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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-12 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading E 16 Lowell Street rt , 'cLE K R t- Reading, MA 01867-2683 -")"E D;G,ir~SS" Phone: 781-942-6612 Fax: 781-942-9071 7 5 Email: jdelios@ci.reading.ma.us 2011 JUN 2 L. Community Planning and Development Commission CPDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: April 12, 2010 Location: Selectmen's Meeting Room Time: 7:30 PM Members Present: Nicholas Safina (NS), Chairman; John Weston (JW), Secretary; Joseph Patterson (JP), and David Tuttle (DT), Members Absent: Claire Paradiso (CP) Also Present: Jean Delios (JD), Town Planner; Abigail McCabe (AM), Staff Planner, and Michael Schloth (MS), Recording Secretary. Mr. Dermot Bolger, Amesbury, MA Anthony Cavallo, owner of Venetian Moon Mr. Mark DiCara, owner, DiCara's Deli Mr. Josh Latham, Attorney, Latham, Latham, & Lamond, 643 Main Street Mr. Ron Ranere, Architect, Ranere Associates, Inc., 135 Mass Ave., Boston, MA There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM. Public Comment The Town Planner informed the Board that she has received all the approvals from the State for the Downtown Smart Growth (40R) District. Site Plan Review (Continued): 530 Main Street, Restaurant Mr. Dermot Bolger, owner and applicant, was present. A draft decision prepared by the Planning Dept. had been submitted to the Board and applicant. The Town Planner informed the Board that since the last meeting the applicant had requested to increase the number of seats. She informed the applicant that an increase in the number of seats would have to be reviewed carefully and could delay the Board's review. She had suggested to the applicant and the applicant agreed that the review should proceed with the originally specified number of seats and any increase be submitted to the Board in the future as a modification to the decision. The Board directed that language be added to the decision to clarify both that the lighting approved in the decision does not include lighting for any sign, and that no signage is approved for the site. The applicant would submit plans for the approval of signage and the lighting of signage at a future date. The Board directed that reference to a specific closing time for the patio be deleted. Page 1 of 4 CPDC Minutes of 4/12/2010 DT moved the Board approve the Site Plan Decision for 530 Main Street dated 411212010 as amended. JP seconded and the motion was carried 4:0:0. Discussion: Proposal for Sidewalk and Roof-Deck Restaurant Dining 680 Main St, Venetian Moon This was an informal, preliminary discussion of site changes to accommodate outdoor dining at the Venetian Moon. Owner Anthony Cavallo was present with both his attorney, Mr. Josh Latham, and his architect, Mr. Ron Ranere. Mr. Latham and Mr. Ranere made a brief presentation: Outdoor seating would be located both on the sidewalk in front of the Venetian Moon and on the roof The sidewalk seats and tables would be arranged to meet all codes and regulations and pedestrians would be able to continue along the sidewalk in a relatively straight line to the intersection. Only a portion of the roof would be used: the Main St./Woburn Street corner. To support the additional weight, a roof deck would have to be built. They hope to be able to attach the deck to existing supports. Access would be from both a lift and .a staircase. The staircase would be removable so as not to take up room during the months when outdoor seating is impractical. There would be no increase in seating. Whatever number of outdoor seats are used an equal number of indoor seats would be taken out of service. Plantings would line the south side of the deck and a fence/railing would line the Main Street and Woburn Street sides. The fence/railing would be at least the regulation height for its use (3.5'). The Police Chief has requested it be made taller. A structure to contain both the staircase landing and the lift would be built on the side of the deck towards the parking lot. This side would also have a taller fence and an emergency exit leading to a fenced path,directing customers to a second staircase that exits into the alley to the south. This pathway would not require a deck. As per the request of the Historic Commission, the intent is to have the fence/railings look like wrought iron. Also, the structure housing the staircase and lift would mimic the style of the existing building as closely as possible. A large umbrella (apprx. 16' x 20' in area, and 9' in height) would provide some protection for the rooftop customers. The product being considered is rated to withstand high winds. Recessed lights would be attached to the umbrella's underside and the illumination directed downward onto the tables. Restaurant staff would always be on the roof when it is in use. Customers would be required to remain seated. A valet parking service is being considered. The consensus of the Board was the plans looked good so far. It was pleased to hear the efforts were being made to make the proposed rooftop features match the style of the existing building. No action was taken by the Board. Request for Minor Modification to Site Plan Decision 1349 Main Street, DiCara's Deli Mr. Mark DiCara, both applicant and owner of DiCara 's Deli, was present. Mr. DiCara requested the site plan review decision for 1349 Main Street be modified to allow him to place three picnic tables (sized to comfortably seat four) outside his establishment (on the grounds to the Page 2 of 4 CPDC Minutes of 4/12/2010 north of the building) and four tall stools for use at a narrow table attached to the north wall inside his establishment. Discussion ensued as to whether or not Mr. DiCara would have the required number of parking spaces to allow such seating. The Town Planner and Board determined Mr. DiCara's would need at least seven spaces: three for employees and one for each group of four customers seated. The parking lot contains 28 striped spaces and Mr. DiCara is one of four tenants so is allowed the use of seven parking spaces. Mr. DiCara said it was written into his lease that he had the use of ten spaces. The Board asked if the addition of the seating would constitute a new use. The Town Planner said it would not. The Board agreed Mr. DiCara met the parking requirements for the indoor and outdoor seating combined. The Town Planner noted that there were sign violations at Mt. DiCara's business. Window signs may only cover 30% of a window. Mr. DiCara said he has rearranged his signs and would remove any too large signs. DT moved the Board determine that the requested modification to the Site Plan Decision is a Minor Modification. JP seconded and the motion was carried 4:0:0. DT moved the Board approve the Minor Modification to the Site Plan Review Decision for 1349 Main Street. JP seconded and the motion was carried 4:0:0. At 8:50pm, JP left the meeting. Preparations for Town Meeting of April 2010 (scheduled 4/26/2010) Review of Powerpoint presentations for Warrant Articles 26, 27, and 28. The Planning Staff had prepared three Powerpoint slideshows for presentation at Town Meeting to help explain the proposed zoning changes. Tonight, the Town Planner presented each to the Board and asked for suggestions to improve them. The Board offered its suggestions and the Town Planner said she would edit the slideshows accordingly. The Town Planner said she was preparing the Board's report to Town Meeting and would email it to the Chair when it was ready. No action was taken by the Board. Other Business: Approval of Minutes DT moved the Board approve the minutes of 41512010 as amended. JW seconded and the motion carried 3:0:0. Updates: 30 Haven Street, Oaktree Development (formerly Atlantic Supermarket) Tomorrow night, representatives of Oaktree Development will be at the Reading Public Library to discuss its project, answer questions, and address concerns. Oaktree has sent invitations to abutters to its project. The Town Planner informed the Board that Oaktree may be ready to submit its plans to the Board in time for the 5/10/2010 meeting. Page 3, of 4 CPDC Minutes of 4/12/2010 DT moved to adjourn. JW seconded and the motion was carried 3:0:0. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. These minutes were prepared by Michael Schloth and submitted to the CPDC on May 10, 2010; these minutes were approved as amended by the CPDC on May 10, 2010. Signed as Josh Weston, Secretary Page 4 of 4