M I N U T E S
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Mr. Chris Hayden, Chairperson, called the Tuesday, May 17, 2005 meeting of the Community Planning Commission to order at 7:30 p.m. in Room 5 of the North Reading Town Hall, 235 North Street, North Reading, MA.
MEMBERS
PRESENT: Christopher Hayden, Chairperson
Neal Rooney, Vice Chairperson
Patricia Romeo, Clerk
Warren Pearce
M. Shepard Spear
STAFF
PRESENT: Robert J. Rodgers, Planning Administrator
Debra Savarese, Administrative Assistant
CPC May 17, 2005 Page 2
Minutes
Mrs. Romeo moved, seconded by Mr. Pearce and voted 3-0: (Mr. Spear and Mr. Rooney absent)
that the Community Planning Commission vote to accept the minutes of April 26, 2005.
Mr. Spear arrived at 7:37pm.
Mr. Rooney arrived at 7:38pm.
Zoning Board of Appeals
50 Lindor Road – On the petition of Elizabeth Fusco for a home occupation special permit for
commercial interior design consulting services.
The Community Planning Commission supports the application.
18 Hillview Road – On the petition of Mary Sanger for a home occupation special permit for an editorial service business.
The Community Planning Commission supports the application provided it meets the requirements of the Zoning Bylaws.
2 Valley Road – On the petition of David McNee for James Vant for a variance to construct a deck in non-conformance with the setback requirements.
The Community Planning Commission supports the application if abutters do not object.
Lot 2 - Great Lott Estates, (2 Ten Rod Way / 87 Marblehead Street) – On the petition of Attorney James Senior for Landwest Development, LLC for a variance for relief from any lot width requirements that may exist under the North Reading Zoning Bylaws.
The Community Planning Commission supports the application.
35 Pleasant Street – On the petition of Richard and Charlotte Skiffington for a setback variance for an above ground pool per the setback requirements.
The Community Planning Commission supports the application if abutters do not object.
12 Kristyn Lane – On the petition of Nasos and Diane Phillips for a variance for an addition that violates the setback requirements
The Community Planning Commission supports the application if abutters do not object.
CPC May 17, 2005 Page 3
134 Park Street – On the petition of Scott Conron for Mr. Stanley Stedman for a variance/special
permit to increase the use of a non-conforming structure per the setback requirements.
The Community Planning Commission does not support the application for the following reason:
- Parking.
- Handicap access.
23 Audobon Road– On the petition of E.R. Realty Trust for a variance to relocate a new dwelling from existing footprint per the setback requirements.
The Community Planning Commission does not support the application for the following reasons:
- The lot is too small and does not qualify for grandfathered status.
- The house is not being re-located as plans clearly state “To be razed”.
- Issuing a variance for “Undetermined” setbacks is not legal.
Pilgrim Road – On the petition of 1 & 8 Pilgrim Road - On the petition of Attorney James
Senior for P.R.L. Edgewater Place, LLC for a Comprehensive Permit for 16 units of housing on
two parcels or land.
The Community Planning Commission requests that the Zoning Board of Appeals send the applicants to the Community Planning Commission for a Site Plan Review prior to rendering a decision.
Re-organization of Officers
Mr. Hayden handed over the gavel to Mr. Rodgers who called for nominations for the Chair. Mr. Hayden and Mr. Rooney were nominated.
The Community Planning Commission voted to elect Mr. Rooney as Chairperson for a one year term. (Vote: 3-2)
Mr. Rodgers then handed the gavel to Mr. Rooney who called for nominations for Vice Chair.
Mr. Hayden was nominated.
The Community Planning Commission voted elect Mr. Hayden as Vice Chairperson for a one year term. (Vote: 4-0)
CPC May 17, 2005 Page 4
Mr. Rooney called for nominations for clerk.
Mrs. Romeo was nominated.
The Community Planning Commission voted to elect Mrs. Romeo as Clerk for a one year term. (Vote: 4-0)
Liaisons
Board/Committee: Representative:
Board of Selectmen Neal Rooney
4th of July Committee Neal Rooney
Conservation Commission Chris Hayden
Zoning Board of Appeals Warren Pearce
Housing Partnership Committee M. Shepard Spear
Metropolitan Area Planning Council M. Shepard Spear
Historic District Commission Patricia Romeo
Historical Commission Chris Hayden/Patricia Romeo
Finance Committee Warren Pearce
J.T. Berry Committee Warren Pearce
Land Utilization Committee/Hillview Comm. Chris Hayden
School Committee Warren Pearce
Recreation Committee Pat Romeo
Wastewater Advisory Warren Pearce
School Building Committee Chris Hayden - secondary
Shep Spear - elementary
High Street Extension – cont. Public Hearing 8:00pm
Mr. Pearce stated that he would recuse himself from this discussion.
