Below is a summarized version of the Community Planning & Development Commission (CPDC) meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
ποΈ CPDC Meeting Summary β June 9, 2025
π Location: Select Board Room, Reading Town Hall & Zoom
ποΈ Chair: Heather Clish
π§ Facilitator: Olivia Knightly (Senior Planner)
πΉ Meeting Opening & Attendance
β° 6:09β6:36
- Hybrid meeting protocols reviewed.
- Roll call: Heather Clish, John Weston, Hillary Mateev, Tom Armstrong, John Arena present.
- Andrew MacNichol absent.
πΉ Zero Herald Avenue Subdivision Continuation
β° 6:36β17:47
- Continuation requested due to ongoing court case.
- Concerns about quorum and eligibility of voting members.
- Decision: Continue to July 14 instead of August to reassess with legal counsel.
β Motion passed unanimously.
πΉ Public Hearing: 101 Willow Street (Austin Prep)
β° 17:47β1:52:12
- Site plan and stormwater permit for parking lot and softball field improvements.
- Resident concerns addressed: lighting, noise, snow storage, traffic.
- Lighting and sound system conditions added.
β Approved with conditions.
πΉ 346β348 Main Street Mixed-Use Project Update
β° 1:52:12β2:22:12
- Residential units reduced from 15 to 12.
- Parking waiver request reduced from 6 to 2 spaces.
- 2 affordable units retained.
- Awaiting updated police department feedback.
- Continued to July 14 for final review.
πΉ Bond Reductions
β° 2:22:12β2:33:02
- ποΈ Farmhouse Lane Subdivision
β Final bond release of $19,195 approved. - ποΈ Joy Lane Subdivision
β Final bond release of $166,014.75 approved.
πΉ ADU Bylaw Update
β° 2:33:02β2:41:14
- State law requires changes to local ADU bylaw.
- Key conflicts:
- Size limits (state: 900 sq ft or Β½ of main house).
- No family-only occupancy requirement.
- Parking exemptions near transit.
- Draft in progress for November Town Meeting.
- Public hearing planned for early fall.
πΉ Eastern Gateway Engagement Update
β° 2:41:14β2:53:03
- Survey completed with ~220 responses.
- Key themes: mixed-use, walkability, open space.
- Focus groups planned for summer; open house in fall.
- Fiscal analysis to follow.
πΉ Master Plan Update
β° 2:53:03β2:57:12
- Awaiting grant decision for technical assistance.
- No new updates from Select Board.
- Board discussed reviewing 2005 goals and preparing for future planning.
πΉ Minutes Approval & Farewell to John Weston
β° 2:57:12β3:05:04
β
Minutes for March 10 and March 31 approved.
- April 14 minutes deferred for correction.
- John Weston recognized for years of service on CPDC.
β Key Outcomes Summary
- β Zero Herald Avenue hearing continued to July 14 to resolve legal and quorum concerns.
- β Austin Prep project approved with conditions on lighting, sound, and drainage.
- β 346β348 Main Street project continued pending police feedback; reduced unit count and parking waiver.
- β Final bond releases approved for Farmhouse Lane and Joy Lane subdivisions.
- β CPDC to revise ADU bylaw to comply with state law; public hearing planned.
- β Eastern Gateway survey results reviewed; next steps include focus groups and open house.
- β Master Plan update pending grant and Select Board coordination.
- β Meeting minutes approved; John Weston honored for his service.
