HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-12-08 Planning Board MinutesMinutes of the Meeting of December-8, 1980
Chairman Zorabedian called the meeting to order in Room 19, 52 S-
at 7:35 PM with J. Sturm, E. Childress, J. Shaw and B. Mitchel
present. Mr. Phil Pacino, Finance Committee representative and
Ms. Tracy Dwyer of Reading Chronicle were also in attendance.
West Street Traffic Study
Chairman reviewed status of BPW position. Gail Wood had thought
this proposal that the Planning Board made to IAAPC would duplicate
a prior I--93 study for which the Chairman has obtained a copy for
the Planning Board's review. The Chairman expressed the view that
the proposed study.would be much more limited in scope, and would
not exceed 510,000.
The Board of Selectmen have written to Mass DPW (Nov. 25, 1980)
expressing concern over proposed rezoning of Russell Farm. The
Planning Board will send a similar letter. Also a letter to the
.Woburn Planning Board will be sent expressing concern over the
proposed zoning change re: Russell Farm. We have already sent
copy of our MAPC Grant Application. The Planning Board will be
represent at the Woburn hearing on December 16, 1980
Chairman Zorabedian will contact.John.Treslow of MAPC to assess
the prospects of immediate assistance prior to, or at, the
Woburn public hearing.
Discussion ensued re: the best stratege to get results. Woburn
Planning Board may not be the best contact because they have
carefully planned industrial development in Woburn in peripheral
areas away from their center, i.e., in northern area bordering
Reading and Wilmington.
FY '82 Budget
Phil Pacino stated that the Finance Committee has not arrived at
a policy for budget preparation reflecting Proposition 2 1/2. He
recommended preparing two budgets: 1) a "realistic" budget, and
2) "worst--case budget. Finance Committee will wait for State
clarification of issues - whether total vaulation will be based
on FY '80 or 181.
Chairman Zorabedian explained the Planning Board's strategy for
their budget emphasizing the options in the salary area - rate,
hours, grade change.
Commuter Rail
Mr. Shaw contacted Gary Hebert of MBTS. Despite problems with
the "T" operating budget, capital budget is in good shape, and Reading
is high on list. MBTS has no.object to looking at Depot area alter-
natives
The abutting property next the to the "T" land at the Depot is owned
by an absentee landlord by the name of Michalosky.
Housing
Chairman reiterated the problem that the Town now has: at present
there is no policy or comprehensive plan on housing within the
Town. This puts ?wading in a poor position to act quickly when
grant money is available. The Congregational Church group got
what thev wanted (HUD grant) because they were willing to put
up front money.
Municipal Space
The Chairman reported that the Highland Street School will be
closed in June '81. Contacted both Joyce Miller and Barbara
Nelso, who were receptive to the idea of conversion to a Town
Library. options for reuse of present Library, were discussed,
e.g., Town Boards.
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to adjourn
at 9:28 P.M.
BJM