Jim Kavanaugh of Premier Development presented the revised plans. He stated that the proposal is to subdivide 1 parcel into 3 parcels (one existing) at the end of High Street, with the new construction of a cul-de-sac. The Community Planning Commission requested revisions at the last meeting, which have been completed.
1. Trees are now shown larger than 6” on the plan.
2. Realigned gravel roadway on Locust Street.
3. Place existing wells on the plan.
Mr. Hayden stated that if the well on lot 5 is certified, the placement of the new septic systems would be no good.
CPC May 17, 2005 Page 5
Jim Kavanaugh stated that the well is classified as an irrigation well at this time. If the well does get recertified then the septic systems would have to be relocated.
Mr. Hayden stated that the lot is too small to subdivide into three lots. There are a lot of wetlands in this area.
Jim Kavanaugh stated that there is more drainage run-off from Linwood Avenue than there are wetlands on this property. A drainage system was installed to help alleviate the neighborhood and in time the wetlands will shrink.
Mr. Pearce stated that he concurred that drainage was put in along Linwood Avenue last year and already the amount of water and wetlands has decreased.
Mr. Rodgers stated that the Community Planning Commission should be evaluating the construction of the road, waivers for the width and curb and the size of the cul-de-sac (80’), which also creates a problem with the lot definition for the two lots that would wrap around the cul-de-sac.
Jim Kavanaugh stated that this proposal would make many improvements to High Street. There was also a discussion at the last meeting in regard to the telephone pole and the site distance at the corner of Locust Street and High Street. He spoke to a representative at Reading Light and the pole will be moved to a better location.
Mrs. Romeo read the Town Engineer’s (5/16/05), Conservation Commission’s (5/15/05), Fire Department’s (5/14/05), Water Department’s (5/13/05), School Department’s (5/13/05) and Planning Administrator’s (5/12/005) memos into the record.
Lucy DiPinto of 3 Locust Street stated that she is concerned with the road being too narrow and there is no proposal for streetlights or sidewalks.
Jim Kavanaugh stated that there is no proposal for sidewalks but there would be streetlights.
Douglas Lipert of 5 Locust Street stated that even with the new drainage in place there are still drainage issues. He also has safety concerns with the road being too narrow.
Jim Kavanaugh stated that there is no construction to be done on Locust Street. The drainage will be improved because the new drainage on High Street will go into Linwood Avenue and pick up more drainage on MacArthur Road.
Joseph DeCristoforo of 16 Wadsworth Road stated that he is concerned with his well being close to the septic system.
Jim Kavanaugh stated that the town has the well listed as an irrigation well.
CPC May 17, 2005 Page 6
Mr. Hayden stated that if the intention is to have the well as drinking water then the Board of Health will need to recertify the well.
Jim Spry of 29 Linwood Avenue stated that he has seen some improvement with the new drainage in place but he still has concerns with the drainage if this development is put through.
Mrs. Romeo stated that she has the following concerns with this development: Sidewalks, safety issues, (ie. children) size of cul-de-sac, (ie. fire trucks and other emergency vehicles) granite curbs, width of street, road drainage, wells, intersection - radius turn on Locust Street.
Jim Kavanaugh stated that putting a sidewalk on High Street would only impact the residents of High Street. He believes that the cul-de-sac is adequate for this project, but would review the installation of curbs.
The Public Hearing was closed.
Mrs. Romeo moved, seconded by Mr. Hayden and voted 4-0: (Mr. Pearce abstained)
that the Community Planning Commission vote to DENY the proposed Preliminary Subdivision plan entitled “High Street Extension’; dated February 10, 2005; drawn by Premier Development, Inc. due to the plan’s numerous violations of the North Reading Subdivision Regulations.
8 Plymouth Street – SPR - cont. P. H. 8:50PM
Mrs. Romeo stated that she would recuse herself from this discussion.
Tom Romeo stated that his engineer contacted Mr. Soraghan and was informed that a closed system would not work for this location. The footprint does not allow for a closed system.
