2011-10-20 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes

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r� Town of Reading ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Minutes of October 20, 2011 Members Present: Jeffrey Perkins, Chairman John Jarema Robert Redfern Damase Caouette Kristin Cataldo John Miles Members Absent: <fIEGE'iV� TOWN CLERK READING, MASS. 1011 JAN 1.1 P 1*. 33' A meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of the Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts, beginning at 7:00 P.M. Also in attendance was Glen Redmond, Commissioner of Buildings. Case # 11 -22 A Public Hearing on the petition of Brian Boutiette who seeks a Variance under Section(s) 5.1 of the zoning bylaws in order to construct a two story addition 10.3' from the right hand sideline rather than the required 15.0' on the property located at 68 Charles Street in Reading, MA. This property is located in a Residential 5 -15 District. John Jarema recused himself from the Board for this case because he is a neighbor. Brian Boutiette presented his proposal for a Variance request. They are outgrowing the dwelling but want to stay in their neighborhood so they would like to add an addition. Their lot is 6,542 square foot. He presented what he thought were the four criteria required for a Variance. A literal enforcement would be a financial hardship. There are not many ways in which to add an addition. The proposed addition will fit well in the neighborhood. The neighbors signed a letter in favor of this addition. He also submitted a letter from the direct abutter who shares the property line where the addition will be built and she is also in favor of the addition. The Building Inspector said he told the Applicant that variances are hard to obtain but where his neighbor had received a Variance it might help his case. Mr. Caouette thought there really weren't many ways in which to add an addition and if it were added to the back of the house it would incur significant expense. He thought they had chosen the most effective plan available due to the lot constraints. Mr. Redfern said the lot was small and rectangular but not uniquely shaped. Mr. Boutiette responded to the various comments trying to substantiate his argument for the Variance. Mr. ZBA Meeting, October 20, 2011