HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-08-SPRD-min RECEIVED
2022 22 II:., II„w,5:41 If„win
SPECIAL PERMIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT MEETING MINUTES I EMNGTON MA
December 8, 2020
Call to Order: A public hearing of the SPRD was held remotely through Zoom. The meeting
convened at 8:03am
Members in Attendance: Jill Hai, Chair; Richard Canale; Scott Cooper; Joyce Murphy, Richard
Perry; Betsy Weiss; Taylor Singh
Staff in Attendance: Carol Kowalski, Amanda Loomis
Others in Attendance: Ted Brovitz
AGENDA ITEM
Discussion of revisions to bylaw proposal and input from committee
DOCUMENT(S):
Updated version of bylaw proposal
Information of recent developments
Spreadsheet of projects
SUMMARY:
Ted Brovitz discussed draft bylaw and the changes that were made. Information was sent out
over the weekend and he applied the comments he received. This is a big departure from current
SPRD bylaw.
MEMBER COMMENTS:
Richard Canale spoke about market rate housing and that there is need to be more specific about
market rate. 6,000 sq. ft speaks to affordability and density and doesn't know how that balances.
He also points out later that proof plans are hard for the Planning Board to manage. Amanda
Loomis agrees they are difficult. He also states the idea of infill lots are good but is concerned
about taking that piece to Town Meeting. Homework needs to be done and more all questions
and concerns have to be addressed. Critical thing is what the look and feel of a finished project
is. Committee needs to look at a real lot or subdivision and compare and that is what Town
Meeting is going to want to see.
Joyce Murphy wants to be clear about how the GFA relates to the actual living area. Likes the
idea of workforce infill homes but agrees that there needs to be investigated more.
Jill Hai notes they need to work on definitions and figure out what metrics to use. Jill Hai also
believes there hasn't been a consensus on these items enough to take to the public but
understands the Committee needs to get together for a workshop.
Scott Cooper thinks the goal should be to create smaller units. Are they being too restrictive with
6,000 sq ft? He also feels that the character of the town should be considered, if possible.
Betsy Weiss wants to know if the 6,000 sq. ft. is viable to a developer.
Carol Kowalski states that not every community is compelled to have subdivision control. The
Town of Arlington does not have control. If we don't like the conventional subdivision, we don't
have to use them. Ms. Kowalski would like to see the Committee get away from using Gross
Floor Area.
Scott Cooper likes the idea of not adopting the subdivision control and they should think about
that more. Likes the idea that allows for larger units if a percentage is applied to them.
Taylor Singh wants to know if there could be a restriction to infill lots being given to fire
department members, etc. Carol confirmed it would be hard to administer that and it would
depress interest among the development community. Ms. Singh would like to potentially do a
workshop and make progress on this.
Richard Perry will bring forward his information on Elliot Road and make comparisons.
Matthew Daggett comments that not being specific on numbers and what is achievable is what
held them back at last town meeting. The existing process has issues but developers are using
them a lot. There are still significant advantages to going through all the effort over a
conventional subdivision. He also discusses the Committee should be using Gross Floor Area as
the metric.
AGENDA ITEM
Outreach planning and scheduling
DOCUMENT(S):
None
SUMMARY:
Jill Hai will send out doodle poll for future workshops and soon be able to reach out to the
public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
ADJOURN (9:39AM)