meeting Minutes Date: 19 July 1994 Time: 7:30 p.m. Place: 25 Haven Street, Reading, MA 01867 Present: Hartnell Bartlett, CAB Member James Blomley, RMLD William Brown, Reading Resident Williard Burditt, Reading Selectman William Kennedy, Chamber of Commerce and Reading Business Proprietor Philip Pacino, RMLD Board of Commissioners Leonard Rucker, RMLD General Manager Fred Van Magness, Finance Committee Mollie Ziegler, Board of Assessors The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Burditt, the Task Force elected Mr. Pacino as Chairman. The motion was passed by a vote of 6 in favor and 0 opposed. Mr. Van Magness stated that he is working on a cogeneration project. After a brief discussion of possible conflict, the Task Force does not foresee a conflict. Mr. Rucker stated that the Reading Municipal Light Department will obtain an appraisal and seal the results. Discussion ensued regarding the timetable of the Task Force's activities. No conclusions were reached. The Task Force briefly discussed the Town owned parking lot. Questions were raised about zoning restrictions on the RMLD parking lot and its interaction on prior Town zoning restrictions involving parking. No conclusions were reached. Discussion followed among the Task Force regarding its objectives. Mr. Van Magness suggested objective is the highest maximum return to the ratepayer from the sale of the 25 Haven Street building. Mr. Burditt questioned if that is enough, and suggested to maximize the return to the ratepayer and adjoining business area. Mr. Kennedy agreed, conceptually, with Mr. Burditt, and added that it would be good for the community. Mr. Brown stated that 25 Haven Street upset prior businesses when the original building was built. The Task Force proceeded to discuss their objectives. Mr. Burditt questioned what the legal requirements were. Mr. Bartlett inquired what the current zoning was. Mr. Van Magness stated that he is anxious to reach an objective statement at this point. Mr. Pacino concurred with Mr. Van Magness. Mr. Van Magness proceeded to construct an objective statement for the Task Force, which stated that to maximize the proceeds to the ratepayers through a process that will encourage inquiries, be least restrictive, enhance the area and be commercially sensitive. July 19, 1994 Page 2 Mr. Van Magness stated that the starting date of this objective timeline would be this date, with a report to the Reading Board of Selectmen on September 15, 1994. Discussion ensued regarding the best night for the Task Force to meet. The Task Force agreed that Wednesday nights are the most likely night, with the meeting commencing at 7:30 p.m. The Task Fore proceeded to discuss the current zoning restrictions, with a Business B (reference Table 4.2.2 in Table 4). The Task Force reviewed certain issues pertaining to which party would be responsible for answering the following: E~ Issue - Environmental (21 E) 1,000 gallon heating oil; UG tank 40 years old - Transformers - UG wiring easement - Zoning (parking lot questions/local parking restrictions) - Asbestos (tile, boiler) - Zoning restrictions on adjoining contiguous properties - What options are available for rezoning (change to Business A or C) - Impacts on Town Master Plan - Is it in the 100-year flood plan? - More details on zoning around 25 Haven Street - Structural viability of 25 Haven Street - Is the property worth more without the building? - Does the highest bid have to be accepted? - Cost impact of re-bid - What potential re-uses have surfaced to date? - What does the business community want here (need a survey) - Hours of operation restrictions - What does the land bank committee know about the property? Responsible Party RMLD RMLD RMLD CPDC RMLD CPDC CPDC CPDC CPDC CPDC RMLD Appraiser RMLD & Town Counsel RMLD & Town Counsel CPDC/RMLD & Town Manager Bill Kennedy (Chamber) CPDC Ben Nichols & Bill Brown The Task Force scheduled the next meeting for 28 July 1994 at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Pacino will make specific arrangements with Reading Town Hall. The Task Force set an agenda for the next meeting which include reviewing the data request results stated above and to develop options for re-use of the property. The RMLD will arrange for formal secretarial services for the purposes of recording the minutes of the Task Force's meetings. The RMLD will also be responsible for reading "books" provided by Mr. Blomley, as well as getting out letters requesting answers to the open issues stated above. The Task Force determined that all members are to have three questions for potential uses for the property and potential property restrictions. On a motion made by Mr. Burditt and seconded by Mr. Bartlett, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.