2022-05-19 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes

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o�or Town of Reading /?r`, %Nly,�f V�v ° C(E x Meeting Minutes ?13'"'fIrt�, �/( n��''',.w<aw.�" SEP -66r Board -Committee -Commission -Council: y h 35 Zoning Board of Appeals Date: 2022-05-19 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Purpose: Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Cynde Hartman, Cy Caouette, Alex Normandin, Andrew Grasberge, Ryan Bourque and Patrick Houghton Members - Not Present: Hillary Mateev Others Present: Staff Planner Andrew MacNlchol, Building Inspector Bret Bennett, Monica McCarthy, Sean McCarthy, Wayne Coffill, Patricia Coffill, Nancy Twomey, Bill Crowley, Stephen Weynicz Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Amanda Beatrice Topics of Discussion: Mr. Alex Normandin called the meeting into order at 7:01 PM. Case #22.06.57 County Road Mr. Normandin opened the continuance for Case #22-06 - 57 County Road. He read the legal notice into the record and swore in members of the public wishing to speak. Attorney Mr. Bill Crowley stated he hoped to convince the Board that this particular case does not need a Variance as the Reading Zoning Bylaw does not define a corner lot as having two front yards, which was the reason for the denial. He noted that many other municipalities have that definition in their Bylaws but Reading does not. He went on to read his supplied memo for the people who did not get a chance to read. The overall conclusion was that there is no definition of a corner lot having two front yards and that the applicants should not need a Variance for this project. Mr. Crowley also referred to Mr. Glen Redmond's letter stating his opinion that all comer lots have two front yard setbacks, with which he disagrees. He asked that the Board consider issuing a Decision that no Variance is required. Ms. Cynde Hartman stated that she understands his argument regarding the interpretation of the bylaws. She believes it is just as reasonable to interpret it in a way that makes both front yards, and she looks to the purpose of the setback requirements. She asked if he could address the purpose of having a larger distance setback from the street. Mr. Crowley stated that he did not know the reasoning behind the drafters of the bylaws for the difference between the front yard or side yard. His point was that many municipalities have included corner lot definition in their Bylaws. He noted that there is one front door, one back door and two sides to the house. The front door faces County Road and the side of the Page I I