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oWN <br />Town of Reading <br />ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS <br />Minutes of July 20, 2006 <br />Members present: <br />Members absent: <br />Robert Redfern <br />Susan Miller <br />John Jarema <br />Paul Dustin <br />Michael Conway <br />Peter Tedesco <br />CLERK <br />A meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of the <br />Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts, at 7:00 P.M. Also in attendance was Glen <br />Redmond, Commissioner of Buildings. <br />Case # 06-16 <br />A Public Hearing on the petition of Eugene & Mary Cookson who seek a Variance under <br />Sections 5.1.2 of the Zoning By-laws in order to construct a detached two-car garage in the <br />required front yard setback of 20'. The proposed garage is 6.8' from the front property line on <br />the property located at 18 Reading Terrace in Reading, MA. <br />Eugene Cookson said they live in a ranch and they need more space for storage as well as for <br />their cars. The Board asked if the Applicants understood what was required for a variance . Mr. <br />Jarema explained what the criteria were and also how difficult it is to obtain a variance. <br />Mr. Cookson said they have a pie-shaped lot on a cul-de-sac that is unique to the neighborhood. <br />Mrs. Cookson said they could not build an attached garage because they do not have the space. <br />Mr. Jarema spoke of some options they could consider. <br />The Building Inspector said the rear yard is the yard that is behind the house so their rear yard is <br />the triangular area behind the deck. The Applicants are trying to create a 10' side-yard setback <br />for the proposed garage because they do not have a rear yard. They have a front yard and two <br />side yards but no rear yard. <br />Mr. Jarema said it is a uniquely shaped lot but they could relocate and downsize the proposed <br />garage. It could be moved 5' back and more westerly but they might need to meet again with <br />their architect. He said the Applicants could then return and the Board might be able to work <br />with another alternative prepared by their architect. Mr. Conway said the information presented <br />is not sufficient to obtain a variance so the Applicants should present additional information. <br />July 20, 2006 <br />