1999-03-18 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes

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TOWN OF READING . ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS e MINUTES OF 31 P 2 22 MEMBERS PRESENT: CHRISTOPHER VACCARO, CHAIRMAN JOHN COOTE MICHAEL LARKIN 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 at 7:00 PM. Mr. Vaccaro swore in, under oath, those present that would be addressing the Board this evening. Discussion Agricultural Uses Zoning By-law Amendment Mr. Schmidt came before the board requesting them to endorse the amended zoning by- law. He explained that agricultural uses don't fall under regular zoning laws and although Eric's Greenhouse wouldn't be affected by this law now, Mr. Goddard could increase his property, and then this law would apply. Mr. Coote explained that ZBA has no advisory power to Town Meeting and Mr. Schmidt should continue with his efforts to CPDC. He also said that he felt this was not a wide-spread issue in town but rather affecting one business that would be grandfathered unless he chose to expand. There was a motion and a second to table discussion until 4/1/99, at 7:00 PM, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room. Voted: 3-0-0. Case #99-05 82 Linden Street, Arthur B. Richards Trustee Mr. Arthur B. Richards Trustee, represented by Attorney Brad Latham, seeks a Variance and/or Special Permit under Section 4.0/5.1/6.3.2.1, 6.3.2.2 of the Zoning By-Laws in order to continue to use the structure as a six unit building, located in an S-15 District. Atty. Latham explained that the property is now listed as a 2 1/2 story building, consisting of 20 rooms and a basement, on 17,188 sq. ft. The building was originally used as a women's nursing home and in the 1960's converted to a 6 dwelling building. Mr. Richards wasn't issued an enforcement order but would like to legalize the building under its current use. He does not plan to make any exterior changes, he has no immediate plans to sell the building, and there are 16 available parking spaces on site. The building now provides a safe, secure, and affordable living space for some of Readings less fortunate citizens. Other than the Mahn Case, approved for a use variance in August of 1997, which held seven apartments, also had an unusual history but involved a larger structure on a smaller lot of land, Attorney Latham cited the old Reading High School with 40 units, 21 Linden has had 18 occupants, and 72 Linden with 7 units.