Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-11 Community Planning and Development Commission MinutesTown of Reading RECEIVED 16 Lowell Street TOWN CLERK Reading, MA 01867-2683 READING, MASS. Phone: 781-942-6612 Fax: 781-942-9071 011 it t9 JUL 21 P 5: 11 Email: jdelios@ci.reading.ma.us it Community Planning and Development Commission CPDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: July 11, 2011 Location: Selectmen's Meeting Room Time: 7:30 PM Members Present: John Weston, Chair; Charles Adams, Secretary; Nicholas Safina; David Tuttle; and Paul Bolger. Also Present: Jean Delios, Town Planner; Abigail McCabe, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary. George Zambouras, Reading Town Engineer Brad Latham, Attorney for YMCA Bill Jennings, WJJ Planning and Construction (YMCA applicant) Kathleen Walsh, YMCA Executive Director Scott Patrowicz, Patrowicz Land Development Engineering Matt Casey, Reading Patch Branden Lamarre, YMCA Facilities Director Joan Miller, owner of 5 Senses School Karl Weld, Town Meeting and Economic Development Committee Member There being a quorum the Secretary called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Adam's Way Subdivision - Bond Release The Town Planner explained that in 2004 the CPDC took the remaining bond money to complete work on the subdivision. After work was completed and the road was accepted by Town Meeting there was still $4,275.00 remaining. The Town Engineer agreed that all work was complete and the money should be returned to the developer. On a motion made by Mr. Tuttle, and seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC moved to release the unexpended funds being held by the CPDC for the Adam's Way Subdivision in the amount of $4,275.00. Vote 4-0-0. The Chair, Mr. Weston joined the meeting. Minutes: On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC approved the minutes from the June 20th, 2011 meeting as written. Vote 5-0-0. On a motion by Mr. Safina, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, the CPDC approved the minutes from the February 28th, 2011 meeting as amended. Vote 4-0-1 (Mr. Adams abstained). Public Hearing for Site Plan Review, YCMA Pagel of 3 CPDC Minutes of 7/11/2011 36 Arthur B. Lord Drive Mr. Adams read the legal notice opening the public hearing. The Applicant's attorney, Mr. Latham, introduced the applicant and summarized the proposal for an additional 32 parking spaces at the existing site. The ledge on the north side of the existing lot will be excavated to create the new parking. Mr. Patrowicz reviewed the proposed drainage improvements that include a swale filled with crushed stone to be installed along the new parking spaces. The water from the swale will flow to the new cultec system to be installed in the north parking area. Mr. Weston commented that the parking spaces on the north side of the building right after the corner should be re-striped to be perpendicular to the road and not the curb. Mr. Tuttle asked if the shed at the rear of the building was going to remain. The applicant responded that the shed would remain which would reduce the parking by one spot because the plans submitted show the shed to be removed. Mr. Safina asked if the swale was sufficient to capture all the water from the area. Mr. Patrowicz responded that it would not be enough for the 100 year flood but was adequate on a regular basis and should not cause flooding. The CPDC reviewed the Conservation Commission, the Fire Chief and the Town Engineer's comments with the applicant. The draft Decision was reviewed by the CPDC and the applicant. Mr. Latham said that the applicant agrees with the conditions listed in the Town Engineer's memo and in the decision but would like to request a waiver from the $3,000 bond for the final as-built plan. The CPDC discussed the purpose of the bond. The Town Planner and Town Engineer supported keeping the bond as a way to make sure the Town receives the final as-built plan. The CPDC appeared unwilling to waive the bond requirement and the applicant withdrew the request. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC closed the public hearing for 36 Arthur B. Lord Drive on the application from the Burbank YCMA by a vote of 5-0-0. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC approved the Site Plan Review Decision for the Burbank YMCA at 36 Arthur B. Lord Drive as amended by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion of Modification Request, 1381 Main Street 5 Senses School Mr. Weston explained that this property is located in the Aquifer Protection Overlay District which restricts the amount of impervious surface allowed on site. The owner was before the CPDC in 2008 for a limited site plan review. When the school was before the CPDC in 2008 traffic was a major concern from staff, CPDC and the neighbors. The owner is now requesting an addition that would allow for 8 more students and one additional teacher. The Town Planner reviewed the traffic analysis prepared by DJK Associates. Ms. Delios also noted that the Police Chief said there had only been one accident in the area since the school opened. Because of the limited parking on site the Town Planner suggested a shared parking arrangement with Home Goods as something the owner may want to consider so there is more room in the driveway. The CPDC discussed the current parking situation where the teacher cars are parked partially on the grass which is not in keeping with the overlay district. The CPDC felt that the parking spaces should be designated with striping and that they would be willing to consider stacking cars and compact spaces for the employees. The CPDC was concerned that the study provided by DJK Associates may not be accurate because the study was conducted on the last day of school when less children attended. The owner, Ms. Miller, explained that she is required to install a handicap ramp in the next couple of months. The CPDC discussed how that would likely bring the property above the Page 2 of 3 CPDC Minutes of 7/11/2011 maximum impervious cover and would require a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The owner should pursue the variance for the increased impervious surface and then return to the CPDC with a proposal for the addition and parking. Planning & Zoning Work Session: The CPDC reviewed the revised draft for the administrative rules pertaining to the Minor Site Plan Review in Section 4.3.3 of the Zoning By-Laws. The CPDC felt the Minor Site Plan Review and administrative approval from the Town Planner should stress that the proposed projects should meet the criteria and have no impact to the site and surrounding area. It was suggested to add in a list of items that would likely need to be approved by the CPDC. Staff will update the draft for the next meeting. Mr. Weld commented that more information available to the public was better than less information. The Minor Site Plan Review will be posted to the website once finalized. South Main Street zoning changes and design guidelines as well as changes to the aquifer protection overlay district were discussed as priority zoning items for subsequent Town Meeting in November. Ms. Delios said that Town Counsel was working on the aquifer protection district zoning with the Selectmen and it will then come to the CPDC for the zoning amendment process. Minutes: On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Safina, the CPDC approved the minutes from the June 6, 2011 meeting as amended. Vote 5-0-0. Updates & Other Business: The 18-20 Woburn Street site will be filled at the request of the Building Inspector. Staff is meeting with Oaktree next week to review and prepare for building permits. There has also been interest in an assisted living facility at 258 Main Street. Adjournment: On a motion by Mr. Safina, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, the CPDC moved to adjourn at 10:15 PM by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully Submitted, Abby McCabe Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3