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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2015-11-24 EDP Committee ReportMEETING MINUTES COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT and PLANNING Meeting: November 17, 2015, 7 PM Report: November 24, 2015 Attending were: Economic Development Committee members Stephen P. Corbett, Chair, Vincent Piccirilli, Vice Chair, and Susan Falkoff, Secretary, Planning Director Steven Magoon; Historic Commission members and residents. The sign -in sheet is attached. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss extending the Demolition Delay to 24 months and to broaden the language of the ordinance to offer greater protection to streetscapes and neighborhoods. Mr. Magoon began the meeting by explaining that, while the Historic Commission has always been restrained in applying the delay, increasing its length could make it more effective. Commission Chair David Russo said that the Commission wanted to make the language more compatible with the goals in the Comprehensive Plan. He explained that even when the Commission deems that a building has historic value, it may not vote for a delay if the building is dilapidated. On the other hand, a building that has "nothing wrong with it" but no historic significance, is not eligible for a delay. The standard is high. He read a letter from a developer, advising a resident that he owns a single family home in a two-family neighborhood and the developer may be able to help the resident maximize his investment. Watertown is "hot" and developers are "mining" the town for opportunities. Councilor Corbett is concerned that broadening the ordinance language makes the Historic Commission into a de facto Planning Board and a role he does not feel is appropriate. He also cited statistics showing that the delay is rarely imposed, so he doesn't know why a longer delay is needed. Local developers Leonard Holt and John Cimino concur that the commission is fair in its decisions but suggested leaving things as they are; "it's working." Curtis Whitney thinks that the commission is seeking "too much control over other peoples' property." Commissioner JJ Jones said the "integrity of the neighborhoods" is what's at stake. Councilor Piccirilli said he would like to see more data on how the delay has actually been used, where the Commission feels it has been effective and where it has been insufficient. He also pointed to inconsistencies between the proposed language and the current ordinance. Councilor Falkoff wants the Commission to have good tools but feels it had failed to make a case for why extending the delay would improve outcomes. She made a motion that this Hearing be continued to allow the Commission an opportunity to document why this change is needed and also clarify the proposed ordinance language so that the mention of streetscapes in section 153.1 is consistent with the demolition delay criteria in 153.2. The motion was passed unanimously and the committee will re -convene on December 15. Respectfully submitted, Susan Falkoff, Secretary Michael J. Driscoll Town Manager TOWN OF WATERTOWN Office of the Town Manager Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 Phone: 617-972-6465 www.watertown-ma.gov towningr@watertown-ma.gov To: Honorable Town Council From: Michael J. Driscoll, Town Manage Date: September 17, 2015 RE: Proposed Changes to CutTent Demolition Delay Ordinance Attached please find correspondence regarding the subject from Steven Magoon, Director of Community Development and Planning/Assistant Town Manager and Christopher J. Hayward, Preservation Agent on behalf of the Historical Commission. I will bring this up under Communications from the Town Manager at the September 22, 2015 Town Council Meeting and respectfully request the matter be referred to Committee for further review and consideration. cc: Steven Magoon, Director of Community Development and Planning/Assistant Town Manager Christopher J. Hayward, Preservation Agent Town of Watertown Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown, Massachusetts 02472 Historical Commission (617) 972-6426 . Fax: (617) 972.6484 Christopher J. Hayward, MCA Susan C. Jenness Tree Warden Clerk chavward(rhwaterlown-nla.aov sicnness r?4waterlown-ma.go j TO: Michael Driscoll, Town Manager THRU: Steve Magoon, Assistant Town Manager, Community Development and Planning Director FROM: Christopher J. Hayward, Preservation Agent RE: Proposed changes to current Demolition Delay ordinance DATE: September 15, 2015 At the September 10, 2015 Historical Commission (I -IC) meeting, the HC took up discussion of editing of the current language of the Demolition Delay ordinance. Redevelopment of properties, small and large, has been on the increase over the last few years in Watertown. The HC is concerned that when redevelopment is being proposed, preservation and renovation is not being considered. The biggest concerns lie with the razing of single family houses that are in perfectly fine condition. The proposed language below reemphasizes what the HC is trying to accomplish per its charge of historic preservation while adding a longer period of time in which important negotiations and decisions can be made. If you would, please forward this to the Town Council for their review. Thank you. PROPOSED Section 1. intent and Purpose: This ordinance is enacted for the purpose of preserving and protecting significant buildings, streetscapes and neighborhoods within the City known as the Town of Watertown, herein after known as the Town, which are -outside -designated leeat-Historic Distriets-and-to-eneetnage-owners of sueh-buildings-to-seek out person who might be willing -to purchase, preserverrehahilitete errestore sueh-buildings-ratberthan demolish -them. To achieve these-iarpeseS-tite-Watertown Historical Commission (the-Eemmissie " empowered to ad -vise the -Inspector -of -Buildings with -respect -to the issuance of permits -for demotion of significant buildings. The issuance of demelit-ien--permits -fo sign-tennt buildings is regulated as provided in this -ordinance, which constitute or reflect distinctive features of the architectural, cultural, economic, political or social history of the town and to limit the detrimental effect of demolition on the character of the town. Through this ordinance, owners of preferably presented buildings are encouraged to seek out alternative options that will preserve, rehabilitate or restore such buildings and residents of the town are alerted to impending demolitions of significant buildings. By preserving and protecting significant buildings, streetsca >es and neighborhoods, this ordinance promotes the public welfare by maintaining the town's character and desirability as a place in which to live and work. To achieve these purposes the Historical Commission is authorized to advise the Building Inspector with respect to demolition permit applications. The issuance of demolition permits is regulated as provided by this ordinance. PROPOSED Section 3.5 Upon a determination by the Commission that the significant building which is the subject of the application for a demolition permit is a preferably -preserved significant building, the Commission shall, within thirty days of the hearing, so advise the applicant and the Inspector of Buildings by written notice, and no demolition permit may be issued until at least -twelve (12) months -after the -date of sueh determination -by -the Commission. for a period of 24 months from the date of the determination, unless otherwise agreed to by the Commission.