HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-04-14 Planning Board MinutesMinutes of the Meeting of April 14, 1983.
Chairman Messina called the meeting to order at 7:15 P.M. in Room
133, Reading Memorial High School, 52 Oakland Road with Board
members C. Arthur and M. Rich present. Mr. Mitchel arrived later
in the meeting.
Home Business
Board has learned that there is an amendment going to be proposed
from Town Meeting floor to allow "hairdresser and barber" operate
as a home business. The Board felt that passage of these articles
would not be in the best interest of the Town as providers of
craft lessons also sell their products to students and therefore
it would be a retail sales business as well as craft provider.
The Board reviewed the final report on the Home Business articles
and upon a motion duly made and seconded, unanimously approved
the report with the addition of one sentence on page 3 to read:
"....and requested that a greater number of businesses be
included; [additional.l.language]-to which Mrs. O'Brien responded
that it was better to start small and expand later."
Accessory Apartments
Board reviewed final language and approved mailing to all Town
Meeting members as well as members of the Board of Selectmen.
Scenic Roads By-law
The Reading Chronicle had an article about scenic roads in the
paper and mentioned that the Planning Board was a chief supporter
of this article. It also mentioned that the Planning Board would
serve as a "neutral" third party and review the vital informa-
tion and criteria and make recommendation to Town Meeting on
either accepting or rejecting a road as being designated as a
"scenic road".
The article on the Special Town Meeting Warrant will ask that
Pearl Street be designated as a scenic road under the state statute.
Board decided not to support this as they have not had the time
to review this matter to make such a recommendation. Ms. Rich
pointed out that the Public Shade Tree,-,!..law on the State books
affords the streets such protection as the Pearl Street residents
are seeking.
Mr. John Cronin appeared before the Board and asked that the
Planning Board recommend Pearl Street be designated as a scenic
road. The Board discussed the salient points with Mr. Cronin.
After discussion, the Board, upon a motion duly made and seconded
voted to request the designation of Pearl Street as a scenic road.
The Board will make it clear to Town Meeting that they are not
recommending but are merely requesting such a designation due to
the fact that there are no other Boards with a quorum currently
meeting that can make such a request to Town Meeting. The Board
explained to Mr. Cronin and will make clear to Town Meeting that
their support will be for the purpose of Town Meeting debate.
4/14/83 - Page 2
Minutes
The Board reviewed the final language for inclusion on their
motion before Town Meeting.. There was a discrepancy in the
language and intent as noted by Mr. Mi che.l and the following
changes were unanimously approved:
in paragraph d) delete from "to land"- to the end, following the
words "and shall not increase the" and in place thereof sub-
stitute the following: "density beyond that allowed in para
graph babove;"
in paragraph b)delete "living space" and substitute therefore
floor area" after the words "(400) square feet" and (350)
square feet"..' Also to add the following sentence: "Building
density shall be limited so that the ratio of gross floor area
to total land area shall not exceed 1:5;"
Personnel
The Board voted to defer action on this matter until a sub-
sequent meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Barry J. Mitchel, Clerk