Mr. Rodgers stated that he spoke to the Town Engineer and his understanding was that either an open or a closed system should work because they are both designed for infiltration. He relayed this information to Tom Romeo.
Tom Romeo stated that he relayed this information to his engineer. The engineer stated that a closed system would not work.
Mr. Hayden asked if the driveway was to be shifted to the other side?
Tom Romeo stated that he spoke to the abutter and the abutter was not in favor of shifting the driveway.
David Bardsley of 6 Plymouth Street stated that he would indeed like to see the driveway located on the other side.
CPC May 17, 2005 Page 7
Ruth Fierro of 14 Plymouth Street stated that if the detention pond is changed to the other side of the building it might cause problems for her because her septic system is located on this side.
Mr. Hayden stated that it should not affect her septic system because she is uphill.
Ruth Fierro of 14 Plymouth Street stated that her house is located uphill but her septic system is at the bottom and there is always water at the end of her driveway. There are serious ground water issues in this area and it is worse now because of the Berridge Way subdivision.
Mr. Pearce stated that a detention pond does not usually hold water for more than 24 hours
Ryan and Janet Fitzgerald of 7 Plymouth Street stated that they are very concerned with the drainage.
Mr. Rooney stated that more drainage information is needed from the Town Engineer.
David Bardsley of 6 Plymouth Street stated that the road drainage should be increased, along with the road being paved.
Maureen Doherty of the Transcript asked if there were any plans to upgrade the road.
Mr. Rodgers stated that the Community Planning Commission needs to review and make a determination of access.
Ruth Fierro of 14 Plymouth Street stated that she wants a guarantee that the water will not be increased this time.
Mr. Hayden moved, seconded by Mr. Spear and voted 4-0: (Mrs. Romeo abstained)
that the Community Planning Commission continue the Site Plan Review and Determination of Access public hearing to June 7, 2005 at 8:00pm.
28 North Street – Definitive Subdivision – cont. P. H. 9:40PM
Attorney James Senior stated that at the last meeting the Community Planning Commission wanted the applicant to speak to the Town Engineer in regard to improving North Street. The Town Engineer approved the concept presented. There was also a minor modification made to the detention pond. The Town Engineer approved the drainage plans. The cost for the drainage is approximately $6,000.00. The applicant would like to donate $10,000.00 to the town, and have the town do the work.
Mr. Rodgers stated that the Town Engineer did approve the plans but would prefer that the applicant do the work.
CPC May 17, 2005 Page 8
Mr. Rodgers will ask the safety officer what can be done for pedestrians to cross North Street safely.
Mrs. Romeo stated that the proposed name of the street would need to be changed. She would also like to see the existing house saved.
Mr. Rodgers stated that a sidewalk should be maintained for connection between the new subdivision and Stonecleave Road.
Mr. Hayden stated that there are too many lots proposed for this property.
Mrs. Romeo stated that she also believes that there are too many lots proposed.
Mr. Rooney asked if the Community Planning Commission could walk the site and put ribbons on the trees that they would like to have saved.
Sergio Coviello stated that he would not mind the Community Planning Commission marking the trees.
Mr. Rooney stated that the Community Planning Commission should make a site walk on this property.
Mrs. Romeo moved, seconded by Mr. Rooney and voted 5-0:
that the Community Planning vote to grant the requested extension of time in which to render a decision on the 28 North Street Definitive Subdivision until June 10, 2005 and that the working meeting be continued to June 7, 2005 @ 8:30PM.
Kylie Way – 235 Elm Street- Definitive Subdivision – cont. P.H. 10:30PM
The applicant did not appear for the continued public hearing.
Mrs. Romeo moved, seconded by Mr. Spear and voted 5-0:
That the Community Planning Commission vote to change the name of the road for the Kylie Way Definitive Subdivision to John Bickford Way.
The Public Hearing was continued to June 7, 2005 @ 9:00am.
CPC May 17, 2005 Page 9
Great Lott Estates – Endorse Plans
Mrs. Romeo moved, seconded by Mr. Spear and voted 5-0:
that the Community Planning Commission vote to ENDORSE the plans entitled “Great Lott Estates, North Reading, Mass.”; dated October 30, 2003; revised January 28, 2005” drawn by Hayes Engineering, Inc.
ADJOURNMENT AT 10:45P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Patricia Romeo, Clerk
| 
